Embrace the excitement of a remote trek through one of the most spectacular gorges in all Morocco and descend through the Valley of the Roses
A trek through the Achabou Gorges offers the experience of perhaps the most exhilerating of all possible routes across the High Atlas Mountains. Depart from the green and fertile Aït Bou Guemez Valley and follow the course of Assif Mgoun as this wonderful river cuts its path through stunning, rocky gorges. Finally emerge into the haven of the Valley of the Roses, close to the edge of Jebel Sahro and the Anti-Atlas Mountains which rise in the south.
Morocco
Mgoun
Duration
4-8 days
Mountain Trek
Moderate/Challenging
INTRO TO THE HAPPY VALLEY TO THE VALLEY OF THE ROSES
A trek through the Achabou Gorges offers the experience of perhaps the most exhilerating of all possible routes across the High Atlas Mountains. Depart from the green and fertile Aït Bou Guemez Valley and follow the course of Assif Mgoun as this wonderful river cuts its path through stunning, rocky gorges. Finally emerge into the haven of the Valley of the Roses, close to the edge of Jebel Sahro and the Anti-Atlas Mountains which rise in the south.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Start in the beautiful Aït Bou Guemez Valley and finish in the Valley of the Roses
- Trek across the mountain pass of Tizi n’Aït Imi for panoramic views of the High Atlas
- Trek through traditional Berber villages
- Head through the stunning Achabou Gorges
PLACES TO BE VISITED
- Aït Bou Guemez Valley – Tizi n’Aït Imi – Tighrent n’Aït Ahmed – Imi n’Irkt – Aguerzaka – Boutaghrar (Valley of the Roses)
KEY INFORMATION
- 4 days of moderate/challenging trekking, maximum altitude – 2,905m
- 1 night in simple, local accommodation plus 2 nights nights camping, or 3 nights in simple, local accommodation, depending on the season
- You can start your trek on any date you wish
- This trek is available throughout the year, subject to rain and snow
- On occasion local weather conditions may require the trekking route to be altered in the interests of your safety
- If this itinerary is not exactly what you had in mind, please do contact us for a discussion as all itineraries can be adapted according to your wishes
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Full escort: our treks are fully escorted by an English-speaking, local, official mountain guide, muleteers and a cook
- Accommodation: 1 night in simple, local accommodation plus 2 nights nights camping, or 3 nights in simple, local accommodation, depending on the season
- Meals: lunch and dinner on Day 1, breakfast, lunch and dinner on Days 2 and 3, plus breakfast and lunch on Day 4, all including bottled mineral water and hot drinks
- Documentation: provided documents include a personalised itinerary for your trek, a full risk assessment of your trekking route, a bespoke kit list and facts about the country.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- International flights
- Sleeping bags
- Travel insurance
- Tips
- Soft drinks & items of a personal nature
Best Season
June to October
PRICES
Trek only
Including Add-ons
BESPOKE
BESPOKE
Maximum group size – 12
Bespoke, private tours: Please talk with us if you would prefer a private, bespoke, tailor made tour for dates of your own choosing.
DAY 1
Walk from Aït Bou Guemez to Tighremt n’Aït Ahmed
We leave Aït Bou Guemez Valley by climbing steeply up to the Tizi n’Aït Imi (2,905m) and enjoy the panoramic views in all directions before descending into the Oulilmt Valley. Cross the river to the isolated ruin of Tighremt n’Aït Ahmed (2235m). Camp close by this ancient monument on the banks of the river. 5.5 hours walking, approximately.
DAY 2
Walk from Tighremt n’Aït Ahmed to Imi n’Irkt
We follow the course of the Oulilmt River further as it leads into the Assif Mgoun Valley, winding our way along its banks through a succession of beautiful, traditional villages. Finally, we reach the last of these, Imi n’Irkt (2100m), at the very mouth of the gorge. We camp at the edge of the village. 4.5 hours walking, approximately.
DAY 3
Walk from Imi n’Irkt to Aguerzaka
We leave Imi n’Irkt by wading through the Assif Mgoun to its far bank. We then spend much of the day fording the stream, following its quickening course right through the stunning gorges of Abachou before finally emerging at the small village of Aguerzaka (1820m). We spend the night in a local gite. 6 hours walking, approximately.
DAY 4
Walk from Aguerzaka to Boutaghrar and transfer to El Kelaa des Mgouna
We follow the valley onwards from Aguerzaka. Although the valley begins to widen, there is still little sign of a path and the river itself largely remains our guide. We emerge at Boutaghrar (1500m). If we have energy, we can explore the narrow lanes of this historic village and admire the architecture and craftsmanship of its numerous ancient tighremts. We transfer to El Kelaa des Mgouna. 6 hours walking and 1 hour transfer, approximately.
The Happy Valley to the Valley of the Roses
WITH ADD-ONS
Our The Happy Valley to the Valley of the Roses trek is also available with add-ons – with all the trimmings – which include:
- Airport pick-up upon arrival and transfer to a riad in the medina of Marrakech
- 1 night’s accommodation with breakfast in a riad in Marrakech before your trek
- Transfer from Marrakech to Aït Bou Guemez Valley in the High Atlas mountains, including lunch and dinner, for the start of your trek
- 1 night in simple, local accommodation, including breakfast, in Aït Bou Guemez Valley at the start of your trek
- Local transfer from Boutaghrar to your accommodation in The Valley of the Roses
- 1 night in simple, local accommodation, including breakfast, in The Valley of the Roses at the end of your trek
- Transfer from The Valley of the Roses back to Marrakech, including lunch, at the end of your trek
- 1 night’s accommodation with breakfast in a riad in Marrakech at the end of your trek
- Transfer back to the airport for your departure from Morocco
- All transfers are taken in a modern, air-conditioned minibus or 4×4 vehicle with professional driver unless stated “local transfer” above.
