Kings of the Atlas: 7-Day High Atlas Mountain Bike Expedition

The expedition begins in Aït M’Hamed at approximately 1,800 metres. After the bicycle and equipment inspection, start a long climb through the Central High Atlas.

The first major challenge is a 29-kilometre ascent on dirt roads toward Tizi n’Tirghist. The track includes several steep switchbacks but remains mostly rideable for strong mountain bikers.

Reach the pass at approximately 2,900 metres and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Atlas peaks. Weather and trail conditions will determine whether the group uses the singletrack descent or the safer mountain road into Aït Bouguemez.

Continue through terraced fields, walnut groves and traditional villages before reaching Zawyat Oulmzi.

Distance: 39.6 km
Ascent: 1,190 m
Maximum altitude: Approximately 2,900 m
Accommodation: Mountain guesthouse
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Difficulty: Difficult

Ride through the fertile Aït Bouguemez Valley beneath the imposing summit of Jbel M’Goun. Follow a mixture of riverside trails, farm tracks and quiet mountain roads through orchards and cultivated terraces.

Climb toward the foothills of Jbel Rbat before descending through apple and walnut plantations. Continue to Tabant, the main village of the valley and the final reliable location for purchasing supplies before entering the remote mountains.

Cross the Assif Bouguemez River and follow the Oued Lakhdar upstream. The final 15 kilometres involve a gradual dirt-road climb through increasingly narrow mountain scenery toward Rouguelt.

Distance: 47.9 km
Ascent: 960 m
Accommodation: Basic mountain guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
Difficulty: Difficult

This is one of the expedition’s most challenging stages. Leave Rouguelt and begin an extended hike-a-bike ascent following the Assif n’Tifira River.

Mules will assist with transporting the bicycles during the approximately 11-kilometre climb toward Tizi n’Rouguelt. Riders must still complete several hours of demanding hiking at high altitude.

Reach the pass at almost 3,000 metres before beginning a technical singletrack descent toward Tasgawait. The trail features loose rocks, steep sections and natural obstacles and should only be ridden by experienced mountain bikers.

Continue through Amezri and follow the Tessaout River through isolated villages. Depending on water levels, the route may include river crossings before reaching Ifoulou.

Distance: 46.7 km
Ascent: 1,450 m
Highest point: Approximately 2,940 m
Hike-a-bike: Approximately 11 km
Accommodation: Mountain guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
Difficulty: Extreme

Prepare for the longest stage of the expedition. Follow the Tessaout River before joining a quiet mountain road and beginning the climb toward Tizi n’Fadghat.

Reach the pass at approximately 2,232 metres before descending through ochre-coloured mountain landscapes. Continue along sandy and rocky tracks toward isolated villages and high-altitude oases.

After passing Taliouine, cross an arid region featuring steep, demanding climbs and exposed plateaus. Complete the day with a challenging descent into the Oued Ounila Valley and the historic village of Anmiter.

Distance: Approximately 72 km
Ascent: Approximately 1,810 m
Accommodation: Simple local homestay
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
Difficulty: Very difficult

Today is an active recovery stage following the previous day’s endurance ride.

Follow the provincial road toward Telouet and cross the Tizi m’Tanbdout Pass at approximately 1,960 metres. Take an optional detour into a narrow canyon to discover the historic salt mines near Telouet.

Arrive in Telouet with time to rest, maintain the bicycles and purchase food and supplies. Subject to current access restrictions, see the exterior of the historic Glaoui Kasbah.

Distance: Approximately 13.9 km
Ascent: Approximately 230 m
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Telouet
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Difficulty: Moderate recovery stage

Leave Telouet and cycle toward the village of Timjoujte. A steep trail then leads toward Tizi n’Telouet at approximately 2,600 metres.

Large sections of the climb require riders to push or carry their bicycles. From the pass, descend through mountain switchbacks before crossing the Tensift River and climbing through juniper and pine forests.

Continue toward the Tizi n’Tichka road, where the group can refill water and purchase supplies. The final section includes steep climbs, exposed trails and one of the expedition’s finest but most technical singletrack descents.

Finish in the remote village of Azgour in the Oued Zat Valley.

Distance: Approximately 51.6 km
Ascent: Approximately 1,570 m
Hike-a-bike: Approximately 5 km
Accommodation: Very basic local homestay
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
Difficulty: Extreme

The final stage crosses the magnificent Yagour Plateau. Begin with a long and steep dirt-road ascent from Azgour toward the high-altitude pastures.

Pass traditional stone settlements and reach the plateau at more than 2,300 metres. The region is known for its seasonal grazing grounds, panoramic views and ancient rock carvings.

After reaching the day’s highest point, begin more than 20 kilometres of technical singletrack. The trail includes exposed traverses, rocky passages and steep switchbacks.

Complete the final descent through Ouigrene before following a gravel road into the Ourika Valley. Celebrate the end of the expedition in Setti Fatma before transferring back to Marrakech.

Distance: Approximately 32 km
Ascent: Approximately 1,200 m
Accommodation: Not included after the transfer unless requested
Meals: Breakfast and packed lunch
Difficulty: Extreme