Mount Toubkal Winter Climb

Introduction - WINTER

This takes you to the highest point in the great Atlas mountains in Morocco. In Greek Mythology, Atlas held up the heavens, and this is your chance to find out. The peak is the highest in northern Africa, and provides a breathtaking 360º view of the Atlas Mountains, with Marrakesh and the High Atlas to the North, and the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara in the south.

This is a 6-day itinerary, which allows some time to adjust to altitude and give yourself the best chance to summit a mountain comparable in altitude with some of the highest Alpine peaks; it also allows you to explore one of the most fascinating cities in Africa.The trek is aided by mules and muleteers, who will take you from atlas floodplains, above rocky cliffs, to the jagged rocks and snow at the very top of the Atlas mountains.

To do Toubkal in winter, you'll need to be prepared for some snowy conditions, and be comfortable using crampons and ice axes. Your support team for you includes a guide up the mountain, mules and muleteers to help carry the baggage, and a team cook for your meals.

Difficulty: Challenging

Duration: week

Quick Facts

Highest Peak in the Atlas mountains: 4167 metres a.s.l.
Six day trip: 4 days in the Atlas
5 nights accommodation; 2 nights in a hotel, 2 nights in a guesthouse and 1 night in a refuge.
Certified Moroccan mountain guides
Mules do the donkeywork

Typical Itinerary

This is the itinerary for your Mt Toubkal trip.

Day	Activity
Friday	Depart UK, arrive in Marrakech. You will be transferred to your hotel.
Saturday	Early breakfast and transfer to the little village of Imlil. Here you will be able to explore Berber traditions and spend the night in a local traditional guesthouse.
Sunday	Begin your trek along the Ait Mizane Valley, crossing the flood plains our route takes us along mule traks and up into the high rocky cliffs above the valley. Crossing the river we come to the pastoral shrine of Chamharough, which attracts tourists and pilgrims. Stay overnight in the Toubkal Refuge (3206m.) Approx 4-5hours walking.
Monday	Early in the morning: attempt on the summit of Jebel Toubkal, using the south cirque route. At the summit, we spend a bit of time to drink in the extraordinary view and celebrate our achievement. After that, we will retrace our steps via the Toubkal Refuge. Lunch at the Refuge. in the afternoon, head back towards Imlil. Overnight in a Guesthouse in Imlil. Approx. 9hrs walking
Tuesday	Transfer back to Marrakech where you will stay overnight in the same hotel near Jamaa El Fna square, and have the oppurtunity to get lost in the souks of Marakech.
Wednesday	Transfer back to the airport, return to the UK.

Please note: This itinerary is a guide only. It can be subject to change dependent upon viability, course members' fitness, weather conditions or for any other reason.

Course Requirements

You should have some experience of mountain walking in winter conditions. Experience in the use of crampons is recommended but not essential, as there wuill be some time to practice using them during the trip. In terms of fitness, the fitter you are the better as there is at least one long day of walking and you will be carrying a backpack. The altitude makes the going quite difficult in parts.
We recommend that you follow a fitness plan in preparation for your trip, an example of one will be sent to you when you have confirmed your booking.
Although the fitness plan we will send to you has been devised by a fitness professional, this is only provided as a guide and you should seek professional advice before starting your own fitness regime.
A detailed kit list will be issued once we confirm your booking.

Dates - 2013

The 2012 dates available:

4-9 January	Good availability	Book now
18-23 January	Good availability	Book now
8-13 Febuary	Good availability	Book now
15-20 Febuary	Good availability	Book now
8-13 November	Good availability	Book now
22-27 November	Good availability	Book now
6-11 December	Good availability	Book now
13-18 December	Good availability	Book now