Tinghir and the Todra Gorge

A vast palm grove and towering cliffs, on the road between Ouarzazate and Merzouga

AI-generated illustration

Tinghir stretches along a vast palm grove at the foot of the High Atlas, with its earthen ksour and irrigated gardens. A few kilometres north, the Todra Gorge begins: the river squeezes between walls that reach several hundred metres in places, down to a narrow passage about ten metres wide. People stop for a night on the road between Ouarzazate and Merzouga, or longer to hike in the area and climb cliffs known to climbers worldwide.

Ideal stay: 1 to 2 nights
Best season: Mar – May, Sep – Nov
Budget per day: from 300 MAD
Region: The south and pre-Saharan valleys
Travel style: Nature, Adventure, Road trip, Culture
Best for: Travellers on their way to the desert, hikers and climbers, landscape lovers

Why go

The Todra Gorge and its towering walls
A living palm grove of ksour and gardens
An ideal stop on the road to the desert

Gorge and hiking

Todra Gorge
The most spectacular section at the end of the paved road; come early in the morning to avoid the groups.
Hiking loops
Trails above the gorge and to nearby villages, best done with a local guide.

Things to see

Tinghir palm grove
A walk among palms, fields and earthen ksour, with fine viewpoints from the road.

On the map

Things to do

Climbing
Many bolted routes in the gorge; gear and guides available locally.

Food

Tagines, Berber omelettes and local dates in the guesthouses of the gorge and palm grove.

Where to stay

In the gorge
Guesthouses below the cliffs, to enjoy the place early in the morning.
Palm grove and Tinghir
Guesthouses and hotels with palm-grove views.

Book a place to stay in Tinghir and the Todra Gorge

Riads, hotels and guesthouses: compare current prices and availability on Booking.com.

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Day trips

Dadès Gorge
Day trip
Another great Atlas valley with rock formations, about an hour away.

Getting around

On the road between Ouarzazate (about three hours) and Merzouga (about three hours). CTM and Supratours coaches stop in Tinghir; taxis to the gorge, about fifteen kilometres away.

Book your transport

Official operator websites and coach station timetables: check your journey and book.