THE MOROCCAN WESTERN HIGH ATLAS RANGES
The Trek of the Titans
(Tichka Plateau to Mount Toubkal)		This 'lost world' - an almost virgin territory for experienced mountain walkers is something definitely not to be missed.
Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights   - ref. ITCTTM18a
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: GRADE TWO to THREE - Between moderate and strenuous. Good boots essential. We recommend that you be confident of your fitness and endurance levels; preferably having had previous experience of trekking at altitude and in variations of climate Full support team.
NB: The months from December through to mid-April could possibly preclude the Toubkal summit climb due to sudden, heavy snowfalls. We shall advise you of adverse climatic conditions and alternate nearby peak climb - Jbel Aguelzim (3547m) prior to your setting out from Marrakech.

			Reservations - All our holidays are tailor-made so please feel free to request any combination of hotels, riads or tours for your own holiday. The minimum reservation for our accommodation only service is 3 nights in total, although not necessarily at same property. Simply contact us by phone or email or complete one of our enquiry forms. Why Rediscover? - All our reservations staff have worked in Morocco (or visited extensively) and will be more than happy to offer advice and suggestions on any of our featured destinations, tours and properties. Prices - our prices are similar to or quite often cheaper than our internet competitors or booking directly and significantly cheaper than those producing expensive brochures whilst our service, knowledge and after sales care is second to none. Security - Rediscover the World is a member of the TTA (T6816), we also hold our own ATOL bond (T7172). We therefore provide full financial security and assistance should any part of your holiday not happen entirely to plan. If you were to assemble your holiday yourself you may not have this sort of protection.

DAY 1:  AGADIR - TAROUDANT - ASSIF N'AÏT TAMENT - TAGMOUT.

Departure from Agadir around 8 in the morning towards the east alongside the trailing edges of the westernmost High Atlas range to arrive around 9.15 at the pre-Islamic walled town of Taroudant, also known as "Marrakech in Miniature." Built in 1030 and once the capital of the Sâadien dynasty - here we meet with our mountain guide and take a quick tour of the town walls and centre - before continuing up to the town of Oulad Brehil. On our way here we shall have an utterly awe-inspiring vista of the Tichka chain, peak after peak after peak. We change our vehicle to an open light truck (camionette) - the sole method of transport, other than 4WD, which can take us up into this virgin (for hikers) region - or continue in our 4WD, depending on the mode of transportation selected - for at least a further 4½ hour drive (in 4WD or 6 hours in light truck), way up into the upper foothills of this savagely magnificent and still virgin range of the Western High Atlas mountains, passing alongside oueds and small reservoirs, through the old Berber hamlet of Zawyatt Iguerzane, past the Oued Tamazirrt and Assif Timeselt Valley and on up through the hairpin piste finally to arrive at the Berber market village of Zawyatt Tafilalt, or Abdelah Ou Saïd as it is known to its Berber (Shleuh) inhabitants.

We shall take a break here for some photographs and our picnic amongst almond, walnut and palm trees before continuing up along the piste alongside the valley of the Assif n'Aït Tament upwards on a gruelling, winding ascent, mostly in first gear, for some 1½ hours between the upper slopes of the Ighil Lbour (2108m) and Tizi Ougouni (1856m), passing by Adrar Tazgoukht (1663) and the High Atlas Berber hamlets of Alagjana and Tazoudot, with their palmeraies and terraced, irrigated fields seeming to cling to the stark mountain slopes, over the oued of the Assif Agounsane until we finally reach the village of Tagmout, nestling way up in the stark upper foothills of the impressive Tichka Plateau. Once an important stop for the ancient caravans from Mauritania to the Mediterranean coast, there's time to stretch our bones by strolling around the area hamlets of Tammart and Aït Ammar - a real experience of Berber life - dominated by the Assaouâl Mqqorn (2361m) and Tizi Igourramene (1994m), whilst our dinner is being prepared in our overnight accommodation in the home of the local caïd. These hamlets rarely see a foreigner from one year to another, so the interest will be mutual.

DAY 2:   TAGMOUT - ASSIF MEDLAWA - AWSAGHMELT - TIZI N'TARGA - TICHKA PLATEAU.

Suitably refreshed, we strike out today for our 7 hour hike up the sinuous mule trail of the Upper Medlawa Valley, passing the Shleuh hamlets of Tawart and Amghlou and their scattered groves of almond and walnut trees, terraced irrigated fields of barley, corn and potato, small waterfalls and incredible vistas, up to the last village in this beautiful High Atlas valley - Awsaghmelt (or Imlaouin in Berber), where we can relax in the shadow of Ras Moulay Ali (2845m) by the pools of water created by a small waterfall, before setting out between Jbels Askouân (3078m) and Ras Awlim (3048m) to arrive, after some 4 hours along a different type of stony trail, at an âazib at the feet of Tizi n'Targa (2086m). here we stop for our deserved picnic before striking out for a further 2 hours up some 92 (!) hairpin bends in the faint mule trail to traverse the Tizi to continue down further faint winding tracks to finally arrive at the incredibly romantic and beautiful Tichka Plateau of a Thousand Peaks, where, after getting our breath back, we shall have dinner and bivouac for the night under a breathtaking canopy of a million stars.

DAY 3:  PLATEAU OF A THOUSAND PEAKS - JBEL IMARADENE SUMMIT - TICHKA PLATEAU.

Today we shall enjoy one of the highest mountain walks in the Atlas, many of whose peaks have never been climbed and which, whilst some keep snow caps year round, have no glaciers. The virgin Plateau, with its meadows of early daffodils and alpine flowers in spring, controlled grazing, scattered forests of oak, pine and nut trees of all sorts, strangely green amidst a high altitude landscape and a dramatic panorama of so many peaks and gorges, is an absolute delight.

After breakfast and camp struck, we set out for a 7 hour hike and ridge walk - technically a tough walk over shattered rock - up to the summit of one of the highest peaks in the chain - Imaradene (3351m).

From this peak we shall have a spectacular vista and sense of total isolation, with to our immediate west Jbels Moulay Ali (3349m), Aquelmoun (3251m), Tamguerd Lma'dene (3251m), Mtdadene (3366m), Adrars n'Fivil (3214m) and Tit Oulli (3247m) - amongst those that have been named. To the north the glorious valleys of the Assifs Ida Gourioun, Isquoân, Id M'Nssiren, Imintanout and Samba and the copper mines at Afensou and Aguersafane; to the east Jbels Wajir Oudadene (3139m), Akalmoumane (2901m), Awrir n'Tidar (2934m), Azrou Azdim (2934m), Amendach (3192m) and on and on. We shall picnic here on the roof of the Atlas world, finally return back down the steep slopes to our dinner and bivouac site on this beautiful and strangely-silent lost world.

DAY 4:  TICHKA PLATEAU - TICHKA VALLEY - AGHBAR VALLEY.

After breakfast and camp struck we set out on our 6 hour trek towards the east, the first 2 hours taking us down winding trails to the Tichka Valley, suddenly to come across the hidden Valley of the Oued Aghbar. Very few 'immoudoun' - outsiders - have seen this remotest of areas. Our hike continues to take us down through a beautiful holm oak forest and gentle springs, to pass by the very occasional goat herder and several snowmelt waterfalls to stop for our picnic under the canopy of pine and oak trees. We shall now continue on down in the midst high peaks through the quiet and romantic valley, leaving behind the virginal forest until we come to the Assif Yane Moula, with its ancient watermill, where we shall camp on the banks of the season river and dine in an awesome silence.

DAY 5:  AGHBAR VALLEY - AMLOUHL - TIZI N'TEST.

From the Valley of Aghbar we hike along a faint trail through some wild and gorgeous countryside, the shady walnut and almond trees on all sides of the rain-denuded upper slopes to come across several Berber hamlets of pisé and stone clawed from the mountainsides until we come to the ancient village of Amlouhl, to be greeted by curious children and the most-hospitable Berber mountain folk. From here we strike out further down the valley until we reach Souq Sebt, where we shall stop for our welcome picnic before continuing on winding mule trails to the feet of the Tizi n'Test (2092m), for, after 7 hours of moderate hiking, we relax for our dinner and bivvy site for the night.

DAY 6:   TIZI N'TEST - MOULDIGHTE - OUED N'FIS - TIN-MAL.

From our campsite on this upper slope we shall continue to the east, following the pleasing Oued N'Fis Valley down to the hamlet of Oukhoune. Once past this quiet, tiny group of pisé homes, we continue on a relatively easy hike along flatter ground down to the hamlet of Mouldighte and on down through narrow, winding paths surrounded by walnut, almond and olive trees until we reach the point where the Oued N'Fis and Assif Oughdimt meet - and where we stop for our picnic amidst some romantic vistas of towering peaks, long, dramatic valleys and swirling clouds. Our afternoon is spent hiking up and down the countours of the valley slopes until we reach the historic site of Tin-Mil, alone amidst stark mountains and luxuriant valley vegetation. Here, outside of the mosque, we set up camp after another days of 7 hours' hiking and enjoy a well-earned meal.

DAY 7:   TIN-MAL - KASBAH GANDAFA - IJOUKAK.

This small, remote stronghold settlement, high up on the opposite bank of the river, gives all the appearance of a Lhasa-in-Muslim miniature, set amidst brown slopes, green shrubbery and snow-capped mountains. We are here to visit the fortress of high walls and strong towers, the sole survivor of the once holy 12th century city built by the founder of the Almohad dynasty, Mehdi Ibn Toumarte, and the only mosque in Morocco - other than the new mosque of Hassan II in Casablanca - into which a non-Muslim may enter- except on Fridays. We may enter through a small, sturdy door in the corner of the main tower. Now roofless, deep shadows thrown by the surviving bas relief pisé columns and carefully restored arcades and horseshoe arches contrast with the large sunbaked wall. Intact amongst the ruins we witness the fine examples of ancient Almohad decor. But was there ever a minaret? There are three towers, which are unusual in that they are built above the actual prayer hall, yet minarets are always free-standing. Is the final restored work going to respect the original aura of austere puritanism of that once theocratic Almohad Islam? Cedar from Azrou is now used for the ceilings; a special lime has been imported from Spain; no cement or concrete is being used and the several cupolas have been restored in some areas with richly decorated stalactite plaster work.

In the actual village there is a ruined kasbah, a Medersa and an old water tank which produces a regular supply of the French gastronomic delight - edible frogs. Suitably impressed, we now set off along a flat, easy trail through some beautiful surroundings dotted with walnut and olives trees, cross the Oued N'Fis to reach the Gandafa (or Goudafa/Goundafi) Kasbah of Talâat n'Yâcoub. This sprawling ruin is built of pisé and timber on foundations of boulders, is probably the third kasbah to have been built on the same site, the first one built in the mid 17th century by a servant of the Sultan Caïd Goudafa. This latter one, rebuilt around 1906, is quite obviously one not used for the defence of the region and served but as a palace and administrative centre for some1200 clerks, servants and slaves - and for a harem of 300 women Most of the upper stories and stairways have collapsed, but we can still amble around the columned prayer-hall and inner courtyard overhung with balconies.

We continue on up to Ijoukak, where we shall overnight after a 6 hour hike in a small, basic hotel and dine for the night. Close by is a hammam, for those who'd like to enjoy this refreshing - and cleansing - experience!

DAY 8:   IJOUKAK - ALA N'OUM ZORNI - TIZI N'IGUIDI - AMSSLANE.

From this village we set out for some 6 hours towards the north-east up and down zigzagging paths through the ever-present walnut and olive trees and now through fields of barley, potato and corn to reach the hamlet of Ala n'Oum Zorni, where we shall stop for our picnic, prior to continue up to the Tizi n'Iguidi. Once this col has been traversed, we amble down along these sinuous paths through areas of startling beauty to arrive at the village of Amsslane, to set up camp and dine for the night.

DAY 9:  AMSSLANE - TIZI TAGHDALT - TIZI OUSSEM - ÂAZIB TAMSOULT.

Breakfast tucked away and camp struck, we now strike out across the pleasant Amsslane Plateau until we reach the Assif Takhint where we shall stop for our picnic around midday. Now we set off for about 1 hour up to the Tizi Taghdalt, from where we are afforded a tremendous panorama of the Takhint and Arzedene Valleys. Once through the col, we follow a zigzagging trail through some pretty countryside to the village of Taghdalt, to cross the Assif Arzedene to reach the village of Tizi Oussem (185m). From here, between the Jbels Tasighmout (2004m), Aguelzim (3547m) and Tazaghârt (3843m), we continue south to the Âazib Tamsoult (2145m), where, after 6 hours of hard slogging and whilst camp is being set up and dinner prepared, we can go up to the Tamsoult Cascade, also known as the Irhoulidene Cascade (2200m).

DAY 10:  ÂAZIB TAMSOULT - TIZI N'AGUELZIM - TOUBKAL REFUGE.

After breakfast, we now set off for some five to six hours towards the south-east on a moderately difficult hike up winding mule trails to the Tizi n'Aguelzim (3104m), to stop for a picnic high up on its slopes, thence a further 3 hours to the Toubkal (ex-Neltner) Refuge, which marks the spring snowline at 3207m, where we shall have dinner and either bivouac around the mountain hut * or take cover in there for the night.

The months from December through to mid-April could preclude the Toubkal summit climb to those not used to crampons and/or ice axes. Morning fog and heavy snowfalls may also prevent ascent to the Toubkal summit. We shall advise you of adverse climatic conditions and of an alternate peak climb prior to your setting out from Marrakech.

DAY 11:  TOUBKAL REFUGE - SUMMIT TOUBKAL - SIDI CHAMHAROUCH - AROUMD - IMLIL.

A very early breakfast to set out around 5am. To witness a spectacular sunrise and attain, after a three hour steep climb, the highest peak in the Maghreb (4167m). The panorama from here is simply stunning. This remarkable climb and view is what you have come so far for. The first recorded climb of this peak, in 1923, was made by the French mountaineers V. Berger, M. Doubleau and the Marquis de Segonzae; many serious trekkers since then have made the highly rewardable effort.

Whenever you are ready, we shall take the Ikkhibi Sud or South Cirque for a straightforward - with your guide - 2 to 3 hour descent back to the Refuge for a picnic. Should there be intrepid hikers who prefer to "do" this peak in winter, morning fog and snow levels might preclude reaching the summit. In this event, we shall advise you, prior to setting out from Marrakech, of an alternative peak climb nearby. We shall now set off towards the north along steeply descending, zigzagging trails of the higher slopes of the Valley of the Assif n'Isouhouanem n'Ouagounss towards the Berber village of Sidi Chamharouch. Set beside a waterfall, with its homes surprisingly built one into the other, it is yet another sight to be enjoyed. There is a pilgrimage 'marabout' shrine here, probably the remnant of a pre-Islamic culture, but forbidden to non-Muslims and, on leaving the village, we shall notice a tree, sacred to the local Berbers, where they hang strips of coloured cloth and pile up stones as we descend high above the valley of the Assif Mizane, down zigzagging trails around granite and basalt grey rocks for some 8kms. to the remarkable village of Aroumd (Aremd) (1840m), built on a spur of rock commanding one of the more fertile valleys of the High Atlas mountains with terraced, irrigated plots and fields of maize, onions and fruit trees on all sides.

Here we shall stop for our picnic prior to continuing for another 4kms. along the floor of the valley, thence up a well-defined mule track zigzagging above the river to arrive, finally, by about 5pm., at the Berber village of Imlil (1740m), Morocco's 'Little Chamonix,' with its paths and streams branching off in all directions, to enjoy a glass of mint tea - or two - at the gîte d'étape of our senior guide for dinner and overnight.

DAY 12:   IMLIL - TIZI N'TAMATERT - AGUERSIOUÄL VALLEY - TACHEDDIRT - IMLIL - MARRAKECH.

After breakfast, we shall set out towards the east on a moderate level 6 hour hike up to the Tizi n' Tamatert (2280m) and on down winding tracks to the Tacheddirt Valley and thence to the Assif Aguersiouâl Valley, where we'll take our picnic. Thence, a slow, easy hike up to the village of Tacheddirt (2400m), to circle back alongside the lower slopes of the Jbel Aksouâl Range to arrive back at Imlil and our 4.30 transfer back to Marrakech.

* Pre and post night(s) hotel accommodation in Agadir (or Taroudant) and Marrakech, together with Airport reception and private round trip transfers can be reserved for you, should you so require.

Cost for this tour:

- please call or email for a full quote - all our holidays are tailor-made and the cost of each trek is based upon the following:

* the number of people in your group (some hikes available for single travellers, one person FREE for groups of 10 or more);

* where you are starting from and to where you wish to travel at the end the hike;

* whether you are including any additional accommodation (e.g. in Imlil or Marrakech)

* extras such as WC tent or refuge accommodation, etc.

OUR PRICES INCLUDE:

Experienced, licensed, bi-lingual mountain guide throughout; igloo tents and undermats; mules and muleteers; cook; meals and accommodation as outlined in the itinerary. Private round trip transportation from Agadir and to Marrakech plus round trip from Taroudant by light truck to and from trailhead, or 4WD as selected.

Please ensure, at time of reservation, you advise us of your choice between bivouac, Refuge or Berber house accommodation in those areas where you are given a choice.

Marrakech supplement:  on request.

OUR PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE:

Personal medical or accident insurance outside of the vehicle(s). No insurance is carried by the camionettes - travel by this type of vehcile is a great experience but we cannot accept any liability, hence the 4WD alternative. Any expenditure of a personal nature. Bottled or gaseous water, nor anything not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.

IT IS RECOMMENDED YOU BRING:

Stout walking boots; sleeping bag (3 seasons); waterproofs and fleece/duvet jackets, hats, balaclavas or ear muffs; gloves; rambler or ski pole; personal toiletries; small First Aid kit, thermal underwear (Dec-May); day pack; filled water bottle(s) and purifying tablets/drops (iodine usually); torch and batteries (LED head torches are excellent), penknife (remember not to pack in hand baggage for flight); towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, hygienic 'wipes', nibbles and/or dried fruit. Drinking chocolate if preferred to tea and coffee, camping mug (otherwise it is small Moroccan tea glasses for everything), energy sweets and toilet rolls could come in handy!

** If staying in a Berber House or gite d'etap you may wish to bring some biros or other suitable gifts for the children of the house.

* Please be prepared for minimal ablutions - and absolutely no "tourists" - until the Toubkal Massif that is.

	Meals are normally:
	Breakfast - tea, coffee, milk, bread, butter, jam, cheese plus porridge in the winter and cereal in summer. Picnic lunch - fresh Moroccan salad, cheese, slicing sausage, tinned tuna fish and sardines*, bread, fruit, mint tea.
	Dinner - Tajine (chicken or mutton* with vegetables), spaghetti, cous cous (main courses rotate depending on duration of trek), bread, coffee, tea, cake, fruit. * Those vegetarians or vegans amongst us need to pre-advise at time of reservation.

NB: all our prices are for land arrangements only (starting and finishing in Marrakech), please contact us to arrange accommodation in Marrakech hotels or riads as well as flights from your preferred airport if required.

Customer comments:

"Thank you so much for organising this holiday for us. We really had a great time and hugely enjoyed ourselves. The guide, Abdoue, and the cook, Mohammed, were both brilliant. They were great fun, highly efficient and added significantly to the pleasure of the holiday. We hugely enjoyed their company and were very impressed by their expertise."

"We all regarded this holiday as being successful and enjoyable and we will certainly recommend your company to our other friends."

"I would like to echo Mark's compliments.... Abdoue and Mohammed are great guys and very client savvy. They picked up on our humour and were very tolerant of our behaviour. The are very competent and looked after us very well. The cooking was great and Mohammed did an excellent job in the conditions. All in all the trip exceeded our expectations and we summitted Toubkal, which was very memorable. Thanks again for providing us with such a rich and memorable experience."

Tel: + 44 (0) 1989 730 552 (UK)

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