Jebel Mgoun Trek Itinerary: 10 Days Exploring the Atlas Mountains and Valley of Roses

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Arrive in Marrakech and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. Enjoy a delicious dinner and relax before starting your adventure.

Day 2: Marrakech to Happy Valley & Azib Ikkis
Transfer to the central High Atlas, passing through the city of Azilal and the impressive Oughbar Pass. Enjoy panoramic views of the M’Goun range, with peaks like Rat, Igoudamene, and Azourki. Arrive in Happy Valley, the starting point for the trek. Meet your mule team and embark on a 3-hour hike through Ait Said village to reach Azib Ikkis at 2,200m. Overnight in a bivouac camp.

Day 3: Azib Ikkis to Tizi Oumskik & Plateau Tarkeddit
Start your day with a gentle ascent to the Timramatiyn circus and Source Oumskiq, where you’ll replenish your water supplies. Trek towards Col Tarkkadit, offering stunning views of the M’Goun massif. After a brief descent, set up camp near the Tessout Spring at 2,990m. Enjoy a 5.5-hour trek with 1,150m elevation gain.

Day 4: Ascent of Jebel Mgoun (4,071m) & Oulilimt
Wake up early for the optional ascent of Jebel Mgoun, the second-highest peak in Morocco. After reaching the summit, descend through the scree to the Oulilimt camp at 2,650m. Enjoy breathtaking views of the central High Atlas, Jbel Saghro, and the Rose Valley. The day involves 5 hours of trekking.

Day 5: Oulilimt to Gorges Oulilimt & Ait Tighremt Ahmed
Follow the comfortable mule track through dramatic cliffs, stopping to meet the pastoral Berber nomads and discover cliff dwellings. Enjoy a relaxing walk with scenic views of tan, red, and brown rock formations. After lunch in the gorge, rest at the bivouac in Ait Tighremt Ahmed.

Day 6: Ait Tighremt Ahmed to Ouzighimt Valley & Imin Irkt Camp
Trek through the Ouzighimt Valley, passing through Berber villages like Ighrem Izderne and Wawchki. Experience local culture and meet the valley’s residents, known for their distinctive hairstyles and attire. After a 5.5-hour walk, relax at the Imin Irkt camp and enjoy the possibility of a hot shower.

Day 7: Imin Irkt to Aguerzaga
Walk through the dramatic gorges of the Atlas, navigating narrow passages with cliffs rising 600 meters on either side. The trek lasts around 6 hours with a 300m descent. After exiting the gorge, enjoy mint tea at Moh before continuing to your bivouac in Aguerzaga by the river.

Day 8: Aguerzaga to Valley of Roses & Boutghrar
Descend along the Mgoun River, passing through terraced agriculture and fields of almond, apricot, and fig trees. Enjoy a scenic walk through fortified villages and rose fields. This region is known for its Rose Festival held every May. After a 6-hour trek, overnight in Boutghrar, a village in the heart of the Valley of Roses.

Day 9: Boutghrar to Kelaa M’Gouna & Skoura
Take a morning trek through the Rose Valley, passing fortified villages and lush orchards. Reach Kelaa M’Gouna, famous for its rose production, and enjoy lunch. Afterward, transfer to Ouarzazate and Skoura, where you can explore the local kasbahs. Continue on to Marrakech, enjoying stunning views of the Atlas Mountains along the way.

Day 10: Explore Marrakech
After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Marrakech. Visit the famous souks, historic gardens, and the vibrant Djemaa el-Fna square before departing for your next adventure.