Day 1: Arrive Marrakech and transfer to Riad
Day 2: Transfer from Marrakech to Aguersafene
We transfer from Marrakech to the Western High Atlas Mountains and camp for the night on the banks of the Assif Sembal at the very edge of the traditional village of Aguersfene (1587m). 6 hours transfer, approximately.
Day 3: Walk from Aguersafene to Azmou n’Guenfis (Guenfis meadows)
We begin our walk by following the Assif Ida Gourion upwards through mixed almond and walnut trees, passing occasional small villages and hamlets along the way. Once beyond Targa Oufella (1959m), the highest settlement in the main valley, the trail rises very steeply to cross Tizi Asdim (2842m) and onto the Tichka Plateau.
We follow the western ridge of the Tichka Plateau, gently rising to the small peak of Awrir n’Tidaf (2934m) from where we enjoy wonderful views westwards across the Western High Atlas Mountains. Finally, we descend to the plateau itself to reach the idyllic summer pastures of Azmou n’Guenfis (Guenfis meadows) where we camp for the night. (6 hours’ walking, approximately)
Day 4: Walk from Azmou n’Guenfis to Tagouyamt
We climb back up onto the undulating ridge of the Tichka Plateau for more spectacular views westwards until we rise once more to Wajir Ouadadene (3139m). From here, the highest point of the Day, we head back down to the plateau to Tagouyamt, another beautiful summer pasture, where we camp for the night, close to the shell of a former-French military station. (4 hours’ walking, approximately).
Day 5: Walk from Tagouyamt to Imrardene and Askawn
We leave behind our tents and head back up a small tributary valley and then undertake a wonderful ridge walk which wraps around the south-western and then the southern rim of the Tichka Plateau, rising to a succession of high points including Imrardene (3351m) and Askawn (3078m). The views to the south are quite breath-taking and reward us for quite a tough Day’s walking. From we finally descend and return to our camp at Tagouyamt. (7 hours walking, approximately).
Day 6: Walk from Tagouyamt to Tasghimout
Today we take a gentle walk back across the summer pastures of the Tichka Plateau, taking time to enjoy this rather special pastoral landscape and camp for the night (2417m) below the rocky knoll of Tasghimout (2844m). (3 hours walking, approximately)
Day 7: Optional ascent of Amendach
Today we have the option of climbing Amendach (3382m), the highest of all the peaks that encircle the Tichka Plateau, for wonderful views in all directions. Alternatively, there is the choice of either gently exploring the summer pastures of the plateau or even taking a rest day and simply enjoying the natural beauty of our location. 5 hours’ walking for the optional ascent of Amendach.
Day 8: Walk from Tasghimout to Imlil
We break camp and begin our descent from the plateau. The trail soon joins the banks of the Assif Nfis, at times rising high above the river, at others descending to cross its tributary valleys. We head on, descending further through the legendary Tiziatin Forest and stunning mountain scenery, until we arrive at the traditional village of Imlil (1706m). We camp for the night close to the marabout of Ibn Toumart, founder of the Almohad Dynasty. 7 hours’ walking, approximately.
Day 9: Walk from Imlil to Souq Sebt Ghbalou and transfer to Marrakech
We continue gently downriver, following the piste that leads onwards from Imlil along the north bank of the Oued Nfis until it reaches its confluence with the Assif n’Oumsour. Here we arrive at the market town of Souq Sebt Ghbalou (1615m) where our vehicle will meet us. If this is a Satuday, we can take time to enjoy the weekly market. We then transfer back across the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Test (2092m), the most dramatic mountain road pass in Morocco, and take you to your riad in Marrakech where you will have free time in the evening to continue your exploration of this celebrated city. 2 hours walking and 3 hours’ transfer, approximately.
Day 10: Depart Marrakech
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