Climb Mount Toubkal in Winter

Degree of difficulty

• Considered a moderately difficult challenge, a successful expedition requires participants to be in good physical condition with experience of walking for up to six hours a day for numerous consecutive days. 
• Mental stamina and endurance are required, as the terrain can be tough, and perseverance will be needed at times. 
• It is important that the equipment that participants bring with them is suitable for the winter conditions. Clothing needs to be protective against the elements and suitable for cold temperatures and high winds
• A good quality sleeping bag is essential.
• Previous experience in winter mountaineering is beneficial but not necessary - training is provided by guides in the correct use of crampons and ice axe.

Moroccan menus

• This trip is presented on a full board basis. During the trek a cook will prepare all meals for you. 
• Breakfast will consist of tea and coffee, bread, jam, cheese, cornflakes and hot porridge.
• A typical lunch would be salad with fresh vegetables, corn, boiled eggs, tuna and rice or pasta. 
• Evening meals will make use of locally sourced ingredients and be of a traditional Moroccan style. Ordinarily there will be a soup starter, followed by a tagine or stew with salad and cous cous. 
• Meals are not included whilst in Marrakesh, but there are plentiful eating options in the city.
• Drinks are not included in the trip. Participants should bring a water purification filter and at least two water bottles or flasks. During the trek, water can be refilled at natural springs, in villages and at hotels/refuges.

Mountain stays

• Accommodation during the adventure is taken in hotels, local cottages and shelters. 
• Hotels in Marrakesh are 4*, however, this may not be comparable to the 4* rating in other countries.
• Accommodation in Imlil is in a local cottage, offering twin or dorm-style rooms with a shared bathroom. 
• At the Nelter Refuge, dorm-style accommodation with shared bathroom is available, there is a communal lounge with an open fireplace. 

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Marrakesh Menara Airport
Marrakech
40000
Morocco

Getting to Morocco

• Fly to Marrakesh Menara Airport, well connected to many UK and European airports. 
• Two transfer times are available from the airport at 1730 and 1930. Participants should try to ensure that their flight arrival times are suitable for these transfers if possible. 
• Representatives will meet participants at the airport to direct them to the transfer.
• Transfers to the airport for departure will leave the hotel in Marrakesh at 0700 and 1200. 

Toubkal winter Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrival in Morocco

  Fly to Marrakesh, taking a transfer to the hotel. 

• Day 2 | Marrakesh to Imlil

  Morning tour of Marrakesh, before an afternoon transfer to Imlil, the base for the next two nights.

• Day 3 | Tizi n'Mzik

  A warm-up day, with a climb to the Tizi n'Mzik col. A steep, rocky, snow-covered track offers a good opportunity to test out the use of crampons and ice axe. Return to Imlil in the afternoon.

• Day 4 | Imlil to Nelter Refuge

  Follow a trail out of Imlil, leading through the village of Aremd, before continuing up the valley to Sidi Chamarouch. Reaching the snowline, continue further up the valley to reach the Nelter Refuge, the base for the next three nights. 

• Day 5 | Ouanoukrim

  An early start, leaving the refuge between 0400 and 0500. Follow the Ait Mizane valley to reach Tizi n'Ouagane, where a two-hour gradual ascent leads to the summit of Ouanoukrim. Option to continue to the second summit of Ras Ouanoukrim, which requires more scrambling. Returning to the Nelter Refuge to overnight.

• Day 6 | Toubkhal

  Another early start, leaving the refuge at 0500. An enthralling climb leads to the summit of Mount Toubkhal, at a mighty 4167m, starting out under the light of head torches, before the dawn arrives as the group reaches the South Cwm. After embracing the sublime views over the Sahara Desert and surrounding mountains, return carefully via the same route. 

• Day 7 | Nelter Refuge to Marrakesh

  Descend through the valley to arrive back at Imlil. After lunch, take a transfer to Marrakesh, with time to explore the city.

• Day 8 | Departure

  Transfer to the airport to start the journey home. 

Included

• Airport transfers
• A qualified, English-speaking mountain guide
• All transportation
• All accommodation
• Crampons and ice axe
• 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners

What's Not Included

• Flights and Visas
• Drinks during the day or at meal times
• Tips
• Travel Insurance
• Other meals or hotel stays outside of the itinerary

This trip takes responsibility seriously and ‘goes the extra mile’ to ensure that your presence in this country is entirely positive.

Central to this is

• Caring for the crew
• Caring for the local environment
• Caring for the local communities

All guides and partners are hand picked to ensure that every aspect of your trip operates to the highest standard and reflect the strong values, ethics and joy of travel.

This commitment to Responsible Travel is mutually beneficial without compromising the countries and communities touched or the depth and uniqueness of your adventure.

Key values of this trip

• Leave nothing behind
• We’re the visitors, let’s be respectful at all times
• Deliver a breathtaking experience
• Let’s benefit local communities and environments

Let’s help keep these wonderful places precious.

Porters and crew

All crew are paid proper wages and are treated with respect and dignity. This trip with IMEC, IPPG and KPAP, all not-for-profit organisations that focus on improving the working conditions of porters.

Friends of Conservation

Travellers are given the opportunity to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of flying by supporting community and conservation initiatives.

Travellers Against Plastic

This trip is a proud supporter of the Leave No Trace and Travellers Against Plastic campaigns, which help educate travellers on the impact of travel and provide practical guidance for enjoying the outdoors responsibly.

Costs