Imlil , Morocco ( CNN ) The Atlas Mountains have long been home to some of North Africa 's most remote villages . Until a decade ago , running water and electricity were nearly unheard of , and even today are considered luxuries in most of the mountain towns . The local Berber that populate the villages measure distances by hours and days -- the amount of time it usually takes to travel between destinations . Because there are n't any local shops , villagers rely on traveling markets to obtain goods . Many of the vendors still rely on ancient techniques . `` Our grandmothers were making carpets before us . The best carpets in the world can be found in Morocco . It 's an art , '' says Fatima Imerhan , a local carpet weaver . Many locals cite the tranquility that life in the Atlas Mountains has to offer as an asset . `` It 's better than a city because in cities there 's a lot of noise , cars , and pollution . But here it 's nice because it 's quiet , ( and there 's ) fresh air , '' says resident Rachid Souktan . This is a sentiment that is increasingly reflected worldwide , as tourists have started to arrive in increasing numbers in recent years . The majority trek out to Imlil , which has become a kicking off point for skiers and mountain climbers alike . Kasbah Du Toubkal , the village 's first hotel , opened its doors in 1995 . Kasbah started its life as a colonial mansion , but later fell into ruin . `` There was nothing at the Kasbah before . It was completely abandoned and mostly destroyed , '' says Omar Ait Bahmed , the hotel 's manager and part-owner . Since , it has attracted some high-profile travelers , including Martin Scorsese , who shot parts of his film `` Kundum '' in the hotel in 1997 . Unfortunately , tourism does n't just bring revenue to the region , it also brings problems . Since becoming a travel hotspot the local river has become more polluted and trekkers have complained of garbage strewn along the path to the Mount Toubkal . The hotel is doing its bit to protect the local environment , using solar panels and charging guests a 5 % tax that goes into local cleanup efforts . Ait Bahmed 's partner , Mike McHugo , worries it may not be enough . `` ( The villagers ) have to be very aware that development does n't destroy their rich culture . And that 's one of the reasons tourists come here . So they also have to understand that they must n't spoil the environment , both physical environment and cultural environment , otherwise you 'll spoil the goose that lays the golden egg , '' he says . Read more : Five reasons to visit Malawi now . Read more : Sea , souks and surfs in Morocco .
Until a decade ago , running water and electricity were nearly unheard of around the Atlas Mountains . Tourists are drawn by the remoteness of the mountain villages .