Toubkal Winter

The Mountains.

• Jebel Toubkal.  At 4167m this is the highest mountain in Morocco and North Africa.  It is not exactly clear when Toubkal was first climbed however the first documented ascent was on 12 June 1923 by the Marquis de Segonzac, Vincent Berger and Hubert Dolbeau.
• Timzguida.  This is the second highest peak in Morocco.  At 4089m it is often referred to along with Ras (4083m) as Ouanoukrim
• Ras.  At 4083m this is the third highest mountain in Morocco.

• If you are interested in a climbing some of the other 4000m peaks in the Toubkal range then please give us a call or email us info@monkeymountaineering.com).

The Route.

• This trek starts in Imlil and makes its way up the valley to the Toubkal Refuge.  It then tackles the relatively straightforward Ras and Timzguida to ensure a good level of acclimatisation as well as providing training in the use of ice axe and crampons if required before finishing with an ascent of Toubkal.

Monkey Mountaineering's Approach.

• Maximise Chances of Success.  At Monkey Mountaineering we recognise the difficulties involved in trekking in the high mountains, that's why we do everything we can to help you achieve your goal.  To improve your chances of success we keep our group sizes small.  We use local guides who are professional, fully qualified, experienced and have in-depth knowledge of the mountains.  They are client focused and will manage the whole trip to maximise your chances of success.  We are good but we can't work miracles so we recommend that you do some training walks to improve your fitness prior to your trek.
• Minimise Environmental Impact.  In keeping with our core values of sustainable adventure travel we take steps to ensure our impact on the environment is kept to a minimum.  We always respect the environment we operate in and we plan all our treks with this in mind.  Our guides encourage responsible behaviour whilst in the mountains and we encourage you to manage litter and ensure nothing is left behind, except of course, footprints!

Day 1

Pick up from Marrakech Airport and transfer to Imlil, a one and a half hour drive to the small village in the Atlas Mountains. Overnight at Imlil Lodge.
(Meals - Lunch & Dinner depending on arrival time).

Day 2

After breakfast you will set off an a 6 hour trek from Imlil and up to the Toubkal Refuge where you will spend the night (3207m), lunch will be taken on the way. (All meals included).

Day 3

This is an acclimatisation and training day, the aim of which is to ensure you are sufficiently competent using ice axe and crampons as well as gaining vital altitude to help with the acclimatisation process.  We do this by tackling Morocco's second and third highest mountains, Ras (4083m) and Timesguida (4088m), often collectively called Jebel Ouanoukrim.  The day starts with a gentle walk up to the valley to the Tizi Ougane mountain pass where the route then turns right and climbs the ridge to the first summit, Ras (4083m).   From here we descend slightly and then climb the gentle slope leading to the summit of Timesguida (4088m).  The views of Toubkal and the surrounding Atlas Mountains are spectacular and it is possible to see the Anti-Atlas far in the distance. There is no obligation to summit these mountains but it is important to gain height to aid acclimatisation if we are to have the best chance of summiting Toubkal.  In the early afternoon we start our descent back to the refuge. About 6 hours walking (All meals included).

Day 4

Toubkal summit day!  After breakfast we leave the refuge and start our ascent of Toubkal.  The route follows the south cirque, crossing the frozen stream above the refuge. The walking is relatively straightforward, but winter conditions and the altitude will make the going feel quite difficult in parts but the views along the way and from the summit make the journey more than worthwhile. From the summit you will see breathtaking unrestricted vistas across the surrounding mountains, 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. Once you have finished talking in the magnificent scenery and enjoying the sheer essence of standing on the highest mountain in North Africa you will retrace your steps down to your starting point where a hot drink and hearty meal will be waiting for you.  You will spend the night in the refuge.  About 8 hours walking (All meals included).

Day 5

After breakfast we will leave the refuge and head back down the valley to Imlil.  Lunch will be taken at Imlil Lodge where you will also be able to shower and change before yout transfer to Marrakech.  Overnigh in a Riad in Marrakech on a B&B basis.

Day 6

At leisure in Marrakech before your transfer back to the airport for your flight home.
 

Included in the price of this trip:

• Arrival and departure transfers to and from Marrakesh International Airport.
• Pre trek accommodation in Imlil with evening meal & breakfast.
• Post trek accommodation in Marrakesh with breakfast.
• Transport to Marrakesh on completion of the trek.
• Professional guiding and support team including mules/porters, chef and kitchen staff.
• All meals whilst trekking.
• Purified safe drinking water provided as required.
• Portage of 15 kg per client.

The following are not Included:

• International Flights from/to UK.
• Personal clothing and equipment (see our clothing and equipment section for guidance about what to bring).
• Additional accommodation in Morocco before or after the trek (one night pre climb and one night post climb is included).
• Tips for your guide & mountain crew.
• Personal travel insurance (to cover you for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects etc.  You must ensure you have cover for trekking up to 4500m for this trip).
• Additional expenses incurred should there be a need to curtail your trek early and transfer you from the mountain back to a medical facility or hotel (it is essential that you have personal travel insurance that includes cover for trekking up to 4500m).

The High Atlas Mountains, like any other mountain range, can be subject to the full force of the weather at any time of year.  During the winter months (mid-September to mid-May) the weather in the Atlas Mountains ican be warm and sunny at low altitudes with a marked drop in temperatures as you climb higher.  It can be extremely cold on the summits during the winter months with icy winds.  It is not uncommon for rain lower down on the trek in to the refuge which will fall as snow on the mountain.  To get the best from your trip you need to be prepared for everything that the weather can throw at you.

With this in mind it is important that we set out wearing the right clothing and carrying the right equipment.  Listed below are all the items of clothing that you will need to enjoy your time in the Atlas Mountains.  We have annotated some items as essential so please make sure you read this section and if you are unsure about anything, please give us a call or email us at info@monkeymountaineering.com

Essential Clothing (to be worn/carried)

• Walking boots. A good pair of walking boots which provide ankle support, are insulated and crampon compatable and are well broken-in.  B2 boots are the most suitable.  Boots are essential - Please ask if you are unsure what boots to bring.
• Hiking socks. We recommend a good pair of proper hiking/trekking socks.  You should have a pair for each day.
• Lightweight walking trousers.  For trekking to the refuge.  These should be quick drying, jeans or tracksuit bottoms are not suitable.
• Soft Shell or mid weight walking trousers.  For use above the refuge, ideally these will be insulated and windproof.
• Thermal Long Johns.  For wearing at night and/or under your walking trousers.
• Long-sleeved thermal top.  Bring at least 2.
• Long Sleeved shirt.  Should be lightweight and quick drying.
• Tee-shirt. Should be a technical fabric – avoid cotton as it is slow to dry.  You will need 2 or 3 of these.
• Fleece or Soft Shell Layer.  This can be a fleece jumper or fleece jacket or a soft shell jacket.
• Insulated Jacket.  Can be down or synthetic.
• Waterproof Jacket.  Ideally this will be made from a waterproof, breathable material and it will have a hood.
• Waterproof trousers.
• Sun Hat.
• Wooly hat.
• Buff.
• Gloves or mittens.
• Underwear.  Ideally these will be quick drying and moisture wicking.  Take 3 pairs as a minimum.
• Sports Bra.  Ladies only, take 2.

Essential Equipment

• Small Rucksack.  20 to 30l is adequate.
• Large Holdall.  For the porters to carry your equipment.  Should be 50-100 litres and fit all your equipment in it.
• Sleeping Bag.  This should be a minimum of three seasons and able to keep you warm down to at least minus 10 (we recommend taking as warm a sleeping bag as possible).
• Ice Axe.  Can be hired  - please enquire for details.
• Crampons.  Can be hired - please enquire for details.
• Head torch.  This is essential for summit day and you might want it for reading in your tent (bring spare batteries).
• Personal First Aid Kit.  Our guides carry a group first aid kits but we recommend you carry a personal first aid kit which includes suncream, lip balm, blister plasters (compeed), plasters, painkillers and any prescription medicines, insect repellant etc.
• Water Bladder.  It is essential that you have the means to carry at least 2 litres of drinking water.  The best solution is a bladder type water carrier such as a camelbak as this then allows you to drink whilst walking with no need to stop to get out a water bottle.
• Water Bottle.  Nalgene type, 1 litre.  Bladders can freeze on summit day so you should also take a robust bottle capable of holding at least 1 litre.
• Toiletries.  Include wet wipes and hand sanitizer and toilet tissues.

Optional Equipment

• Walking poles.  Not essential but extremely useful, especially when descending.
• Camera.  Make sure you have spare batteries or the means to re-charge whilst on the trek.
• Mobile Phone.  The signal is limited on this trek but there are places where you will be able to send and receive text and make calls.  There is no mobile data.
• Sunglasses.
• Rucksack rain cover.
• Pee Bottle.  These can be useful at night  – make sure it is clearly marked as you wouldn’t want to drink from it!
• Travel Towel.

Other Clothing & Equipment

• Travel clothing.  Clothing that you will not wear whilst on the trek.  This can be packed in your porter load or left in a small bag at the lodge in Imlil.
• Sports Sandals/Trainers.  Comfortable footwear for use in the evening whilst in camp.
• Stuff Sacks/Dry Bags.  Various sizes to keep kit dry and separate.

Paperwork

• Booking confirmation.
• Passport and Visa (see https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/entry-requirements for entry requirements for UK passport holders)
• Immunization Papers (if required, see https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/154/morocco#General_information for more information).
• Insurance Documents.  Your insurance must cover you for trekking up to 4500m.