Tizi n'Test
The 2,092m-high (6,864-ft.) Tizi n'Test pass lies on a 170km (106-mile) stretch of road (the R203) that is one of the most spectacular and breathtaking routes in Morocco. Winding its way up and down through the heart of the Western High Atlas, the road passes beautiful valleys and isolated villages before eventually reaching the Tizi n'Test pass, with its sweeping views of both the High and Anti-Atlas mountains. This former trade route between the deep south and Marrakech was controlled by the Goundafi clan until as recently as the 1920s. Gite Tizi n'Test (tel. 0671/157124) is at the top of the pass, usually with a very welcome fireplace during winter and a steaming pot of mint tea. About .5km (1/3 mile) farther south is La Belle Vue Hotel, which makes a great stop for lunch and has sweeping views of the Souss plain below. An abandoned red van, which ran out of steam on its way to the top, now houses a pottery stall. Be aware that heavy clouds and mist can sometimes cut vision to dangerously low levels. Signs on the exit from Marrakech or Taroudannt will indicate if the pass is closed due to snowfall.
The 2,092m-high (6,864-ft.) Tizi n'Test pass lies on a 170km (106-mile) stretch of road (the R203) that is one of the most spectacular and breathtaking routes in Morocco. Winding its way up and down through the heart of the Western High Atlas, the road passes beautiful valleys and isolated villages before eventually reaching the Tizi n'Test pass, with its sweeping views of both the High and Anti-Atlas mountains. This former trade route between the deep south and Marrakech was controlled by the Goundafi clan until as recently as the 1920s. Gite Tizi n'Test (tel. 0671/157124) is at the top of the pass, usually with a very welcome fireplace during winter and a steaming pot of mint tea. About .5km (1/3 mile) farther south is La Belle Vue Hotel, which makes a great stop for lunch and has sweeping views of the Souss plain below. An abandoned red van, which ran out of steam on its way to the top, now houses a pottery stall. Be aware that heavy clouds and mist can sometimes cut vision to dangerously low levels. Signs on the exit from Marrakech or Taroudannt will indicate if the pass is closed due to snowfall.
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