This genuine Trans Atlas MTB trip is a shortened version of "the Long Way Down" and crosses not only the High Atlas from north to south, but also the Saghro mountains and the Oases. If you enjoy a varied MTB trip, this tour is highly recommended.
During this varied and adventurous mountain bike trip we cross the High Atlas from north to south. We will cover rugged mountain regions, the spectacular Tessaout river gorge, isolated Berber villages, beautiful valleys, climb high mountain passes (incl. the 2800 m Tizi-n-Oulaoun pass), have views of the palm oasis in the Draa valley and ford rivers.
Note: you must be very fit for this trip!
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival and meeting at the airport in Marrakech, followed by transfer to a 3 star hotel (including dinner and breakfast).
Day 2: Transfer to the Ait Adel reservoir and start cycle tour.
After a transfer of about 80 km, the mountain bike tour starts. The starting point is the foot of the High Atlas mountains. On the first day, you will ride in a southerly direction to the centre of the High Atlas. The route goes through traditional and isolated Berber villages.
(65 km , 40 miles / 2100 mtr pos., 6890 feet pos.)
Overnight in a traditional Berber guesthouse at the start of the Tessaout gorge.
Day 3: Via the Tessaout gorge and the Tizi n Oulaoun pass to Toundoute
Today, the tour starts with a stage straight through the beautiful and rugged Tessout gorge. Along the way, you will pass through traditional and very isolated Berber villages. Depending on the quality of the track, you could visit the town of Megdez (one of the prettiest in the High Atlas, 10 km extra). This section should not be underestimated because the route crosses the river several times. At the end of the gorge, there is an ascent of the 2800 m Tizi n Oulaoun. This is followed by a fantastic route with a fantastic drop down a road hewn from the rock. Overnight stay in a Berber guesthouse in Tandoute.
( 85 km, 53 miles / 1800 mtr., 5905 feet pos.)
Day 4: from Toundoute to Boutharar
At Aguerd we head in the direction of Alemdoun and Boutharar. The route runs over a desolate mountain plateau with troglodytes. Overnight stay in the Tamaloute Berber guesthouse in Boutharar.
From the guesthouse, you have a beautiful view over the green valley that contrasts with the red mountains.
(70 km , 43 miles / 1200 mtr pos., 3937 feet pos.)
Day 5: Via the Talouit pass to the Saghro mountains
The morning starts with a steep climb up the Talouin pass (1900 m). From the pass, there is an excellent view of both the Mgoun mountain chain (4067 m) and the Saghro mountains. This is followed by a descent to Kelaa Mgouna. After that, you ride through the volcanic Saghro mountains to the isolated village of Tagmoute.
(70 km , 43 miles / 1200 mtr pos. , 3937 feet pos.)
Day 6: Through the volcanic Saghro mountains to the Draa valley
Today, we ride straight through the Sagro mountain range. A journey through a rugged and inhospitable landscape. Mountain passes alternate with rapid descents. Along the way, we will see fantastic rock formations. At the end of the stage, we arrive at the palm oasis in the Draa valley. Overnight stay in a traditional kasbah in the palm oasis. (When available)
(75 km, 47 miles / 900 mtr pos. , 2952 feet pos)
Day 7: through the Draa valley palm oasis to the Tizgui waterfall and transfer to Marrakesh
This morning we ride through the beautiful Draa valley palm oasis for a few hours. After reaching the Tizgui waterfall, there is still a steep climb to the lunch spot. Lunch is followed by the transfer to Marrakesh.
(50 km, 31 miles / 400 mtr pos, 1315 feet pos.)
Day 8: Transfer to the airport
Transfer from the hotel to the airport.
