Mgoun Trekking Morocco High Atlas

Day 1- Upon arriving at Marrakech Airport, you will be transferred to the riad for your overnight stay. Marrakech is a vibrant city, and many visitors are drawn to the central square of Djemaa-el-Fna, located below the towering Koutoubia Mosque. Day-2 After breakfast, we depart from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech towards the towering High Atlas. Upon arriving at Asni, we veer off the main road and venture into the foothills of the High Atlas. Our route traces the scenic Mizane Valley leading us to the village of Imlil (1740m), where we rendezvous with our trekking team and embark on our trail. This region was featured in Martin Scorsese's epic "Kundun," which was transformed into a "Tibetan" setting for the narrative of the 14th Dalai Lama. The path is uneven as we make a steady ascent for about two hours to the sacred shrine of Sidi Chamharouch (2310m). A prominently white-painted rock is believed to signify the tomb of the mythical King of the Jinns (Chamharouch). Following this, a steady hike of roughly four hours brings us to the vicinity of the Neltner Refuge, also known as "Toubkal Base Camp" (3207m), where we spend our first thrilling night in tents.. ​ Day 3 - North Africa's highest peak beckons. We begin by leaving camp and embarking on a steep climb along a zig-zagging path through scree and boulders. As dawn breaks, we navigate past two sentinel peaks and patches of lingering snow. The ascent grows more impressive with each step, and after roughly 3 to 4 hours, we reach the summit to a breathtaking panorama. Encircled by the High Atlas peaks, the Anti-Atlas hills, and Jebel Sirwa, with the Sahara stretching out to the south, the view is our hard-earned reward. After savoring the vista and capturing "summit photos," we make our 2-hour descent back to the hut. Following a well-deserved break for lunch and tea at the camp, we trek down the valley to Tamatert to rest for the night at a guesthouse. ​ Day 4- After two demanding days, we can savor breakfast at the gite before taking a brief stroll down to Imlil. There, we'll catch our transport for the transfer to the Central High Atlas. The six-hour journey to Bougmez "Happy Valley" offers a tapestry of diverse landscapes, allowing us to relax, enjoy the views, and gear up for the coming days. We'll traverse the olive groves of Marrakech and the slopes of the Middle Atlas before the route winds towards the Central High Atlas. Upon arrival, we'll take a leisurely lunch break and a short walk to stretch our legs, before completing the drive to the village of Arous. In Arous, we'll meet our muleteers and their mules, who will carry our bags while we embark on a welcome two-hour walk to the Ikkis Valley. After bypassing the village of Ait Said, we'll establish our camp at an altitude of 2300 meters. ​ Day 5- TToday, we are graced with our first glimpses of the Mgoun Mountain range as we depart the verdant valley and venture into the mountain's core. Post breakfast, we break camp and steel ourselves for the rigorous climb to Aghouri Pass, standing at 3400 meters. Upon summiting, we'll take a well-earned respite to savor the panorama. The area is famed for its nomadic shepherds who ascend to the lofty pastures for summer grazing before descending to the valley come winter. Known too for its "azibs," or stone sheepfolds, these shepherd shelters are a common sight on our trek today. We then make our way down to the Tarkeddit Plateau at 2900 meters, where we'll camp for the night. The afternoon is ours to unwind and gear up for the summit bid tomorrow. This evening, we'll rest at the base of Mount Amsound, under the spell of the majestic Mount Mgoun. ​ Day 6- An early start is needed today for the exciting summit attempt on Mgoun. As the third highest peak in the Atlas range, this beautiful mountain offers an experience that feel more like an expedition due to its remote location and lack of trekking groups. The initial part of our trek sees us leave camp and make our approach to the magnificent long ridge of Mgoun. The full Mgoun massif runs for over 30kms with the majority of it standing over 3000m. Our route takes us onto the ridge which if we are very lucky we’ll be able to spot many fossils along the trail. The summit of this majestic giant is 4068m and weather permitting from the top we will have a 360 degree view over the longest mountain range in Africa – the majestic High Atlas which runs for over 800km. After taking in the views and all important summit photos, we descend steeply on trails of scree until reaching the Oulilimt Valley (2600m). Our camp on the valley floor will look extremely welcoming after a long day and dinner will most certainly be enjoyable! ​ Day 7- After breakfast, we embark on a rugged trail that gradually ascends to Tizi n’Ait Imi (2905m). This marks our only significant climb today, following a path used by the Ait Atta and Ait H’med nomads who lead their herds to the high mountain pastures. The Ait Atta, a prominent Berber tribe from the Jebel Sahro region of Morocco, is renowned for its nomadic lifestyle. At the summit, we're greeted with a breathtaking view of the Bougmez "Happy Valley." This charming area, often dubbed "Morocco's Shangri La," is seldom visited by trekking groups. It's an enclave of orchards and lofty pastures, cradled by towering mountains, where the Bougmez Valley is celebrated for the warmth of its inhabitants and the simplicity of life. Descending from the pass, we take a scenic route that zigzags down to the revered springs of Ait Immi, featuring seven mills in the upper Bougmez Valley. Our accommodation tonight is in the hamlet of Agouti, in a hospitable yet modest gite equipped with showers. Additionally, the gite provides a traditional hammam available for a nominal fee. ​ Day 8- This morning, we embarked on a four-hour transfer from Agouti to Marrakech, aiming to arrive early in the afternoon to spend the night in a riad. Marrakech is an excellent place for wandering, with part of its charm being the chance to lose oneself in the souks and bargain for colorful souvenirs. The city boasts several gardens, among which the Jardin Majorelle, also known as the "YSL Garden," stands out as a must-visit spot. Owned by the French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent since 1980, the botanical garden became his final resting place when his ashes were scattered there following his death in 2008. As evening falls, Djemaa el Fna offers a perfect setting to observe the hustle and bustle of the world, complemented by a diverse array of food stalls where both tourists and locals can enjoy a quick bite. Day 9- Transfer back to Marrakech Airport and departure.