Discover the breathtaking Aït Bougmez Valley, known as the “Happy Valley” of Morocco’s High Atlas. This 9-day High Atlas trekking tour takes you through green landscapes, traditional Berber villages, spectacular mountains and authentic cultural experiences in the heart of Morocco.
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Welcome at Marrakech airport and transfer to your hotel or riad (4-star or similar).
- Free time to rest.
- Optional: visit Jemaa el-Fna square (20 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by taxi).
- Accommodation: 3-star hotel or riad
- Meals included: breakfast.
Day 2 – Marrakech – Zaouiat Ahansal, Central High Atlas
The journey heads into the heart of the High Atlas via Azilal, through small Berber villages, to Zaouiat Ahansal, one of the most authentic and spectacular regions of the Moroccan Atlas.
Day 3 – Zaouiat Ahansal, Taghia
From Tiranimine we start a magnificent hike through the landscapes of Zaouiat Ahansal and the Taghia Cirque, with spectacular mountains and unique High Atlas scenery along the way.
Day 4 – Taghia – Aït Bougmez Valley
After breakfast we continue to the Aït Bougmez Valley, at over 2,000 metres. From the village of Zaouiat Oulmzi we set off on a pleasant walk through farmland and Berber hamlets.
Later we enjoy a traditional meal with a local family in the village of Tadrout, then follow the river and the ancient irrigation channels used by the valley’s inhabitants.
Dinner and accommodation: Hotel in the Aït Bougmez Valley.
Day 5 – Hike to the Sidi Moussa communal granary
After breakfast we head to the historic Sidi Moussa communal granary, perched on a hill with panoramic views over the whole Aït Bougmez Valley.
Traditional mint tea with the granary keeper, then a descent to the village of Timit. After a picnic lunch we return to the hotel.
Day 6 – Hiking the Berber valleys of the High Atlas (Ahbak and Ansous)
The hike continues to the Ahbak Valley through mud-brick villages, past forests, High Atlas pastures and shepherds’ houses at the foot of Mount Tizal, and through a beautiful juniper forest.
Lunch is served outdoors, prepared by a professional cook with local produce. We return to the Ansous Valley after about five hours of hiking.
Day 7 – Aït Bougmez Valley – Aït Bou Oulli Valley – Marrakech
The route continues to the Aït Bou Oulli Valley, one of the natural and cultural treasures of the Central High Atlas, where we discover the ancient rock carvings of Tizi n’Tirghist, a record of early human presence in the Moroccan mountains.
After a traditional lunch in Imi Nifri we continue to Marrakech and check in to the hotel.
Day 8 – Cultural tour of Marrakech
A day to discover Marrakech with a local guide: the main historic monuments, the traditional souks and the famous Jemaa el-Fna square.
Day 9 – Airport transfer
Transfer to Marrakech airport according to your flight time, with assistance for your departure.
End of the trip.
Best time for this trip
The best time for this trip is from late March to late October.
Prices
| Group size | 1 to 5 people | 6 to 8 people | 9 to 14 people | 15 people or more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per person | 1120 € | 890 € | 680 € | 500 € |
- Price includes
- • Arrival and departure transfers at Marrakech airport.
- • Private air-conditioned transport throughout the trip.
- • Tourist transport for the whole tour.
- • Professional multilingual guide throughout the trip.
- • Accommodation in hotels, riads and rural guesthouses throughout.
- • Full board on trekking days (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
- • Drinks during the trip (tea, mineral water)
- • Breakfasts and lunches throughout the trip.
- • Berber cook.
- • Guided tour of Marrakech's main sights (9:00 am to 1:00 pm)
- • Dinners throughout the tour except in Marrakech.
- • Visits and excursions as per the itinerary.
- • A complete High Atlas hiking experience.
- Not included
- Flights.
- Travel and repatriation insurance.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for the guide and cook.
- Meals in Marrakech.
- Lunch on the day of return to Marrakech.
- Entrance fees to monuments.
FAQ: 9-day High Atlas trekking tour
What is included in the 9-day trekking tour?
Marrakech airport transfers, private air-conditioned transport, a professional guide, accommodation in hotels, riads and rural guesthouses, full board on trekking days, a Berber cook, tea and water during the trip, and a guided tour of Marrakech.
What is not included?
Flights, travel and repatriation insurance, meals in Marrakech, lunch on the day you return, monument entrance fees, tips and personal expenses.
Where does the route go?
The route crosses the Central High Atlas: Zaouiat Ahansal, the Taghia cirque, the Aït Bougmez valley (the “Happy Valley”), the Sidi Moussa communal granary and the Berber valleys of Ahbak and Ansous.
When is the best time for this trek?
The best time is from late March to late October, when the Atlas trails are in good condition and the weather is pleasant for walking.
How much does it cost?
The tour costs from €500 per person. The final price depends on group size (1–5, 6–8, 9–14 or 15+ travellers).