7-Day M’Goun Summit & Gorges Trek

Driving: Approximately 5 hours Walking: 2–3 hours Elevation Gain: Approximately 500 m Accommodation: Camping at Ikkis N’Arous We will collect you from your accommodation in Marrakech around 8:00 AM and begin our journey toward the Central High Atlas Mountains. Our drive takes us through Azilal before continuing along the mountain roads toward the beautiful Aït Bouguemez Valley, also known as the Happy Valley. This valley is surrounded by impressive mountains and is well known for its traditional Amazigh villages, agricultural terraces, walnut trees, and green fields. After arriving in Aït Bouguemez, we will meet our trekking team and organize the equipment for the coming days. Our muleteers will prepare the mules to transport the tents, food supplies, and main luggage, while our cook prepares lunch. After lunch, we will begin our first hike through the Arous Valley. The path follows cultivated fields before gradually climbing toward the mountain pastures of Ikkis N’Arous. Along the way, we will pass small settlements and enjoy beautiful views over the valley. After approximately two to three hours of walking, we will reach our first campsite at an altitude of around 2,300 metres. Our team will prepare the tents and dinner, and we will have time to relax before the next day’s hike. Overnight in tents at Ikkis N’Arous.

Walking: 5–6 hours Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,100 m Elevation Loss: Approximately 500 m Highest Point: 3,400 m Accommodation: Camping on Tarkeddit Plateau After breakfast, we will begin our ascent toward Tizi n’Tarkeddit, situated at approximately 3,400 metres. The trail climbs through rocky slopes and mountain pastures, gradually gaining altitude above the Arous Valley. As we ascend, the scenery becomes increasingly impressive, with views over the surrounding mountains and valleys. We will walk at a comfortable, steady pace, stopping regularly for water and rest. Upon reaching the mountain pass, we will have an extensive view of the M’Goun massif and its impressive summit ridge. After spending some time enjoying the scenery, we will begin our descent toward the Tarkeddit Plateau. Located at approximately 2,900 metres, this vast plateau is an important summer grazing area for local nomadic shepherds. During the warmer months, we may see families staying in temporary mountain shelters with their sheep and goats. We will continue across the plateau until we reach our campsite, where our local team will be waiting. Lunch will be served along the route or at the campsite, depending on our walking pace. The afternoon will be spent resting, exploring the surroundings, and preparing for the summit ascent. We will have an early dinner and go to bed early. Overnight in tents on Tarkeddit Plateau.

Walking: 8–10 hours Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,170 m Elevation Loss: Approximately 1,470 m Highest Point: 4,071 m Accommodation: Camping in Oulilimt Valley Today we will attempt the summit of Jebel M’Goun, the second-highest mountain in Morocco. We will wake up early, have breakfast, and prepare our daypacks for the longest and most demanding hiking day of the trip. Our ascent begins from Tarkeddit Plateau, following a mountain path that gradually climbs toward the long summit ridge. The route crosses rocky terrain, with loose stones in some sections. As we gain altitude, we will have impressive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Once we reach the ridge, we will continue toward the summit, following the mountain crest with panoramic views on both sides. Depending on weather conditions and the group’s pace, we will reach the summit after several hours of climbing. At approximately 4,071 metres, Jebel M’Goun is the highest mountain in the Central High Atlas. From the summit, we can admire the surrounding peaks, the deep valleys of the M’Goun massif, and the landscapes extending south toward the Dadès region and Jebel Saghro. We will stop for photos, snacks, and some time to enjoy the views before beginning our descent. The descent takes us down the southern side of the mountain toward the Oulilimt Valley. This section involves a long walk across rocky slopes and requires careful footing. As we descend, the landscape gradually changes from high mountain ridges to wide valleys and seasonal grazing areas. Our team will establish the campsite near the Oulilimt Valley, where we will enjoy dinner and rest after the summit day. Overnight in tents in Oulilimt Valley.

Walking: Approximately 5 hours Elevation: Gradual descent toward 2,200 m Accommodation: Camping near Aflafel Springs After the challenging summit day, today’s walk will be more relaxed as we continue descending through the Oulilimt Valley. Following breakfast, we will leave our campsite and begin walking along the mountain valley. The scenery is completely different from the previous days. Instead of high rocky ridges, we will find wide valleys, unusual rock formations, small streams, and seasonal grazing areas. This region is used by Amazigh nomadic families, particularly the Aït Atta, who traditionally move their animals between different mountain pastures throughout the year. Depending on the season, we may encounter shepherds living in temporary shelters with their families and livestock. We will follow the valley downstream, walking along mountain paths and crossing small streams where necessary. As we continue, the valley gradually becomes narrower, and the first sections of the M’Goun river system begin to take shape. After approximately five hours of walking, we will arrive near the Aflafel Springs, situated at around 2,200 metres. This area provides a beautiful setting for our campsite. Our team will prepare lunch and dinner, and there will be plenty of time to rest and enjoy the surroundings. Overnight in tents near Aflafel Springs.

Walking: Approximately 6 hours Elevation: Gradual descent toward 1,800 m Accommodation: Camping near Imi N’Irkt After breakfast, we will continue our trek along the M’Goun Valley, following the river downstream. Today’s walk introduces us to another side of the Central High Atlas Mountains. As we descend, we begin passing more villages and agricultural areas. The valley becomes greener, with cultivated fields, walnut trees, apple trees, and traditional houses built using local materials. We will walk through several small Amazigh settlements, where farming and livestock remain important parts of daily life. Along the way, we will have opportunities to observe traditional agricultural terraces and the irrigation channels used to bring water to the fields. We will stop for lunch near Taghreft, where our cook will prepare a fresh meal. After lunch, we will continue following the valley toward Imi N’Irkt, located at approximately 1,800 metres. The name Imi N’Irkt is associated with the entrance to the gorges. As we approach the village, the surrounding valley becomes narrower, with impressive rock walls rising above the river. This is where we will begin to see the landscapes that make the M’Goun Gorges so remarkable. We will set up our campsite near the village and enjoy dinner prepared by our local team. Tomorrow we will enter the most impressive section of the M’Goun Gorges. Overnight in tents near Imi N’Irkt.

Walking: Approximately 6–7 hours Elevation Loss: Approximately 300–500 m Accommodation: Camping near Aguerzaka Today we explore one of the most striking landscapes of the M’Goun region: the M’Goun Gorges. After breakfast, leave camp and follow the river into the narrow canyon. Steep rock walls rise on both sides, framing the river as it winds through the gorge. Much of today’s walk follows the river. When water levels allow, we cross shallow sections from bank to bank, so secure water shoes or trekking sandals with good grip are useful. The water can feel cool, even in summer. We take our time through the narrower passages and stop for lunch along the route. After lunch, continue toward Tiranimine and Aguerzaka, where the canyon opens into the southern valleys. Our team prepares dinner at the final campsite near the village. Overnight in tents near Aguerzaka. Your guide checks the weather and river level before the gorge walk. After rainfall, the route may be adjusted, and the guide will choose the appropriate path for the day.

Driving: Approximately 6–7 hours, depending on the pickup location and road conditions Walking: Short optional village walk Accommodation: Not included After breakfast at our final campsite, we will pack our equipment and prepare for the journey back to Marrakech. Depending on road access, we may need a short local transfer or an additional walk to reach the road where our vehicle will be waiting. We will say goodbye to our muleteers and trekking team before beginning our return journey. Our route takes us through the southern foothills of the High Atlas Mountains and the beautiful Valley of Roses. This region is known for its traditional villages, agricultural fields, and cultivation of Damask roses, which are harvested during spring. We will pass through Kelaat M’Gouna, a town famous for its rose products and annual rose festival. We then continue toward Ouarzazate before crossing the High Atlas Mountains on our way back to Marrakech. There will be opportunities to stop for lunch and take photos along the journey. We expect to arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on traffic, road conditions, and the number of stops. Our driver will drop you off at your accommodation, marking the end of our seven-day M’Goun trekking adventure.