Highlights
- The Cathedral rock and the Taghia cliffs
- Barbary macaques in the Akhachane gorge
- Nomad plateaus around Imilchil and its twin lakes
- Agoudal, the highest village in Morocco
What awaits you
Few riders make it to the central High Atlas, and that is exactly the appeal. This route strings together Ait Bougmez, Zaouiat Ahansal, the Cathedral rock, the Anergui cirque and Imilchil on long gravel tracks, then drops through Morocco’s highest village into the Dades gorge.You ride with a 4×4 and a van carrying bags and food, and a mechanic looks after the bikes. Standard service is €950 per person; the comfort option with nicer guesthouses is €1,100.
Itinerary
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Arrival in Marrakech
Airport welcome and transfer to your hotel.
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Marrakech – Ait Bougmez valley (20 km)
A five-hour drive to the “Happy Valley” of Ait Bougmez, with lunch on the way. In the afternoon, a warm-up ride on the slopes of the M’Goun up to the village of Ait Imi. Night in a guesthouse.
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Ait Bougmez – Zaouiat Ahansal
Over the Tizi n’Tirghist (2,629 m) and a second pass, then a long, enjoyable descent into the Assamsouq valley and down to the village of Zaouiat Ahansal. Night in a family home.
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Zaouiat Ahansal – the “Cathedral” – Anergui
Along the Ahansal river and its fortified granaries, under the Taghia cliffs and the Mestefrane rock known as the Cathedral, then over the rocky ground beside the Akhachane gorge to the fortified villages of Anergui.
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Anergui – Imilchil
A steep path to the ridges, then the high Tingarf plateaus, grazing land of the Ait Abdi nomads, and a trail via Tasraft to Imilchil and its twin lakes.
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Imilchil – Agoudal – Dades gorge
From 2,100 m the gravel crosses open plateaus of hardpack and loose stones to Agoudal, the highest village in Morocco, then drops into the Dades gorge. Vast, empty country with only shepherds for company.
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Dades – Kelaat M’Gouna – Marrakech
A change of pace: river oases, earthen kasbahs and rolling gravel to Kelaat M’Gouna in the Valley of Roses, then the drive back to Marrakech.
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Departure
Transfer to Marrakech airport.
Timings are a guide. Your guide adapts the pace to the group and the weather.
Route
Starts at Ait Bougmez
Watch the ride
Photos from this tour
What’s included
- Airport transfers in Marrakech
- Local guide
- Support vehicle with driver all along the route
- Luggage transported between overnight stops
- Bike mechanic and spare parts
- Accommodation as listed in the itinerary
- All meals during the tour
- Water and snacks during the rides
Not included
- Gravel bike or e-bike rental
- Personal cycling gear (helmet, gloves)
- International flights
- Travel and medical insurance
- Drinks and alcohol
What to bring
- Cycling shoes or sturdy trainers
- Padded shorts and gloves
- Warm layer and rain jacket
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Small backpack or hydration pack
Season
April to October
