Mount Toubkal Winter Trek
Experience Overview
Discover the stunning Atlas Mountains in winter and trek to ‘the roof of North Africa’, Mount Toubkal. This adventure-filled trip will take you from the bustling cityscape of Marrakech, transport you into the out-of-this-world mountain regions and give you a taste of Amazigh culture. Experience the magic of this region in winter; expect snow-capped peaks, ice beneath your boots and the freshest mountain air. With a trusty pack of mules and expert crew, you’ll hike through the rugged mountains with spectacular scenery at every turn. Stay in mountain gites and enjoy traditional home-made meals to fuel your adventures.
Highlights
- Experience the High Atlas Mountains with a wintery twist – expect snow-capped peaks, icy groundcover, refreshing mountain air and clear skies that lead all the way to the ocean.
- Summit the highest peak in North Africa, the mighty Mount Toubkal, with an experienced local guide to lead the way.
- Hike through the rugged mountains with spectacular scenery at every turn and a trusty pack of mules heading up your crew.
- Enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine, freshly cooked each day, to fuel you for your epic mountain adventures.
- Embrace the vibrant souks, sights, sounds and smells of Marrakech on a guided walking tour of the Medina.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3090
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Private minibus,trekking
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: XMXOW
Starts: Marrakech, Morocco
Finishes: Marrakech, Morocco
Duration: 7 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Challenging
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (6), Lunch (3), Dinner (4)Accommodation: Hotel (2 nights),Mountain Gite (2 nights),Mountain Refuge (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $969 ($138 /day)
Itinerary
Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Morocco, a country filled with culture, friendly locals and incredible landscapes. If you arrive in Marrakech with time to spare, you might like to spend your day wandering through the vibrant souks with their labyrinth of markets or head to a rooftop café to enjoy the sights from above over a traditional mint tea. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your fellow travellers and local leader. After, you have the option to join your leader to Djemaa el-Fna, the square in the centre of the medina. Huge crowds converge at night to see singers, drummers, fortune tellers and dancers while snacking on street food – it’s a sight not to miss.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Rise and shine for breakfast and a group meeting at 8 am where your leader will go through everything you need to know about the trek before you set off into the mountains. Leave Marrakech behind and drive across the plains towards the ancient marketplace of Tahanaoute, with incredible views of valleys below and the Atlas Mountains along the way. First up, arrive at Imlil village, which is 1740 m above sea level. From here, your first walk starts with a gentle trek along the side of the hills, with a great view of the valley ahead and (hopefully) a glimpse of Mount Toubkal along the way. Hike to your mountain base in the village of Aroumd, where you’ll stay in a traditional village house called a gite. The rooms are furnished in traditional Amazigh style with low couches (which can be used as beds), tables, carpets and cushions. In the afternoon, stretch your legs with a gentle orientation walk around Aroumd.
Included Activities:
- Imlil to Aroumd guided trek
Accommodation:
- Mountain Gite (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake with excitement this morning as you begin your ascent of Mt Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak. From Armoud, the trail crosses the floodplain of the Ait Mizane Valley before climbing steeply in a zigzag up the mountainside. All baggage is carried by mule today. Used to plough fields, carry loads, turn threshing machines and ferry people between villages, mules are an indispensable part of Amazigh life. Along the way, pass the pilgrimage site of Sidi Chamarouch, home to the tomb of the local marabout (Muslim holy man). Only Muslims are permitted to cross the bridge and approach the large white stone that serves as a shrine. Once you reach Sidi Chamarouch, it’s likely you’ll encounter snow (a winter treat) and begin hiking with powder as you climb steeply through a series of switchbacks and traverse the flank of the valley above the river. If you're inexperienced with crampons, your leader will help you with a few simple tricks to make the hike easier today. Finally, arrive at Toubkal Base Camp at Neltner (3207 m above sea level) and enjoy a hearty dinner. Make sure you get plenty of sleep before tomorrow’s big ascent day.
Included Activities:
- Imlil to Mount Toubkal Basecamp guided hike
Accommodation:
- Mountain Refuge (Number of Nights: 1)
Embrace an early start this morning and tackle the rocky terrain that leads to the summit of Mt Toubkal. Gear up with crampons and a head torch (and spare batteries) to start this morning’s hike across snowy, perhaps icy terrain. Take in the beautiful silence of the morning while you make your way up steep terrain to the col. Once you reach it, the steepness of the climb calms, but the winds often pick up here, so be sure to have your hard shell handy in your day pack. Now you are up for a final climb, likely with rising sun on your right-hand side. At 4167 m above sea level, this is truly the roof of North Africa. Your efforts are rewarded by views from the summit, which on a clear day can include the entire Atlas Mountain range, the Atlantic coast to the west and the Sahara to the east. After a rest at the summit and time spent marvelling at the incredible views, make your way back to Base Camp.
Included Activities:
- Mount Toubkal guided summit trek
Accommodation:
- Mountain Refuge (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, your leader will choose a guided trek best suited to the day’s conditions. If yesterday’s trek to Mount Toubkal was unsuccessful, today may be the time to try again. If you’re already happy conquerors of the great Mount Toubkal, your leader may opt for yet another guided trek up to Tizi n' Ouagane and maybe Ras Ouanoukrim – the third highest mountain of Northern Africa. After descending to base camp, you’ll fuel up with a hearty lunch before heading back to Aroumd, where your local host will be waiting to welcome you back with a dinner to celebrate your achievements in the High Atlas Mountains.
Included Activities:
- High Atlas guided trek (Ras Ouanoukrim or Tizi n’ Ouagane)
Accommodation:
- Mountain Gite (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, take one last glimpse at the valley and marvel at those high summits you conquered in the last couple of days. Then head back to Imlil and make your way back to Marrakech. After a short check in, embark on a guided walk of the medina, including the vibrant souks devoted to different trades such as pottery, woodwork, carpets or spices. The rest of your time in the city is free for you to make your own discoveries. One thing you might like to try after days spent hiking high in the mountains is a traditional Moroccan bath. Your leader can advise you where to find the best hammam. Perhaps head to a traditional Moroccan restaurant and swap your favourite travel stories with your group members tonight before going your separate ways tomorrow.
Included Activities:
- Marrakech - Medina walking tour
Optional Activities:
- Marrakech - Luxury Spa Hammam & Massage (750 MAD)
- Marrakech - A Taste Of Marrakech: Inside the Medina Urban Adventure (605 MAD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your adventure together ends after breakfast today. If you wish to spend more time in Marrakech, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Optional Activities:
- Marrakech - Hot Air Balloon Ride (2090 MAD)
- Marrakech - Heart of the Atlas Mountains cycling day trip with lunch (2000 MAD)
- Marrakech - Palmery Cycling Tour (540 MAD)
- Marrakech - Tajine Cookery Class Urban Adventure. (640 MAD)
- Marrakech - Quad Biking the Rock Desert & Palmgrove (715 MAD)
- Marrakech - Magical Marrakech City Cycling Tour (438 MAD)
- Marrakech - Quad Biking Barrage Lalla Takerkoust (1650 MAD)
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Laura - Traveled, March 2024
This trip was excellent! Our guide Mohamed was great—really knowledgeable, friendly and we all felt very safe in the mountains. The food was amazing and the week spent in the mountains was so much fun. Would definitely recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/10/2024
Lucy - Traveled, February 2024
The trip was brilliant, we were well looked after. The guides have loads of experience and I felt very safe.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/24/2024
Katla - Traveled, February 2024
Amazing trip through the Atlas Mountains with experienced local guides. Climbing Mount Toubkal was a highlight but equally enjoyed visiting the villages along the way and learning more about the people, culture and food.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/01/2024
Anthony - Traveled, March 2024
Starting our ascent of Toubkal just before dawn to reach the summit about four hours later was a lifetime experience. Our group was led superbly by Mohammed and Ibrahim, who throughout our trip looked after us as friends and ensured not only our safety but our enjoyment at all times.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/08/2024
Katla - Traveled, February 2024
Amazing trip through the Atlas Mountains with experienced local guides. Climbing Mount Toubkal was a highlight but equally enjoyed visiting the villages along the way and learning more about the people, culture and food.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/01/2024
Anya - Traveled, April 2024
An unforgettable trip! Had a fantastic time in the mountains and learned so much about Moocco along the way. Really well-organised trip with an amazing tour leader, would definitely recommend to anyone who'd like an adventure!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/21/2024
James - Traveled, April 2023
Winter Toubkal was an awesome trip, I would absolutely recommend it. Physically demanding which was exactly what I was looking for, but so peaceful up in the mountains. Omar our tour leader was outstanding and really enhanced my enjoyment of the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/17/2023
Troy - Traveled, February 2023
This trip was the adventure that I was looking for and needed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/15/2023
Olivia - Traveled, January 2023
The Mount Toubkal Winter Trek was an incredible adventure! Our guide Lahcen was fantastic. He knew every detail of the mountains and shared with us the rich culture and tradition of the area. It was both a mental and physical push at these altitudes, but for stunning scenery, vast landscapes and interesting people - this trip ticks all the boxes.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/05/2023
Isobel - Traveled, January 2023
A magical week. So much fun to use crampons and ice axes for the first time. Particularly enjoyed the slow pace we took getting to base camp which allowed ample time to enjoy the view and stop for mint tea - the journey is the destination! Prepare for-20c wind chill and pack toe warmers for your boots!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/02/2023
Alexander - Traveled, January 2023
I haven't done any mountain summits before, so I wasn't sure what to expect. It ended up as a tough, physically demanding but incredible, unforgettable week. Stunning views, amazing hikes, excellent local food all included. Lahcen and his team were amazing, and took care of all our needs - making sure we were safe, well fed and immersed in the local culture.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/01/2023
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