M’Goun Grand Traverse (Valley + Summit) – 8 Days

The M’Goun Grand Traverse is a signature Central High Atlas route that links the peaceful fields of Aït Bougmez (Happy Valley), the high Tarkeddit plateau, the Ighil M’Goun summit (4,068 m), and the dramatic M’Goun River gorges that spill toward the Dades region. Over eight days you’ll cross balcony paths, sleep in family gîtes and wild camps, and wade warm river sections through sculpted sandstone canyons—supported by an experienced local team and mule logistics.

Why choose this M’Goun Grand Traverse?

• Complete experience: valley life, summit ridgeline, and the Mgoun gorges in one itinerary

• Flexible daily pacing with route variants for weather and water levels

• Cultural immersion: Amazigh villages, igoudar (granaries), and nomad encounters on the plateau

• Leave-No-Trace travel, fair local partnerships, and fresh, hearty trail meals

• Mules carry luggage; you hike with a light daypack

Practical Info

• Best season: June–September for gorge sections (safer water levels, warm temps). Shoulder seasons (May/Oct) possible with flexible routing; spring snow may linger near Tarkeddit.

• Altitude: Sleep up to ~2,900 m; summit at 4,068 m. Itinerary offers gradual acclimatization.

• Terrain: Mule paths, rocky ridges, and river wet-walking on sand/pebble beds.

• Fitness: Comfortable hiking 5–8 hrs/day with sustained ascents/descents and time in water.

• Gear tips: Quick-dry clothing, river sandals/water shoes with toe protection, light trainers for camp, 2–3 L hydration, sun protection, dry-bags for phone/camera, trekking poles.

• Safety & flexibility: Daily briefings, weather/water checks, and alternative balcony lines when rivers run high.

Responsible Travel

We work with valley families for lodging and supplies, respect local customs, and follow Leave-No-Trace: pack-in/pack-out, tidy camps, and mindful wildlife/livestock distance. Your trek supports rural livelihoods across the M’Goun region.

FAQ (use for content + FAQ schema)

Do we have to walk in water?
Yes, several days involve wet-walking in the Mgoun gorges. Water is usually calf-to-knee deep in season; brief deeper pools are possible.

When are the gorges passable?
Typically June–September. Outside these months, routes may switch to balcony/valley paths if flows are high or weather unstable.

Is the summit technical?
No ropes needed. It’s a long ridge hike requiring good fitness and surefootedness, with early start and steady pacing.

Can baggage be transported through the gorges?
Yes—mules use parallel paths where needed; team coordinates hand-offs to keep loads dry. Bring personal dry-bags for electronics.

Can we customize the route?
Absolutely—shorter 7-day or longer 9–10 day variants add time in Aït Bougmez or a Dades extension.