Mt Toubkal Winter Climb
Mt Toubkal Winter Climb
Mt Toubkal Winter Climb
8 Days Starting and ending in Marrakech
Visiting: Morocco
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TMW
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 10
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
During the winter, Mt Toubkal and the surrounding peaks of the High Atlas turn into a walker's paradise with empty trails, clear air and spectacular views over the Toubkal Massif. Starting from the bustling city of Marrakech we venture right into the High Atlas to climb North Africa's highest peak (4167m) amidst breathtaking scenery. Crampons and ice axes are usually required throughout the trip (depending on weather), but this trip is designed to be achievable by those who are fit and determined enough, even if they are new to winter walking.
Highlights
Itinerary
Depending on your arrival time, there may be some time free for exploration
of this wonderful, colourful city.
*Hotel Gomassine or similar*
Day 2
After a leisurely morning and lunch in Marrakech we transfer by minibus to
Imlil, a journey of just under two hours which takes us from the plains
around Marrakech to the heart of the High Atlas range. In the afternoon we
take a short walk to our mountain gite in Aroumd where there is some free
time to explore the area. *
*
*Hotel Aremd or similar*
Day 3
Leaving the fields and walnut trees of Arroumd behind, we follow the Mizane
valley to the small shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, a place of pilgrimage for many
Moroccans. There is time to view the tomb of the local marabout (holy man)
albeit from a distance as non-Muslims are not allowed to cross the
footbridge. After stopping for a soft drink or mint tea, we continue the
climb up to our refuge at an altitude of 3209m.
The afternoon is used to practice with the crampons and ice axe. The guides
will find an appropriate patch of snow and demonstrate the important
techniques of walking in crampons and ice axe arrest - stopping yourself with
your axe if you are sliding on a snow slope.
*Les Moflons Refuge or similar*
Day 4
An early start (6-7am) for the ascent of Toubkal. After crossing the river
outside the refuge we immediately start climbing steeply through deep snow up
the western flank of Toubkal. About an hour below the summit, we reach a wide
open pass for our first views of the south. We then turn north for a climb up
the ridge to the summit plateau. Reaching the summit (4167m) provides a great
sense of achievement and we are rewarded with breathtaking views all the way
to Marrakech - not visible on hazy summer days. Descending by the same route
we should be back to the refuge in time for a late lunch.
The afternoon is free to relax and warm up with a lovely mint tea.
*Les Mouflons Refuge or similar*
Day 5
Today, the group can choose from several trek options, including Jebel
Ouanoukrim, North Africa's second highest peak that dominates the head of the
valley, which although lower than Toubkal is technically more challenging.
This peak has an exposed ridge where scrambling is required, and will only be
attempted if a) the wind conditions allow and b) if the entire group is up to
the challenge. The scramble is easy, but a little exposed in some places so
the guides will set up a rope where needed. It's about 100 metres in length,
with only the middle section requiring any particular care.
Your guides will discuss with you the options, of which there are many
depending on how the groups feel after the exertion of the previous day.
Another superb option is the Tizi n' Ouanoums pass, where which offers
views of the stunning Lac d'Ifni and Jebel Ouanoukrim . It is another
steep, long climb through fantastic scenery and will require another early
start to get the best weather. Again, you will return to the refuge for a
late lunch.
*Les Mouflons Refuge or similar*
Day 6
Today we make our way back down to the gite in Aremd, where we enjoy a final
hot lunch with incredible views of the mountains. Here we will bid farewell
to our chefs and muleteers before we then continue to walk for a further hour
or so to the village of Imili. This is where we pick up our bus transfer to
Marrakech. En route back to the city, we will stop briefly at a Women's Argan
Oil Cooperative, where you can learn to the production process and have the
opportunity to purchase some products if you wish.
The evening is free to explore the city, perhaps enjoy a well-earned drink
overlooking Djemaa el Fna.
*Hotel Gomassine or similar*
Day 7
With a full free day, you have lots of time to explore Marrakech and do some
serious bargaining for souvenirs. Djemaa el Fna, the open-air market place
around which traditional life of Marrakech revolves, is an exciting place to
visit. The name literally means 'place of death' as it was the place where
the Sultans used to display the heads of their enemies. Now, with the food
stalls, snake charmers, water-sellers, travelling musicians and acrobats, the
square is a place of entertainment for both locals and visitors alike. The
best places to get a view over the square are the La Grand Balcon du Cafe
Glacier or Cafe de France. You have to buy a drink, but at MAD 20 it's worth
it for a great view.*
*
Majorelle Gardens, or Le Jardin Secret make a great escape from the
bustling city, and offer a chance to discover its gardens and buildings,
which are outstanding examples of Islamic art and architecture.
A top tip for great food would be the Moroccan roast lamb, found at Chez
Lamine just off the Djemaa el Fna square. Made famous by Jamie Oliver's
visit, it remains the best place to try this speciality. Go between 12noon
and 3pm or you'll miss it.
If you're craving a cold beer or a glass of wine, make your way to La Salama,
again just off the Djemaa el Fna square. You can enjoy the
beautiful interior and lively atmosphere.
Taxis can be found easily around the Djemaa el Fna square, to take you back
to your hotel in the new city.
*Hotel Gomassine or similar*
Day 8
Fly to London.
What's Included
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Meals
6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners.
* All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners included
* All accommodation
* Free airport transfers
* Crampons
What's Not Included
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Single supplement
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Travel insurance
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Visa's and Vaccinations
Food
All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners included.
Breakfasts usually consist of porridge, bread and jam with coffee or tea.
When eating out, meals are reasonably priced - kebab and bread cost only
about £4 (approx. US$6.50). In main towns it is possible to find very good
French and Moroccan restaurants where a meal with wine will cost anything
from £20 (approx. US$30) upwards. Generally dinner is likely to cost between
£5-10 (approx. US$8-15) depending on what you drink. £15 (approx. US$25) a
day for food should be sufficient. Local beers, wines and soft drinks are
available at very reasonable prices but you can pay UK prices or more for
imported alcohol. Your leader can help recommend restaurants each evening.
Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of cous
cous and tajine or omelettes. This is particularly the case during the more
rural or trekking sections of the trip. Please note that if you have any
special dietary requirements you should inform the Exodus Office prior to the
trip. If you have a specific medical/dietary need (i.e. coeliac or vegan) you
may find it helpful to bring some items of food with you from home.
If you are travelling from UK we advise you to bring water bottles and your
own water purification tablets in the UK and take them with you. Bottled
water can be purchased throughout the trip, but we strongly discourage buying
these as it contributes to plastic waste. Please note recycling is not fully
established in Morocco so plastic bottles are an increasing waste problem.
Accommodation
We split our accommodation on this trip between a hotel, refuge and a gite. Two nights are spent at a well-located hotel in Marrakech, one in a Toubkal refuge and the rest in a gite near Imlil village. Below are the accommodations we typically use.
Marrakech: Hotel Gomassine (nights 1 and 7)
Our adventure begins and ends at Hotel Gomassine in the Guéliz neighbourhood of Marrakech. The hotel itself has a small pool with sun loungers, plus there are plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants nearby. If, upon arrival, you need to pick up anything for the days ahead, the Carre Eden mall is a five-minute walk away, where you’ll find international shops and a Carrefour Gourmet supermarket.
Aroumd: Hotel Aremd (night 2)
We also spend one night at Hotel Aremd, a gite (guesthouse) near the small village of Imlil. This family-run property has shared bedrooms and shared bathrooms, plus a lovely terrace with views of the Atlas Mountains.
Mount Toubkal: Les Mouflons Refuge (nights 3-5)
Three nights are spent in the Toubkal refuge, which has shared facilities. Rooms are dormitory-style and there is a small shop selling snacks and soft drinks. There are showers, although the water is rarely warm so be prepared for a cold shower.
Worth knowing
Single room is only available at the Hotel Gomassine in Marrakech.
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Tetanus, Typhoid and Hepatitis A.
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What is the maximum group size?
10
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
3 nights 3 star hotels
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Minimum 18 year or above age passenger can go on this Tour.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
No visa required by British passport holders.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.