Telouet — A Gravel Cycling Guide

Telouet is the mountain village at the top of the Ounila Valley, home to the crumbling Glaoui kasbah and the start of one of the finest gravel days in Morocco. It sits just below the Tizi n’Tichka pass, making it the natural launch point for the Ounila corridor and a key stop on the Marrakech-to-Ouarzazate crossing.

The village and the kasbah

Telouet is a village in the High Atlas just south of the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Its claim to fame is the Glaoui kasbah — the once-magnificent palace of the Glaoui family, the pashas who controlled the southern passes in the French protectorate era. The kasbah is crumbling now, but its decorated ceilings and zellige tilework are still extraordinary, and it is one of the great earthen monuments of the Atlas.

The riding

Telouet is the start of the Ounila Valley Piste — the 54 km ochre-gravel descent of the valley to Ait Benhaddou. From Telouet you can also climb up toward the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,268 m) for the challenging high-pass option. The village is a key stop on the Marrakech to Ouarzazate Adventure and day two of the Atlas to Sahara Grand Tour.

Difficulty

Moderate out along the Ounila (the valley descends from Telouet); challenging up toward the pass. The Ounila option is the classic — a rolling 54 km on firm gravel. The pass climb adds serious elevation and weather exposure. Match the option to your fitness and the season.

Quick facts

Season and access

The Ounila descent from Telouet is rideable year-round. The pass climb above is snowed in through winter — ride it May–October. Access is via the Tizi n’Tichka road from Marrakech (about 2 hours to Telouet), or as part of a supported tour. There are basic guesthouses in Telouet.

Why stop in Telouet

For the kasbah alone it is worth the stop — it is one of the most atmospheric ruins in Morocco, and far less visited than Ait Benhaddou. Add the Ounila descent and you have one of the best gravel days in the country. See the Ounila Valley guide and Ait Benhaddou.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Glaoui kasbah at Telouet?

The former palace of the Glaoui family, the pashas who controlled the southern Atlas passes in the protectorate era. It is crumbling but its decorated ceilings and tilework are extraordinary — one of the great earthen monuments of the Atlas.

Is Telouet the start of the Ounila Valley piste?

Yes — the Ounila Valley Piste starts at the Glaoui kasbah in Telouet and runs 54 km down the valley to Ait Benhaddou. It is one of the finest gravel days in Morocco.

Can I climb the Tizi n’Tichka from Telouet?

Yes — Telouet sits just below the pass, so you can climb up toward the 2,268 m pass for a challenging high-pass day. Ride it May–October with a weather window.

How do I get to Telouet?

Via the Tizi n’Tichka road from Marrakech — about two hours. It is a stop on the Marrakech to Ouarzazate Adventure and the Atlas to Sahara Grand Tour. There are basic guesthouses in the village.