Climb Mount Toubkal trek, Morocco
| country: | Morocco |
| location: | Atlas Mountains, Mount Toubkal |
| trip type: | A small group adventure |
| departures: | 2009: 20 Nov, 23 Nov, 27 Nov, 4 Dec, 11 Dec, 20 Dec, 27 Dec, 28 Dec 2010: 8 Jan, 15 Jan, 22 Jan, 29 Jan, 5 Feb, 12 Feb, 19 Feb, 26 Feb, 5 Mar, 12 Mar, 26 Mar, 5 Nov, 12 Nov, 19 Nov, 26 Nov, 10 Dec, 21 Dec, 28 Dec 2011: 7 Jan, 21 Jan |
| price: | From £669 - £789 (8 days) including flights from the UK. From £419 - £599 excluding flights. Local payment 80 GBP. |
| late availability: | Late availability on 4th December departures |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
read 3 travellers reviews
the amazing things you'll be doing
This is your chance to conquer North Africa's highest peak - in winter. Climbing at this time of year provides adventure, excitement and a new dimension to walking in the Atlas Mountains; the views are simply spectacular. Winter conditions also offer a challenge, with plenty of time to acclimatise and practise using your ice axes and crampons. With demanding walking, stunning mountain scenery and the added challenge of winter conditions this is a really exciting trek.
Into the Atlas
After the morning to experience exotic Marrakech you head off into the mountains and get onto the trails. From Aremd you’ll climb to Neltner (3200m), the base camp for Toubkal, and undertake several walks to get used to the conditions and acclimatise. With three nights at Neltner there is plenty of time to practice with your ice axe and crampons.
The Roof of North Africa
The main goal of the trip is to summit Jebel Toubkal - North Africa’s highest peak (4167m), but there is also time to climb the sister peak Ouanakrim (4088m). Winter is a more challenging time to climb in the mountains but the rewards are truly inspirational. The mountains are capped with snow and the air is crisp and clear making the views immeasurably more breathtaking.
Winter Trekking
This is an ideal trip for those who want a demanding week’s walking, stunning mountain scenery and the added challenge of the winter environment. The ascent of Toubkal is not technical but does require some scrambling and the use of crampons and ice axes. The amount of snow can of course vary greatly!
Into the Atlas
After the morning to experience exotic Marrakech you head off into the mountains and get onto the trails. From Aremd you’ll climb to Neltner (3200m), the base camp for Toubkal, and undertake several walks to get used to the conditions and acclimatise. With three nights at Neltner there is plenty of time to practice with your ice axe and crampons.
The Roof of North Africa
The main goal of the trip is to summit Jebel Toubkal - North Africa’s highest peak (4167m), but there is also time to climb the sister peak Ouanakrim (4088m). Winter is a more challenging time to climb in the mountains but the rewards are truly inspirational. The mountains are capped with snow and the air is crisp and clear making the views immeasurably more breathtaking.
Winter Trekking
This is an ideal trip for those who want a demanding week’s walking, stunning mountain scenery and the added challenge of the winter environment. The ascent of Toubkal is not technical but does require some scrambling and the use of crampons and ice axes. The amount of snow can of course vary greatly!
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Fly to Marrakech After your flight, you transfer to your first night’s accommodation and check in. Even today, the name Marrakech conjures up images of scenes from the Arabian Nights with its busy souks (markets) and twisting alleyways. This remarkable city, dating from the 11th century, never fails to satisfy the curiosity of adventurous travellers. It has everything, from the graceful architecture of the Koutoubia Minaret which dominates the skyline, to the throbbing atmosphere of a medieval fair in the great open square, the Djemaa el-Fna, at the heart of the medina. Hotel – 1 night The hotel is located just outside the city walls around the old Medina. It is about a 25 minute walk to the main square Djemaa el Fna but close to local shops and restaurants |
| Day 2: | Aremd; Marakech city tour & Aremd orientation walk This morning you wake early to an unfamiliar sound - the muezzins calling the faithful to prayer in the various city mosques; your first contact with Islam. After breakfast you start with a walking tour of the historic centre with a local guide. This takes in the main sights but the most exciting part is when you enter the sprawling souk. Here individual trades and crafts are concentrated together in a single street or area, so all the shoemakers are next to each other, as are the jewellers, the potters, the weavers, etc. This is the best place in Morocco to sharpen your bargaining skills, and you’re almost certain to be tempted by the extraordinary variety of merchandise on display - even if it's only a trinket or a packet of exotic spices. Later you leave Marrakech and drive across the plains towards Tahanaoute, an ancient marketplace on the edge of the mountains. The landscape changes as the plains gradually give way to mountains, with the impressive snow-covered peaks of the High Atlas looming in front of you. Following the road right to its end you arrive in the village of Imlil (1790 metres above sea level). From here it is about a 45-minute walk to your mountain base, a typical Berber house in the village of Aremd with views up the valley towards Toubkal. After settling in you’ll stretch your legs with an orientation walk. Gite d’étape – 1 night (BLD) A gite d’étape consists of a village house with simple dormitory rooms each with space for approximately 8 people. Each room is generally furnished in traditional Berber style with low couches (which can be used as beds), tables, carpets and cushions. Communal facilities usually consist of a couple of showers and toilets. Gites are generally found in villages on walking routes. Showers (sometimes hot ones!) may be available in gites but these will be offered at an additional cost of around 70p to £1. |
| Day 3: | Trek to Neltner (3207m); base camp This morning you will meet the mule handlers and the mules. All baggage and provisions are carried by mule - the multi-purpose all-terrain vehicles of the mountains. Used to plough fields, carry loads from valley to valley (often up incredibly steep and narrow tracks), turn threshing machines and even act as taxis, ferrying people between the villages, they are an indispensable part of Berber life in the mountains. Even these incredible animals have their limits and if snow conditions prevent them from going further, porters will be used. After all the luggage has been loaded on to the mules you will start your climb up to the Neltner refuge. From Aremd, the trail leads past orchards up the floodplain of the Mizane Valley climbing steeply as it zigzags up the mountainside. Along the way you reach Sidi Chamarouch (2310m), a place of pilgrimage for Moroccans who come to the tomb of the local marabout (Muslim holy man). You can only see the shrine from across the gorge, as it’s forbidden for non-Muslims to cross the bridge to the other side. Beyond here the trail climbs steeply through a series of switchbacks, traversing the flank of the valley high above the river and bringing you to the Toubkal base camp at Neltner (3207m). Once you are settled in you will receive a briefing on winter climbing and an introduction to the equipment including the use of crampons and ice axe. Today involves approximately five hours walking. Your cook will prepare all meals for the group whilst at the refuge. Refuge – 3 nights (BLD) The refuge at Neltner is a stone building operated by the French Alpine Club. Accommodation for up to 80 people is provided in communal dormitories. There are toilets and showers as well as a lounge room with fireplace. There is a charge for showers and the refuge normally also charges a small fee of about 50p per night for communal firewood. |
| Day 4: | Ouanoukrim (4088m); Acclimatisation walks; ascent of Ounakrim Today offers you the chance to summit Toubkal’s sister peak of Ouanoukrim; the main aim of this being to get you completely comfortable with all your equipment. Sitting at over 4000 metres the views from the top will give awesome vistas across to Toubkal and the other snow-capped peaks. You’ll start off gently across the valley before starting to ascend. There are several possible routes to the summit and your leader will choose the one most suitable for the conditions and the group’s ability. Approximately 6-7 hours walk. (BLD) |
| Day 5: | Ascent of Toubkal(4167 m); return to Neltner Early this morning you set off for North Africa’s highest peak, Jebel Toubkal (4167m) - the goal of many mountain walkers who visit the High Atlas. There is a steep final climb that can involve some scrambling, but the effort is rewarded by superb views from the summit of the Atlas range. On a clear day it’s even possible to make out the hazy outline of the Atlantic coast to the west, and the sands of the Sahara Desert to the east. After resting on the summit, you make your way back to Neltner. Approximately eight hours walk (five to six hours ascent). (BLD) |
| Day 6: | Return to Aremd (1880m) This morning you will have your last foray into the snowy heights around you. Most likely you’ll head up above Neltner to the tight gorge of the Tizi Ouanoums Pass. Whilst not a peak, the pass offers the opportunity to look down the southern side of the mountain to the glacial Lac D’Ifni, shimmering emerald green below. Retracing your steps you’ll return to Neltner for lunch. In the afternoon you’ll descend back down the valley to Aremd for your last night in the mountains. Those not wanting to do the morning walk can wait at the refuge for the group’s return. Approximately 7-8 hours walk (three hours if only descending from Neltner). Gite – 1 night (BLD) Although the walks described here are the itinerary we plan to follow, depending on the weather conditions and the group’s ability, your leader may choose to rearrange the order of the hikes or substitute alternatives. |
| Day 7: | Marrakech A short walk of about 30 minutes leads to Imlil where you will meet your driver and vehicle to transfer back to Marrakech (1 ½ hours drive). After the rugged Toubkal climb you will enjoy seeing the lush green walnut trees, terraced fields and colourful dress of children in the mountain villages. On descending from the mountains you cross the plain to enter the imperial city of Marrakech whose old town is surrounded by a cordon of protective ramparts. The afternoon is free to explore the souks or enjoy a revitalising hammam (steam bath). Hotel – 1 night (B) |
| Day 8: | Fly to London The trip ends for Land Only clients. Those on group flights to the UK transfer to the airport and fly to London. (B) |
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
travellers' tales
The views from the top of the peaks made the slog worthwhile! (more)
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places. how this holiday makes a difference
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On this trip: On this trip we use only local Group Leaders and trekking crews from the local area, thus providing much needed employment. We also support schools in the Atlas villages (most recently providing some much needed computer equipment) and hope to be able to organise a visit during your trip. All Group Leaders are excellent at ensuring our travellers understand the nature of the environment that they are visiting, minimising any impact on the landscape that they may have. We also collect and dispose of all litter which we take up the mountain, leaving Jebel Toubkal as we find it.
Our Responsible Travel Code: Clients who travel with us will automatically receive a copy of our Responsible Travel leaflet. This contains details and advice on how you can make a positive difference when you travel. If you would like a copy in advance of travel please contact us. Charity Partnerships: We work in partnership with Plan International. Plan works with some of the world’s poorest communities where three out of four children die before the age of five. We also support Friends of Conservation – an international charity committed to working with local people to develop a balance between their needs and the wildlife with which they share the natural habitat and ecosystems. Other charities that we work closely with include Born Free Foundation and The Travel Foundation, a UK charity that has been established to promote responsible travel practices throughout the whole of the travel industry. Carbon Balancing: Global warming is a real issue and is a direct result of your travel. We have teamed up with Climate Care to give you the opportunity to offset the carbon emissions from your flight. You’ll be asked upon booking if you want to donate – with set amounts from £5. As a company we offset the carbon emissions from all staff travel in full. Our Foundation: We’ve highlighted a few of the ways in which we offer our support, financially or otherwise, and now you can, too. We have set up our own foundation, which will administer funds donated by you. A small donation of £1 per person will be taken when booking a holiday and that money will be put to good use by one of our carefully selected projects. If you don’t want to make the donation, just tell us when you book. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |