Winter Toubkal
This trip is an adventurous and strenuous winter climb to the highest peak of Northern Africa. Winter is indeed a challenging time to climb in these mountains but the rewards are crisp skies and spectacular views. With three nights at Neltner base camp there is plenty of time to acclimatise and take practice walks to learn how to use your crampons and ice axe before attempting the Toubkal summit (4167m). There should also be time to summit the sister peak of Ouanoukrim (4088m). With demanding walking, stunning mountain scenery and the added challenge of winter weather conditions this is a really exciting winter trek, not for the fainthearted but suitable for experienced trekkers seeking a new dimension and a challenge.
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Details |
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Price Includes |
(HK-5073-P) |
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Flights |
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Accomodation |
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7 Breakfast, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners |
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Price Excludes |
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Local Payment 80 USD
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners are included.
Vegetarians can be catered for on the trek. You must pay for all othermeals yourself (you can eat quite well for £10 per day). Average costs are given for guidance only, and may vary widely according to type of establishment. |
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Suitability / Level |
Strenous |
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Max Group Size |
10 |
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Itinerary
& Highlights |
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DAY 1 - MARRAKECH. After your flight, you transfer to your first night's accommodation and check in. Even today, the name Marrakech conjures up images of scenes from The Arabian Nights with its busy souks
(markets) and twisting alleyways. This remarkable city, dating from the 11th century, never fails to satisfy the curiosity of adventurous travellers. It has everything from the graceful architecture of the Koutoubia Minaret, which dominates the skyline, to the throbbing atmosphere of a medieval fair in the great open square, the Djemaa el-Fna, in the heart of the medina. Hotel 1 night
DAY 2 - MARRAKECH & AREMD (1880m)
This morning you wake early to an unfamiliar sound - the muezzins calling the faithful to prayer in the various city mosques - your first contact with Islam. After breakfast you start with a walking tour of the centre with a local guide. This takes in the main sights - but the most exciting part is when you enter the sprawling souk. Here individual trades and crafts are concentrated together in a single street or area, so all the shoemakers are next to each other, as are the jewellers, the potters, the weavers, etc. This is the best place in Morocco to sharpen your bargaining skills, and you?re almost certain to be tempted by some of the extraordinary variety of
merchandise on display - even if it's only a trinket or a packet of exotic spices. Later you leave Marrakech, and drive across the plains towards Tahanaoute, an ancient marketplace on the edge of the mountains. The landscape changes as the plains gradually give way to mountains, with the impressive snow-covered peaks of the High Atlas looming in front of you. Following the road right to its end you arrive in the village of Imlil (1790 metres above sea level). From here it is about a 25-minute walk to your mountain base, a typical Berber house in the village of Aremd with views up the valley towards Toubkal. After settling in you'll stretch your legs with an orientation walk. Gite 1 night (BLD). A gite consists of a village house with simple dormitory rooms each with space for approximately 8 people. Each room is generally furnished in traditional Berber style with low couches (which can be used as beds), tables, carpets and cushions. Communal facilities usually
consist of a couple of showers and toilets. Gites are generally found in villages on walking routes. Showers (sometimes hot ones!) may be available in gites but these will be offered at an additional cost of around 50p to £1.
DAY 3 - NELTNER REFUGE (3207m). This morning you will meet the mule handlers and the mules. All baggage and provisions are carried by mule - the multi-purpose all-terrain vehicles of the mountains. Used to plough fields, carry loads from valley to valley - often up incredibly steep and narrow tracks, turn threshing machines and even act as taxis, ferrying people between the villages, they are an indispensable part of Berber life in the mountains. Even these incredible animals have their limits and if snow conditions prevent them from going further, porters will be used. After all the luggage has been loaded on to the mules you will start your climb up to the Neltner refuge. From Aremd the trail leads past orchards up the floodplain of the Mizane valley before climbing steeply, as it zigzags up the mountainside. Along the way you reach Sidi Chamarouch, (2310m) a place of pilgrimage for Moroccans who come to the tomb of the local marabout (Muslim holy man). You can only see the shrine from across the gorge, as it?s forbidden for non-Muslims to cross the bridge to
the other side. Beyond Sidi Chamarouch the trail climbs steeply through a series of switchbacks, traverses the flank of the valley high above the river and brings you to the Toubkal base camp at Neltner (3207m). Once you are settled in you will receive a briefing on winter climbing and an introduction to the equipment including the use of crampons and ice axe. Approximately 5 hours walk today. Your cook will prepare all meals for the group whilst at the refuge. Refuge - 3 nights (BLD). The refuge at Neltner is a stone building operated by the French Alpine Club. Accommodation for up to 80 people is provided in communal dormitories. There are toilets and showers as well as a lounge room with fireplace. There is a charge for showers and the refuge normally also charges a small fee of about 50p per night for communal firewood.
DAY 4 - OUANOUKRIM (4088m). Today the aim will be to get completely comfortable with your equipment and the chance to summit Toubkal's sister peak of Ouanoukrim. Sitting at over 4000 metres the views from the top will give awesome vistas across to Toubkal and the other snow-capped peaks. You'll start off gently across
the valley before starting to ascend. There are several possible routes to the summit and your leader will choose the one most suitable for the conditions and the group's ability. Approximately 6- 7 hours walk. (BLD)
DAY 5 - TOUBKAL (4167m). Early this morning you set off for North Africa's highest peak, Jebel Toubkal (4,167m) - the goal of many mountain walkers who visit the High Atlas. There is a steep final climb that can involve some scrambling, but the effort is rewarded by superb views from the summit of the Atlas range. On a
clear day it's even possible to make out the hazy outline of the Atlantic coast to the west, and the sands of the Sahara Desert to the east. After resting on the summit, you make your way back to Neltner. Approximately 7 hours walk (4 hours ascent). (BLD)
DAY 6 - AREMD (1880m). This morning you will have your last foray into the snowy heights around you. Most likely you'll head up above Neltner to the tight gorge of the TIzi Ouanoums pass. Whilst not a peak, the pass will offer the chance to look down the southern side of the mountain to the glacial Lac D'Ifni shimmering
emerald green below. Retracing your steps you'll return to Neltner for lunch. In the afternoon you'll descend back down the valley to Aremd for your last night in the mountains. Those not wanting to do the morning walk can wait at the refuge for the group's return. Approximately 7-8 hours walk (3 hours if only descending from Neltner). Gite 1 night (BLD), Although the walks described here are the itinerary we plan to follow, depending on the weather conditions and the group's ability, your leader may choose to rearrange the order of the hikes or
substitute alternatives.
DAY 7 - MARRAKECH. A short walk of about 30 minutes leads to Imlil where you will meet driver and vehicle to transfer to Marrakech (1hrs drive). After the rugged Toubkal climb you will enjoy seeing the lush green
walnut trees, terraced fields and colourful dresses of children in the mountain villages. On descending from the mountains you cross the plain to enter the imperial city of Marrakech whose old town is surrounded by a cordon of protective ramparts. The afternoon is free to explore the souks or enjoy a revitalising hammam (steam bath). Hotel 1 night (B).
DAY 8 - FLY TO LONDON. Transfer to airport and fly to London. (B)
(BLD = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner). |
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Accommodation
& Centre Details |
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Transport & Accommodation
Transport & Accommodation Minibus, on foot. Hotel (2nts), refuge (3nts), gite (2nts). 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 5 dinners included. Flights (Schedules & airlines can change.) Direct flights with Royal Air Maroc from London Heathrow. Depart UK 18.10, Return UK 16.50. UK domestic add-on available. (Direct flight on outward, via Casablanca on return. Selected departures on GB Airways.) |
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Holidays
Extras |
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Included
