Ascent of M’Goun and Exploration of its Gorges

Transport : Minibus (4-5h, 250km) Hiking: 2h Elevation gain: 400m Max altitude: 2350m Accommodation : Bivouac
Transfer by minibus to the Aït Bougmez Valley, passing through Azilal and the Aït Abasse Valley. Depending on our arrival time, we will have lunch on the way or in the valley. Upon arrival, we meet the muleteer team and begin our hike along the Assif Arous. We ascend the valley and pass through the Arous Gorge to reach the Ikkis Plateau. Overnight bivouac at the Arous Springs.

Hiking : 5h  Elevation gain : 1000m  Elevation loss : 500m  Max altitude : 3400m  Accommodation : Bivouac
We take the trail on the left bank of the Ikkis, and once on the ridge, a spectacular view opens up over the vast northern slope of M’Goun. We set up our bivouac on the Tarkeddit Plateau, a beautiful grassy area facing part of the M’Goun range. A river meanders through the plateau, where flocks peacefully graze the abundant green grass in season.

Hiking : 10h Elevation gain : 1168m Elevation loss : 1470m Max altitude : 4070m Accommodation : Bivouac
This is a big day! Throughout the ascent, we have a continuous view of our goal. The climb is not technically difficult, it is long and gradual. After an early morning wake-up, we will take between 4 to 5 hours to reach the second highest peak in Morocco and North Africa. The reward is a magnificent view (weather permitting) of the Saharan expanses to the south and the Atlas range. Those who prefer not to make the ascent can take the same path as the muleteers to reach the next camp.

Hiking : 7h Elevation gain : 150m Elevation loss : 600m Accommodation : Bivouac
We find ourselves in the Oulilimt Valley, where the Ait Atta nomads temporarily settle, coming from the Valley of Roses and the Saghro Mountains to live their nomadic life. We descend the beautiful wadi that becomes the Mgoun River, following its course to Aflafel Spring, after a 4.5-hour walk, where we will set up for lunch prepared on site. Then we continue along the river, descending the Mgoun Valley and passing through numerous Berber villages surrounded by fields of corn, wheat, apple trees, and walnut trees until we reach our campsite in the village of « Imi N’Irkt », which means "the gate of the gorge" in Berber.

Hiking : 6h Elevation gain : 100m  Elevation loss : 400m Accommodation : Bivouac
We will start our day early in the morning after breakfast. The itinerary for this day will be varied, alternating between trails and crossing cold streams. We will follow the river’s course before entering the gorges, a spectacular site in the High Atlas. Looking up, we will see peaks rising more than 800 meters above us. We will take breaks to cool off in natural pools, with a few refreshing swims.

At the exit of the gorges, our cook will prepare hot tea and lunch at the "Ifasfas" spring. We will then continue our hike towards Tighanimine, where we will spend the night in tents near the village of Aguerzegua.