At 3,664 metres, Tizi n'Ouanoums is the high pass that connects the South Cwm below Toubkal's summit with the Azzaden valley to the west. It forms the key link in the standard Toubkal circuit — a three-day loop that climbs from Imlil, summits Toubkal, crosses the pass, descends through the Azzaden, and returns over the Tizi Mzik. The pass itself is a narrow notch of dark rock with precipitous drops on both sides; on a clear day the views extend over ranges upon ranges of the Atlas.
Most trekkers cross Tizi n'Ouanoums on their descent from Toubkal, with legs already tired from the summit. The path down into the Azzaden is steep scree for the first 200 metres, then eases onto a good track through a high valley of red rock and sparse grass. The descent to the valley floor takes about two hours. A guide is recommended on this route — not for navigation in good weather, but because the path conditions vary considerably with season and the Azzaden side is less visited and less obvious than the main Toubkal approach.