Looking for a breath-taking challenge in the African snow? Reach for the summit of the majestic Mount Toubkal with our experienced guides. Mt Toubkal winter ascent is great intro to winter trekking and Morocco is a perfect alpine mountaineering destination right on your doorstep. Whilst not a technical climb, the use of crampons and ice axe are required on most trips and you will learn and practice these skills before summit day.
(We would not recommend you climbing Toubkal in winter without a winter experienced guide if you do not have prior winter walking / climbing experience).
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:
Upon arrival in Marrakech Airport, short transfers take you to your Hotel in the old Medina, Explore the Marrakech and the souks …
Today you’ll wake up early and after a hearty breakfast you will complete the final preparations before driving through the low hills of the Atlas Mountains. The journey will take you through the beautiful Maizane Berber valley to your first destination and the start of your trek at Imlil. From here you can already see the mighty peaks of the Atlas range and on a clear day you will see your ultimate goal of Mt Toubkal. Imlil was chosen by Hollywood as the location for parts of the movie Kundun and its picturesque paths and trails are the perfect spot to stretch your legs and take some gentle walks in the afternoon to help your body acclimatise.
Today your trek towards Toubkal begins with a hike up through the Maizane Valley to the holy shrine of Sidi Chamharouch at 2310m. Here you can take some time to appreciate this special place which is a site of pilgrimage for many Moroccans. From here you will re-fuel before starting to gain some altitude. The trail slowly takes you up towards your ultimate goal of the day, the Toubkal Refuge at 3207m. Here your guide will complete a briefing of the next day’s summit attempt and you will spend the evening resting and adjusting to the altitude. Have an early night so that you can be strong & ready for the long day tomorrow and your goal of stepping foot on the highest point in North Africa.
The day you have all been waiting for, there is nothing quite like waking up on summit day! You’ll wake up and leave the refuge still under the cover of darkness, head torches leading the way. The trail is immediately steep as you ascend a scree slope and the thin air makes the climb tough but rewarding. After some steady climbing you come to a wide pass which will offer some stunning views and a small break before you turn towards the summit ridge and the final push. As you ascend the ridge and step foot on the summit plateau reaching an altitude of 4167 meters, you will be hit by the massive sense of achievement that you are standing on the summit of the highest peak in North Africa! The metal tetrapod which marks the summit is a great photo opportunity and the views are incredible. On a clear day you will be able to see all the way back to Marrakech and take in how far you have come, both physically and mentally. The descent takes you down the same route, treading carefully through the snow you will retrace your steps back to the Toubkal refuge, mission accomplished.
Today you wake up and have a decision to make. Those who wish to, can head out for a second day in the mountains and the chance to summit North Africa’s second highest peak, Mt Ouanoukrim. After an early breakfast, the summit team will leave the refuge and head to Tizi Quagane at 3750m and after a short break you’ll move on to the summit. The route to the summit involves some hands on scrambling to get through a loose rock section, it is relatively straight forward and your guide will be there ensuring your safe accent. After the scrambling it’s on to the always fun ‘false summit’ and across a ridge to the true summit of Mt Ouanoukrim, after celebrating your success you’ll retrace your steps back to the refuge. Anyone who didn’t do the climb will be waiting for you at the refuge where you’ll all spend one last night.
Your last day hiking in the mountains is a nice and steady descent back to Imlil, taking in the stunning views of the Atlas Mountains for one last time before you say your farewells to the guides and porters who supported you during the accent.
Today you’ll wake up early and after a hearty breakfast you will complete your last day trekking through the low hills of the Atlas Mountains. The journey will take you through the beautiful the Imenan valley, crossing Tizi Aguersiuoaul to Ait Maizane berber valley, after lunch transfers back to Marrakech.
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel, and maybe you may have time to once again experience the sights, sounds and colour of Marrakech before transfers you to Airport.
