The Great Atlas Wilderness Crossing – 8-Day Adventure Across Remote Morocco
About this tour
High Atlas MTB Challenge
This High Atlas MTB Challenge adventure is one of Morocco’s most spectacular multi-day expeditions, crossing the legendary High Atlas range from west to east. From your very first pedal stroke, you enter a world of dramatic valleys, high-altitude plateaus, ancient Amazigh villages, and raw wilderness shaped by centuries of wind and stone. The journey blends demanding climbs, thrilling descents, and remote singletracks far from any tourist route, offering a unique combination of physical challenge and pure mountain freedom.
Beginning of the High Atlas MTB Challenge in Marrakech and pushing deep into the central Atlas, the route reveals the incredible diversity of this monumental mountain chain: lush green valleys irrigated by ancestral canals, wild cedar forests, lunar-like high plateaus above 2 500 m, vast alpine pastures still used by nomadic shepherds, and rugged canyons carved over millennia. Each stage brings its own terrain, its own atmosphere, and its own emotional connection with the landscape.
Along the way, you pass through traditional Amazigh communities, meet local families, and discover the authenticity of mountain life. Nights are spent in warm guesthouses or lodges selected for their charm and proximity to nature, giving the entire expedition a deep sense of immersion. By the time you reach the palm groves of Tinghir, you will have crossed one of Morocco’s most iconic regions—an achievement experienced by very few riders.
Highlights
🚵♂️ Ride across dramatic High Atlas landscapes and wild mountain passes
⛰️ Conquer challenging climbs and thrilling singletrack descents
🏘️ Explore remote Berber villages and meet Amazigh communities
🌄 Experience high-altitude plateaus and vast open valleys
🏞️ Discover iconic spots like Lake Isli, Lake Tislit & Tizi N’Ouerz
🌋 Cross from the Dades Valley to the epic Todra Canyon
🍲 Enjoy authentic Moroccan cuisine and mountain hospitality
🌴 Finish the adventure in the beautiful oasis of Tinghir
Itinerary
You are welcomed at Marrakech airport and transferred to your hotel. This first evening is all about preparation: bike checks, meeting your guides, and briefing about the High Atlas MTB Challenge adventure ahead.
Morning – First Contact With the Atlas
Your journey begins with a transfer toward the foothills, where the mountain bikes are unloaded. The morning ride crosses small tracks and fertile terraces cultivated by local families. The first sections are ideal to warm up: smooth dirt roads, gentle climbs, and open panoramas.
Midday – Lunch in Nature
A picnic is served near a small stream or under walnut trees, depending on the season. Your first cultural immersion starts here as your guide explains irrigation systems and local traditions.
Afternoon – Into the Remote Valleys
The trail becomes narrower, guiding you toward more isolated hamlets. Stone houses appear on the slopes, goats roam freely, and children wave as you pass. The stage finishes in the peaceful village of Boutferda.
Morning – High Plateau Ascent
You climb progressively to reach the mythical plateau of the twin lakes. The climb is steady, surrounded by volcanic rock formations and endless open skies.
Midday – Lunch Between Two Lakes
You arrive at Lake Tislit, a quiet alpine gem. Lunch is enjoyed with a breathtaking view of the water and mountains.
Afternoon – Ride to Lake Isli
A short but scenic ride brings you to Lake Isli, home to one of the most famous Amazigh legends. The evening at this altitude is peaceful, cool, and exceptionally starry.
Morning – Descent Toward Agoudal
A beautiful descent leads to Agoudal, known as one of Morocco’s highest villages. This is a land of shepherds, caves, and strong mountain culture.
Midday – Agoudal Guesthouse Lunch
Warm Amazigh hospitality greets you. You enjoy a homemade meal full of local flavors.
Afternoon – Toward Tizi Timedouine Pass
The climb to Tizi Timedouine is demanding but deeply rewarding. Rugged landscapes and mineral contrasts dominate the horizon.
Morning – The Great Ascent to Tizi N’Ouerz
One of the highlights of the Raid MTB High Atlas: a legendary pass at nearly 3 000 m. The surrounding cliffs resemble a Moroccan “Grand Canyon.”
Midday – Rest at the Summit
A break at the top offers breathtaking 360° views.
Afternoon – Descent to M’Senrir
A long, exhilarating downhill ride takes you into the upper Dadès valley, before reaching M’Senrir.
Morning – Valley Ride
You follow ancient caravan paths between orchards and rocky formations.
Midday – Local Lunch in Todra
The Todra region offers some of Morocco’s best tagines.
Afternoon – Finish in the Palm Grove
A final stretch leads you to the lush oasis of Tinghir—an emotional finish after crossing the entire High Atlas.
Transfer back to Marrakech and free time in the Medina.
Airport transfer and end of the High Atlas MTB Challenge experience.
Included/Excluded
✅ Mountain bike guide & local support team
✅ Accommodation (guesthouses & lodges)
✅ All meals during the tour
✅ Transfers (Marrakech ↔ Atlas)
✅ Luggage transport
✅ Assistance vehicle
✅Drinking water during riding days
❌ International flights
❌ MTB bike rental (optional)
❌ Travel insurance
❌ Personal expenses
❌ Tips
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