Imlil

Frommer's Review

Most trekkers arrive here are on a mission to climb Jebel Toubkal, while less energetic travelers are choosing to simply visit the village as a day or overnight trip from Marrakech. The village, 1,740m (5,708 ft.) high and a steep road climb up the Aït Mizane Valley from Asni, is a pleasant and deafeningly quiet place (once you make it past the initial clamor of area guides). The surrounds offer beautiful walks amongst the almond, apple, cherry, and walnut trees, affording opportunities for quiet contemplation. Imlil clings to the banks of the Mizane River, and therefore is susceptible to flooding during winter and early spring, when the road from Asni is often damaged.

In 1996, Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese transformed the village and surrounding peaks into Tibet for his film biography of the Dalai Lama, Kundun. A waste disposal system, now self-funded, was welcome compensation for the village's inconvenience. In 2004, a hammam (for villagers only) was constructed as a result of another fund-raising initiative, and is now an important communal focal point for residents of Imlil and the surrounding villages.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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