Ait Bougmez - Morocco's Most  Picturesque Valley

Ait Bougmez Valley is probably the most picturesque and beautiful region of the Central High Atlas Mountains. Thanks to its attractive vernacular mud brick architecture surrounded by an amphitheatre of stunning mountains the valley entertains a large number of visitors each year. Walking and trekking possibilities in the High Atlas abound and Morocco's second highest peak, the Mgoun Massif, is not far away.

The valley of the Ait Bougmez is situated 200 kilometres east of Marrakech in the heart of the Central High Atlas at the foot of the Mgoun range that soars to over 13,000 feet. The valley is 14 km in length and about a kilometre across, it is a wide flat expanse of fruit orchards, fields of barley, and green pastures criss-crossed by flowing streams. 

Visitors to Ait Bougmez Valley have a wide range of attractions to lure them. These include the Mgoun Massif, Abachkou town, Tarbat ‘N’ Tirsal village, and the Mdiwel Valley. Many travellers visit Ait Bougmez to walk in the beautiful valley or to set out on foot on a challenging trek to the Mgoun Massif. Trekking usually involves camping out, visiting remote villages, and enjoying the amazing scenery that many believe surpasses that of the High Atlas Mountains. Mountain biking can also be organised locally.

For a real insight into local life and a chance to unwind stay in a traditional Berber house - you'll be most welcome! Travel by private transport is the best way to reach this remote region - several routes lead to the valley, each offering breathtaking scenery of snow-capped peaks, tiny villages clinging to mountainsides and gushing streams. Allow a good half day to reach the valley from Marrakech.