Grand Atlas Adventure Trek [21 Days in Morocco]

When you arrive in Marrakech, you'll notice right away how lively and colorful the city is. The busy streets of the medina, with their bright markets, yummy food stalls, and old buildings, invite you to explore.

As you walk through the maze of alleys, you'll see the rich history and mix of cultures that make Marrakech so special.

Your first day is for settling in and enjoying the local atmosphere. Check into your hotel to relax and rest after your trip. You can try different foods today since meals are on your own.

The city's food options are amazing, whether you're tasting tagine at a local restaurant or enjoying fresh pastries at a cute café.

Visit famous places like the Koutoubia Mosque or the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, where street performers and market sellers put on a great show.

When the sun sets, the city becomes even more magical, giving you a wonderful first look at your Moroccan adventure. Get ready to relax and enjoy the exciting journey ahead.

After an early breakfast, you'll board a minibus for a scenic drive through the Central High Atlas, heading towards the charming Aït Bougmez Valley.

This 4-5 hour journey covers 250 kilometers and takes you through the picturesque landscapes of Azilal and the Aït Abasse valley. Depending on the timing, you'll either enjoy lunch during the drive or upon arrival in the valley.

When you reach Aït Bougmez, you'll meet your team of muleteers who'll help you throughout the trek. You'll then start your hike along the Assif Arous, gradually climbing the valley.

The trail takes you through the beautiful Arous gorges, where rugged cliffs and green scenery create a stunning view.

As you continue, you'll reach the Ikkis plateau, which is at a high altitude of 2,350 meters.

The hike has a positive elevation gain of 500 meters, making it both challenging and rewarding.

After about three hours of trekking, you'll arrive at the Arous Springs, where you'll set up a bivouac for the night.

Here, under the open sky, you'll rest and recharge, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the High Atlas.

On day three, you start with an exciting hike along the left side of the Ikkis River, setting out on an amazing journey towards the Tarkeddit Plateau.

As you climb, the trail gives you a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape and leads you up to the Tizi N'Aghouri pass.

You'll gain 1000 meters in height, but the hard work is worth it because you get to see the huge north face of the M'Goun.

After about five hours of hiking, you'll reach a height of 3400 meters. Take a moment to enjoy the incredible scenery before you go down 500 meters to the Tarkeddit Plateau.

This big grassy area, with quiet herds and a winding river, feels like a hidden treasure in the High Atlas Mountains.

Set up camp on the green lawns of the Tarkeddit Plateau, and enjoy camping under the stars. The peaceful surroundings and wide views of the M'Goun range make for a perfect end to your day's hike.

This beautiful place offers a calm setting for rest and thinking, getting you ready for more adventures.

You start early for an exciting 8-hour hike to climb M'Goun, the second-highest peak in Morocco and North Africa.

This day promises a great adventure as you follow the ridge to the top, always keeping your goal in sight. The climb is long but not too hard, so most people can do it.

As you go up, you'll climb 1168 meters, reaching a height of 4068 meters. After 4 to 5 hours of climbing, you're rewarded with amazing views.

On a clear day, you can see the Jbel Saghro, the vast Sahara Desert to the south, and the beautiful Atlas Mountains.

There is an alternative option to explore the camp on the plateau if you don't want to climb. After reaching the top and enjoying the views, you go back down the same way to the camp, where you'll spend the night.

The sense of achievement and the stunning landscapes make this a day to remember in your Grand Atlas Adventure.

Today, you'll go on a 5-6 hour hike. You'll start by walking through green fields and areas where sheep and goats graze.

Then, you'll climb up to the Asdram pass. The Tarkeddit Plateau is very pretty, with lots of grass and animals.

As you go up to Tizi n'Asdram, you'll slowly climb 300 meters higher. You'll reach 3200 meters at the top.

From there, you can see the Tessaoute valley and the high peak of Djebel Rhat. The view is amazing and shows you the tough landscape of the High Atlas mountains.

Right after you cross the pass, you'll start going downhill, dropping 700 meters. This path will take you to Assif Tessaoute. Here, the land turns into steep gorges.

At the end of the day, you'll camp at the entrance of these gorges, ready to rest for more fun adventures ahead.

After a restful night at the entrance of the gorges, you'll go on a scenic 6-7 hour walk through the Tessaoute Valley toward the village of Aït Ali N'Itto.

First, you'll descend the Gorges and follow the Assif Tessaoute River. This path takes you through a beautiful landscape, switching between walking along the riverbanks and trekking on tracks that hug the cliffs.

As you walk through this fertile valley, you'll come across several friendly Berber villages.

• The first village, Amzri, gives you a peek into local life with its cozy homes and kind residents.
• Next, you'll reach Ichbbakan, where the villagers' warm welcome will make you feel at home.
• The last village before your destination is Aït Hamza, another charming place where the people are just as warm as the beautiful scenery around you.

The day's trek involves going downhill by 675 meters, making for a gradual but rewarding descent.

When you reach Aït Ali N'Itto, you'll stay in a traditional gîte, a perfect spot to rest and think about your day's journey through the heart of the Tessaoute Valley.

On Day 7, you'll visit the beautiful village of Megdaz. There, you can see the collective granary, learn about local customs, and enjoy a friendly tea at Lahcen's. This will start your day full of culture and nature.

From Megdaz, you'll hike up to Tizi N'Awrghiz. As you climb, the High Atlas mountains will spread out before you, showing grassy plateaus that seem endless.

The hike is tough but worth it, with an elevation gain of 1,060 meters and a maximum height of 2,455 meters. The views from Tizi N'Awrghiz are amazing.

Next, you'll arrive at the village of Tagoukht, where you can see what rural life in the Atlas mountains is like. After that, you'll walk through the peaceful Tifadzine forest, adding some variety to your trek.

Your day will end as you set up camp near the Taoudja sheepfolds. Here, you can relax in a quiet setting and stay in bivouac accommodation, thinking about your exciting day in the High Atlas mountains of Morocco.

As the sun rises over the calm Taoudja sheep pens, you start your journey to the beautiful Tamda Lake, which sits in a big canyon.

The morning begins with a climb up Tizi N'Fedghat, where gentle slopes give amazing views of the dry High Atlas mountains.

You'll pass the pretty springs of Tamzrit N'Iguernane, with its green grazing areas, which are a refreshing change from the rocky ground.

Your path goes below the foothills of Djebel Anghomar, which stands tall at 3608 meters.

The trail slowly goes up, with a climb of 790 meters, leading to great views that make the effort worthwhile.

The peaks and valleys of the High Atlas mountains create a dramatic scene as you climb up to Tizi N'Timililt, the last stop before reaching Tamda Lake.

As you get closer to the lake, the landscape changes into a stunning canyon, showing Tamda's calm waters at 2750 meters high. Here, you'll set up camp for the night, surrounded by nature's peace.

The day's hike, which takes about five hours, mixes physical challenge with the calm beauty of Morocco's High Atlas mountains.

You'll gently descend from Tamda Lake to the Assif Ounila, where the bright red earth looks amazing next to the green fields.

This peaceful walk takes about five hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the quiet surroundings.

As you walk, you'll cross the beautiful plateau of Anefregal, which shows off the wild beauty of the High Atlas.

The landscape here mixes rugged terrain and green patches, showing you the area's diverse ecosystem.

Soon, you'll enter the gorges of the Assif Ounila, where tall red cliffs surround you, creating a dramatic scene for your trek.

Your goal for the day is the red village of Tighza, nestled in this colorful valley. The village's red tones blend perfectly with the earth around it, making it a charming end to your hike.

You'll stay in a traditional gîte when you arrive, providing a cozy place to rest after your day of exploring.

This quiet day lets you fully enjoy the natural beauty and rich culture of the Ounila Valley, setting the stage for more adventures ahead.

Your trip from Tighza to Telouet starts with exploring the high valley of Assif Ounila, where almond trees grow and many crops thrive.

This part of the journey combines the beauty of nature with farm life. As you walk through the valley, you'll see local farmers working hard on their land.

You'll walk for five hours today, climbing up 350 meters and going down 100 meters, reaching the highest point of 2000 meters.

The hike brings you to a small, mostly empty plateau at this height, giving you a feeling of peace and isolation. The wide views from here are stunning, showing a vast, rugged landscape.

On Day 11, you'll go on a 6-7 hour trip from Telouet. You'll cross the historic Adrar Mahboub pass and head down to the beautiful Tazoult sheepfolds.

Your hike starts with a gentle climb, gaining 990 meters, as you pass through several traditional villages. The Adrar Mahboub pass, used by nomads for centuries, feels like walking through history.

At 2,790 meters, the pass gives you amazing views, rewarding your effort with a wide view of the Western High Atlas.

As you start going down, you'll drop 640 meters, heading towards the Tazoult sheepfolds. This area is known for its beautiful landscapes and peaceful atmosphere, giving you a peek into the local pastoral life.

Your day ends with setting up a camp near the village of Azib Tazoult. Here, you'll sleep under the starry Moroccan sky, surrounded by the calm of the mountains.

The mix of physical challenge and stunning scenery makes this day unforgettable, setting the stage for more adventures in Morocco's amazing landscapes.

As the sun rises over Azib Tazoult, start on a 6-7 hour hike through the Western High Atlas. You'll walk along the peaceful Afra Valley and then reach the beautiful Azgour Valley.

The path begins through green landscapes and slowly climbs to a height of 2150 meters. You'll go up 175 meters, giving you amazing views that make the climb worth it.

When you go down, you'll drop 1000 meters, bringing you closer to the middle of the Zat Valley. You'll cross the road at the Tichka Pass, which splits the High Atlas from the Central High Atlas.

This pass is a key point on your adventure and leads you to the stunning Azgour Valley.

When you get to Azgour, you'll see the village is surrounded by oleanders, which bloom brightly in May and June. Here, you'll set up your camp, letting you rest and enjoy the peaceful area.

The evening is a great time to think about the day's hike and get ready for the next part of your Grand Atlas Adventure.

Day 13 takes you through a forest of junipers and pines, leading up to the Yagour plateau, where the most beautiful rock carvings in the area are waiting to be found.

As you climb, you'll go up 1175 meters, reaching a high point of 2300 meters.

The trail goes through lush greenery, giving you a peaceful view during your hike.

When you get to the Yagour plateau, take a moment to look at the old rock carvings that show stories from long ago.

These carvings aren't just art, they're like windows into the lives and beliefs of the people who used to live in these mountains. It's a cool look into Morocco's rich history.

The day's hike takes 6 to 7 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the area.

As you head towards Amdouz, you'll pass by traditional sheep pens, giving you a peek into the local farming life.

As you cross the wide Yagour plateau, you'll see the rocky landscape slowly change into green forests and colorful fields of fruit trees.

This trip takes you by many sheep farms, showing the traditional way people live in this area.

You'll be amazed by the big change in scenery, from dry, rocky areas to the green and fertile Ourika Valley.

Today, you'll hike for 5-6 hours. You'll go up 200 meters and down 900 meters, reaching a height of 2300 meters.

The path goes through Setti Fatma, a beautiful village famous for its waterfalls and busy local markets.

Enjoy the peaceful beauty and maybe chat with the friendly locals.

After exploring the lively town of Setti Fatma, you'll start a breathtaking climb to Amenzal, a village on the mountainside with amazing views of the Assif n'Oufra.

The hike goes up 800 meters, which is tough on your legs but gives you beautiful scenery and fresh air. Keep an eye out for villagers working on walnut trees and fields near the river below.

When you reach Amenzal, which is 2,550 meters high, you'll have a great view of the area. Take a moment to enjoy the sight, then keep going on a path along the mountainside.

You'll see locals doing their daily activities, like shepherds with their flocks and mule trains carrying goods.

Start your exciting hike from Boukchoud to the Tinzar Pass. You'll climb up to 3,100 meters before coming down to the calm banks of the Assif n'Ouraï, where you'll spend the night under the stars.

The hike begins with a steady climb to Tizi n'Oumchichka at 3,085 meters. As you walk through this peaceful area, you'll see goats and sheep, and you might hear shepherds singing in the mountains.

The climb to the Tinzar Pass is tough but gives you amazing views of the nearby peaks. The pass is the highest point of the day at 3,100 meters.

From there, the path goes downhill, taking you through different types of land until you reach the quiet banks of the Assif n'Ouraï at 2,950 meters.

After walking for 5-6 hours, you'll have climbed up 1,200 meters and gone down 800 meters.

You'll set up camp by the river and can look forward to a peaceful night under the beautiful Moroccan sky. It's a perfect way to end an exciting day.

Your adventure continues as you leave the calm banks of the Assif n'Ouraï and start the tough climb to Tizi n'Ouraï at 3,130 meters. This hike gives you amazing views of the big Toubkal Mountain.

After enjoying the scenery from the top, you go down into the green Assif Tizgui valley, passing through the small village of Tissaldaï.

In the valley, you'll find Amsouzart, a pretty village at 1,750 meters, surrounded by walnut trees that shade the farms below. This is a great place to stop for lunch and enjoy the peaceful traditional Berber life.

After lunch, you head to Lake Ifni, passing through the village of Imhilene at 1,850 meters. The path goes up the valley and crosses a glacial moraine, leading to the beautiful turquoise waters of Lake Ifni at 2,300 meters.

Here, you'll set up your camp for the night, ending your day with stunning landscapes and cultural experiences.

As dawn breaks, you start the tough climb to the Ouanoums Pass, which is 3,680 meters high.

The hike begins early, and the path can be steep sometimes, but your determination keeps you going. Each step brings you closer to the top, and the effort is worth it.

When you finally reach the peak, the amazing view makes you forget the hard climb. The beauty of the High Atlas Mountains is a reward in itself.

After enjoying the fantastic views, you start going down towards the Neltner refuge. The descent is easier but still needs careful attention.

The path is clear and well-marked, giving you a glimpse of the route to Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. You feel excited about what's coming next.

You finally get to the Bivouac Neltner, where you'll stay for the night. You feel very proud as you settle in for the evening.

Tomorrow's adventure is waiting, but for now, you rest and recharge, surrounded by the grand peaks of the High Atlas Mountains.

You start your day early, between 5 am and 5:30 am, to climb Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa at 4167 meters.

The climb begins at a cool dawn, giving you a chance to make your first ascent of over 4,000 meters. As you hike through rugged terrain, you feel excited, knowing a great view awaits at the top.

When you reach the summit, you're rewarded with amazing views of the High Atlas range, wide plains, and even the distant desert. The Siroua massif and Imlil Valley spread out before you, making you feel proud and amazed.

After enjoying the beautiful scenery, you start your way back down.

In the afternoon, you descend to the village of Aremd. The way down involves a big drop of 2270 meters, which tests your endurance and balance.

As you get closer to Aremd, you see traditional Berber buildings and feel welcomed. You'll spend the night in a gîte, where you can rest and think about the incredible journey of the day, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the Atlas Mountains.

After a restful night in Aremd, you start with a short morning walk to the village of Imlil before heading back to the lively city of Marrakech.

The walk, which lasts about an hour, lets you enjoy the peaceful beauty of the landscape one last time.

The walk down to Imlil is easy, with a drop of 204 meters in height and a highest point of 1904 meters. It's a great chance to think about your journey through the High Atlas mountains.

When you get to Imlil, you get into your vehicle and drive back to Marrakech. As you travel on the winding roads, the busy city slowly comes into view, which is very different from the quiet villages and rough mountains you've seen.

Once you arrive in Marrakech, you check in to your hotel, where a comfy room and a nice pool are waiting for you.

The afternoon is free for you to enjoy. You can relax by the pool and soak up the sun, or explore a bit of Marrakech on your own.

You can pick where and what to eat for both lunch and dinner, giving you the freedom to end your day as you like.

On the 21st day, you enjoy a final breakfast before heading to the airport for your trip home. As you eat your last meal in Morocco, you think about the amazing journey you've had.

You remember crossing the High Atlas mountains, climbing Mount Toubkal, and experiencing the lively Berber culture.

After breakfast, you pack up and get ready for your ride to the airport. You feel a mix of happiness and sadness because of the new friends you've made and the tough trails you've conquered.

You've traveled over 700 kilometers through rough mountain paths and calm valleys, showing your strength and love for adventure with every step.

Your ride to the airport goes smoothly, giving you one last look at the beautiful mountains that were your home for three weeks.

As you get on your flight, you carry not just souvenirs, but many amazing experiences and stories.

The Grand Atlas Adventure trek is over, but it will always be a big part of you.