6 Day Valley Trek In One Of Morocco's Most Beautiful Areas
At the foot of the Central High Atlas Mountains, on the southern side of the range, lies one of Morocco’s most beautiful and captivating regions: the Valley of Roses and the Dades Valley. This spectacular area is renowned for its fragrant rose fields, ancient fortified villages, dramatic landscapes and the warm hospitality of its Berber communities.
The combination of colourful valleys, traditional architecture and impressive mountain scenery makes this a wonderful region to explore on foot and experience a more authentic side of 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 Morocco tours and experiences, including trips to the Sahara Desert, the 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 - Ait benhaddou - Dades Gorge
We’ll pick you up from your riad or hotel in Marrakech and travel towards Ouarzazate, crossing the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m) in the High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, enjoy changing landscapes, colourful mountain scenery and traditional Berber villages as we make our way towards Ouarzazate, often known as the gateway to the Sahara Desert.
En route, we’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most famous fortified villages. This impressive kasbah has provided the backdrop for numerous films and television productions, including Lawrence of Arabia and Jesus of Nazareth. Take a walk across the dry riverbed and explore the historic ksar, climbing to the top of the hill for panoramic views over the surrounding landscape.
Afterwards, continue to Ouarzazate and then travel through the beautiful Skoura Palm Grove before reaching the Valley of the Roses, the centre of Morocco’s rose-growing industry and famous for its rose products.
Day 02
Dades Valley to Rose Valley & Mountain Trek (Ait Youl 1606m- Isommar) (7 hrs walk)
Today, you’ll meet your muleteer team before setting off on the trek. The route immediately takes you onto the Tamassint Plateau (1,884m), where you’ll enjoy spectacular views across the beautiful valley as you walk towards the small village of Aït M’Rao (1,800m).
After lunch, we continue across the M’Goun Valley. Beyond the valley, the trail passes through the village of Issoummar, where you’ll see the simple, improvised shelters used by local Berber shepherds as they tend their flocks in the surrounding pastures.
We’ll spend the night in a traditional village gîte in Issoummar (2,260m).
Day 03
Issommar - Alamdoune (6 hrs walk)
After breakfast, we leave the gîte and begin the day with the fun challenge of crossing the river – a refreshing and memorable start to the trek. As we continue along the trail, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, with imposing mountain ridges and high summits rising around us.
In the afternoon, the scenery changes once again as we reach the village of Alamdoune (1,734m), surrounded by lush green vegetation that contrasts beautifully with the rugged mountain landscape.
Overnight is spent in a traditional village gîte.
Day 04
Alamdoune - Boutaghrar (7 hrs walk)
On your final day of trekking, you’ll continue through another spectacular gorge, passing traditional Berber villages and enjoying the dramatic scenery of the surrounding mountains. Further along, the valley gradually flattens out, revealing small settlements along the riverbanks where local Berber communities cultivate the fertile land.
The final challenge of the trek is another river crossing. Once safely across, you’ll know you’ve reached the village of Boutaghrar (1,600m), where you’ll spend your final night in a traditional village gîte.
Day 05
Marrakech
Today, you'll leave Boutaghrar and head to Marrakech
Day 06
Marrakech
Day to yourself
Note : the itinerary is just a guideline and subject to change 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
2 -3 people : 385£ / person
4 - 7 people : 325 £ / person
8 - 12 people: 305£ / 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
The accommodation will be mix of camping, gites and mountain huts.
NB : If accommodation is required in the Atlas Mountains either before or after the trek, we can always book you in at our Guesthouse Dar Adrar in Imlil or in our Eco-loge 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.