Spend 5 Days Traversing The Magnificent M'Goun
Experience an adventurous trekking holiday in rural Morocco, journeying deep into the remote landscapes of the Central High Atlas Mountains. Trek beyond the reach of roads and vehicles, travelling with local muleteers and mules to carry your luggage, while discovering traditional mountain communities and enjoying spectacular views along the way. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience a quieter, more authentic side of Morocco.
Explore the beautiful Aït Bougmez Valley, known for its dramatic gorges, rugged rock formations and traditional Berber villages. The highlight of the trek is the opportunity to climb Jebel M’Goun (4,068m), one of Morocco’s highest peaks, where spectacular panoramic views stretch across the surrounding Atlas Mountains.
After the summit, complete the circular route by descending back towards the peaceful Aït Bougmez Valley, surrounded by some of the most impressive mountain scenery in Morocco.
This trek runs all year round and can depart on any date of your choice.
We usually have several treks departing each week that you can join if you wish, so please get in touch!
All of our mountain treks can be combined with other tours and experiences, including trips to the Sahara Desert, Morocco’s Imperial Cities or the Atlantic Coast.
Pick Up & Drop Off
You will be picked up from your accommodation in Marrakech city, many riads don't have access via car so the driver will park nearby and come to get you.
You will be dropped off at the nearest point to your riad/hotel. Our driver can call your riad to meet you if needed.
Route Details
Day 01
Marrakech - Agouti
Travel from Marrakech towards the Central High Atlas Mountains, driving via Azilal to the beautiful Aït Bougmez Valley. Continue to the traditional Berber village of Agouti, where you’ll settle into a local village gîte for your first night in the mountains.
Day 02
Agouti - Rougoult
Agouti sits at the head of the beautiful Aït Bougmez Valley, often known as the ‘Happy Valley’. As we leave the village, the reason for its name soon becomes clear, with wonderful views across the fertile valley and surrounding High Atlas Mountains.
After around an hour and a half, a piste leads down from the road into the valley. You can either follow the piste or take a steeper, shorter trail that zigzags down to rejoin it at Agerssif (1,489m), reached in under three hours from Agouti. Situated at the confluence of the Lakhdar and Bougmez Rivers, Agerssif is a peaceful place to stop beside the river and, if camping, an excellent spot to spend the night.
The Lakhdar Valley narrows as the piste climbs along its southern side. Around half an hour upstream, we reach the picturesque village of Taghoulit (1,519m), surrounded by juniper trees and home to a simple gîte. Continuing through the gorge, the landscape opens into a broader, more fertile valley before reaching Sebt Aït Bou Oulli, a sizeable village above the river with a school and traditional Saturday market.
From here, several valleys branch off, including the route towards Jebel Rat (3,797m). Our trail heads south, following the increasingly beautiful valley through wheat and barley fields, juniper, wild fig and almond trees. Passing Tazouggart, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic before we reach Rougoult (1,893m) after a further 2–2½ hours. Excellent camping is available just below the village beside the Tifra River.
Day 03
Rougoult - Amezri
For the first two hours, the trail follows the Tifra River, with the stony path repeatedly crossing and re-crossing the water. Where the valley widens, small agricultural terraces cling to the riverbanks, while narrower sections leave little room for cultivation. As we climb higher, the landscape becomes increasingly wild and barren. The well-worn mule trail generally follows the river southwards, occasionally climbing above dramatic gorges.
The Tifra’s source is little more than a trickle and lies just below Tizi n’Rougoult Pass (2,860m). At this altitude, even the juniper trees have disappeared, replaced by hardy alpine plants and low mountain shrubs. From the broad saddle below the pass, a path leads east towards a ridge rising above 3,500m, while the well-trodden route continues directly towards Tizi n’Rougoult.
From the pass, the summit of Ighil M’Goun (4,068m) lies to the east, just under 100m lower than Jebel Toubkal. Ahead, sweeping views open across the southern M’Goun Massif and the Tessaout River, revealing an extraordinary landscape of rugged mountain slopes streaked with rust-red, green and grey rock.
From Tizi n’Rougoult, the clearly marked mule trail winds down the mountainside, reaching the first village of Tasgaïwalt after around two hours. Keeping the river to our left, we continue on a gentler trail for around 40 minutes to the village of Amezri (2,250m), where we’ll spend the night.
Day 04
Amezri - Ai Ali n'Ito
The third day is a more leisurely stage, following the Tessaout River as the trail gradually descends from 2,250m to 1,833m. The valley is surrounded by impressive cliffs, with the dramatic Ichbbakene Escarpment rising almost 1,000m above the river.
The Tessaout provides irrigation for exceptionally fertile farmland, where local Berber communities of the Aït Atta tribe grow a variety of seasonal crops. In spring, the valley comes alive with colourful wildflowers, while flowering fruit and nut trees add to the spectacular scenery. The river flows broadly westwards here, fed by smaller streams carrying meltwater down from the higher mountains.
The trail crosses the river at several points during the day. For much of the year, it is possible to cross by stepping between the stones, although in spring, when the valley is at its most beautiful, water levels can be higher and some crossings may require wading. One such crossing is near Imi n’Ikkis, around 5km from Amezri. This small cluster of houses has a simple shop where you may be able to buy water, soft drinks and basic supplies.
Around an hour and a half further downstream, the trail passes beneath the larger village of Ichbbakene, backed by its impressive sheer escarpment. Here, you’ll see the substantial Hotel Edare, built by a local villager who had worked in France.
Continuing along the river, the path becomes narrower as it passes beneath the stone and mud houses of Aït Hamza. At the bottom of the village is a traditional working water mill, powered by water diverted from the river and used to grind the annual wheat harvest.
Another hour of enjoyable walking brings us to the village of Aït Ali n’Ito. If time allows, there is an optional three-hour round trip south to Magdaz, one of the most beautiful villages in the Atlas Mountains. The village is particularly notable for its remarkable traditional architecture, with distinctive stepped tower houses constructed from stone and wood.
Day 05
Ait Ali n'Ito - Ait Alla
A dirt road follows the river on a gentle descent towards the end of the trek. Although there are a few short uphill sections, the route soon reaches the beautiful village of Fakhour, where traditional houses climb the hillside. The village is particularly noted for its historic agadir, which can be visited. There is no entrance fee, although a small tip for the gardien is appreciated (around Dh10 is suggested).
Less than an hour beyond Fakhour, the trail reaches the village of Ifoulou, situated on a bend in both the river and the road. During most of the week, the village is quiet, with little more than a small drinks stand open. On Mondays, however, Ifoulou comes alive for its large souq, attracting villagers from the surrounding valleys who gather to trade, socialise and catch up with local news.
Around 30 minutes beyond Ifoulou, the piste joins the main Demnate–Skoura road at the new bridge crossing the Tessaout River, below the village of Aït Alla. Here, our vehicle will be waiting to meet us for the journey back to Marrakech via Aït Tamlil and Demnate.
If you would like to extend your Atlas Mountains trekking adventure, it is possible to add an extra day to the itinerary to visit the spectacular village of Magdaz.
Note: This itinerary is a guideline and may be changed to suit local conditions.
Equipment
Please ensure you have packed all safety essentials. See the Equipment List here if you're unsure of what to bring. Our guides will conduct a final gear check in Imlil before we commence the ascent to the higher altitudes of the Toubkal massif.
Tour Rates
Flexible Pricing
1 person : 860€
2 -3 people : 590€ / person
4 - 8 people : 520€ / person
9 - 12 people: 480€ / person
What Is Included?
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Expert, Berber, English-speaking mountain guides
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Mules and muleteers to carry your luggage
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Berber Cook
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All meals on the hike
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Accommodation in a Berber village (gite)
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Round-trip Transportation between the trek and your accommodation in Marrakech .
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Camping Materiels ( Tents & Mattress) for summer treks.
What Is Not Included
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Travel insurance.
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Soft/alcoholic drinks
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Tips and personal expanses
Accommodation & Shelters
Accommodation during this trek will be a mix of camping, traditional Berber gîtes and mountain huts. This trek is available from May to October.
NB: If you require accommodation in the Atlas Mountains before or after your trek, we can arrange a stay at our Dar Adrar Guesthouse in Imlil or our Ouirgane Ecolodge in Ouirgane.
Clothing & Essential Equipment
Essential Equipment
Can Be Hired From Us
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Good walking boots and socks / good trainers for valley treks
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Personnel First aid Kit
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3 to 4 season sleeping bag ( winter) or light Sleeping bag ( Summer)
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Lightweight waterproof over-trousers / rain-pants
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Water bottle or camel back (recommended)
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Soft-sided bag (50-80 litres)
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Lightweight daypack
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Sunglasses
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Sunscreen
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Torch and batteries
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Towel & all personal toiletries
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Crampons : 5 €/ Day/pair
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Ice Axe : 3 €/day
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Walking boots : 5 €/day
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Sleeping bags : 2.5 €/day
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Rain Jackets : 3 €/day
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Walking Poles : 3 €/day/pair
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Back packs : 3€/day
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Stoves : 2€/day
What Is Appropriate Attire In Morocco?
Morocco is a conservative and religious country, which means you always need to be mindful of your clothing choices. This is especially true in the country’s more rural areas, which include the Sahara Desert and its surrounding villages. As a general rule of thumb, you should always attempt to cover body parts considered “private”. For women, this means covering the arms (or at least the shoulders) and the knees up. For men, it requires covering up the shoulders and above the knee.
High Energy Meals
Meals on the trek are cooked by the Berber muleteers. The food is fresh and healthy. Example meals:
Breakfast: Jam, bread, cookies, fruit, juice, butter, coffee, milkLunch: salad, tomatoes, carrots, lentils, beans, rice or pasta, fish (sardines, tuna), seasonal fruit
Dinner: Soup, classic Morooccan tajine, couscous, olives, nuts, fruit
Can my dietary requirements be catered to?
Absolutely. Just let us know about your catering preferences when you confirm your booking to ensure any dietary requirements are met. Please remind as well your guide and cook on first day of the trek.
Start Your Journey
Ready to explore the Atlas Mountains? Reach out to us for detailed trek inquiries, tailor-made itineraries, or any questions about our Berber-led adventure tours.
Email: aztat.trek@gmail.com
Phone: +212 668-760165
Location: Imlil, Morocco
Personal baggage, cooking equipment and food are carried by the mules, leaving you to carry only a rucksack with whatever you need close at hand for the day. NB: Left luggage or unnecessary luggage can be left safely in our storage in Imlil till you come back from the trek.