Tinerhir



Tinerhir, or Tinghir, is a town in the High Atlas region of Morocco.

Understand
The city of Tinghir (jamaate tinghir) has a population of about 42,000 (2014 census). The elevation is 1,300 m. The predominant ethnic group are Amazighs. The city is at the centre of one of the most attractive oases in southern Morocco.

Get in
Tinerhir is serviced by local buses.


 * From Ouarzazate there are daily buses going from the gare routière de for 60 MAD. If you want to stay in town you don't have to get off at Tinerhir's gare routière, if the bus continues ask the driver stop in town.

Do
Tinehir is popular for the Todra Gorge but offers activities beyond that.


 * Take a day hike in the beautiful Todra Gorge. Catch a grand taxi (7 dirham) up the gorge then walk further past the last of the hotels and the end of the narrow section of gorge. You can then turn left and head up the trail following the usually dry riverbed. Once you reach the first saddle (qnd not before) turn about 90 degrees left to a clearly marked donkey trail heading down a little. Following this you will reach a small Berber encampment from which you continue circling left and from then the trail is very clear. The trail will take 2-3 hours and if you ever lost there several paired cairns that you should aim for the middle of (or just look for donkey dung).


 * Take a walk through the old Jewish quarter and the Palmerie (Oasis). Across the river you can visit the old Mosque Ikalalne (the way to it leads through an old Kasbah, but is well marked with signs).


 * Climbing and via ferrata are possible.

Sleep
In and around the city are several hostels and hotels.


 * The Oasis Hotel is a cheap hotel located very close to where the buses will drop you off. Friendly English-speaking staff is on hand to help you plan a journey to the Todra Gorge, the times of Berber lorries, and other trips into the mountains. The roof offers a wonderful view into the mountains and is a great place to relax, drink tea, and meet locals, however the beds are poor and the bathrooms can be smelly.