Tour Overview
High Atlas Valleys · Berber Culture · Trekking Adventure9 days of exploration through stunning landscapes, experiencing authentic Berber culture, mountain trekking, and optional summit climbs. This carefully curated High Atlas Valleys Tour 9 days journey offers the perfect balance of adventure and cultural immersion in Morocco's magnificent Atlas Mountains.
Our High Atlas Valleys Tour 9 days offers a unique opportunity to explore the magnificent landscapes of the Central High Atlas Mountains. Discover traditional Berber villages in Ait Bougmez, Ait Boulli, and Tessaout valleys, experience trekking through beautiful gorges, and enjoy the optional ascent of Mount M'Goun (4,068m). This tour has been specifically designed to showcase the most spectacular aspects of Moroccan mountain diversity while ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the journey.
We invite you to experience the contrast between the lush valleys of the High Atlas and the dramatic high mountain landscapes. This adventure combines comfortable accommodations with authentic cultural experiences. You'll have the opportunity to witness stunning mountain scenery, sleep under star-filled skies in bivouacs, and learn about traditional Berber culture from local guides who hail from these mountains [citation:1].
This 9-day High Atlas Valleys tour has been designed as an accessible adventure with varied activities, allowing time to explore valleys, gorges, and experience authentic encounters with transhumant shepherds. Whether you're an experienced trekker or new to mountain adventures, this journey offers something truly special for everyone seeking to discover the authentic heart of Morocco's High Atlas Valleys.
Tour Highlights
What makes this High Atlas Valleys tour unique- Trekking through the magnificent High Atlas Valleys - Ait Bougmez, Arous, and Tessaout
- Discover Berber villages and experience the kindness and hospitality of the Berber people
- Optional ascent of Mount M'Goun (4,068m), the highest peak in Central High Atlas
- Explore the Arous Gorge and Tafanfante Plateau with breathtaking mountain views
- Experience authentic cultural immersion in traditional Berber communities
- Mountain biking through the villages of Ait Bougmez (optional)
- Discover dinosaur tracks near Ait Imi springs
- Meet transhumant shepherds and their flocks in summer pastures
- Experience river trekking in the Tessaout Valley
Detailed Itinerary – 9 Days
Sample program, adaptable to your preferencesMarrakech Arrival
Welcome at the Marrakech airport, transfer to your riad. The rest of the day is at leisure to unwind or explore the vibrant city. Overnight stay at the riad, and dinner at your leisure.
Marrakech – Demnat – Agouti
Your guide and driver will meet you at 8:00 a.m. at the hotel or riad, and depart for Demnat. A picnic lunch stop en route will follow, before arriving at the entrance to the Aït Bougmez Valley, in the village of Tighza (1,700 m). The first hike will take you through the Tamzrite Gorge to the village of Aït Saïd (1,850 m). Your luggage and other necessary supplies will be dropped off at the lodge by minibus. Walking time: 1.5 hours. Elevation gain: 150 m. Accommodation: Gîte.
Aït Bouguemez Exploration & Mountain Biking
After breakfast, departure for a day of exploration through the villages of Ait Bouguemez. Visit the Ait Imi springs and dinosaur tracks. Cross the Adazen Pass to reach the other side of the valley. Lunch in nature. Return to the gîte via several mud-brick villages. Mountain biking option available. Arrival at the gîte for shower, dinner, and overnight stay.
Agouti — Arouss Gorge — Tafanfante
From the village of Agouti, the starting point of the hike, we climb to Tafanfante via the Arous Gorge. We leave the verdant valleys behind to immerse ourselves in a much more mountainous atmosphere. We meet the transhumant shepherds and their flocks who spend the summer in the stone Azib (sheepfolds). Magnificent view overlooking the Ait Bougmez Valley. Descent to the grassy Tafanfante Plateau. Bivouac on the banks of the river at 2,250 meters. Walking time: 5-6 hours. Elevation gain: 600 m.
Tafanfante — Tizi-n-Aghouri — Tarkeddit Plateau
Departing from the bivouac around 8:00 a.m., we head up the riverbed through a boxwood forest. A gradual climb leads to the Aghouri Pass at 3,400 meters, offering a panoramic view of the Mgoun summit. We descend to the Tarkeddit Plateau at the foot of Mgoun, where we set up camp. Walking time: 5.5-6 hours. Elevation gain: 1,100 m. Elevation loss: 500 m.
Ascent of M'Goun (4,068 m) - Optional
Very early in the morning, climb to the summit of M'Goun. At 4,068 m, it is the highest point in the central High Atlas. A gradual climb and a trail along the ridge lead you directly to the summit, offering a beautiful panorama. Return by the same route. If the ascent is not possible due to weather conditions: Hike and explore the high-altitude pastures, nomadic territory, chasms, and the Wandras Gorge from above. Walking time: 9-11 hours. Elevation gain/loss: 1,200 m.
Tessaout Valley Exploration
Cross the pass above the Wandras Gorge at an altitude of 3,000 m. Descend along the Asdrem trail, which leads to the Wandras Waterfall. Reach Oued Tassaout to begin our day's hike with your feet in the water (bring shoes for walking in water). Lunch will be a picnic near the waterfall. Return and overnight at the bivouac (2,200 m). Walking time: 6-7 hours. Elevation gain: 500 m. Elevation loss: 1,000 m.
Tassaout Valley — Marrakech
After breakfast, cross the first villages of the Tessaout Valley in a striking contrast of colors where the pinks and reds of the earth contrast with the shades of green of the crops. Arrival in Amezri, then continue to Imi n'Ikis n'Ichbaken. Lunch and take the 4x4s, descending along the Tessaout Wadi, passing villages clinging to the mountainside through an increasingly narrow valley. Visit the Imi n'Ifri natural bridge. Arrival in Marrakech in the evening. Walking time: approximately 4 hours.
Departure from Marrakech
Transfer to Marrakech airport for your return flight. End of services.
What's Included / Not Included
To prepare your budget comfortably- Local mountain guide throughout the tour
- Full board during the tour (except meals in Marrakech)
- Accommodation in gîtes (Berber houses) and bivouacs
- Hotel/riad accommodation in Marrakech (1 night)
- All ground transfers during the tour
- Camping and cooking equipment
- Mountain biking for one day (optional)
- Assistance from local team (muleteers, cooks)
- First aid kit
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- International flights
- Travel insurance (required)
- Meals in Marrakech (lunch and dinner)
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips for guides and staff
- Optional activities beyond itinerary
- Equipment rental beyond standard provision
Practical Details
Duration, level, seasons & participantsTour Route Map
Explore the High Atlas Valleys trekking route from MarrakechFrequently Asked Questions
Some answers before you goThe tour is rated as standard, with comfortable transportation between locations and moderate to challenging walking activities. It's suitable for anyone in good health who enjoys regular physical activity. The M'Goun summit ascent is optional and requires good physical condition, while the valley treks are accessible to most fit travelers. The terrain includes mountain paths, river crossings, and high passes. For more information about preparing for mountain adventures in Morocco, check out our Complete Guide to Traveling and Exploring Morocco.
You'll experience a variety of accommodations throughout this journey. In Marrakech, you'll stay in comfortable hotels or riads. In the High Atlas Valleys, you'll experience authentic Berber houses (gîtes) in villages and bivouac camping in the mountains. All camping equipment including tents, sleeping mats, and mess facilities are provided. The accommodations are carefully selected for comfort, authenticity, and to provide a genuine Moroccan mountain experience while ensuring proper rest between trekking days. Morocco.
Essential equipment includes good walking boots and socks, 3-4 season sleeping bag, lightweight fleece and waterproof outers, layers for variable temperatures, sunglasses, day backpack, water bottles, and personal first aid kit. For river trekking in the Tessaout Valley, water shoes are recommended. Temperatures can vary significantly between day and night, so packing layers is essential. A detailed equipment list will be provided upon booking your High Atlas Valleys Tour.
Morocco is a Muslim country with conservative traditions, especially in rural mountain areas. We recommend dressing modestly, particularly when visiting villages. Women should consider covering shoulders and knees. It's also respectful to ask permission before photographing local people. Your guide will provide additional cultural guidance throughout the journey to ensure respectful interactions with local communities in the High Atlas Valleys. For detailed cultural information, visit our Morocco Safety Guide.
The Aït Bougmez Valley, also known as the "Happy Valley," is one of the most beautiful and accessible valleys in the High Atlas Mountains. It's characterized by its wide, fertile plain surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks. The valley is dotted with traditional Berber villages where life continues much as it has for centuries. The combination of stunning scenery, authentic culture, relatively gentle terrain, and unique features like dinosaur tracks makes it a highlight of our High Atlas Valleys Tour.
The ascent of Mount M'Goun is optional and weather-dependent. If conditions are unsafe for the summit attempt, we have alternative activities including exploring high-altitude pastures, nomadic territories, and the Wandras Gorge from above. Safety is our primary concern, and our experienced guides continuously monitor weather conditions to make appropriate decisions. The surrounding landscapes offer plenty of spectacular trekking opportunities even without reaching the summit.