Mount Toubkal Winter Trek

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.

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. (B/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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. (B)

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. (B)