High Atlas mountain biking

Description

Accommodation: Accommodation in a 3-star hotel or riad (local standards) and bivouac during the trek (tents with mattresses).
Transport: Transfers (from the arrival city to the starting point of the trek and back) by 4x4 vehicle or minibus with a driver, depending on the number of participants. If you get tired during the day, it will always be possible to ride in the 4x4.
Meals: Full board (excluding drinks) during the trek and half board on transfer days.
With your MTB or rental MTB:

If you're unsure about bringing your bike, know that good quality bikes are available for rent in Marrakech starting from €100 per week. We can act as an intermediary with rental companies. Cannondale and Giant bikes are available for rent.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Flight to Marrakech
Upon your arrival at Marrakech airport, our team will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel where dinner will be served.
Accommodation: Hotel.

Day 2: Marrakech - Demnate - Imi n’Ouaqqa
Early morning departure towards Demnate and the natural bridge of Imi n’Ifri (1,100m). After visiting this site, we stop at Iouaridene to admire dinosaur footprints. The first cycling steps begin in the High Atlas on a red dirt track. After a long trail along the mountainside, we ascend our first pass, Tizi n’Amarskine (2,012m), offering stunning views of the Jebel Til massif and the beautiful Tassaout Valley. Descent towards Imi n’Ouaqqa (1,817m), crossing many Berber villages.
Overnight in a guesthouse.
150 km transfer, 38 km MTB. Elevation gain: +1,390m, -690m.

Day 3: Imi n’Ouaqqa - Abachkou - Ait Bouguemez
We pass the village of Tarbat n’Tirsal and climb under the watchful eye of Mount Ghat to cross Tizi n’Tighist (2,400m), famous for its rock carvings, among the most renowned in the High Atlas. A beautiful descent to Abachkou follows, with undulating terrain and dazzling colors. Lunch by the river. In the afternoon, we ride along Assif Ait Boulli to Aguersif, before a good climb to Agouti (1,760m), the first village in the Ait Bouguemez valley.
Overnight in a guesthouse in the heart of the “Happy Valley.”
51 km MTB. Elevation gain: +1,450m, -1,350m.

Day 4: Ait Bouguemez - Tizi n’Tirghist - Zawyat Ahansal
We cycle through the upper Bouguemez Valley to Ifrane, followed by a solid climb to Tizi n’Tirghist Pass (2,629m). From the top, enjoy breathtaking views of the M’Goun massif (4,068m) and the green stretches of the Happy Valley below. After Tizi n’Tsali n’Imenaïn Pass, a scenic descent leads to Assamsouq Valley, passing through “The Dead Forest” (ancient thurifer juniper trees) to Tizi n’Ilissi Pass (2,603m). A 1,000m descent ends in Zawyat Ahansal, a historic Berber village at the foot of the majestic Aroudan Mountain.
Overnight in a guesthouse in the village.
71 km MTB. Elevation gain: +1,380m, -1,700m.

Day 5: Zawyat Ahansal - Mestefrane
We cycle along the scenic Ahançal River, spotting villages with fortified houses (“Tighremt”). After crossing to the right bank, we begin a gradual ascent along the mountainside. At the highest point, enjoy views of the impressive Taghia Cirque and its ochre cliffs. Ahead lies the striking Mestefrane Cliff, also known as “The Cathedral.” A winding descent leads to the valley and our accommodation in a guesthouse by the river in the village of Imi n’Ouareg.
43 km MTB. Elevation gain: +840m, -1,320m.

Day 6: Mestefrane - Bin El Ouidane Dam
We continue along the Ahançal River, heading north through a small pass (1,450m) to reach Tilouguit. A climb to Tizi n’Aït Isha Pass (1,802m) precedes a panoramic descent overlooking the Bin El Ouidane Dam and its surroundings.
Overnight in a guesthouse by the lake.
45 km MTB, 10 km paved road. Elevation gain: +955m, -950m.

Day 7: Bin El Ouidane Lake - Marrakech
Transfer via Beni Mellal to Marrakech, arriving early afternoon. Check-in at your riad or hotel with breakfast. The afternoon is free for sightseeing, exploring the souks, or relaxing by the pool.
225 km paved road.

Day 8: Return Flight from Marrakech
Transfer to the airport and assistance through the boarding process. Alternatively, extend your stay in Marrakech.
Transport: Minibus.