M’Goun Classic Summit & Happy Valley Loop – 6 days
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M’Goun Classic Summit & Happy Valley Loop – 6 Days
The M’Goun Classic Summit blends a high-ridge ascent (4,068 m) with a beautiful loop through the Aït Bougmez “Happy Valley,” Arous gorges, and the wild Tarkeddit plateau. Designed for trekkers who want a true Atlas experience without technical climbing, this 6-day itinerary balances steady elevation gains, comfortable village stays, and one unforgettable summit day—supported by an experienced local team.
Why choose this M’Goun Classic Summit trek?
Time-tested route linking Aït Bougmez, Arous, Tarkeddit, Oulilimt, and Tizi n’Aït Imi
Summit ridge of Ighil M’Goun (4,068 m) with sweeping views of the Central High Atlas
Genuine Amazigh hospitality in family-run gîtes and camps
Flexible pacing, daily briefings, and Leave-No-Trace travel
Luggage carried by mules; you hike with a light daypack
Practical Info
Best season: April–June & Sept–Oct (clear skies, cooler nights).
Altitude: Sleep up to ~2,900 m; summit at 4,068 m—great acclimatization profile.
Terrain: Good mule paths, rocky sections on ridges, occasional river crossings.
Fitness: Comfortable hiking 5–8 hrs/day with sustained ascents/descents.
Gear: 3-season sleeping bag for camps/refuge, warm layers, sun protection, headlamp, trekking poles, 2–3 L hydration capacity.
Price: From €690 per person (min. 2). Custom quotes for larger groups.
Responsible Travel
We respect local customs, share business with valley families, and keep impact low: pack-in/pack-out, tidy camp spots, and thoughtful wildlife/livestock distance. Your trek helps sustain rural livelihoods in the Happy Valley.
FAQ (use for content + FAQ schema)
Is the M’Goun Classic Summit technical?
No technical climbing; it’s a long, steady hike on a broad ridge. Good fitness and surefootedness required.
Where do we sleep near the summit?
Typically at Tarkeddit (refuge or camp) before summit day, then Oulilimt camp after the descent.
How cold is it?
Nights at 2,700–2,900 m can drop near freezing in shoulder months; bring warm layers and a 3-season bag.
Can this be shortened or extended?
Yes—5-day express or 7-day version adding extra time in Aït Bougmez or an additional gorge day.
What about water and food?
We provide treated water, hot drinks, and hearty meals (soups, tagines, pasta, salads) adapted to dietary needs.
Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging
Pax | Price (€/person) |
---|---|
2 | 675 |
3–4 | 590 |
5–8 | 520 |
9–12 | 465 |
Single supplement: €80
Included/Exclude
- Licensed English-speaking mountain guide
- Muleteers, cook, and full support team
- Camping equipment (tents, mattresses)
- Accommodation in gîtes and tents
- Meals during the trek (B,L,D)
- Private transport from/to Marrakech
- Local taxes
- Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, boots, poles)
- Drinks and snacks outside meals
- Entrance fees in Marrakech or stops en route
- Travel insurance
- Tips for crew
Tour Amenities
Tour Plan
You leave Marrakech in the morning and head east across the Haouz plain before climbing into the foothills. Along the way you can stop at the Imi n’Ifri natural bridge, a dramatic limestone arch. As you enter the Bougmez Valley, you’re greeted by orchards, fields of barley and apple trees, and small Berber villages with adobe houses. Arrival in Agouti or Tabant, the trek’s trailhead, where you meet the mule team. Dinner and overnight in a family-run gîte.
Meals: D • Transfer: 5–6 hrs
Your first trekking day begins with an easy walk along terraced fields, irrigation channels, and small hamlets. Gradually the path enters the Arous Valley, with juniper trees and rocky outcrops. After a picnic lunch, you ascend towards the shepherd huts of Azib Arous, a high pasture used in summer. The setting is spectacular, with cliffs and clear night skies. Dinner and overnight in camp.
Meals: B,L,D • Trek: 4–5 hrs • Ascent: ~500 m
A long and steady climb leads to the Tizi n’Aghouri Pass (~3,400 m), the first real test of altitude. From the top, the views extend across the High Atlas chain. Descend onto the wide, grassy Tarkeddit Plateau, where nomads camp in summer and the air feels crisp and fresh. This plateau is the traditional base for M’Goun ascents. Dinner and overnight in tents.
Meals: B,L,D • Trek: 6–7 hrs • Ascent: ~1,000 m
An early alpine start, usually before dawn, as you climb the long ridge towards the summit. The ascent is gradual but sustained, taking 5–6 hours to reach the top. From the summit, the panorama is immense: to the north, the Middle Atlas, and to the south, the arid Anti-Atlas and Saghro. After a well-earned break, descend into the wild Oulilimt Valley, a green corridor with springs and grazing flocks. Camp is set near the river.
Meals: B,L,D • Trek: 8–10 hrs • Ascent/Descent: +1,200 m / -1,400 m
A more relaxed day, following the Oulilimt River downstream. The trail winds through meadows and small gorges, with a picnic lunch along the way. In the afternoon you reach the Aflafal Springs, a famous natural source at the base of the cliffs. Settle into camp nearby, with time to relax, chat with shepherds, and enjoy a quieter evening.
Meals: B,L,D • Trek: 5–6 hrs
The final challenge is the climb to the Tizi n’Aït Imi Pass, nearly 500 m above camp. From the crest, you can see the entire Bougmez Valley spread below like a patchwork of green. After photos and a final picnic, descend into the valley to meet your transport. Drive back to Marrakech, arriving in the evening.
Meals: B,L • Trek: 5–6 hrs • Transfer: 5 hrs
5
Incredible 6-day trek combining the M’Goun summit with the stunning Happy Valley, full of breathtaking views and authentic Berber charm
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