Tizi n' Test — Local services in caïdat de Talat N'Yaaqoub

I've had the privilege of visiting Tizi n Test more than five times every two months, and each visit continues to captivate me with its unparalleled natural beauty and awe-inspiring panoramic views. This review aims to share my experiences and provide some valuable insights for future travelers.

Overview: Tizi n Test is a remarkable region that never ceases to amaze me. Nestled in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, it offers a breathtaking overview of the surrounding landscapes. The winding roads that lead up to this mountain pass are an adventure in themselves, offering stunning vistas at every turn.

Highlights:

Scenic Beauty: The primary draw of Tizi n Test is, without a doubt, its awe-inspiring natural beauty. The vistas from the pass are nothing short of spectacular, with majestic mountains, lush valleys, and charming villages that dot the landscape.

Cultural Exploration: In addition to its natural beauty, Tizi n Test provides an opportunity for cultural exploration. The villages in the region offer a glimpse into traditional Berber life, and you'll find friendly locals eager to share their culture and hospitality.

Cautions:

Winter Travel: While Tizi n Test is a year-round destination, winter travel requires extra caution. The roads can be icy and treacherous, so it's crucial to check weather conditions and road closures before embarking on your journey during the colder months.

Heavy Cloud Cover: One notable challenge, especially during the winter season, is the heavy cloud cover that can obscure the otherwise stunning views. This natural phenomenon can limit visibility and diminish the overall experience. Timing your visit to avoid such conditions is advisable.

Recommendation: Despite the seasonal cautions, I wholeheartedly recommend visiting Tizi n Test to anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure in Morocco. The region's natural beauty, combined with its rich cultural heritage, makes it a must-visit destination. Whether you're an avid hiker, a cultural enthusiast, or simply a traveler in search of unparalleled vistas, Tizi n Test has something to offer everyone.

Tips for Travelers:

Check the Weather: Keep a close eye on weather conditions, especially if you plan to visit during the winter months. Safe travel should always be a priority. Plan Your Timing: To maximize your chances of clear views, plan your visit during the months with less cloud cover. Engage with Locals: Take the time to interact with the friendly locals and learn about their way of life. It adds a unique dimension to your journey. Pack Accordingly: Dress in layers, as temperatures can vary throughout the day, and don't forget essentials like sunscreen, water, and comfortable footwear for exploring the area. In conclusion, Tizi n Test is a hidden gem in Morocco that offers a remarkable blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. While it demands a bit of caution during the winter, the rewards of visiting this stunning mountain pass are well worth the effort. Embrace the journey, soak in the views, and create memories that will...

I drove the Tizi n Test pass route northbound from Taroudant to Asni in October 2022. This drive is known as one of the most beautiful in Morocco, but is also known as a dangerous drive. I had debated whether or not to drive it at all, and very nearly didn't. I am writing this review for anyone who is looking for up-to-date information on the drive, as I had been.

In short, this is not a particularly dangerous drive, and it is absolutely worth doing.

From Taroudant, the first hour of the drive is flat and boring. Once you get to the mountains, the first 2/3 of the way to the pass is a two lane asphalt road in reasonably good condition, with guard rails along many of the turns. It is no different than any other mountain road you'd find anywhere else.

The final third - about 10 km - is what gives the drive its reputation. Here, the road narrows to a single lane, and it's in quite poor condition. However, traffic is not heavy - you'll only pass a few cars and you can usually see them coming literal miles away, giving you plenty of time to find a spot where two cars can pass eachother. Beyond that, honk before you turn corners, drive slowly so as to not damage your car on the bumpy bits, and enjoy the view.

The restaurant Bell vue at the pass is great. I recommend stopping.

After the pass, the road alternates between good quality and "just-ok" quality, generally with 1.5 car lanes plus room on the shoulders - passing vehicles is not an issue. Many segments do not have guard rails, but it's not really a problem so long as you drive cautiously, as you would on any mountain road. The drive to Asni from the pass is beautiful.

Note that this is a very long drive, especially if you stop to take lots of pictures like I did. You will spend most of the day in the car. I was exhausted by the end. But, it was worth it.

I had a regular car. A 4x4 is not required.

Highly...

Connecting the cities of Marrakech and Taroudannt across the High Atlas Mountains welcome to the mountain pass of Tizi n’ Test, the highest point stands at 2,093 (6,867 ft) it’s 48km and it is without a doubt the most incredible, beautiful and intense drive we have ever taken.

The mountains were rolling into each other different shades and shapes of soft round green hills, russet reds of jagged cliff sides and the sharp black peaks of the highest points with the brightest white snow iced on the top, the road went on forever, around every bend was a view that engulfed us with its magnitude of vastness, the higher we climbed the more magnificent it became.

The road was difficult to navigate, in parts it becomes single track, the fear that another vehicle would meet us was terrifying for me, but my husband is an amazing driver and I was safe, so I just concentrated on the views and taking photos…I actually took 867 that day, thank goodness for the invention of digital!

The roads curved all around us like massive snakes waiting to gobble us up, sometimes the view was so vast we could look down and see where we had been and where we were going, some roads straight some wiggly some that just disappeared into the beyond further than the eye could see.

We felt like we were flying when we came up out of the clouds looking down on a soft blanket of white cotton wool and as we got even higher the temperatures got cooler and the air thinned and snow began to appear on the verges, it was crispy and bright at the top we stopped for a while, digesting the incredible world around us while a little girl built a snowman. FB Two geese and a Gaz...