Winter Ascent Mt Toubkal - 4167m

We use local guides – therefore supporting the local economy

Groups will also be accompanied by a UK leader

Small group sizes

Superior accommodation in Marrakesh

Tailored itinerary

Option to join pre trip UK training weekend (additional charge)

Day 1 – Arrive in Marrakesh and transfer via Imlil to the small Berber village of Aroumd (1900m) where we will stay in a traditional Berber guesthouse.

Day 2 – We begin our trek into the High Atlas mountains heading through pine and juniper trees to our first mountain refuge, The Azib Tamsoult (2250m).

Day 3 – An early start today as we begin our ascent over the ridge line and down into the valley from where we will tackle Toubkal tomorrow. We take in stunning waterfalls and magnificent views across the plains of Morocco before tackling the 72 hairpin bends of the final steep ascent to the ridge line. From here it is downhill all the way to the Toubkal Refuge (3207m).

Day 4 – Once again it’s an early start as we make our Toubkal summit bid.  We begin walking steeply out of the refuge heading up to the back of a hanging valley before making the ridge line that will take us to the Toubkal summit at 4167m. We descend back to the refuge for some lunch and some well earned Moroccan mint tea before making our way back down the valley to Aroumd for the night.

Day 5 – We will take a short walk down to Imlil before being transferred to Marrakesh for lunchtime where you can check into your hotel for the next two nights allowing you time to explore this ancient city.

Day 6 – A complete day for you to enjoy the city, take in the Souks in the Medina, seek out the gardens or wander around the new town hunting out delightful patisseries.

Day 7 – Finally it’s time to say goodbye to new friends and transfer back to the airport for your flight home.

Transportation between Marrakesh and Imlil including airport transfers in Morocco

6 nights accomodation in hotels, refuges and a guesthouse

All meals excl. celebratory meal and final day lunch

All drinking water whilst trekking

National Park trekking fees and permits

Local guides, cooks and porters

Experienced UK Expedition Leader

Crampons, ice axe and helmets (if required)

International flights and taxes

Travel Insurance

Visas (if needed)

Personal Equipment

Tips for local staff (we can advise on amounts)

Meals in addition to those already listed as included

Alcoholic or soft drinks not supplied during meals

Personal spending

Sightseeing costs in Marrakesh 

Mules will be used on the trek to carry your luggage.  A duffle bag (preferably waterproof) is ideal, please ensure it has a shoulder strap.  For the welfare of the mules we ask that you keep the weight in your duffle bag to a maximum of 15kg.

You will need a day rucksack to carry spare layers, waterproofs, food and drink, and personal items such as cameras etc.  A 35l rucksack is a good size.

You will also need;

Walking boots
Crampons – we can supply if required
Walking axe – we can supply if required
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Insulated jacket
Warm hat and gloves
Sun hat and sunglasses
Trekking or soft shell trousers
Shirts/Tshirts
Fleece tops
Underwear
Walking socks
Slippers/clean trainers/flip flops/sandles to wear in the huts
Sleeping bag
Headtorch and spare batteries
Water bottle – 1l is best
Snacks – trek bars etc.
Sun cream
Toilet roll
Antibacterial hand gel
Wash kit (limited shower facilities)
Towel

Personal medical kit – we recommend this includes (but is not limited to); ibuprofen, paracetamol, antihistamines, diarrhoea treatment, rehydration sachets, latex gloves, antiseptic wipes, plasters, throat lozenges.

Optional

Camera
MP3
Power pack (some huts have sockets for charging, some don’t)
Travel adapter plug – in Morocco they use the French two pin sockets
Playing cards
Ear plugs
Walking poles

Please get in touch if you want to discuss any of the above.

This is a physically challenging trek therefore it is important that you arrive with a good level of fitness. We can provide you with a training plan if required. You will be walking for between 5 and 7 hours a day in potentially arduous conditions.  Consequently your training should include some multi day hill walking to ensure that you have the right level of fitness and stamina to complete this trek.

Having previous experience of the use of ice axe and crampons would be advantageous but not essential as full training in their use will be given during the trek.

This trek takes you to a height above 2500m at which point there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness more commonly known as Altitude sickness.

Symptoms of being at altitude can include the following; headaches, tiredness, shortness of breath, loss of appetite and nausea. Altitude sickness affects everybody differently and whilst generally the fitter you are the better you will cope, being super-fit is still no guarantee of feeling fewer effects.

All of our leaders have experience of trekking at altitude and are medically trained. The leader will assess your progress as you trek and they will make a decision to send you down to a lower altitude if they believe your health and safety are being compromised by the effects of altitude.