Bougmez Valley to Kelaa M’Gouna – Ouarzazte Trek
Overview
This extraordinary trekking journey from the lush Bougmez Valley to the fragrant Valley of Roses in Kelaa M’Gouna offers a unique exploration of Morocco’s majestic High Atlas Mountains. Combining breathtaking mountain passes, remote nomadic plateaus, dramatic canyons, authentic Berber villages, and fertile valleys, this adventure showcases the incredible diversity of central Morocco’s landscapes. Starting in the peaceful “Happy Valley” of Bougmez, trekkers cross panoramic high-altitude routes, discover traditional pastoral life, and experience the spectacular M’Goun Gorges before descending toward the famous rose-growing region of Kelaa M’Gouna. Along the way, travelers immerse themselves in local Berber culture, enjoy stunning natural scenery, and experience both wild mountain wilderness and vibrant valley life. This trek is ideal for nature lovers, cultural explorers, and adventure seekers looking for one of Morocco’s most rewarding and authentic trekking experiences.
Tour Plan
We start early in the morning for our first ascent. We will cross a forest of juniper trees and follow a mule track up to the Bouberden Pass (3100m). From the pass, we’ll be rewarded with magnificent views of the M’goun range, Wawgoulzat, Azourki, Tizal, and the “Happy Valley.” We will have lunch at the pass, then descend toward the IGli N’Tanwout plateau (2700m). This place offers a grand pastoral setting where we will set up our base camp. The day’s hike will last about 6 hours.
We leave our beautiful bivouac and descend toward Ifri N’Oukhlifa, where rock spires rise toward the sky with striking color contrasts. Following a winding mountain path through grassy patches, we reach the Tizi N’Ifri Pass (2700m), which leads us into the Oulilimt Valley. This is a grazing area where nomads bring their herds from May to the end of September, before the first snow pushes them south toward Jbel Saghro. We then continue to our campsite near the famous Aflafal Spring, a natural cirque of extraordinary beauty where we set up camp. The afternoon is dedicated to relaxation. Overnight in tents.
This day is mainly a descent through the Ouzighimt Valley—a wonderful valley where the local population, especially women, are constantly active: working in the fields, gathering firewood, etc. Our walk follows the river, which connects several villages. Lunch will be by the river at Taghraft. We then continue toward the village of Imi N’Irkt. 5.5 hours of walking. Elevation: 500m descent. Overnight in tents.
A stage involving several river crossings. At one point, where the gorges are narrow, we remain in the water, often cold but refreshing in summer. We’ll stop for hot tea and lunch near the Ifasfas Spring. Then we continue through the village of Tighanimine. approximately 5.5 hours of walking. Elevation: 500m descent. Overnight in a traditional guesthouse.
We will take a short local transport ride of approximately 10 km to reach the paved road, where our vehicle will be waiting for the transfer to Marrakech. On the way, we will stop in the town of Kelaa M’Gouna, world-famous for its roses, which hosts a major rose festival every first week of May. By the end of the day,
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