Toubkal Climb

Arrive in Marrakech. Morocco's famous Red City, Marrakech is the spiritual heart of the country, a cultural melting pot of the mountain Berbers and the desert peoples of the south. Blessed with some of the most stunning architecture in Morocco, its mix of tradition, colour and history makes it the ideal starting point.



For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Marrakech at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK), which is around 20 minutes' drive.



If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to relax beside our hotel's rooftop swimming pool or take a stroll around Djemma El Fna Square.

Leaving Marrakech behind this morning we drive south, towards the Imlil Valley and the craggy peaks of the Toubkal Massif. At the village of Aquersioul (1,600 m) we begin our climb, hiking up into the Matate Valley and then on to Tizi n'Oudite (2,200 m), where we stop to enjoy a picnic lunch. Descending through a juniper forest into the Azaden Valley, we then continue towards Id Aissa, enjoying the views out towards the colourful mountain villages of Tizi Zougaghen and Tizaine as we make our way towards our final stop in Tizi Oussem (1,850 m). Here we stay in a traditional Berber-style mud-brick building built into a hillside. The rooms are two-four bed with large and very thick mattress on the floor. It's a rustic property with shared facilities but it is charming and you're receive a warm welcome.



Today's moderate eight-and-a-half kilometre walk is expected to take around six hours with a total ascent of 750 metres and a descent of 500 metres.

After breakfast this morning we continue walking along the valley, before beginning a steady ascent up towards Tizi Mzik (2,489 metres). From this high mountain pass we then begin our descent towards the village of Aremd (1,950 m). Built on a moraine spur overlooking the valley floor, Aremd is the largest village in the valley and provides us with a fascinating insight into Berber life. This afternoon we have a chance to take a walk around the village, taking in its captivating mix of terraced farming, traditional gites and mountain landscapes.



In Armed we stay in a traditional Berber village house. There are number of twin or triple rooms with shared facilities, hot showers and a communal area for eating.



Today's moderate seven kilometre walk is expected to take around five hours with a total ascent of 429 metres and a descent of 539 metres.

Continuing along the Mizane Valley we cross the flood plain and follow the mule tracks up into the high rocky cliffs above the valley. Crossing the river we eventually come to the pastoral shrine of Sidi Chamharouch, set beside a small waterfall and a jumbled cluster of village houses clinging to the rock face. From here the trail continues to climb steadily, snaking and zigzagging its way up towards the snow-line and the welcoming sight of the Neltner Refuge (3,207 m).



At the base of Toubkal we stay at Mountain Refuge. The rooms are basic dorm rooms with bunk beds. There are shared toilets and showers, a dining room and large lounge area with a wood burning stove where everyone gathers and socialises in the evening. It's a great way to meet like-minded trekkers from all over the world.



Today's moderate nine-and-a-half kilometre walk is expected to take around five hours with a total ascent of 1,257 metres.

Early this morning we make our attempt on the summit of Jebel Toubkal (4,167 m). Our route takes us up the south cirque, a steep climb across scree and rock that leads eventually to the Tizi n'Toukbal (3,975 m). Cresting the ridge it is then just a short walk to the summit. On a clear day the views from up here take in the Marrakech Plain and the High Atlas Mountains and stretch as far south as the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara. From the summit we head back down to the refuge for a second night.



Today's challenging four-and-a-half kilometre walk is expected to take around six hours with a total ascent of 967 metres and a descent of 967 metres.

If conditions proved unfavourable yesterday, we have a chance to make a second attempt on Jebel Toubkal this morning. Alternatively there is an option for us to try an ascent of Ouanoukrim (4,089 metres) or to take a short walk out to Tizi Ouanoums to take in the views of Lake Ifni. This afternoon we then head back down to Aremd to spend another night in the village before we leave these mountain landscapes behind.



Ouanoukrim and back to Armed- challenging 15.5 kilometre walk is expected to take around 10-11 hours with a total ascent of 882 metres and a descent of 2139 metres

Tizi Ouanoums and back to Armed - challenging 13.5 kilometre walk is expected to take around seven hours with a total ascent of 393 metres and a descent of 1650 metres.

Returning on foot to Imlil this morning, we then drive back to Marrakesh where, on arrival, we have some free time to explore the city's colourful souks and perhaps take a stroll around its celebrated Djemma El Fna Square. A feast for the senses, the square is a wonderful confusion of noise and colour, where you will find the streets alive with storytellers, musicians, jugglers and water-sellers: the perfect place to haggle for some last minute presents, or just sit at a cafe and watch the spectacle unfold before you.



Today's easy one-and-a-half kilometre walk is expected to take around 45 minutes with 210 metres of descent.