High Atlas Cycling Expedition
High Atlas & Anti-Atlas

High Atlas Cycling Expedition

Six-day endurance cycling expedition crossing the High Atlas and Anti-Atlas mountain ranges.

Duration6 Days
DifficultyExpert
Total Distance320 km total
Elevation / Gain3,000 m max pass
Pacing / Hours4–6 hrs/day

Expedition Overview

About This Journey

The definitive Moroccan endurance cycling challenge. Six demanding days traversing the High Atlas, the Anti-Atlas, and the edge of the pre-Sahara. Designed for experienced endurance cyclists seeking demanding alpine climbs, 3,000 m passes, and dramatic canyon descents.

Authentic Local Expedition Standard:All Beyond Morocco journeys are operated without foreign intermediaries. You are guided directly by licensed Moroccan mountain or desert professionals who grew up on these trails, assisted by native muleteers, drivers, and cooks receiving above-standard living wages.

Trip Highlights

  • ✦Six consecutive days of demanding mountain pass riding
  • ✦Climb the legendary Tizi n’Tichka (2,260 m) and remote 3,000 m passes
  • ✦Transition from alpine peaks to deep desert gorges and date palm valleys
  • ✦Full 4x4 expedition vehicle with mobile bike workshop and luggage transfer

Expedition Standards & Details

Logistics, Accommodation & Sourcing

Departure & RendezvousMarrakech (07:30 AM collection)
Accommodation StandardBoutique mountain kasbahs and traditional guesthouses
Meals & NutritionAll meals, nutrition supplements, hydration and mechanic support
Vehicle & Support4x4 support vehicle throughout
Guide QualificationsLead cycling guide & certified bike mechanic

Day-by-Day Route

Detailed Itinerary

01

Marrakech to Ouarzazate via Tizi n’Tichka Pass

Alt: 2,260 m· 95 km ridden

Climb the paved winding road over the High Atlas spine at Tizi n’Tichka (2,260 m) descending past Telouet Kasbah.

OvernightOuarzazate Kasbah Hotel
02

Draa Valley & Ancient Kasbahs

Alt: 800 m· 65 km

Roll down through the palm-shaded Draa Valley, riding gravel tracks alongside ancient clay fortresses.

OvernightAgdz Desert Lodge
03

Anti-Atlas Remote Crossing

Alt: 2,400 m· 85 km

Tackle the volcanic roads and rocky switchbacks of the Anti-Atlas range with vast southern horizons.

OvernightVillage Guesthouse in Taliouine
04

Dades River Gorge Stage

Alt: 1,600 m· 55 km

Ride the dramatic switchbacks of the Dades Gorge carved deep into the southern slopes of the High Atlas.

OvernightDades Canyon Lodge
05

High Mountain Pass (3,000 m)

Alt: 3,000 m· 75 km

The queen stage: steep climbing to high gravel plateaus above 3,000 m with panoramic Atlas mountain views.

OvernightHigh Altitude Refuge
06

Final Descent toward Marrakech Plain

Alt: 1,000 m· 40 km

A sweeping final descent down the northern slopes of the Atlas before vehicle transfer into Marrakech.

Clarity & Transparency

What’s Included & Excluded

✓ What is Included

  • ✔Expedition support vehicle & team bike mechanic
  • ✔Professional Moroccan cycling guide
  • ✔5 nights quality guesthouse and kasbah accommodation
  • ✔All meals and on-bike nutrition
  • ✔Luggage transfer and spare bike parts carriage

✕ What is Excluded

  • ✖Personal bicycle and gear (rental gravel/road bikes on request)
  • ✖Travel and rescue insurance
  • ✖Alcohol and personal expenses
  • ✖Tips
Baseline Estimate*
€890/ traveler

*Starting price estimate per person based on double occupancy. Actual quote depends on season, party size & private vs group format.

Destination:High Atlas & Anti-Atlas
Duration:6 Days
Physical Rating:Expert
Route Distance:320 km total
Departure Point:Marrakech
Tailor-Made Departures:Can’t find your preferred dates or wish to customize this route? We organize private expeditions year-round for solo travelers, couples, and private groups.