Happy Valley trek – 8 days
For Atlas Trekking you need to prepare as you would for walking in any mountain region; it can be warm and sunny during the day but the weather in the mountains can quickly change from sunshine to snow and cold winds (autumn through late spring). Please do not leave any rubbish behind you; carry out what you carry in.
Atlas Treks are tailored to match the season and your level of fitness. You have the choice of basing yourself in Berber Guesthouses, from where you can take daily walks, or you can Atlas Mule Trek for 2+ days. On mule treks you usually have the choice of staying in Berber Guesthouse/with families or wild camping in 2-person tents. In addition to regular packing, here is a Check List for Atlas Trekking:
- Good walking boots and socks
- Comfortable shoes/slippers for camp/guesthouse
- Trekking pants
- Lightweight waterproof over-trousers / rain-pants
Transport from Marrakech towards the east, passing by many towns and villages on the way to the western high atlas mountains. Picnic on the way and carry on our drive to get to Ait Bougmez (Happy Valley), until Agouté where we stop for the first night in Berber village or tent.
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We start our trek following the guide and the team who will join us during this trek, we follow the piste that lead us to Assif N’Arouss valley, passing by the Ait Said hamlet from where we see the M’goun Peak. We continue on to Azib Arouss to visit the Arouss Gorge and for the overnight camp. (About 6 hours’ walk.)
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After breakfast we set off following the valley to Tizi N’aghouirit, where we stop for lunch. We then continue our walk to the Tarkeddid Plateau from where we can see the Tassaout Gorges. We camp here overnight. (About 5 to 6 hours’ walk.)
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Following an early breakfast we climb one of the most famous mountains in North Africa, M’Goun (4,068m), from where we can see views over the Ait Bougmez Valley. We then descend to Oulilmt for overnight stay. (About 9 to10 hours’ walk.)
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Following a hard day on Day 4, Day 5 is more relaxed with a later start and an easy trek through the Oulilmt Valley (sandles are needed for river walking). The trek finishes at Teghremt N’Ait Ahmed where we stay overnight. (About 5 hours’ walk.)
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We set off from Teghremt N’Ait Ahmed, passing by Tizi N’Ait Imi (2,900m), from where we will see the Happy Valley and M’goun. We have lunch in Ait Imi (1,900) and descend to Tabant, where we have an overnight stay in a Berber Gite. (About 7 hours’ walk.)
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After breakfast we return to Marrakech by car.
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Transfer back to Marrakech Airport and departure.
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