The Tizi n'Tichka is the High Atlas mountain pass crossed by the N9 between Marrakech and Ouarzazate, at 2,260 metres above sea level. Built in the 1920s, the road winds between ochre slopes and mud-brick villages before dropping south towards the kasbahs and the desert. It is the classic route to Aït-Ben-Haddou, Ouarzazate and the Merzouga dunes. It is also heavily used by trucks and coaches, so drive it for the scenery, but carefully.
Highlights
The pass and its hairpins
At the top, the road climbs above 2,000 metres through a bare, mineral landscape where ochres, reds and greys change with the light. The successive bends give several viewpoints over the valley on the Marrakech side.
The mineral stalls
Near the pass, sellers offer geodes, fossils and crystals, often reworked or dyed. Stop if it amuses you, but bargain firmly and do not count on the most spectacular pieces being genuine.
Practical info
Tips
Passing through is free. Between Marrakech and Ouarzazate, allow about 200 km and 4 h 30 to 5 h of driving without stops; the pass is roughly halfway. The road is narrow and winding, shared with heavy lorries: overtake only with perfect visibility and avoid driving at night. From December to March, snow or ice can slow or cut traffic for a few hours or a few days; ask your accommodation or driver the day before. It is much cooler than in Marrakech: bring a jacket. Shortly after the pass, a minor road leads to the Telouet kasbah.
How to get there
From Marrakech, follow the N9 towards Ouarzazate. The journey to the pass takes about two hours by car or with a private driver. Organised tours to Aït-Ben-Haddou, Ouarzazate or the Merzouga desert cross the pass, and scheduled buses to Ouarzazate use it too. To stop freely at the viewpoints, a private driver or a rental car is the most practical.
Opening hours
Nearby
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