Mt Toubkal Climb

Day 1
Fly to Marrakech.

Day 2
After breakfast we transfer by minibus to Imi Oughlad, a journey that takes us from the plains around Marrakech into the heart of the High Atlas range. After meeting our mules and muleteers we start a 5 hour walk, climbing up to the Tacht Pass (2000m) and then descending into the Azaden Valley for the night. 5 hours walking Alt. gain 643m, Alt. loss 300m

Day 3
A full day walking through the villages on the northern slope of Mt Toubkal. We spend the night in a refuge at 3030m. 6 hours walking Alt. gain 1230m, Alt. loss 0m

Day 4
Today we cross the Aguelzim pass (3550m) where we can enjoy panoramic views of the Toubkal Massif. We then descend to Toubkal base camp to spend the night at the Neltner Refuge at an altitude of 3209m. This is a busy refuge and if it is fully booked and it proves necessary to camp, tents and sleeping mats will be provided. 5 hours walking Alt. gain 550m, Alt. loss 300m

Day 5
We make an early start for the ascent of Toubkal, climbing steeply through scree before traversing the southern ridge to reach the summit at 4167m. After enjoying the magnificent views in all directions, we descend back to our refuge at base camp. 6 Hours walking Alt. gain 960m, Alt. loss 960m

Day 6
We leave base camp this morning to walk to the village of Aremd (1904m). We spend the afternoon exploring the village and spend the night at a local gite. 4 hours walking Alt. gain 0m, Alt. loss 1300m

Day 7
The short walk down to Imlil is followed by the drive back towards Marrakech, stopping off to visit the Terres des Jeunes project en-route. In the afternoon and early evening we can explore Marrakech and go in for some serious bargaining for souvenirs. Djemaa el Fna, the open-air market place around which the traditional life of Marrakech revolves, has always been 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 Moroccan and overseas visitors. The modern shopping centres and boulevards of the French-built new town are also only a short walk away.

Day 8
Fly to London.