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Mt Toubkal Winter Climb

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Fully Guided Adventure Small Group Snowshoeing Walking & Hiking Winter
Our Price From 1,460 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 280 Per Person
 Trip Length
8 Days
 Trip Starts
Marrakesh
 Trip Finishes
Marrakesh
8 Day Mt Toubkal Winter Climb Itinerary (Exodus)
Countries Explored: Morocco
Trip Style
Walking & Trekking
Departures
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
10
Pace
Challenging
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
TMW

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Exodus 8 Day Mt Toubkal Winter Climb. During winter, Mount 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 the highest peak in North Africa (13,671ft/4,167m) amid breathtaking scenery. Crampons and ice axes are usually required throughout, but this trip is designed to be achievable by those who are fit and determined enough, even if they are new to winter...read more walking.

Itinerary

The adventure starts in buzzy Marrakech, one of the four imperial cities in Morocco. Depending on your arrival, you may have time to explore a little before our welcome briefing this evening. Stay: Hotel Gomassine (or similar).

After a leisurely morning and lunch in Marrakech, we transfer by minibus to the village of Imlil in the heart of the High Atlas range.

In the afternoon, we take a short walk to our mountain gite in the Amazigh village of Aroumd, where we have free time to explore the area. Stay: Gite Armed (or similar) Drive time: One and a half hours (B/D).

Leaving the fields and walnut trees of Aroumd, we follow the Mizane Valley to the small shrine of Sidi Chamharouch, 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 to our refuge at 10,528ft (3,209m). The afternoon is used to get a feel for the crampons and ice axe. The guides 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. Stay: Les Mouflons Refuge (or similar) (B/L/D).

We have an early start (6am-7am) for our ascent of Toubkal. After crossing the river outside the refuge, we immediately start climbing steeply through deep snow up the western flank. 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 (13,671ft/4,167m) provides a great sense of achievement and we are rewarded with breathtaking views all the way to Marrakech, weather dependent. 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. Stay: Les Mouflons Refuge (or similar) (B/L/D).

Today, the group can choose from several trek options, including Ouanoukrim, the second highest mountain in North Africa, which dominates the head of the valley. It's lower than Toubkal but technically more challenging. It has an exposed ridge where scrambling is required and will only be attempted if the wind conditions allow and the entire group is up to the challenge.

The scramble is easy, but a little exposed in some places, so the guides set up a rope where needed. It's about 330ft (100m) long, with only the middle section requiring any particular care. Your guides discuss the options with you. Another superb choice is the Tizi n' Ouanoums pass, which offers views of the stunning Lac d'Ifni and Ouanoukrim. It is a steep, long climb through fantastic scenery and requires an early start to get the best weather. Again, you return to the refuge for a late lunch. Stay: Les Mouflons Refuge (or similar) (B/L/D).

We head back down to the gite in Aroumd, where we enjoy a final hot lunch with incredible mountain views. Here we bid farewell to our chefs and muleteers before we continue to walk for a further hour or so to Imili. This is where we pick up our bus transfer to Marrakech. En route back to the city, we stop briefly at a women's argan oil cooperative, where we can learn the production process and purchase products if you wish. The evening is free to explore the city, perhaps enjoy a well-earned drink overlooking Djemaa el Fna. Stay: Hotel Gomassine (or similar) Drive time: One and a half hours (L).

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 marketplace around which the traditional life of Marrakech revolves, is an exciting place to visit. The name literally means ‘place of death' as it was the spot where sultans displayed their enemies' heads. Now – with food stalls, snake charmers, travelling musicians and acrobats – it is a place of entertainment.

The best views over the square are at La Grand Balcon du Cafe Glacier or Cafe de France. You have to buy a drink, but at 20 dirhams (US$2) it's worth it for a great view. A top tip for great food is the Moroccan roast lamb at Chez Lamine, just off Djemaa el Fna. Made famous by Jamie Oliver's visit, it remains the best place to try this speciality. Go between midday and 3pm or you'll miss it. If you're craving a cold beer or a glass of wine, head to La Salama, again just off Djemaa el Fna. You can enjoy the beautiful interior and lively atmosphere. Taxis are easily found around Djemaa el Fna to take you back to your hotel in the new city. Alternatively, the Jardin Majorelle, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, has beautiful botanic gardens to explore. Stay: Hotel Gomassine (or similar) (B).

Our tour ends after breakfast and we begin our return journey home. Of course, if you'd like a bit more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Marrakech (B).

Trip Inclusions

  • Enjoy magnificent panoramic views from the summit of Mount Toubkal
  • Discover the vibrant city of Marrakech
  • Experience the rural village of Imlil and the local Amazigh

  • Three nights in three-star hotels, four nights in a gite/refuge
  • Five days of walking; one free day
  • Full porterage included. No previous ice axe and crampon experience required
  • All breakfasts, four lunches and four dinners
  • Tour leader throughout
  • Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone
  • Crampons

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
  • Altitude maximum: 13,671ft (4,167m); average: 8,530ft (2,600m)
About Exodus Travels
About Exodus Travels

Hit the trails with Exodus - from challenging peaks to leisurely coastal and countryside walks. Read more

Exodus Trip Leaders
Exodus Trip Leaders

Exodus chooses their Leaders carefully. Professional, dedicated and are passionate about sharing their home countries. Read more

Accommodation with Personality
Accommodation with Personality

Wherever possible, Exodus chooses properties that are locally owned and that reflect the area you are visiting. Read more

Availability

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Sunday 31 Mar 2024
Sunday 07 Apr 2024
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Sunday 06 Oct 2024
Sunday 13 Oct 2024
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Sunday 03 Nov 2024
Sunday 10 Nov 2024
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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Exodus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Exodus. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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