Jebel Ayachi

Ayachi is a long east-west ridge in the eastern High Atlas rising to about 3,747 metres, and before accurate survey work it was widely believed to be the highest mountain in Morocco - it looks the part from Midelt, a continuous snow-streaked wall many kilometres long rather than a peak. The usual ascent from Tattiouine village is a long two-day outing with a high camp, or a very hard single day for the fit, climbing scree and grass slopes to the ridge and then along it; there is no technical difficulty in summer but there is a great deal of ascent and no water high up. Snow lies on the northern side into June and the mountain is a winter objective for those equipped for it. Below, the country is apple orchards and mud villages around Midelt, and the town is also known for the Kasbah Myriem carpet workshop and for fossil and mineral dealing.

What you actually see

• A wall, not a peak - a snow-streaked ridge many kilometres long above the plain.
• A former high point - believed the highest in Morocco before proper survey.
• A two-day ascent - long scree and grass climbing with a high camp.
• Midelt below - apple orchards, mud villages and a mineral trade.

When to go

June to October for walking; winter with equipment. Two days.

Honest expectations

There is no water on the upper mountain and no shelter. Guides and mules are arranged in Midelt and are worth taking. Weather changes fast at 3,700 metres and there is no rescue service. Snow can persist into June on the north side.

Nearby

The Cirque de Jaffar is below the north face; Midelt is on the plain.