Key Details
11-day journey including a 7-day trek across the High Atlas. Starting in the beautiful Aït Bougmez Valley, the “Valley of the Happy,” you hike through spectacular mountain landscapes to the Rose Valley. Along the way, you may summit Jebel M’Goun, Morocco’s second-highest peak, pass green oasis valleys, camp under starry skies, and encounter the Berber communities of the Atlas.
Travel Format & Duration
Summer Trekking
for 12 days / 11 nights
Group Trip
Guaranteed from 4 participants
(max. 15 participants)
Price
€1,490 in a double room
(single room supplement €250)
Experiences
Culture & Cuisine, Nature, Hiking, City Life, Berber Culture
Itinerary
Marrakech – Aït Bougmez – Azibs n’Arous – M’Goun Summit – M’Goun Gorge – Rose Valley – Ouarzazate – Aït Ben Haddou – Tizi n’Tichka – Marrakech
High Atlas Crossing – From the Valley of the Happy to the Rose Valley
The Aït Bougmez Valley, often called the “Valley of the Happy,” lies at 1,800 meters in the central High Atlas and marks the starting point of this unforgettable trekking journey. From here, the route crosses the rugged mountains of the High Atlas towards the south, leading through dramatic landscapes of high plateaus, deep gorges, and remote Berber villages before reaching the famous Rose Valley.
Along the way, you hike through wild mountain scenery, fertile oasis valleys, and traditional settlements built from ochre-colored earth. Together with a local support team and pack mules, you travel through one of Morocco’s most spectacular regions and experience the culture of the Berber and nomadic families of the Atlas up close. Nights under the stars in mountain camps and the ascent of Jebel M’Goun (4,068 m) make this journey a true adventure.
Highlights at a Glance
✓ Hiking in the Central High Atlas
✓ Summit of Jebel M’Goun (4,068 m)
✓ Experience the culture of Berber and nomadic families up close
✓ Hiking through the Rose Valley
✓ Traditional mud architecture of the High Atlas
✓ The gorges of the M’Goun Valley
✓ The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs
✓ Aït Ben Haddou (UNESCO World Heritage earthen kasbah)
✓ Ouarzazate – the film capital of Morocco
✓ The Tizi n’Tichka Pass
✓ Explore the royal city of Marrakech with a cultural guide
Program
12-day trekking journey across the High Atlas Mountains. This trip offers an authentic adventure from the green Aït Bougmez Valley, the “Valley of the Happy,” across the rugged landscapes of the High Atlas to the famous Rose Valley. Encounters with Berber and nomadic families, nights in mountain camps under a spectacular starry sky, and the ascent of Jebel M’Goun (4,068 m) define this unforgettable journey.
Day 1 – Welcome to Morocco
Individual arrival in Marrakech
You will be welcomed at the airport by your driver and transferred to your hotel in the city.
Depending on your arrival time, there will be an opportunity for your first sightseeing experiences.
Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel or riad (e.g. Riad Dar El Masa or similar) incl. breakfast / approx. 10 km transfer.
Day 2 – Journey into the Heart of the High Atlas
Marrakech – Aït Bougmez – Azibs n’Arous
After breakfast, travel by minibus into the High Atlas along a scenic mountain road. Passing Azilal and the Aït Abasse Valley, you reach Azibs n’Arous where you meet your trekking team and pack mules.
Your first hike leads through the Assif Arous valley, past small villages, barley fields, and ancient walnut trees.
Approx. 220 km / 5 hrs drive
Hike: approx. 3 hrs / 6 km / +700 m
Overnight stay in a tented camp incl. breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 3 – To the Base Camp of Jebel M’Goun
Azibs n’Arous – Tarkeddit Plateau
Today you hike into the wild landscapes of the High Atlas, ascending to the Aghouri Pass (3,500 m) with beautiful views of the M’Goun massif and surrounding peaks.
From there, descend to the wide Tarkeddit Plateau, a summer pasture used by nomadic herders.
Hike: approx. 5 hrs / 10 km / +1000 m / -600 m
Overnight stay in a tented camp incl. breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 4 – Summit Day – Jebel M’Goun
Tarkeddit – M’Goun Summit – Oulilimt
Before dawn, we begin the ascent of Jebel M’Goun (4,071 m). After a final steep climb, the long mountain ridge leads to the summit with breathtaking views across the High Atlas and far into the south towards the Sahara.
The ascent is optional and technically not difficult. Alternatively, you can hike with the support team and pack mules over a high mountain pass to the next camp.
Hike: approx. 10 hrs / 22 km / +1200 m / -1500 m
Overnight stay in a tented camp incl. breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 5 – Nomads’ Summer Pastures
Oulilimt – Tighremt N’Ait Hamd
After the demanding summit day, today’s hike is more relaxed. Walk across the wide summer pastures of the Ait Atta nomads and through the Aflafal gorge before reaching your next camp.
Hike: approx. 4 hrs / 7 km / +0 m / -800 m
Overnight stay in a tented camp incl. breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 6 – Through the M’Goun Valley
Tighremt N’Ait Hamd – Imi N’Irkt
Today’s route leads gently downhill through the beautiful M’Goun Valley. Passing remote mountain villages and wide landscapes surrounded by the peaks of the High Atlas.
In the afternoon, arrive at the entrance of the impressive M’Goun Gorge, where your camp awaits.
Hike: approx. 8 hrs / 25 km / +0 m / -700 m
Overnight stay in a tented camp incl. breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 7 – Gorges of the High Atlas
Imi N’Irkt – Achaabou Gorge – Aguerzekka
Today you hike through one of the most impressive gorges of the High Atlas. The trail leads through the narrow Achaabou Gorge, where the river winds between spectacular rock walls rising over 100 meters high. Along the way, you cross the river several times — a refreshing experience on warm days.
Hike: approx. 7 hrs / 15 km / +0 m / -200 m
Overnight stay in a tented camp incl. breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 8 – Into the Rose Valley
Aguerzekka – Boutghrar, Rose Valley
Leaving the narrow gorges behind, today’s hike leads into the open landscapes of the beautiful Rose Valley. Terraced fields, gardens, and traditional Berber villages line the valley. Along the fertile banks of the M’goun River, poplars, walnut trees and fragrant rose bushes grow among the fields.
Hike: approx. 8 hrs / 21 km / +0 m / -200 m
Overnight stay in a guesthouse incl. breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 9 – Road of a Thousand Kasbahs & Aït Ben Haddou
Boutghrar – Ouarzazate – Aït Ben Haddou – Tizi n’Tichka – Marrakech
From the Rose Valley along the famous Road of a Thousand Kasbahs through the High Atlas back to Marrakech. Along the way, stop to visit Aït Ben Haddou, one of the most impressive kasbahs in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, experience the magical atmosphere of Marrakech at night.
Approx. 260 km / 6 hrs drive
Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel or riad (e.g. Riad Dar El Masa or similar incl. breakfast.
Day 10 – The Red City – Marrakech
City Tour of Marrakech
Explore the vibrant city of Marrakech and the labyrinth of the Medina souks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include e.g. the Koutoubia Mosque and the Bahia Palace. In the evening, enjoy the lively atmosphere of Djemaa el Fna with storytellers, musicians, and street food stalls.
Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel or riad (e.g. Riad Dar El Masa or similar), incl.breakfast.
Day 11 – Marrakech – Day at Leisure
Day for yourself
Today is free for you to explore Marrakech at your own pace. Wander through the Medina and its colorful souks, visit the Majorelle Gardens or Menara Gardens, or relax in a traditional Moroccan hammam.
Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel or riad (e.g. Riad Dar El Masa or similar), incl. breakfast.
.jpg)
Day 12 – Farewell to Morocco
Individual departure
After breakfast, we bid farewell to Morocco. Transfer to the airport and individual departure.
Transfer: approx. 10 km
What's Included
-
Airport transfers
-
German- or English-speaking tour leader / certified trekking guide throughout the trip
-
Transport during the journey in a comfortable minibus or car
-
4 overnight stays in Marrakech in mid-range hotels*** or riads*** in double rooms with private bathroom/shower/WC
-
1 overnight stay in simple mountain huts with shared rooms and basic shared sanitary facilities (single rooms not available during stays with Berber families, 4–6 beds per room; single tent possible during camping)
-
6 overnight stays in two-person tents with foam mattresses in tented camps with simple or no sanitary facilities (single tent available)
-
10 breakfasts / 8 light lunches or lunch boxes / 7 dinners
-
Cooking and camping equipment
-
All entrance fees according to the itinerary
-
Team including cook and mule handlers from day 2 to day 9
-
Luggage transport by pack mules from day 2 to day 8
What's NOT Included
-
Flights
-
Drinks
-
Tips for the tour guide / driver / luggage handlers and other service staff
-
Personal expenses
-
Services not explicitly listed
-
Meals not specified in the program
-
Travel insurance
What's NOT Included
-
Flights
-
Drinks
-
Tips for guides, drivers, luggage porters, and other service staff
-
Personal expenses
-
Services not explicitly listed in the program
-
Meals not specified in the itinerary
-
Transfer costs Casablanca – Marrakech upon request (for arrivals via Casablanca)
-
Travel insurance
What's NOT Included
-
Flights
-
Drinks
-
Tips for the tour guide / driver / luggage handlers and other service staff
-
Personal expenses
-
Services not explicitly listed
-
Meals not specified in the program
-
Travel insurance
More Experiences
.jpeg)
.jpg)
.jpg)