M'GounChallenging
10-Day Grand Traverse: Ait Bouguemez, M'Goun Summit and Gorges
- Duration
- 10 days
- Max altitude
- 4,048 m
- Total ascent
- 5,102 m↑
- Best season
- May–Oct
The ultimate Central High Atlas expedition, led by a guide born in the valley. From the 'happy valley' of Ait Bouguemez you climb over the Tarkeddit pass (3,400 m) to the summit of M'Goun (4,068 m), then follow the M'Goun valley down and wade through its spectacular gorges to Boutaghrar and the Valley of Roses. Ten days of total immersion, from May to October.
100% adjustable. This itinerary is a base — Maroc Trek Atlas adjusts, adds and removes any part of it for you.
The route
Day by day
Day 1
Marrakech – Oughbar pass – Timit
Drive from Marrakech to Timit over the Oughbar pass. Homestay night.
Night: Homestay
Day 2
Valley loop: Tabant, Ait Imi, dinosaur footprints
A loop through the valley via Tabant and Ait Imi, with the Ibaklioune dinosaur footprints.
Day 3
Arous valley – Azib N'Ikiss
Walk up the Arous valley to Azib N'Ikiss. Night in a tent.
Night: Bivouac
Day 4
Tarkeddit pass (3,400 m) – plateau
- Max altitude
- 3,400 m
Cross the Tarkeddit pass to the plateau. Night in a tent.
Night: Bivouac
Day 5
M'Goun summit (4,068 m) – Oulilimt
- Max altitude
- 4,068 m
Climb M'Goun, then descend to Oulilimt. Night in a tent.
Night: Bivouac
Day 6
Down the river – Aflafel spring
Walk down along the river to the Aflafel spring.
Day 7
M'Goun valley – Imi N'Irkt
Walk through the M'Goun valley to Imi N'Irkt.
Day 8
M'Goun gorges – Aguerzegua
Cross the gorges, wading in places, to Aguerzegua.
Day 9
Aguerzegua – Boutaghrar
Walk to Boutaghrar. Gite night.
Night: Gîte
Day 10
Ouarzazate – Tichka pass – Marrakech
Drive back to Marrakech via Ouarzazate and the Tichka pass.
Included in this price
- Licensed mountain guide from the valley
- Private return transport from Marrakech (day 1 and day 10)
- Accommodation during the trek (homestays, tents and a gite)
- Meals during the 10 days of the trek
- Mules to carry the luggage
- Mint tea breaks during the 10 days
To plan for
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips
- Accommodation and meals in Marrakech
International flights are never included — you book those yourself
When to go
- January: off season
- February: off season
- March: off season
- April: off season
- May: recommended season
- June: recommended season
- July: recommended season
- August: recommended season
- September: recommended season
- October: recommended season
- November: off season
- December: off season
Recommended seasonOff season
Frequently asked questions
How fit do I need to be?
The agency rates this trek as difficult: a 3,400 m pass, a 4,068 m summit and a gorge crossing with wading.
When is the best time to go?
From May to October.
How much does it cost?
Price per person: 900 EUR for 2, 800 EUR for 3, 660 EUR for 4 or more.
Where do we sleep?
In a homestay in Timit, in tents during the high-mountain section, and in a gite in Boutaghrar.
Where does the trek start?
In Marrakech, returning to Marrakech via Ouarzazate and the Tichka pass. The itinerary can be adapted on request.
What is the Ait Bouguemez valley?
Known as the 'Happy Valley', it is a green valley in the Central High Atlas, in Azilal province, famous for its earthen villages, terraced fields and dinosaur footprints. It is the starting point for treks to M'Goun.
Do I need to be sporty to do the 10-day M'Goun grand traverse?
The agency rates it as difficult. You need good fitness and experience of mountain walking.
What should I pack for the 10-day M'Goun grand traverse?
Hiking boots, warm layers, a waterproof jacket, a headlamp, sun protection and a water bottle. For the gorges, add secure walking sandals: you walk in the river. For the summit, bring a hat and gloves: it is cold at dawn.
How do I get from Marrakech to the Ait Bouguemez valley?
The agency arranges private return transport from Marrakech. The road goes via Azilal and takes several hours across the Atlas.
Why book with Maroc Trek Atlas?
The agency is based at the Timit gite in the heart of the valley. Treks are led by Youssef, a certified mountain and desert guide with over 20 years of experience, and every itinerary can be adapted to your pace.
Your agency
Maroc Trek Atlas
- Based in
- Aït Bouguemez
- Terrain
- M'Goun, Toubkal, Sahara
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10-Day Grand Traverse: Ait Bouguemez, M'Goun Summit and Gorges
from €660