Tizi n' Test pass - which way?
 

Although it would be quite a detour on my route, I assume it's worthwhile to drive the Tizi n' Test pass, if it is open at least.

Has anyone any recommendations about the route to take: would it be best to drive from Marrakesh to Agadir or the other way around, or doesn't it really matter?

My car - a Landcruiser - does every climbing job eventually, but it has to be said that it's not the best pupil in the mountains (although it behaved very well up the Sani pass in Lesotho).

I've only ever done it south to north but tbh theres probably not much in it. North to South is a gentler climb to the top ending up with stunning views from the top south over the Sous Valley.

Taroudannt is a nice stop and Hotel Taroudannt a favourite cheapy to stay right in the center square with cold flag specials waiting in the bar :beer:

It's a good days drive with plenty of photo stops and a look at the 11th century mosque at Tinmal

I did it south-north also, but I would imagine going north-south lets you appreciate the views quite a bit more.

Have done it both ways ... personally I thought it better north-->south, as you get the build up to "that" view.

Definitely the way to do the passes is Test heading south and Tichka heading north.

either will be the drive of your life!
It's the best road I have ever driven (and that includes Route des grande Alps, Transfagarrashan (or however it's spelt!) and Stelvio.

I've done it both ways but I would say, north south as above for the revelation of the view.

Did both of these passes in the last week. They were clear and completely snow free when I went over them. More snow along the pass coming from Er Rachida to Meknes today than either Test or Techna but still snow free on the roads.

Always a good idea to get local advice before going over the "Tichka" :clap:

http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphoto...26108732_n.jpg

Roger

All very clear, it will be north to south, later this month.

I will be there at the end of this month! I hope there won't be any snow!

Despite all the recent rain falling as snow in the mountains, the High Atlas passes remained clear and snow is actually quite rare on the High Atlas Tichka and Test passes.

The area you are much more likely to encounter it is in the Middle Atlas around Ifrane/Azrou and a bit further south at the Col du Zad.

@ Tim, 4 yeah ago there was snow at the col du Zad but the roads where clear. A week later we met at bikershome when there was no more fuel available. Remember?

Ha! Stuck for eight days in Ouarzazate waiting for the fuel tankers to come through. Yes, I remember it well.

I've just arrived back in the UK, and yes, there was snow on the Col du Zad heading north.

To come back to my own question: the Tizi N'Test pass was great from north to south. We could just touch some snow and have to say that the drive was far from difficult.

From South to North
 

How it looks from south to north. Filmed in May, 2010

Tizi'n'Test Road, Morocco, Part 1 of 7 Tizi n Test Road, Morocco, Part 1 of 7 - YouTube
Tizi'n'Test Road, Morocco, Part 2 of 7 Tizi n Test Road, Morocco, Part 2 of 7 - YouTube
Tizi'n'Test Road, Morocco, Part 3 of 7 Tizi n Test Road 3, Morocco, Part 3 of 7 - YouTube
Tizi'n'Test Road, Morocco, Part 4 of 7 Tizi n Test Road, Morocco, Part 4 of 7 - YouTube
Tizi'n'Test Road, Morocco, Part 5 of 7 Tizi n Test Road, Morocco, Part 5 of 7 - YouTube
Tizi'n'Test Road, Morocco, Part 6 of 7 Tizi n Test Road, Morocco, Part 6 of 7 - YouTube
Tizi'n'Test Road, Morocco, Part 7 of 7 Tizi n Test Road, Morocco, Part 7 of 7 - YouTube

If I was to go via the P1506 past Ait benhaddou and then onto the Ticha pass would I miss out on anything compared to going via Agouim Tim?

There's nothing of interest between Agouim and the Telouet turnoff other than Hotel Mimi near the snow barriers, which has a beer licence (important on a hot day).