Mount toubkal Long weekend in winter



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Mount toubkal Long weekend in winter

The ascent of Mount Toubkal (4167m) is the highest peak in The Atlas Mountains and in North Africa. This trek is an energetic way to spend long weekend trekking holidays through the stunning High Atlas Mountains. With its wonderful variety of trails, Jaw-dropping scenery, magnificent high passes, dramatic peaks, and warm welcome from Berber.

The High Atlas Mountains of Morocco offer one of the most memorable places on the earth for Moroccan winter adventure trekking. It can be achievable during the summer months without specialist climbing skills. Most people who are reasonably fit and determined can achieve this goal and the views are magnificent over the Atlas Mountains.

  1. Day 1 Arrive in Marrakech Airport and stay in Riad or hotel.

    Marrakech is the spiritual heart of Morocco, the cultural melting pot of the Mountain Berber and the desert people of the south, whose eclectic mix of ideas and traditions has resulted in a fascinating clash of color, noise, and visual delights that is straight out of the ‘Arabian Nights.

  2. Day 2 Marrakech-Imlil- Toubkal Refuge

    After being picked up from your accommodation in Marrakech at around 8:00 am, you will be transferred to Moulay Brahim Gorges onto the Berber town of Imlil (1750m). Imlil is situated on the upper foothills of the Western High Atlas Mountains, a natural paradise where trails set out in all directions. Here, we leave our vehicle and we meet our Mount Toubkal team for Berber tea before we start our trek heading along the Ait Mizane Valley towards the village of Armed. Build on a moraine spur overlooking the valley. Armed is the largest and the highest village in the Ait Mizane and provides an interesting mix of traditional terraced farming, Berber houses, and streets that seem to be permanently gridlocked by goats and cattle. Continuing east and crossing the floodplain, our route takes us along the mule tracks and up into the high rocky cliffs above the valley. Crossing the river, we eventually come to the pastoral shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, a famous place that attracts tourists and pilgrims. We then continue by zigzagging our way up to Toubkal Refuge (3207m), where we will spend the night. 5 or 6 hours walking.

  3. Day 3 Toubkal refuge–Summit – Return to Marrakech

    Today starts with an early wake-up for breakfast around 4:30 am. The ascent will begin at 5:00 am in order to escape from the heat and being on the top at the best time. Through our hiking uphill, we will stop a few times for a short break to have some water, orange, and Moroccan nuts. Within 3-4 hours, you will be able to enjoy the magic views of Toubkal Summit and peaks over 4000m. Here, you will have the chance also to look at other valleys and Sahara directions. After that, we will descend down the same way to the Refuge after your admiration and meditation over the Atlas Mountains. After lunch, we will go back down to Imlil then transfer back to Marrakech. Approx 10 hours.

  4. Day 4 Departure Day. Airport transfers to Marrakech Airport are included.

    Depending on your flight time you may wish to enjoy a final stroll around Marrakech city before your transfer to the airport. The city has a number of highlights including Jardin Majorelle which was owned by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent from the 1960s to his death in 2008. Ville Nouvelle is a cobalt-blue exterior which is surrounded by a delightful garden full of rare desert flora plus fuchsia bougainvillea and deep green palms. The result is an explosion of color nestled in the city. The Bahia Palace is a wonderful palace set in gardens and well worth a visit. Built-in the late 19th century, this beautiful building was reputed to be the greatest palace of its time.

Mount Toubkal - Essential Info

At Mount Toubkal the World we believe in providing our clients with the best service and key to the enjoyment of any adventure holiday in our opinion is the balanced and up-to-date information offered by the tour operator. We are confident that the items detailed below when taken in conjunction with a reputable and reliable guidebook will enhance your Trekking experience as well as ensuring you receive the very best service from Mount Toubkal the World in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco.

M-T : STAFF

It is important that our staff in our Mount Toubkal office have experienced the wonder of High Atlas Mountains Trekking and are able to answer many of your important questions.

Mohamed, for example, has trekked in the Toubkal and Berber regions and visited many of the places included on our hiking itineraries; he has also made it to the top of Jebel Toubkal – many of the photos on our website were taken by him and his traveling companions on his various trips to the region.

M-T : GUIDES

All Mount Toubkal guides are fully licensed and are experienced from an early age in the Atlas Mountains areas, and guiding continues to be the heart and soul of who we are. We require that all of our guides undergo extensive safety training before officially joining us a mountain guide /or winter guide, local knowledge and guiding abilities. We believe that a local, licensed guide will offer more insight into the High Atlas region and Berber people as well as enhancing the local economy.

As well as a tip (see below) if you have had a great experience with your guide you may wish to offer him something of yours that will assist his duties.

Please be guided by your guide's expert advice on difficult or exposed paths and please respect the prayers of your guide and muleteers – they will usually do this outside of walking times so as not to interrupt your hiking.

M-T : PORTERS

Most of our porters are from the Atlas Mountain region who are able to perform carrying tasks in the high atlas and around all types of trails in Toubkal. They will carry your luggage, food and other necessary items in a safe and secure way. They are very conscious of maintaining your belongings in good condition. We would like to request all our clients to go with an open up and be ready to experience all the fun and excitement of your trek, and also rest assured that our Porters and Guides are comfortable and happy people to be accompanied by. You can ask any quarries you may have about the culture, people and country. You feel very safe, comfort and pleasure after hiring a Guide and Porter.

Credentials of our Porters

– They are of mid-age and able to carry 25-30 kg stuff without any hesitation.

– They are mostly from the Atlas mountain regions and have been working in the Trekking field as a Porter for many years.

– They are strong, powerful, capable and caring.

– They have more knowledge about the trails so they may alert you about the ways and other potential hazards.

– They are very honest and humble of their personal integrity.

M-T : MULETEERS & MULES & LUGGAGE

Your team of muleteers, along with mules, will vary in number depending upon the size of your group and whether you are camping or staying in gites/refuge but they will all perform the same function which is to provide a full back up service for your hike, cook and prepare meals and set up the evening camp.

The mule team will load up your luggage, food and, if relevant, the camping equipment at the start of each day but will not always walk either at the same time, pace or route as your hiking party so it is important that you consider which items you may require to carry yourself in the morning and then again in the afternoon as on some days you may only meet up at lunch-time.

The mules are completely used to carrying the loads and it is not unusual for them to carry in excess of 80 kgs each which is equally balanced in two baskets. The muleteers take great care in both hygiene and presentation of your food and perform wonders with such limited conditions.

We recommend you take your trekking luggage in a large holdall or rucksack which can perhaps be folded up inside your main luggage if you are also traveling around the Atlas Mountains and wish to have the security of your usual suitcase(s). You should also take a suitable daypack which will carry drinking water, camera, hat, raincoat, etc. as you may not be in direct contact with your support team at all times during the day.

WEATHER

In winter much of the region above 2500m can be snow-covered and hiking in these areas could require the use of crampons and ice axes. High winds and precipitation in whatever form may preclude some routes and this will be discussed before you set out or can be modified at any time with the advice of your guide.

RAMADAN

We will maintain our programme of trekking during the holy month of Ramadan but we would ask you to respect your team by allowing them the courtes

REFUGE

The refuge is simple but offers warm showers, a few western toilets and a warm lounge with electric lighting in which to read or chat with your fellow hikers. There is a full kitchen for your team to cook in and a couple of dining areas. Please note that boots must not be worn in the refuge. So, sandals, shoes or flip flops should be taken to keep your feet (and socks) warm, dry and clean.

Clothing and Equipment

You should dress according to altitude and the environment you will be located in. Most treks are in high altitude climates in remote areas. Therefore, there are often large temperature swings. Temperatures are often colder at high altitudes.

Clothing for Trekking

• Trekking boots or light weight walking shoes. Having comfortable footwear is essential for a good trek. Make sure all footwear is broken in well prior to your trek. Do not break in boots on your trek,

• A track suit and a pair of track shoes to wear in the Berber tea house and camp at night,

• Two pairs of woolen socks for trekking shoes and track shoes,

• Warm down jacket and rain proof jacket with hood for protection from rain,

• Woolen hat for the cold and sun hat or cap for sunny days

• A pair of woolen gloves and a pair sandals to wear in Berber tea houses or camp,

• Two cotton T-shirts and two pairs of long shorts/skirts

• Woolen shirts and thick sweaters as well as wind and water proof trousers,

• Pair of light or heavy weight trouser and one light weight long sleeve shirt,

• Two pairs of thermal undergarments,

Equipments for Trekking

• Trekking or duffle bag to carry trekking gear. Mount Toubkal can provide a duffle bag for you to borrow during your trek. This will be returned after your trek,

• Trekking daypack for personal items such as water, snacks, extra layers and camera,

• Water purification tablet and bottles,

• Sleeping bag,

• Travel Pillow,

• sun glasses,

• walking poles,

• Small torch light or head lamp with spare batteries,

• Sun block,

• Lip balm with sunblock in it,

• handkerchief or wiping papers,

• Money belt,

• first-aid kit,

Trekking equipments are available at Imlil Center. Mount-Toubkal can recommend shops for you to purchase equipment. If you do not wish to buy equipment, you can easily hire or rent them for the duration of your trek with reasonable prices.

The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
Whats included in this tour Items that are covered in the cost of tour price.
  • Round-trip Transportation between the trek and your accommodation in Marrakech.
  • Expert winter guide, English-speaking
  • Mules and muleteers to carry your luggage.
  • Porters for luggage from snowline to the Atlas Mountain huts (refuge).
  • Berber Cook
  • All meals on the trek
  • Accommodation in a Mountain Hut (Toubkal refuge).
Whats not included in this tour Items that aren't covered in the cost of tour price.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Soft/alcoholic drinks
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Ice Axe
  • Walking crampons