4 days Climbing Mount Toubkal in Morocco is a great introduction to high altitude mountaineering. The climb to the summit of Mt Toubkal is challenging, but requires no mountaineering experience and the panoramic view of the High Atlas Mountains makes the hard work worthwhile!
The trek passes through impressive landscapes on well-defined paths encompassing breathtaking scenery. As we climb higher, the paths become steeper and rugged in places, however the gain in altitude awards dramatic views towards Marrakesh
During summer there is no need for crampons or ice axes, which are compulsory in winter, due to the heavy snowfall.
Marrakech
09:00
For Trekking Atlas Mountains you need to prepare as you would for walking in any mountain region; it can be warm and sunny during the day but the weather in the mountains can quickly change from sunshine to snow and cold winds (autumn through late spring). Please do not leave any rubbish behind you; carry out what you carry in.
Atlas Treks are tailored to match the season and your level of fitness. You have the choice of basing yourself in Berber Guesthouses, from where you can take daily walks, or you can Atlas Mule Trek for 2+ days. On mule treks you usually have the choice of staying in Berber Guesthouse/with families or wild camping in 2-person tents. In addition to regular packing, here is a Check List for Atlas Trekking:
This morning you will be transferred to the small Berber village of Imlil. Imlil is about 1.5 hours drive south and 1,740m/ 5,709 feet. There are no more roads after Imlil, the trek begins. You will trek to Tizi M’zzik at 2660m/ 8727 feet in the nearby Mezzik Valley. This will take around 5 hours including a lunch stop. After arriving at the hut, get settled in and keep warm! Enjoy some great views as the sun sets across the Atlas mountains.
Today we begin our trek. Heading along the Maizane Valley, we first pass the village of Aremd and then onto the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch. We then continue east and by crossing the flood plains our route takes us along mule tracks and up into the high rocky cliffs above the valley. Crossing the river we eventually come to the pastoral shrine of Sidi Chamharouch, which attracts tourists and pilgrims. From here the trail continues to climb steadily, snaking and zigzagging its way up to the snowline and the Toubkal Refuge (3206m), our stop for the night.
Early in the morning you make your attempt on the summit of Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in Northern Africa. Your route takes you up the south cirque, crossing the stream above the refuge. The walking is relatively straightforward, but the scree and the altitude will make the going quite difficult in parts. The views along the way make the journey more than worthwhile. When you reach the summit you will see that the vistas across the surrounding landscape are quite breathtaking. From here there are unrestricted views in every direction, from the Marrakesh Plain to the High Atlas in the north and as far south as the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara. You will retrace your steps when you return down the mountain.
After breakfast you leave the refuge and trek down into the Aroumd Valley, via Sidi Chamharouch to reach Imlil, lunch and transfers back to Marrakech.
