The great Moroccan Atlas crossing between Mgoun and Toubkal (GTAM)
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The great Moroccan Atlas crossing between Mgoun and Toubkal (GTAM) with climbing of the two mythical peaks of the Atlas is a superb trek of 3 weeks in the Atlas, and a great challenge!
The Atlas mountain range offers hikers a multitude of contrasts between its southern and northern slopes, the Western Atlas and the central Atlas. This powerful massif with more than 150 peaks above 3000m, its canyons and gorges, its highlands, its high valleys where are nestled superb isolated villages of land accessible by mountain passes or the canyons dug in the folds Atlas, is an exceptional meeting place. Borrowing transhumance trails, this large traditional Moroccan Atlas crossing, connects the Mgoun and Toubkal, crossing the high valleys of M'goun, before reaching the summits of Jebel Toubkal through the region of Telouet and the highlands of Yagur. To make the big crossing atlas marocain or GTAM, it is also going to meet this Berber people mountain who knew, through time, preserve its cultural identity and which are the soul of these mountains. |
The GTAM is a high mountain trek that will offer you breathtaking panoramas of the landscapes of the Moroccan atlas. Apart from the sumptuous landscapes you will discover Mgoun Toubkal, you will cross paths, nomads, shepherds, farmers, villagers ... who will share a moment during a stopover or a meal.
Lovers of great wild spaces, spectacular landscapes and unforgettable encounters, come and make the Grande Traversée of the Moroccan Atlas between Mgoun and Toubkal, to live an adventure full of thrills! Other major Moroccan Atlas Passages less known, but equally spectacular are possible, including that of Imilchil Mgoun. |
ITINERARY:
DAY 1 - MARRAKECH
Arrive to Marrakech Airport and transfer to the Hotel in the Medina, Free afternoon.
Overnight at the Riad /Hotel 4*.
DAY 2 - ROUTE TO THE BOUMMEZ VALLEY
Departure to the central High Atlas and the valley of Ait Bougmez. At Ait Imi, we will meet our team of muleteers who will accompany you during this crossing of the Atlas.
After the picnic, we will walk for 2 hours to our camp which will be installed near the pass of Ait Imi (1800m)
300kms / 5H00 of road - 2H00 walk
Dinner and overnight at our Camp
DAY 3 - AIT BOUGMEZ - TIGHREMT AÏT AHMED (2235 M)
In the cool of the morning we will cross the pass of Tizi n'Ait Imi at 2900m above sea level, which we will reach after 3 hours of walking. Nice view of all the M'goun line and the happy valley. Then our path will take us along a wadi that leads to M'goun river.
Camp near Tighremt Ait Ahmed, old citadel built in the 18th century to control the caravans of goods that used to cross the tracks of the region.
6hrs walk - Altitude difference: + 1100m climb / -665m descent – Camp.
Dinner and overnight at our Camp
DAY 4 - TIGHREMT AÏT AHMED (2235 M)-- TIZI-N-TANOUT (3074 M)-- AZIB TIMRATINE (2800 M)
This morning we approach the first summits of the Mgoun chain.
Ascent of the Assif Amougr Saln through altitude pastures dotted with some fairy chimneys, and passage of the Tizi-n-Tanout pass. We will set up our camp at the Timratine sheepfolds, MGoun's base camp, in a mountain cirque upstream of the Gorges d'Arous.
7h walk - Elevations: + 850m / - 300m –
Dinner and overnight at our Camp
DAY 5 - AZIB TIMRATINE (2800 M)-- DJEBEL M'GOUN (4068 M)-- TARKEDDIT (2900 M)
Climb to the Mgoun by the north ridge little traveled. No major difficulty, only the end portion on a narrow stony ridge often windy, requires attention. We will descend by the classic route that takes the west ridge and install our camp on the plateau of Tarkeddit, near the sources of Tassaout.
9h walk - Altitude difference: + 1300m / - 1200m - Camp
Dinner and overnight at our Camp
DAY 6 - TARKADDIT (2900 M)-- TIZI ASDREM (3200 M)-- AZIB IMI'N'IKKISS (2200 M)
We go up the gorge of Wandras in which rush Assif Tassaout. Then the Tizi Asdrem pass will give us access to the middle valley of Tessaout and Tasgainwalt where we will have a picnic break. We continue our long descent along the river to install our bivouac at the high sheepfolds of Imi-n-Ikkiis.
7hs walk - Elevations: + 300m / - 1000m.
Dinner and overnight at our Camp
DAY 7 - IMI'N'IKKISS (2200 M)-- ICHBAKKEN (2000 M)-- AIT ALI ITO (1825 M)-- MEGDAZ (1961M)
Descent on the right bank of the Tassaout. Some beautiful villages line this beautiful and laughing valley, including Ichbakken perched on its rock like an eagle's nest. Our descent continues until Ait Ali Ito where we fork south to go up to the ridges. By a beautiful path of altitude we reach Megdaz, one of the most beautiful villages of the high Tassaout.
6 hrs walk - Altitude difference: + 150m / - 400m.
Dinner and overnight at our Camp
DAY 8 - MEGDAZ (1961M)-- TIZI MEGDAZ (2454 M)-- TAGUKHT (2018 M)-- TIFARDZINE (2200 M)
Today, the pass of Megdaz leads us to the azibs Tagoukht. Picnic under the walnut trees near the stream, before joining the highlands of Ait M'goun.
6 hours walk - Altitude difference: + 900 m / - 950 m
Dinner and overnight at our Camp
DAY 9 - AIT M'GOUN--LAKE ANOGHMAR (3700M)
Crossing arid uplands as we pass on the southern slope and approach sub-Saharan landscapes. Opportunity to climb Mt. Anoghmar (3700m) before descending to the blue lake, nestled at the foot of this summit. Bivouac near the lake where you can meet nomads in summer.
6 hours walk - Altitude difference: + 900m.
Dinner and overnight at our Camp
DAY 10 - LAKE ANOGHMAR-- TIGHOUZA (1900M)
We descend along a wadi covered with oleanders that opens to the upper valley of Ounila. You will be seduced by the beauty of the fortified villages surrounded by terraced crops, built during the trans-Saharan era to protect the caravans of goods against the attacks of looters who used to cross the salt track.
5H walk - Elevations: - 1800m –
Dinner and overnight at homestay in Tighouza.
DAY 11 - VALLEY OF OUNILA
Relaxing day in a comfortable Guest house in the heart of the Ounila valley.
The opportunity to do some laundry, take a shower. It is also a day of refueling for the continuation of the trek.
Dinner and overnight at the Guest house.
DAY 12 - TIZI TITDRI (2500 M)-- TIZI AFRA (2150 M)--AFRA (1850 M)
Descent of the valley from village to village until Annemiter, fortress village painted many times by Majorelle, before continuing to the neck of Tizi N'Tichka. By a beautiful path in balcony we skirt the north slope of Jebel Mahboub, then we will cross the Tichka lock to reach the High Atlas and the wild valley of Zat. We will meet our new team of muleteers in Afra in the upper Zat Valley.
8h of walking - Altitude difference: -700m
Dinner and overnight at our Camp
DAY13 - AFRA (1850 M)-- AZGOUR (1450 M)-- WARZAZT (1900 M)
Descent of this valley very little attended, to the village of Azgour, where lives a mountain Berber population rich in pastoral traditions. After our picnic, we start the climb to the Yagour plateau. Bivouac near the last village of the valley, before the highlands of altitude of Yagour
8h walk - Altitude difference: + 450m / - 400m
Dinner and overnight at our Camp
DAY14 - PLATEAU OF YAGGOUR (2000 M)-- AZIB AMDDOUZ (2100 M).
On the Yagour we are in a new type of landscapes. A labyrinth of scattered stone slabs, a green and greasy lawn. These highlands are occupied by the Berbers of the High Atlas and their herds at the end of June according to the traditions of Agdal. They settle in the sheepfolds for the summer and until the first frosts. A transhumance that has existed since the dawn of time, as evidenced by the engravings discovered on the large sandstone slabs, and which represent different scenes of life: Here a cattle there a club, an ax, a shield, a knife, representations of men and women.
5h walk - Altitude difference: + 200m
Dinner and overnight at our Camp
DAY 15 - YAGOUR (2100M)-- SETTI FATMA (1311 M)-- AGADIR AÏT BOULMANE (1450 M)
Crossing the Yagour plateau. Then on a path in balcony passing through terraced crops and the many douars adobe houses that are built around the water points, we will arrive in the green valley of the Ourika and the village of Agadir Ait Boulmane where we will install the bivouac at the entrance of the gorges.
6h walk - Elevations: + 200m / - 800m
Dinner and overnight at our Camp
DAY 16 - AGADIR AIT BOULMANE-- TIMICHI (1990 M)
This morning we go up Setti Fatma's gorges from bank to bank, sometimes feet in the water. Picnic. Then crossing several typical villages hung on the side of the mountain, we will arrive by a path in balcony to the village of Timichi (1900m) where we install our bivouac under the walnut trees.
6 hours walk - Altitude difference: + 900m -
Dinner and overnight at our Camp
DAY 17 - TIMICHI (1990M)-- NORTHERN BASS (3170M)-- TACHEDIRT (2300 M)
This morning we start our walk with a superb view over the valley of Imnane until the Tizi n'Tamaterte pass which gives access to the valley of Imlil. Lunch and contunie to the Riad in Imlil valley via Ait Souka & Tamatert village.
5 to 6 hours of walking - Elevations: -400m.
Overnight at Riad Jnane Imlil comfortable guest house with the pool.
DAY 19 – Imlil (1800 M) -- REFUGE NELTNER (3200M)
Gradual climb to the base camp of Toubkal in a mineral universe where sometimes a few whistles let us guess the presence of shepherds.camp at the Toubkal base camp at 2300m altitude
5 hours walk - Elevations: + 1000m -
Dinner and overnight at our Camp
DAY 20 - NELTNER REFUGE (3200M)-- MT TOUBKAL (4187 M)-- IMLIL (1900 M).
Very early in the morning with the headlamp, we go to the roof of North Africa. Crossing a huge scree before going up a ravine that leads us to a ridge and the summit at 4165m altitude The return to base camp can be done by another path
Picnic and descent to the valley of Imlil,
7 to 8 hours of walking - Altitude difference: + 965 / -2287m –
DAY 21- Relaxing day near the swimming pool.
Today you relax near the pool and visit the town on your own, Imlil valley is the starting point of all trek in the Toubkal massif.
Overnight at the Riad Jnane Imlil.
DAY 22 – IMLIL VALLEY-- MARRAKECH.
Transfer to the Airport in Marrakech according to your aerial. End of our services.
DAY 1 - MARRAKECH
Arrive to Marrakech Airport and transfer to the Hotel in the Medina, Free afternoon.
Overnight at the Riad /Hotel 4*.
DAY 2 - ROUTE TO THE BOUMMEZ VALLEY
Departure to the central High Atlas and the valley of Ait Bougmez. At Ait Imi, we will meet our team of muleteers who will accompany you during this crossing of the Atlas.
After the picnic, we will walk for 2 hours to our camp which will be installed near the pass of Ait Imi (1800m)
300kms / 5H00 of road - 2H00 walk
Dinner and overnight at our Camp
DAY 3 - AIT BOUGMEZ - TIGHREMT AÏT AHMED (2235 M)
In the cool of the morning we will cross the pass of Tizi n'Ait Imi at 2900m above sea level, which we will reach after 3 hours of walking. Nice view of all the M'goun line and the happy valley. Then our path will take us along a wadi that leads to M'goun river.
Camp near Tighremt Ait Ahmed, old citadel built in the 18th century to control the caravans of goods that used to cross the tracks of the region.
6hrs walk - Altitude difference: + 1100m climb / -665m descent – Camp.
Dinner and overnight at our Camp
DAY 4 - TIGHREMT AÏT AHMED (2235 M)-- TIZI-N-TANOUT (3074 M)-- AZIB TIMRATINE (2800 M)
This morning we approach the first summits of the Mgoun chain.
Ascent of the Assif Amougr Saln through altitude pastures dotted with some fairy chimneys, and passage of the Tizi-n-Tanout pass. We will set up our camp at the Timratine sheepfolds, MGoun's base camp, in a mountain cirque upstream of the Gorges d'Arous.
7h walk - Elevations: + 850m / - 300m –
Dinner and overnight at our Camp
DAY 5 - AZIB TIMRATINE (2800 M)-- DJEBEL M'GOUN (4068 M)-- TARKEDDIT (2900 M)
Climb to the Mgoun by the north ridge little traveled. No major difficulty, only the end portion on a narrow stony ridge often windy, requires attention. We will descend by the classic route that takes the west ridge and install our camp on the plateau of Tarkeddit, near the sources of Tassaout.
9h walk - Altitude difference: + 1300m / - 1200m - Camp
Dinner and overnight at our Camp
DAY 6 - TARKADDIT (2900 M)-- TIZI ASDREM (3200 M)-- AZIB IMI'N'IKKISS (2200 M)
We go up the gorge of Wandras in which rush Assif Tassaout. Then the Tizi Asdrem pass will give us access to the middle valley of Tessaout and Tasgainwalt where we will have a picnic break. We continue our long descent along the river to install our bivouac at the high sheepfolds of Imi-n-Ikkiis.
7hs walk - Elevations: + 300m / - 1000m.
Dinner and overnight at our Camp
DAY 7 - IMI'N'IKKISS (2200 M)-- ICHBAKKEN (2000 M)-- AIT ALI ITO (1825 M)-- MEGDAZ (1961M)
Descent on the right bank of the Tassaout. Some beautiful villages line this beautiful and laughing valley, including Ichbakken perched on its rock like an eagle's nest. Our descent continues until Ait Ali Ito where we fork south to go up to the ridges. By a beautiful path of altitude we reach Megdaz, one of the most beautiful villages of the high Tassaout.
6 hrs walk - Altitude difference: + 150m / - 400m.
Dinner and overnight at our Camp
DAY 8 - MEGDAZ (1961M)-- TIZI MEGDAZ (2454 M)-- TAGUKHT (2018 M)-- TIFARDZINE (2200 M)
Today, the pass of Megdaz leads us to the azibs Tagoukht. Picnic under the walnut trees near the stream, before joining the highlands of Ait M'goun.
6 hours walk - Altitude difference: + 900 m / - 950 m
Dinner and overnight at our Camp
DAY 9 - AIT M'GOUN--LAKE ANOGHMAR (3700M)
Crossing arid uplands as we pass on the southern slope and approach sub-Saharan landscapes. Opportunity to climb Mt. Anoghmar (3700m) before descending to the blue lake, nestled at the foot of this summit. Bivouac near the lake where you can meet nomads in summer.
6 hours walk - Altitude difference: + 900m.
Dinner and overnight at our Camp
DAY 10 - LAKE ANOGHMAR-- TIGHOUZA (1900M)
We descend along a wadi covered with oleanders that opens to the upper valley of Ounila. You will be seduced by the beauty of the fortified villages surrounded by terraced crops, built during the trans-Saharan era to protect the caravans of goods against the attacks of looters who used to cross the salt track.
5H walk - Elevations: - 1800m –
Dinner and overnight at homestay in Tighouza.
DAY 11 - VALLEY OF OUNILA
Relaxing day in a comfortable Guest house in the heart of the Ounila valley.
The opportunity to do some laundry, take a shower. It is also a day of refueling for the continuation of the trek.
Dinner and overnight at the Guest house.
DAY 12 - TIZI TITDRI (2500 M)-- TIZI AFRA (2150 M)--AFRA (1850 M)
Descent of the valley from village to village until Annemiter, fortress village painted many times by Majorelle, before continuing to the neck of Tizi N'Tichka. By a beautiful path in balcony we skirt the north slope of Jebel Mahboub, then we will cross the Tichka lock to reach the High Atlas and the wild valley of Zat. We will meet our new team of muleteers in Afra in the upper Zat Valley.
8h of walking - Altitude difference: -700m
Dinner and overnight at our Camp
DAY13 - AFRA (1850 M)-- AZGOUR (1450 M)-- WARZAZT (1900 M)
Descent of this valley very little attended, to the village of Azgour, where lives a mountain Berber population rich in pastoral traditions. After our picnic, we start the climb to the Yagour plateau. Bivouac near the last village of the valley, before the highlands of altitude of Yagour
8h walk - Altitude difference: + 450m / - 400m
Dinner and overnight at our Camp
DAY14 - PLATEAU OF YAGGOUR (2000 M)-- AZIB AMDDOUZ (2100 M).
On the Yagour we are in a new type of landscapes. A labyrinth of scattered stone slabs, a green and greasy lawn. These highlands are occupied by the Berbers of the High Atlas and their herds at the end of June according to the traditions of Agdal. They settle in the sheepfolds for the summer and until the first frosts. A transhumance that has existed since the dawn of time, as evidenced by the engravings discovered on the large sandstone slabs, and which represent different scenes of life: Here a cattle there a club, an ax, a shield, a knife, representations of men and women.
5h walk - Altitude difference: + 200m
Dinner and overnight at our Camp
DAY 15 - YAGOUR (2100M)-- SETTI FATMA (1311 M)-- AGADIR AÏT BOULMANE (1450 M)
Crossing the Yagour plateau. Then on a path in balcony passing through terraced crops and the many douars adobe houses that are built around the water points, we will arrive in the green valley of the Ourika and the village of Agadir Ait Boulmane where we will install the bivouac at the entrance of the gorges.
6h walk - Elevations: + 200m / - 800m
Dinner and overnight at our Camp
DAY 16 - AGADIR AIT BOULMANE-- TIMICHI (1990 M)
This morning we go up Setti Fatma's gorges from bank to bank, sometimes feet in the water. Picnic. Then crossing several typical villages hung on the side of the mountain, we will arrive by a path in balcony to the village of Timichi (1900m) where we install our bivouac under the walnut trees.
6 hours walk - Altitude difference: + 900m -
Dinner and overnight at our Camp
DAY 17 - TIMICHI (1990M)-- NORTHERN BASS (3170M)-- TACHEDIRT (2300 M)
This morning we start our walk with a superb view over the valley of Imnane until the Tizi n'Tamaterte pass which gives access to the valley of Imlil. Lunch and contunie to the Riad in Imlil valley via Ait Souka & Tamatert village.
5 to 6 hours of walking - Elevations: -400m.
Overnight at Riad Jnane Imlil comfortable guest house with the pool.
DAY 19 – Imlil (1800 M) -- REFUGE NELTNER (3200M)
Gradual climb to the base camp of Toubkal in a mineral universe where sometimes a few whistles let us guess the presence of shepherds.camp at the Toubkal base camp at 2300m altitude
5 hours walk - Elevations: + 1000m -
Dinner and overnight at our Camp
DAY 20 - NELTNER REFUGE (3200M)-- MT TOUBKAL (4187 M)-- IMLIL (1900 M).
Very early in the morning with the headlamp, we go to the roof of North Africa. Crossing a huge scree before going up a ravine that leads us to a ridge and the summit at 4165m altitude The return to base camp can be done by another path
Picnic and descent to the valley of Imlil,
7 to 8 hours of walking - Altitude difference: + 965 / -2287m –
DAY 21- Relaxing day near the swimming pool.
Today you relax near the pool and visit the town on your own, Imlil valley is the starting point of all trek in the Toubkal massif.
Overnight at the Riad Jnane Imlil.
DAY 22 – IMLIL VALLEY-- MARRAKECH.
Transfer to the Airport in Marrakech according to your aerial. End of our services.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONS
SERVICES INCLUDED
- DURATION: .......................22 days / 21 nights.
- PERIOD:............................ Mai to November
- GRADE:............................. sporty trek
- PICK UP DETAILS:.............Pick up (from Marrakech Airport/ Meeting point)
- DROP OFF DETAILS:......... at the hotel / Airport on (day 22)
- ACCOMMODATION:.........21 night accommodation as per itinerary,
- 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.
- 21 nights Accommodation as per itinerary.
- 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.
