Access and Logistics
Point of Departure: Tnirte (Azegour); Point of Arrival: Tnirte (Azegour) - Roundtrip
Access from Marrakech direction Lalla Takerkoust, Amizmiz, Azegour (1h30). From Azegour another 5km mainly on dirt roard to the village of Tnirte.
The region is considered remote and less equipped with infrastructure when compared to other parts of the Atlas. Some villages are isolated from the main roads. Already our starting point “Auberge Benija”in Tnirte, 5 km up from Azgour is a challenge to get to we had to navigate through river beds and exposed dirt roads in poor conditions when arriving at night.
Phone and 4G connection is surprisinglygood, extended offline sections only on the Tishka plateau (day 3). Do not expect any services to fix your bike or shops to buy more than the most basic food and provisions on the way. Ask for lunch bags wherever you spend the night and take enough water.
Access from Marrakech direction Lalla Takerkoust, Amizmiz, Azegour (1h30). From Azegour another 5km mainly on dirt roard to the village of Tnirte.
The region is considered remote and less equipped with infrastructure when compared to other parts of the Atlas. Some villages are isolated from the main roads. Already our starting point “Auberge Benija”in Tnirte, 5 km up from Azgour is a challenge to get to we had to navigate through river beds and exposed dirt roads in poor conditions when arriving at night.
Phone and 4G connection is surprisinglygood, extended offline sections only on the Tishka plateau (day 3). Do not expect any services to fix your bike or shops to buy more than the most basic food and provisions on the way. Ask for lunch bags wherever you spend the night and take enough water.
Accomodation
There is very few guest houses along the trail and you will have to sleep at local peoples houses. Being hosted by the locals is a very rewarding experience but needs a willingness to cope with uncertainty. People are extremely welcoming and friendly, local food is simple but clean and very tasty and you are offered a canapé or mattress on the floor in the “Salon Marocain”.
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TNIRTE/Azegour (Starting Point)
Auberge Benija: well run mountain hostal, perfect starting point for the tour and possibility to park your car. Tel +212 661242711 Lalla AzizA (Day 1)
Homestay: Village administrator Mohamed is happy to welcome travellers in his big family house. No running water but possibility to shower by help of water buckets and heated water pots. Tel. +212 621997149 Aït Had Youssef (Day 2)
Homestay: young village administrator Ibrahim and his family are used to host guests and provide all the comfort we needed. He also has experience leading hikers in the mountains and he accompanied us on the Tishka plateau with a Mule. Tel. +213 636-650071 |
Tigouga (Day 3)
Homestay: no real recommendation. We slept at a local Imam, who saved us from a night in the rain; if you plan to stay in Tigouga, or surroundings, we recommend contacting by help of Ibrahim the day before (Ait Had Youssef) and be ready for a very basic night stay. Bab Tizi n Test (Day 4)
Motel: A detour of almost 10km and 400 hm on the provincial road. Alternatively try to find a homestay in the village of Tafingoult (Day 4 km 44 or Tajgalt km 50), Hotel Café Restaurant Bab Tizi n Test |
Aït Yehiya (Day 5)
Mountain Hostel: Casa Toubkal is a nice little gite built around a sunny garden and with a beautiful view over the village of Ait Yehiya. Try to call before, as not many tourists pass by to assure that Hassan the host will be around. Tel +212662754476 Ijoukak (Day 6)
Mountain Hotel: Tigmmi N'Tmarzite After several days of very basic accommodation, arriving in Gite Tigmmi N’Tamarzite feels like an oasis of luxury. You will find hot running water and all amenities the tired legs are looking for. Gite Tigmmi N’Tmarzite Amizmiz (Arrival)
Hotel: In Amizmiz and surroundings you find many hotels and hostels in all prize ranges. We chose to give us a treat in the Maroc Lodge Boutique Hotel |
Day 1: Azgour to Lalla Aziza
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riding time 6h30
distance 74 km |
uphill 1,960 m
downhill 2,570 m |
Fitness/Endurance: High
Technicality: Medium |
Easy rolling start from Auberge Benija for 20km through the hills and flowering fields and spectacular views on the snow-covered high Atlas. Then 10km downhill on a paved road until the village of Adassil on 970m where we cross the main river of the valley Assif Al Mal. From there starts a steep 1000m climb. First 700m on steep dirt road.
Then at 1650 m Altitude leave the dirt road to the left (direction west) and follow the altitude line on single trails through pastures and fields for 2km. Then crossing of two river beds follow single track soon we carry our bikes for most of the 300 height metres until reaching the mountain pass and a plateau with a water source (drinkable water). After 6km downhill we pass the village of Afouzar on the right and join a street until a village called Timsal.
Take the street to the left and climb the windy mountain roald until reaching Lalla Aziza. The village has a few corner shops “Hanuts” for provisions and fruits and the shrine for Lalla Aziza (see box).
Then at 1650 m Altitude leave the dirt road to the left (direction west) and follow the altitude line on single trails through pastures and fields for 2km. Then crossing of two river beds follow single track soon we carry our bikes for most of the 300 height metres until reaching the mountain pass and a plateau with a water source (drinkable water). After 6km downhill we pass the village of Afouzar on the right and join a street until a village called Timsal.
Take the street to the left and climb the windy mountain roald until reaching Lalla Aziza. The village has a few corner shops “Hanuts” for provisions and fruits and the shrine for Lalla Aziza (see box).
Highlights and challEnges
The panoramic views on the High Atlas starting the day in Adassil are among the most scenic of the whole tour.
The overall length of the stage and the relatively steep hike and bike part are challenging. Also navigation needs your full attention as the trail is sometimes difficult to spot.
The overall length of the stage and the relatively steep hike and bike part are challenging. Also navigation needs your full attention as the trail is sometimes difficult to spot.
Sleeping
There is no Guest house in Lalla Aziza. However, the Moqaddem Mohamed and his family with a long line of Village chiefs is a great host and is used to receive travellers in his traditional house built around a patio on the steep slopes of the valley. He has mattresses and carpets to sleep on and serves wonderful local meals including the typical Amizigh pastries for breakfast. Mohamed’s mobile +212 621997149 (only basic french).
Day 2: Lalla Aziza - Ait had Youssef
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riding time 6h30
distance 74 km |
uphill 1,960 m
downhill 2,570 m |
Fitness/Endurance: High
Technicality: Medium |
Easy rolling start from Auberge Benija for 20km through the hills and flowering fields and spectacular views on the snow-covered high Atlas. Then 10km downhill on a paved road until the village of Adassil on 970m where we cross the main river of the valley Assif Al Mal. From there starts a steep 1000m climb. First 700m on steep dirt road.
Then at 1650 m Altitude leave the dirt road to the left (direction west) and follow the altitude line on single trails through pastures and fields for 2km. Then crossing of two river beds follow single track soon we carry our bikes for most of the 300 height metres until reaching the mountain pass and a plateau with a water source (drinkable water). After 6km downhill we pass the village of Afouzar on the right and join a street until a village called Timsal.
Take the street to the left and climb the windy mountain roald until reaching Lalla Aziza. The village has a few corner shops “Hanuts” for provisions and fruits and the shrine for Lalla Aziza (see box).
Then at 1650 m Altitude leave the dirt road to the left (direction west) and follow the altitude line on single trails through pastures and fields for 2km. Then crossing of two river beds follow single track soon we carry our bikes for most of the 300 height metres until reaching the mountain pass and a plateau with a water source (drinkable water). After 6km downhill we pass the village of Afouzar on the right and join a street until a village called Timsal.
Take the street to the left and climb the windy mountain roald until reaching Lalla Aziza. The village has a few corner shops “Hanuts” for provisions and fruits and the shrine for Lalla Aziza (see box).
Highlights and challenges
The panoramic views on the High Atlas starting the day in Adassil are among the most scenic of the whole tour.
The overall length of the stage and the relatively steep hike and bike part are challenging. Also navigation needs your full attention as the trail is sometimes difficult to spot.
The overall length of the stage and the relatively steep hike and bike part are challenging. Also navigation needs your full attention as the trail is sometimes difficult to spot.
Sleeping
There is no Guest house in Lalla Aziza. However, the Moqaddem Mohamed and his family with a long line of Village chiefs is a great host and is used to receive travellers in his traditional house built around a patio on the steep slopes of the valley. He has mattresses and carpets to sleep on and serves wonderful local meals including the typical Amizigh pastries for breakfast. Mohamed’s mobile +212 621997149 (only basic french).
Background Box: Lalla AzizaThe village holds the name of a great female Amazigh leader from the 14th century Lalla Aziza. Until today many followers pilgrim to see her grave and sanctuary. Writings attest that she was Seksawa leader in resistance to the also Amazigh Marinid Empire (1248 - 1465 who tried to invade the lands of her people, then mediator between them and the central power. She is also said to have defended customs and Sufi rites among the Seksawa tribes in the High Atlas. Besides her political leadership she is said to have been “friend with God” and responsible for a series of miracles.
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Day 3: ....
|
riding time 6h30
distance 74 km |
uphill 1,960 m
downhill 2,570 m |
Fitness/Endurance: High
Technicality: Medium |
Easy rolling start from Auberge Benija for 20km through the hills and flowering fields and spectacular views on the snow-covered high Atlas. Then 10km downhill on a paved road until the village of Adassil on 970m where we cross the main river of the valley Assif Al Mal. From there starts a steep 1000m climb. First 700m on steep dirt road.
Then at 1650 m Altitude leave the dirt road to the left (direction west) and follow the altitude line on single trails through pastures and fields for 2km. Then crossing of two river beds follow single track soon we carry our bikes for most of the 300 height metres until reaching the mountain pass and a plateau with a water source (drinkable water). After 6km downhill we pass the village of Afouzar on the right and join a street until a village called Timsal.
Take the street to the left and climb the windy mountain roald until reaching Lalla Aziza. The village has a few corner shops “Hanuts” for provisions and fruits and the shrine for Lalla Aziza (see box).
Then at 1650 m Altitude leave the dirt road to the left (direction west) and follow the altitude line on single trails through pastures and fields for 2km. Then crossing of two river beds follow single track soon we carry our bikes for most of the 300 height metres until reaching the mountain pass and a plateau with a water source (drinkable water). After 6km downhill we pass the village of Afouzar on the right and join a street until a village called Timsal.
Take the street to the left and climb the windy mountain roald until reaching Lalla Aziza. The village has a few corner shops “Hanuts” for provisions and fruits and the shrine for Lalla Aziza (see box).
Highlights and challenges
The panoramic views on the High Atlas starting the day in Adassil are among the most scenic of the whole tour.
The overall length of the stage and the relatively steep hike and bike part are challenging. Also navigation needs your full attention as the trail is sometimes difficult to spot.
The overall length of the stage and the relatively steep hike and bike part are challenging. Also navigation needs your full attention as the trail is sometimes difficult to spot.
Sleeping
There is no Guest house in Lalla Aziza. However, the Moqaddem Mohamed and his family with a long line of Village chiefs is a great host and is used to receive travellers in his traditional house built around a patio on the steep slopes of the valley. He has mattresses and carpets to sleep on and serves wonderful local meals including the typical Amizigh pastries for breakfast. Mohamed’s mobile +212 621997149 (only basic french).
Background Box: XThe village holds the name of a great female Amazigh leader from the 14th century Lalla Aziza. Until today many followers pilgrim to see her grave and sanctuary. Writings attest that she was Seksawa leader in resistance to the also Amazigh Marinid Empire (1248 - 1465 who tried to invade the lands of her people, then mediator between them and the central power. She is also said to have defended customs and Sufi rites among the Seksawa tribes in the High Atlas. Besides her political leadership she is said to have been “friend with God” and responsible for a series of miracles.
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Day 4: ....
|
riding time 6h30
distance 74 km |
uphill 1,960 m
downhill 2,570 m |
Fitness/Endurance: High
Technicality: Medium |
Easy rolling start from Auberge Benija for 20km through the hills and flowering fields and spectacular views on the snow-covered high Atlas. Then 10km downhill on a paved road until the village of Adassil on 970m where we cross the main river of the valley Assif Al Mal. From there starts a steep 1000m climb. First 700m on steep dirt road.
Then at 1650 m Altitude leave the dirt road to the left (direction west) and follow the altitude line on single trails through pastures and fields for 2km. Then crossing of two river beds follow single track soon we carry our bikes for most of the 300 height metres until reaching the mountain pass and a plateau with a water source (drinkable water). After 6km downhill we pass the village of Afouzar on the right and join a street until a village called Timsal.
Take the street to the left and climb the windy mountain roald until reaching Lalla Aziza. The village has a few corner shops “Hanuts” for provisions and fruits and the shrine for Lalla Aziza (see box).
Then at 1650 m Altitude leave the dirt road to the left (direction west) and follow the altitude line on single trails through pastures and fields for 2km. Then crossing of two river beds follow single track soon we carry our bikes for most of the 300 height metres until reaching the mountain pass and a plateau with a water source (drinkable water). After 6km downhill we pass the village of Afouzar on the right and join a street until a village called Timsal.
Take the street to the left and climb the windy mountain roald until reaching Lalla Aziza. The village has a few corner shops “Hanuts” for provisions and fruits and the shrine for Lalla Aziza (see box).
Highlights and challenges
The panoramic views on the High Atlas starting the day in Adassil are among the most scenic of the whole tour.
The overall length of the stage and the relatively steep hike and bike part are challenging. Also navigation needs your full attention as the trail is sometimes difficult to spot.
The overall length of the stage and the relatively steep hike and bike part are challenging. Also navigation needs your full attention as the trail is sometimes difficult to spot.
Sleeping
There is no Guest house in Lalla Aziza. However, the Moqaddem Mohamed and his family with a long line of Village chiefs is a great host and is used to receive travellers in his traditional house built around a patio on the steep slopes of the valley. He has mattresses and carpets to sleep on and serves wonderful local meals including the typical Amizigh pastries for breakfast. Mohamed’s mobile +212 621997149 (only basic french).
Day 5: ....
|
riding time 6h30
distance 74 km |
uphill 1,960 m
downhill 2,570 m |
Fitness/Endurance: High
Technicality: Medium |
Easy rolling start from Auberge Benija for 20km through the hills and flowering fields and spectacular views on the snow-covered high Atlas. Then 10km downhill on a paved road until the village of Adassil on 970m where we cross the main river of the valley Assif Al Mal. From there starts a steep 1000m climb. First 700m on steep dirt road.
Then at 1650 m Altitude leave the dirt road to the left (direction west) and follow the altitude line on single trails through pastures and fields for 2km. Then crossing of two river beds follow single track soon we carry our bikes for most of the 300 height metres until reaching the mountain pass and a plateau with a water source (drinkable water). After 6km downhill we pass the village of Afouzar on the right and join a street until a village called Timsal.
Take the street to the left and climb the windy mountain roald until reaching Lalla Aziza. The village has a few corner shops “Hanuts” for provisions and fruits and the shrine for Lalla Aziza (see box).
Then at 1650 m Altitude leave the dirt road to the left (direction west) and follow the altitude line on single trails through pastures and fields for 2km. Then crossing of two river beds follow single track soon we carry our bikes for most of the 300 height metres until reaching the mountain pass and a plateau with a water source (drinkable water). After 6km downhill we pass the village of Afouzar on the right and join a street until a village called Timsal.
Take the street to the left and climb the windy mountain roald until reaching Lalla Aziza. The village has a few corner shops “Hanuts” for provisions and fruits and the shrine for Lalla Aziza (see box).
Highlights and challenges
The panoramic views on the High Atlas starting the day in Adassil are among the most scenic of the whole tour.
The overall length of the stage and the relatively steep hike and bike part are challenging. Also navigation needs your full attention as the trail is sometimes difficult to spot.
The overall length of the stage and the relatively steep hike and bike part are challenging. Also navigation needs your full attention as the trail is sometimes difficult to spot.
Sleeping
There is no Guest house in Lalla Aziza. However, the Moqaddem Mohamed and his family with a long line of Village chiefs is a great host and is used to receive travellers in his traditional house built around a patio on the steep slopes of the valley. He has mattresses and carpets to sleep on and serves wonderful local meals including the typical Amizigh pastries for breakfast. Mohamed’s mobile +212 621997149 (only basic french).
Day 6: ....
|
riding time 6h30
distance 74 km |
uphill 1,960 m
downhill 2,570 m |
Fitness/Endurance: High
Technicality: Medium |
Easy rolling start from Auberge Benija for 20km through the hills and flowering fields and spectacular views on the snow-covered high Atlas. Then 10km downhill on a paved road until the village of Adassil on 970m where we cross the main river of the valley Assif Al Mal. From there starts a steep 1000m climb. First 700m on steep dirt road.
Then at 1650 m Altitude leave the dirt road to the left (direction west) and follow the altitude line on single trails through pastures and fields for 2km. Then crossing of two river beds follow single track soon we carry our bikes for most of the 300 height metres until reaching the mountain pass and a plateau with a water source (drinkable water). After 6km downhill we pass the village of Afouzar on the right and join a street until a village called Timsal.
Take the street to the left and climb the windy mountain roald until reaching Lalla Aziza. The village has a few corner shops “Hanuts” for provisions and fruits and the shrine for Lalla Aziza (see box).
Then at 1650 m Altitude leave the dirt road to the left (direction west) and follow the altitude line on single trails through pastures and fields for 2km. Then crossing of two river beds follow single track soon we carry our bikes for most of the 300 height metres until reaching the mountain pass and a plateau with a water source (drinkable water). After 6km downhill we pass the village of Afouzar on the right and join a street until a village called Timsal.
Take the street to the left and climb the windy mountain roald until reaching Lalla Aziza. The village has a few corner shops “Hanuts” for provisions and fruits and the shrine for Lalla Aziza (see box).
Highlights and challenges
The panoramic views on the High Atlas starting the day in Adassil are among the most scenic of the whole tour.
The overall length of the stage and the relatively steep hike and bike part are challenging. Also navigation needs your full attention as the trail is sometimes difficult to spot.
The overall length of the stage and the relatively steep hike and bike part are challenging. Also navigation needs your full attention as the trail is sometimes difficult to spot.
Sleeping
There is no Guest house in Lalla Aziza. However, the Moqaddem Mohamed and his family with a long line of Village chiefs is a great host and is used to receive travellers in his traditional house built around a patio on the steep slopes of the valley. He has mattresses and carpets to sleep on and serves wonderful local meals including the typical Amizigh pastries for breakfast. Mohamed’s mobile +212 621997149 (only basic french).
