Mgoun Massif Hike

AY1 : ARRIVAL IN MARRAKECH Arrive in Marrakech, receive airport reception, and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy an overnight stay with dinner at the hotel. ​ DAY2 : MARRAKECH – HAPPY VALLEY-AZIB IKKIS Transfer day to the central High Atlas via the city of Azilal. Taking a mountainous road to the pass-Do Oughbar, we are greeted with a splendid view of the M’Goun chain ahead of us, and to our right, the peaks of Rat at 3700m, Igoudamene at 3600m, Tizal at 3100m, and Azourki at 3700m. We join the happy valley, the starting point for our treks, and meet with the mule team for a three-hour walk through the village of Ait Said, passing pretty sheep, up to Ikiss at an altitude of 2200 meters. We set up our bivouac there. ​ DAY3 : AZIB IKISS – TIZI OUMSKIK – PLATEAU TARKEDDIT We start our day with a gentle ascent to the circus of Timramatiyn, Source Oumskiq. We replenish our water supply there, as we will encounter no water for the next four hours. Our mules follow the same route. The ascent grows increasingly strenuous but remains non-technical, leading to the renowned Col Tarkkadit, which offers a spectacular view of M’Goun's north and south sides, as well as the wild mountain landscapes devoid of villages or sheep, save for a few flocks. Afterward, a brief and easy descent takes us to the plateau, where we set up camp near the Tessout spring at an elevation of 2990m, following 5.5 hours of trekking, with an elevation gain of 1150m and a descent of 500m. ​ DAY4 : TARKEDDIT – ASCENSION M’GOUN 4071 M-‘OULILIMT Awakening at 4 am, we begin the ascent of Morocco's second summit by 5 am. This time, we won't dismantle the tents, as our porters will have enough time to manage. The ascent is optional; those who choose not to climb can remain in bed until the muleteers depart and then follow the mule path through the 3100m pass. The 5-hour trek to the camp is not technically challenging, requiring only a habit of walking and altitude endurance. The reward is a stunning view of the central High Atlas massif, Jbel Saghro, and the Rose Valley. Upon completing an extraordinary journey, we reach the peak at 4,071 meters, followed by a descent through scree to the sources of Wadi M’goun, concluding at the Oulilimt Bivouac at 2,650 meters. ​ DAY5 : OULILIMT – GORGES OULILIMT – AIT TIGHREMT AHMED 2250 M Throughout the day, we will follow the comfortable mule track, where you will discover some amazing cliff dwellings and meet the pastoral Berber nomads with their herds that summer in this region. This allows for an easy walk without difficulty and offers landscapes, including stacks of different colors ranging from tan to red or brown. We will have lunch in the gorge for a swim and rest after yesterday's effort at bivouac Ahmed. DAY6 : TIGHREMT N AIT AHMED – VALLEY OUZIGHIMT – IMIN IRKT CAMP 200Following a day of strenuous activity and scarce water, comfort now comes in the form of a rewarding descent into the picturesque Ouzighimt Valley. As we trek towards the river, we pass through a series of El Morabitine Berber villages, such as Ighrem Izderne and Wawchki. We encounter the valley's residents, observing women adorned with distinctive hairstyles and attire unique to the Central High Atlas. The evening promises the possibility of a hot shower at the camp after a 5-hour and 30-minute walk, with a descent of 250 meters. ​ DAY7 : GORGES MGOUN IMIN IRKT – (ACHABOU) – AGUERZAGA 1700M Beginning at 8am, sandals or tennis shoes are mandatory for wading, as the water can be cold with a strong current. We traverse alternating passages, following our mules to the same destination through the stunning and dramatic gorges of the Atlas. The gorges are narrow, with 2m wide paths and 600m high cliffs. After exiting the gorge and enjoying a mint tea at Moh, we continue walking in the water until we reach our evening bivouac opposite the village of Aguerwaga by the riverside. The trek lasts approximately 6 hours with a vertical drop of 300m. ​ DAY8 : AGUERZAKA – VALLEY OF ROSES AND ROSES – BOUTGHRAR  This stage is one of walking and discovery, descending the Mgoun River with several water passages required (hence, tennis shoes are a must in the day's bag). As we move southwards, where summers are warmer, terraced agriculture becomes more intense, and fruit trees, particularly almond trees, outnumber walnut, apple, and cherry trees. Lunch will be served by the river, followed by a journey through fortified villages and fields of rose crops and fruit trees (figs, almonds, apricots, etc.). Roses are harvested in April and May, culminating in the Rose Festival during the first week of May. At this point, we find ourselves in the heart of the Valley of Roses. The walk lasts 6 hours with a 300m elevation gain. ​ DAY9 : BOUTGHRAR HDIDA – KELAA OF MGOUNA – SKOURA – OUARZAZATE – Marrakesh  Depart in the morning at 8 AM, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, then take a road transfer to Marrakech Dades (Kasbah miles). Have lunch just beyond Morocco's highest road pass (Tichka, with panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains). Afterward, transfer to your hotel and enjoy some free time to explore the town's red souk and historic gardens. Total duration: 6 hours on the road. ​ DAY10 After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Marrakech