Unforgettable easy trek through the rose fields and kasbahs 8 days.An itinerary that allows you to discover one of the most beautiful valleys in Morocco, the M'Goun Valley, better known as the Valley of the Roses. You will be amazed by the contrast between the arid mountains and the lush gardens carpeted in the bottom of the valleys on the banks of the river. This region of the Atlas has remained timeless and you will discover all the richness of the Berber culture that has remained intact.
You will hike from village to village following the river, accompanied by a muleteer who knows the trails perfectly. Always welcomed with happiness by the |
inhabitants, you will sleep in typical mud casbahs built in adobe and share culinary specialities. An unforgettable experience!
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ITINERARY:
Day1: Marrakech.
Welcome at Marrakech Airport by our guide and transfer to your in Riad in the Medina.
Overnight in Riad traditional Guest House.
Day2: Igherm Aqdim - Aguerzaka
Transfer by off-road vehicle to the village of Igherm Aqdim in the M'Goun valley (vallée des Roses), the starting point of the tour. Climbing up magnificent gorges carved in red granite to the village of Aguerzaka. This small village of mud kasbahs located on the foothills of the High Atlas is totally isolated from the world.
Overnight at the Berber house (basic).2.5 walking - A =50 m.
Day3: Aguerzaka - Amejgag
Climbed by a beautiful track on a mountainside to reach the desert foothills of the Jebel Touchar. On the banks of the dry wadis, an unforgettable encounter with Berber nomads living in cave dwellings. You then cross a small pass at 2,000 metres to descend to the village of Amejgag and its superb collective granaries, in the lush valley of the assif Imeskar.
Overnight at the Berber house (basic).5.5 hrs walk - A = 250 m - D = 230 m.
Day4: Amejgag - Boutaghar
You cross vast cultivated areas in the alluvial plain of the Imeskar to reach the point of confluence with the assif Ait Toumert. You then follow fresh and deep gorges. On the other hand, the multicoloured mountains are of striking beauty. In the many small villages, you can admire fortified granaries that look like citadels.
Overnight in a Berber guest house.6 hrs walking D = 170 m.
Day5: Boutaghar - Tabarkhach't
From Boutaghar, you descend the Valley of the Roses through small traditional adobe villages, orchards (fig trees, almond trees, olive trees, apple trees, walnut trees...), wheat or corn fields. This green valley, irrigated by a very elaborate canal system, contrasts with the arid mountains around it. A very fragrant variety of rosehips is cultivated here, which is used, among other things, to produce a famous rose water.
Overnight stay with a local resident. 5.5hrs walk D = 100 m.
Day6: Tabarkhach't - Rekon
You continue down the Roses Valley to its capital, El-Kelaa M'Gouna, where the Roses Festival is held every year in May. You pass through small cultivation areas where rose and almond blends with peaceful villages hidden in the freshness of oases of fig trees and other fruit trees. Halfway up the cliff you can enjoy a panoramic view of the region. Then it is the crossing of a vast desert plateau before finding the freshness of a clay kasbah near the orchards.
Overnight stay with a local resident. 3 hrs 30 walk - D = 100 m.
Day7: Rekon - Ibarrahane - Ouarzazate/Marrakech
You start with a walk on the edge of the cliff that overlooks the entire Valley of Roses and its capital. Then you reach the valley to walk along the edge of the irrigation canals through fields and lush orchards. Finally, you cross the only unsinkable bridge over the M'Goun wadi. Transfer to Ouarzazate where you arrive around noon; free afternoon. Or transfer to Marrakech; lunch along the way, arrival in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Riad traditional Guest House.1.5hrs walking - D = 50 m.
Day8: Marrakech.
Transfer to Marrakech or Ouarzazate airport.
NB: walking times are given as an indication, and calculated for average walkers without breaks and time taken for the picnic.
A = Ascent. D = Downhill.
Rose Festival
Many roses are planted at the edge of the fields for use in perfumery; Morocco is one of the main suppliers of rose oil for the French perfume industry. The Damascus rose, Rosa damascena, was reportedly introduced to Morocco by pilgrims returning from Damascus.
Between mid-April and mid-May, the landscape is filled with famous petals. An exquisite and delicate smell, slightly peppery, then invades the valley. Before the flower of love fades, the villagers harvest the petals...
For a long time, the valley has celebrated the end of the harvest with a colourful festival. On the first weekend of May, it is one of the most popular moussems in the country.
For three days, on the the first week of May, the region is experiencing a very special festive atmosphere. The rose capital, El-Kelaa M'Gouna, then lived to the rhythm of traditional dances, chariot parades, craft exhibitions, souks in which the Aït Atta, Berber nomads, came to make their last purchases before settling for summer in the High Atlas mountains. The election of a "Miss Roses" closes the festival.
Day1: Marrakech.
Welcome at Marrakech Airport by our guide and transfer to your in Riad in the Medina.
Overnight in Riad traditional Guest House.
Day2: Igherm Aqdim - Aguerzaka
Transfer by off-road vehicle to the village of Igherm Aqdim in the M'Goun valley (vallée des Roses), the starting point of the tour. Climbing up magnificent gorges carved in red granite to the village of Aguerzaka. This small village of mud kasbahs located on the foothills of the High Atlas is totally isolated from the world.
Overnight at the Berber house (basic).2.5 walking - A =50 m.
Day3: Aguerzaka - Amejgag
Climbed by a beautiful track on a mountainside to reach the desert foothills of the Jebel Touchar. On the banks of the dry wadis, an unforgettable encounter with Berber nomads living in cave dwellings. You then cross a small pass at 2,000 metres to descend to the village of Amejgag and its superb collective granaries, in the lush valley of the assif Imeskar.
Overnight at the Berber house (basic).5.5 hrs walk - A = 250 m - D = 230 m.
Day4: Amejgag - Boutaghar
You cross vast cultivated areas in the alluvial plain of the Imeskar to reach the point of confluence with the assif Ait Toumert. You then follow fresh and deep gorges. On the other hand, the multicoloured mountains are of striking beauty. In the many small villages, you can admire fortified granaries that look like citadels.
Overnight in a Berber guest house.6 hrs walking D = 170 m.
Day5: Boutaghar - Tabarkhach't
From Boutaghar, you descend the Valley of the Roses through small traditional adobe villages, orchards (fig trees, almond trees, olive trees, apple trees, walnut trees...), wheat or corn fields. This green valley, irrigated by a very elaborate canal system, contrasts with the arid mountains around it. A very fragrant variety of rosehips is cultivated here, which is used, among other things, to produce a famous rose water.
Overnight stay with a local resident. 5.5hrs walk D = 100 m.
Day6: Tabarkhach't - Rekon
You continue down the Roses Valley to its capital, El-Kelaa M'Gouna, where the Roses Festival is held every year in May. You pass through small cultivation areas where rose and almond blends with peaceful villages hidden in the freshness of oases of fig trees and other fruit trees. Halfway up the cliff you can enjoy a panoramic view of the region. Then it is the crossing of a vast desert plateau before finding the freshness of a clay kasbah near the orchards.
Overnight stay with a local resident. 3 hrs 30 walk - D = 100 m.
Day7: Rekon - Ibarrahane - Ouarzazate/Marrakech
You start with a walk on the edge of the cliff that overlooks the entire Valley of Roses and its capital. Then you reach the valley to walk along the edge of the irrigation canals through fields and lush orchards. Finally, you cross the only unsinkable bridge over the M'Goun wadi. Transfer to Ouarzazate where you arrive around noon; free afternoon. Or transfer to Marrakech; lunch along the way, arrival in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Riad traditional Guest House.1.5hrs walking - D = 50 m.
Day8: Marrakech.
Transfer to Marrakech or Ouarzazate airport.
NB: walking times are given as an indication, and calculated for average walkers without breaks and time taken for the picnic.
A = Ascent. D = Downhill.
Rose Festival
Many roses are planted at the edge of the fields for use in perfumery; Morocco is one of the main suppliers of rose oil for the French perfume industry. The Damascus rose, Rosa damascena, was reportedly introduced to Morocco by pilgrims returning from Damascus.
Between mid-April and mid-May, the landscape is filled with famous petals. An exquisite and delicate smell, slightly peppery, then invades the valley. Before the flower of love fades, the villagers harvest the petals...
For a long time, the valley has celebrated the end of the harvest with a colourful festival. On the first weekend of May, it is one of the most popular moussems in the country.
For three days, on the the first week of May, the region is experiencing a very special festive atmosphere. The rose capital, El-Kelaa M'Gouna, then lived to the rhythm of traditional dances, chariot parades, craft exhibitions, souks in which the Aït Atta, Berber nomads, came to make their last purchases before settling for summer in the High Atlas mountains. The election of a "Miss Roses" closes the festival.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONS
SERVICES INCLUDED
- DURATION: .......................8 days / 7 nights.
- PERIOD:............................ All year
- GRADE:............................. Easy, family friendly.
- PICK UP DETAILS:.............Pick up at 8:30am (from Marrakech Airport/ Meeting point)
- DROP OFF DETAILS:.........6-7pm at the hotel (day 7)
- ACCOMMODATION:.........7 night accommo d;ation as per itinerary, 4nights at the Berber house basic accommodation, private room sharing bathroom) +3 night at Riad comfortable guest house.
- FOOD & DRINKS:...............Fresh Salade& Hot meals Moroccan tagines will be provided.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- English speaking local guide.
- Meals during the trek.
- Bottled water.
- Transfer from & to Marrakech with private car & safe driver.
- Mule to carry your luggage (Backpack / duffle bags recommended, no suitcases, you could store it at our riad)
- Cook to prepare your meals.
- 1 night at the Berber house (private room, shared WC & shower).
- 1 night at the Riad Jnane Imlil (room with balcony and views).
- Soft drinks.
- Tipping.
- Equipments hire.
- Travel insurance.
- Good walking boots and socks
- Sleeping bag (3-4 season); plus thermal liner in winter
- Lightweight fleece and waterproof outers (summer)
- Layers, windproof jacket, hat, gloves (autumn-late spring)
- Thermal underwear (autumn through late spring)
- Sunglasses.
- Walking stick (useful)
- Personal items e.g. towel, sunscreen, wipes, toilet tissues
- Small First Aid Kit including insect repellent, plasters, meds
- Small rubbish bag to carry out what you carry in.
- lighter e.g. burn toilet paper
- Day sack/backpack
- Water bottle or camel back (recommended)
- Torch/Flashlight and spare batteries e.g. head torch
- Penknife (useful)
- Trail snacks
- Zip-Up bags for camera etc.
