Atlas Mountains 6-Day Cycling Tour
Overview
Embark on a captivating journey with our 6-Day cycling tour from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains. This bike adventure promises an unforgettable experience as you explore the majestic Atlas Mountains and the scenic Ouirgane National Park.
Escape the bustling energy of Marrakech and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of remote valleys and traditional Berber villages. Our private guided cycling tour offers a personalised and enriching experience, allowing you to fully absorb the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region.
Throughout the tours, you’ll have the chance to indulge in local flavours, savouring the taste of mint tea and enjoying a satisfying lunch amidst the stunning landscapes of the Atlas Mountains.
Trip facts:
Trip length : 6-day / 5 nights
Group size : Min 2, max 12 persons
Location
This bike adventure takes place in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, just a short drive from the vibrant city of Marrakech. The High Atlas Mountains are a spectacular setting for a mountain biking trip with hundreds of miles of dusty singletrack just waiting to be explored. With many years of experience guiding in the region, your local hosts can help you explore this region’s hidden riding potential.
The scenery makes for an impressive backdrop to your journey. The rugged and remote terrain has resisted the pressured of the modern world and feels like a window into a bygone era. Dramatic valleys offer vivid contrasts with the lush green irrigated fields along the valley bottom set against the barren rocky scree slopes that lead up to the snow-capped peaks.
The Escape Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Upon arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted and transferred to your riad in the heart of the city. Spend the day exploring the vibrant souks, the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square, or the historic Koutoubia Mosque. Dinner at a local restaurant will introduce you to the flavours of Morocco before a peaceful night in your riad.
Day 2: Transfer to Imlil – Acclimatization and Biking Exploration
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Imlil, a charming village at the base of Mount Toubkal, which serves as the perfect place for acclimatizing. Your first bike ride begins through the lush Imnan Valley, famous for its terraced fields and traditional Berber villages. You’ll cycle past orchards of apple, walnut, and cherry trees, with plenty of stops to interact with locals. In the afternoon, the ride continues through serene pine forests, offering refreshing air and magnificent views of the surrounding peaks. Return to Imlil for a relaxing evening and dinner at your riad.
Day 3: Imlil to Ouirgane via Azzaden Valley
The day starts with a challenging yet rewarding ride through the Azzaden Valley, known for its vibrant red soil and green terraces. Along the way, you’ll pass through the Berber villages of Tizi Oussem and Tamsoult, where you can gain insight into traditional lifestyles. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of the valley and the surrounding mountains. As you descend into Ouirgane, you’ll arrive in a serene area with olive groves and a peaceful lake, perfect for a well-deserved break. The day concludes with an overnight stay in a cosy lodge surrounded by nature, with a delicious local meal to end the day.
Day 4: Ouirgane to Tagoum via Kik Plateau and Lalla Takerkoust
After breakfast, you’ll begin the day with a ride through the vast Kik Plateau, where you’ll enjoy uninterrupted views of the High Atlas Mountains and distant plains. The ride alternates between smooth paths and rocky terrain, providing a great mix of challenges. Along the way, you’ll pass through small Berber villages such as Tizi n’Ourghars, where you can stop and chat with the locals. Your journey will take you to the serene Lalla Takerkoust Lake, a perfect spot for a rest and perhaps a picnic by the water. The day finishes with a stay in Tagoum, where you’ll unwind at a comfortable guesthouse.
Day 5: Outghal to Ourika Valley via Tizi n’Tadmamet – Transfer to Marrakech
This day’s ride takes you through the scenic Tizi n’Tadmamet pass, a high-altitude route offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks. As you descend into the lush Ourika Valley, you’ll be surrounded by greenery and cascading waterfalls. The area is known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant local life. After lunch in the valley, you’ll be transferred back to Marrakech, where you can reflect on your adventure. Overnight in a riad.
Day 6: Departure
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Marrakech Menara Airport for your return flight. Take with you unforgettable memories of your time in the High Atlas and the warmth of the Berber culture.
What’s Included
- Airport Transfer
- 2 Nights Hotel/Riads in Marrakech on BB
- Professional English-Speaking E-Bike Guide
- Premium Full-Suspension eBike & Helmet Hire
- 3 Nights in Traditional Berber Guesthouses & Lodges
- Private Round-trip Transport from Marrakech
- All meals and refreshments during cycling stages
- Full Support Vehicle & Technical Assistance
Does not Include
- Travel Insurance
- Tips
- Any Private Expenses
- Drinks and Items of personal nature
Essential Equipment*
- Normal daily clothes
- Padded cycling shorts and gloves
- Breathable top or cycling jersey
- Sunglasses/eye protection
- Stiff-soled shoes suitable for cycling
- Waterproofs
- Long cycling trousers
- Warmer layers for earlier departures
- Sun cream
- Water bottle or Camelback
- Energy gels/Energy bars
*we recommend packing the following items
Energy cycling gels offer a quick form of crabs replenishment. Most contain the simple crab sugar, which is the fastest form of energy to replace glycogen. It’s suggested that people who cycle at a moderate intensity for more than 90 minutes, need to replace between 30g and 65g of carbohydrates per hour and we would thoroughly recommend bringing some of these with you, as well as some energy bars.
Accommodation
During this adventure, you will be staying in Berber guest house in the Berber village, but we can also update the accommodation suits your needs.