Gravel biking · Morocco
Seven days of challenging gravel riding through Morocco’s High Atlas, connecting mountain passes, remote valleys, historic villages and the landscapes around Marrakesh.
Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Distance
467 km
Region
Morocco
Terrain
Gravel
Difficulty
Advanced
Daily average
93 km / 6h10
The journey
A gravel journey through mountain country, shaped by challenging riding and encounters with the people and places of Morocco.
Leave the energy of Marrakesh behind and ride into the landscapes of the High Atlas. This tour links mountain passes, traditional villages and remote valleys, following gravel roads through a changing landscape.
The route includes the climb towards Tizi n’Tichka, a lunch stop overlooking Ait Benhaddou, and a journey through the valleys and foothills towards Imlil and Agafay.
Along the way, experience local hospitality, share mint tea and enjoy Moroccan food, including tagines, couscous and fresh juices. Accommodation is simple and characterful, including local guesthouses, riads and one village homestay.
Start
Marrakesh
Through
High Atlas & mountain valleys
Finish
Marrakesh
Tour highlights
More than a ride from one place to another: a route through the landscapes, culture and hospitality of the Atlas.
01
Leave Marrakesh behind and follow gravel roads into mountain valleys, traditional villages and changing landscapes.
02
Take on a defining mountain climb as the route travels south through the Atlas.
03
Stop for lunch with a view of the historic mud-brick ksar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
04
Meet local people, enjoy mint tea and discover the warmth of Berber hospitality along the route.
05
Enjoy local dishes including tagines and couscous, as well as fresh juices and traditional tea.
06
Return towards Marrakesh across gravel roads in the distinctive Agafay landscape.
The landscape
Gravel roads, mountain terrain and the changing scenery of Morocco. A few views from the world of Ride The Atlas.
Know before you go
Difficulty
Advanced
Tour rating
3 / 4
This tour is designed for regular cyclists who are comfortable with consecutive challenging days and long climbs. Riders should be able to manage their effort over extended distances and varied terrain.
The route includes demanding ascents and descents. Good bike handling is important, particularly on corners and downhill sections. Riders should feel confident riding at their own pace on gravel.
E-bikes are available on all tours. If you are unsure whether this route matches your experience, contact us before making your plans.
Day by day
Follow the journey from Marrakesh into the mountains and back again. Each stage brings a new landscape and a different part of Morocco into view.
Marrakesh
Your journey begins in Marrakesh. Meet the team, get your bike set up and prepare for the days ahead.
If time allows, join an optional walking tour of the city. In the evening, gather for a welcome meal and a briefing about the route and the week ahead.
Stage
Arrival, bike set-up and welcome
Zat Valley · Tizi n’Tichka · Telouet
Start from Ait Ourir and ride south into the Atlas. The route passes through Tassourte, where farmers and shepherds work the land, before reaching the Zat Valley for a mint tea stop.
Continue climbing towards Tizi n’Tichka, then make your way to Telouet, home to the historic Kasbah du Pacha.
Stage
Ait Ourir → Telouet
Ounila Valley · Ait Benhaddou · Agouim
Follow the old Spice Caravan route through the Ounila Valley, passing through a landscape of traditional villages and striking mountain scenery.
Stop for lunch overlooking Ait Benhaddou, the historic mud-brick ksar recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Agouim for the night.
Stage
Telouet → Ait Benhaddou → Agouim
Anti-Atlas · Low Atlas · Amsouzart Valley
Discover a different side of the mountains as the route crosses the landscapes of the Anti-Atlas and Low Atlas.
Ride towards the Amsouzart Valley, continuing deeper into the mountain environment and away from the more familiar routes.
Stage
Agouim → Amsouzart
Azgrouz · Ijoukak Valley · Imlil
After a transfer of around one and a half hours to Azgrouz, take on a demanding climb towards the highest point of the route.
Descend into the foothills and follow the Ijoukak Valley into the High Atlas. The day continues along an old caravan route towards Imlil.
Stage
Azgrouz → Ijoukak → Imlil
Agafay · Lalla Takerkoust · Marrakesh
The final ride takes you across gravel roads through the Agafay landscape and around Lalla Takerkoust before returning to Marrakesh.
In the evening, come together for a final dinner and a chance to look back on the journey.
Stage
Imlil → Agafay → Lalla Takerkoust → Marrakesh
Marrakesh
Your tour comes to an end in Marrakesh. Depart from Marrakesh Menara Airport or continue your travels independently.
Stage
Tour ends in Marrakesh
Distances and elevation figures are shown as supplied for each stage. Arrival and departure days are included in the 7-day itinerary.
Beyond the bike
The Atlas is not only a landscape to ride through. It is also a place to meet local communities, experience Berber hospitality and take time to appreciate the culture of the region.
Expect Moroccan dishes such as tagines and couscous, fresh juices and traditional tea. The tour stays in local guesthouses, riads and one village homestay, offering a simple and locally rooted way to experience the journey.
An optional walking tour in Marrakesh offers a chance to explore the city at the beginning of the trip.
Explore another route
Compare this Atlas route with our gravel journey from Marrakech towards the Atlantic coast.
Agafay · High Atlas · Atlantic Coast
A 7-day gravel journey travelling west from the Agafay and High Atlas region towards the Atlantic coast. Ride through mountain landscapes and coastal terrain before reaching Essaouira.
Duration
7 days
Distance
520 km
Level
Advanced
Frequently asked questions
A few useful details about the route, riding level and experience. For anything else, get in touch with us.
Ask us a questionRide The Atlas
Interested in riding through the Atlas Mountains? Contact us to ask about the tour and discuss whether it suits your experience.