Highlights
- Ourika valley orchards in blossom (February to April)
- Strawberry groves and pine forests above Amizmiz
- Honey and argan country around Imouzzer Ida Outanane
- The red city walls of Taroudant
- The Tizi n’Test pass and the Almohad mosque of Tinmel
What awaits you
This is a long-distance route for riders who like their days big. Instead of basing yourself in one valley, you travel across the western end of the High Atlas: out of Marrakech into the Ourika valley, over to Asni, west through Amizmiz and Imintanoute, down into the argan and honey country around Imouzzer Ida Outanane, and on to the Souss plain and the red walls of Taroudant.The last day turns back towards the mountains and over the Tizi n’Test, past the Almohad mosque at Tinmel and down to Ouirgane before the transfer to Marrakech. It is a demanding finale, so ask us about splitting it with an overnight stop if you would rather ride it at a gentler pace.
You ride between 90 and 161 km a day, about 604 km in total with around 7,900 m of climbing. A guide rides with you, a support driver carries the luggage and a cook prepares lunches and dinners. The fruit trees of the Ourika valley blossom between February and April, which makes spring a lovely time to start.
Itinerary
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Arrival in Marrakech
Airport welcome and transfer to your hotel or riad. You meet your guide, check the bikes and rest before the long days ahead.
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Marrakech – Ourika valley – Asni (90 km)
Out of the city and into the cooler Ourika valley, where the orchards blossom between February and April, then across to the mountain village of Asni. About 90 km with 1,100 m of climbing. Night in a guesthouse.
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Asni – Amizmiz – Imintanoute (136 km)
West through Amizmiz and the Assif El Mal valley, past strawberry fields and pine forest, to Imintanoute. 136 km with 1,180 m of climbing. Night in a guesthouse.
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Imintanoute – Argana – Imouzzer Ida Outanane (112 km)
A long push west into honey and argan country, ending on the plateau above Paradise Valley. 112 km with 1,900 m of climbing. Night in a hotel.
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Imouzzer Ida Outanane – Taroudant (105 km)
Down from the plateau into the Souss plain and Taroudant, the town with the red city walls. 105 km, mostly downhill, with about 1,700 m of descent. Night in a hotel.
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Taroudant – Tizi n’Test – Ouirgane (161 km)
The big finale: back up and over the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Test pass, passing the Almohad mosque at Tinmel and down to Ouirgane. 161 km with about 3,000 m of climbing, then a transfer to Marrakech.
Timings are a guide. Your guide adapts the pace to the group and the weather.
Route
Starts at Marrakech
Historic sites along the way
Koutoubia Mosque
12th century · 1 km from the route
Marrakech’s landmark minaret, 77 m tall, next to Jemaa el-Fna square.
Bahia Palace
19th century · 1 km from the route
Painted cedar ceilings, zellige and quiet gardens in the medina of Marrakech.
Tinmel Mosque
12th century · 18 km from the route
The restored Almohad mosque in the Nfis valley, a highlight of the Tizi n’Test road climb.
What’s included
- Guide, cook and support driver
- Accommodation in guesthouses, hotels or riads
- 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners
- Drinking water
- All transport from airport to airport
- Luggage transport between overnight stops
Not included
- Bike rental (ask us about gravel bikes; e-bike with helmet from €420 per week)
- Alcohol, tips and shopping
- International flights
- Extra activities
- Medical and travel insurance
What to bring
- Gravel bike in good order, or a rental booked in advance
- Helmet, gloves and padded shorts
- Warm layer and rain jacket for the Tizi n’Test
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Spare tubes and a pump or tubeless repair kit
Season
October to May
