In the central part of the High Atlas, where it becomes most impenetrable, rises a multitude of summits of an approximate height of 4000m : thus M' Goun ( 4068 m ), Ouaougoulzat ( 3770 m ). The magnificent Berber villages of the valley of Aït Bougmez , isolated and difficult to access during a long period of the year because of snow, spread at their foothills, oases of greenery surrounded by austere landscapes. Besides the ascent of M' Goun, immense 40 km croup, the wealth of this hike, short but steady, is bound to the big variety of landscapes.
Day 1 : Arrival Marrakesh
Arrived at the airport of Marrakesh , reception airport. First contact with Morocco , its atmosphere, its colors. Transfer in the hotel.
Dinner and at night in the hotel.
Day 2 : MARRAKECH / AZILAL / AIT BOUGUEMEZ / IKKIS AROUS
We leave Marrakesh early. Transfer by minibus to join the valley of Aït Bouguemez , the “ Happy Valley ". Lunch on the way towards Azilal. Crossing of the pass Oughbar (2200m), panoramic sight on the relief, mountains of Tizal-Azourki-Mgoun and Rat, then long descent on a sinuous road towards the valley Ait Abbes . Arrival in the valley of Ait Bouguemez . We load the mules which will accompany us. We follow paths through wheat fields. We leave the rich valley of Ait Bouguemaz for the small valley Arous. Going through the village Ait Said, then a path leads to the right bank of the river Arous. The path rises then towards the sheepfold Azib' n Ikkis at 2300 m . Difference in height, ascent 500 m .
Dinner and at night in the bivouac - 3 hour walk.
VALLEE AIT BOUGUEMEZ
Day 3 : IKKIS AROUS / TARKEDDIT
We slowly climb towards the pass Tarkedit 3400m, easy muleteer's paths. Some breaks before the path where sight on the summit Mgoun 4068 m is magical - Short descent towards the plateau of Tarkedit frequented by Nomads.
Climbing difference in height 1150m and 500m of descent.
Dinner and night in bivouac – 5.00h walk
Day 4 : PLATEAU of TARKEDIT ( 2.900 m ) / Peak M'Goun ( 4.068 m ) (optionnal) / SOURCE OULILIMT ( 2.600 m )
We leave early for a long day. We shall follow a path which will take us until the top. A varied ground, with masses of fallen rocks, pebbles, to become again a normal path of mountain, with one stop at the end of the way. Small break before attacking the crest, then a path which becomes easy, once we have reached the summit, we take our noon picnic and we start the most spectacular part. Descent on mass of fallen rocks, but careful with your knees, legs are exhausted by the 5 hours climb.
The descent is long to join the springs of the valley of Ifri . We find the herds of transhumant's as well as nomads' life. Camping near the source Oulilimt, 1.100 m of climb and 1.400 m of descent.
Dinner and night in bivouac - 09 hours of walking (with ascent) 05 hours without ascent
LE MGOUN
Day 5 : SPRING OULILIMT ( 2600m) / TIGHREMT AIT AHMED ( 2300m ) .
Easy day and magnificent landscapes. The muleteer's path crosses the massif of Mgoun with beautiful colours (Green Red Grey) – fairy walk - there are fewer villages along our circuit but we meet many Nomads sheltered under cliffs or caves with their goats sheep's and dromedary herds.
Noon meal at the entrance of Gorges Oulilimt, at the camp 2300m, of Tighremt N' Ait Ahmed.
Made uneven by descent 350m.
Dinner and night in bivouac – 05h walking
TIGHREMT AIT AHMED
Day 6 : TIGHREMT AIT AHMED / TIMIT
We begin the day with a small climb, steep little climb, quite slowly towards the pass of Ait Imi. Magnificent panoramic sight from the pass on all the neighbouring mountains; to the right Wawgoulzat (3760m, Tagafayt, ( 3700 m ), Igoudamene (3600m and opposite Azourki (3700m, Tizal at the height of Marabout Sidi Moussa ( 3100 m ) and behind, view of Mgoun. Descent towards the famous spring Ait Imi to a place for lunch in the shade. By the village of Ait Imi and the paths which zigzag in fields and under the copses of walnuts, we join our muleteers. By the village of Ait Imi and the paths which zigzag in fields and under the copses of walnuts, we join our muleteers. Night in private homes. Warm shower in the evening. 650m of climb and 1000m of descent.
Day 7 : TIMIT / AZILAL / MARRAKESH
Breakfast and departure for Marrakesh via very beautiful Azilal mountainous routes, we leave the happy valley by Pass Aghoubar.
Lunch along the way
Arrival to Marrakesh and open afternoon to visit the ochre city
