# Tizi n'Tichka Pass

What to do en Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate · Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate

Fuente: https://www.geocalia.com/en/morocco/ait-ben-haddou/things-to-do/tizi-n-tichka · Revisado: 2026-11-11

- Duración: 30 min
- Para quién: Everyone, with stops for car sickness

The N9 pass between Marrakesh and Ouarzazate, at about 2,200 m: bends, lorries, cafés at the top and possible snow from November to March.

What it is
The Tizi n'Tichka is the pass by which the N9 road crosses the High Atlas between Marrakesh and Ouarzazate. It is the way almost all the traffic to the south goes: cars, buses, lorries and excursion minibuses. French military engineers opened the road in 1936 following the old caravan track, and today it is the N9 (formerly P-31).
The sign at the pass reads 2,260 m, the figure you will see everywhere. A 2022 GPS measurement lowers it to about 2,205 m; for you, as a traveller, the difference changes nothing. What matters is that you climb from the Marrakesh plain to over 2,200 m in a couple of hours, and then drop down the other side towards the Ouarzazate valley.
The route
From Marrakesh, the N9 crosses the Haouz plain, starts to climb between mud-brick villages, terraced orchards and bare slopes, and strings together ever tighter bends up to the pass. At the top there are cafés, mineral stalls and room to park where the buses also stop. It is the logical stop: you stretch your legs, have a tea and look back at the valley you have climbed.
On the way down to the south the landscape changes suddenly: less green, more rock and ochre colours. Shortly after the pass the turn-off to Telouet leaves, with its Glaoui kasbah; if you have time, the road continues along the Ounila valley to the Aït Ben Haddou ksar. By the N9 you reach Ouarzazate.
The complete journey from Marrakesh to Aït Ben Haddou is about 190 km and about four hours without long stops. Allow more if you hit roadworks or a line of lorries.
How to drive it

Bends and lorries. The road is paved, but has continuous bends and slow lorries. Overtake only with clear visibility.
Car sickness. If anyone gets carsick, stop every hour. Children notice it above all in the upper section.
Petrol. Fill the tank in Marrakesh or Ouarzazate.
Without a car. The CTM and Supratours buses between Marrakesh and Ouarzazate go this way, as do private drivers.

When to cross
In spring and autumn, no doubts. In summer there is no problem at the pass, but on the way down to Ouarzazate the heat is strong. Snow can fall at the pass between November and March: sometimes the road is closed for a few hours. If you go in winter, ask about the state of the pass at your accommodation before leaving and do not cross it at night.
If it rains heavily in the Atlas, bear in mind that the Spanish Foreign Ministry warns of sudden flash floods in the area in the rainy season.

## Cómo llegar y contacto

- Coordenadas: 31.2875, -7.3797

## Consejos

### Stop at the pass
It is the only comfortable place to get out of the car on the upper stretch, with cafés and parking.

### Set out early
You cross with fewer lorries and reach Aït Ben Haddou with light to climb the ksar.

### Bring a warm layer
Up there it is a good deal colder than in Marrakesh, especially outside summer.

## Preguntas frecuentes

### Is the Tichka road dangerous?
It is a mountain road with lots of bends and heavy traffic, not a track. Taken calmly and by day it is not difficult.

### How high is the pass?
The sign says 2,260 m; a 2022 GPS measurement gives about 2,205 m.

### Does it close in winter?
It may close for a few hours because of snow between November and March. Ask about the state of the pass before leaving.

Destino: [Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate](https://www.geocalia.com/en/morocco/ait-ben-haddou.md)