BASIX

Mount Toubkal Winter Trek

Book now

Start                       Marrakech, Morocco

Finish                     Marrakech, Morocco

Ages                       Min 15

Group size                  Min 1, Max 12

Style                             Basix

Theme                         Walking & Trekking, Winter Active

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.

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. Our adventure together begins with a welcome meeting today at 6 pm where you’ll meet your fellow travellers and local group leader. After the meeting you have the option to join your leader on a jaunt 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 (1 night)
Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. We will also discuss the plan for next few days and check on your gear and clothing. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

You will likely encounter ‘snake charmers’ at Djemaa el-Fna. We do not support this practise and encourage you to avoid supporting the industry

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 metres above sea level. From here, our 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 the marvellous Mount Toubkal along the way. We hike to our mountain base in the village of Aroumd (2000 metres above sea level) where we’ll stay in a traditional village house with dormitory-style rooms called a gite. Rooms are furnished in traditional Berber 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.
Accommodation
  • Mountain Gite (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Imlil to Aroumd guided trek
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information

Today’s trek is 3km (approximately 1 hour), with an elevation gain of 250 metres.

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 Berber 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 we climb steeply through a series of switchbacks and traverse the flank of the valley above the river. If you are inexperienced with using crampons, your leader will help you with a few simple tricks to make the hike easier today. Finally, we’ll arrive at Toubkal Base Camp at Neltner (3207 metres above sea level) and enjoy a hearty dinner. Make sure you get plenty of sleep before tomorrow’s big ascent day.
Accommodation
  • Mountain Refuge (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Aroumd to Jebel Toubkal Basecamp guided hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information

Today’s trek is 9km (approximately 4-5 hours), with an elevation gain of 1250 metres.

Toubkal Base Camp is more than 2500 metres above sea level, this is a high altitude so ensure you drink plenty of water and observe any altitude sickness you may experience. Accommodation tonight is simple, but clean and atmospheric. You will be sharing a room with other trekkers and bedding is similar to large bunk-bed platforms. Dining rooms and other facilities are also shared with other climbers.

Medieval Fes was one of the world’s great centres of education and culture, both Islamic and Jewish. Its religious institutions and libraries are legendary, its mosques of great renown. The group will get a closer look at some of this history with visits to the ornate inner courtyards of centuries-old Islamic school El-Attarine Madrasa and Funduq al-Najjarin, a splendid 18th-century inn.

Accommodation
  • Riad Salam Fes or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Fes – Funduq al-Najjarin
  • Fes – Medersa El Attarine
  • Fes – Medina walking tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information

Today’s experience will include shopping in carefully selected places. As the receipt of commissions or kickbacks in exchange for recommending shops, services or activities is ingrained in the culture of the Moroccan tourism industry, Intrepid has established a centralised system of receiving and distributing payments from these recommended suppliers. For more information on this please refer to the Important Notes section of Essential Trip Information or talk to your tour leader on the ground.

If you are not interested in shopping experience, you need to advise your tour leader about it beforehand. It is possible for you to have a free time during the tour; however, it will be impossible to set a meeting point inside the medina due to the fact it is so complicated to navigate. If you decide to leave the group, you will only be able to meet back with them in your hotel in Fes.

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 metres above sea level, this is truly the roof of North Africa. Your efforts are rewarded by superb 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 Desert to the east. After a rest at the summit and time spent marvelling at the incredible views, make your way back to Base Camp.
Accommodation
  • Mountain Refuge (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mount Toubkal guided summit trek
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information

Today’s total trekking time may take 8 hours or more. Attempting Mount Toubkal can take 3-5 hrs depending on conditions (4km to the summit, an elevation gain of 1000 metres) then another 2-3 hours back (4km, an elevation loss of 1000 metres).

Please note, your Tour Leader will have the final say about summiting today, and if he/she decided weather conditions are not safe, your group may need to turn-around at the col.

Today, your group leader will choose a guided trek that’s best suited to the day’s conditions. If yesterday’s trek to Mount Toubkal was unsuccessful, today may indeed 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 perhaps 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.
Accommodation
  • Mountain Gite (1 night)
Included Activities
  • High Atlas guided trek (Ras Ouanoukrim or Tizi n’ Ouagane)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information

Today’s walking distance and elevation gain depend on the guided trek chosen. The Ras Ouanoukrim climb via Tizi n’ Ouagane and trek back to Aroumd may take up to 8-9 hours and is a 16km long with 900 metres of elevation gain. If you are not keen on such a taxing hike, you are welcome to enjoy an easy morning in Toubkal Base Camp before heading back down to Aroumd.

After breakfast, take one last glimpse at the valley and marvel at those high summits you conquered in 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 walking tour of the Medina, including the vibrant souks devoted to different trades such as pottery, woodwork, carpets or spices. Then, continue to the 19th-century Bahia Palace and spend some time admiring the architecture. 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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Marrakech – Medina walking tour
  • Marrakech – Palais Bahia
Optional Activities
  • Marrakech – Luxury Spa Hammam & Massage – MAD750
  • Marrakech – A Taste Of Marrakech: Inside the Medina Urban Adventure – MAD605
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Our adventure together ends after breakfast today. If you wish to spend more time in Marrakech, an Intrepid booking agent be happy to secure additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Optional Activities
  • Marrakech – Hot Air Balloon Ride – MAD2050
  • Marrakech – Heart of the Atlas Mountains cycling day trip with lunch – MAD2000
  • Marrakech – Palmery Cycling Tour – MAD350
  • Marrakech – Tajine Cookery Class Urban Adventure. – MAD640
  • Marrakech – Quad Biking the Rock Desert & Palmgrove – MAD715
  • Marrakech – Magical Marrakech City Cycling Tour – MAD350
  • Marrakech – Quad Biking Barrage Lalla Takerkoust – MAD1650
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Inclusions

6 breakfasts

3 lunches

4 dinners

Private minibus

Trekking

Hotel (2 nights)

Mountain Gite (2 nights)

Mountain Refuge (2 nights)

      • Imlil to Aroumd guided trek
      • Aroumd to Jebel Toubkal Basecamp guided hike
      • Mount Toubkal guided summit trek
      • High Atlas guided trek (Ras Ouanoukrim or Tizi n’ Ouagane)
      • Marrakech - Medina walking tour
      • Marrakech - Palais Bahia

 

Trek the Atlas Mountains in winter and discover the beauty of Mount Toubkal

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 Berber culture. Experience the magic of this region in winter; expect snow-capped peaks, crunchy ice beneath your boots and the freshest mountain air to fill your lungs. 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 refuge and enjoy traditional home-made meals to fuel your adventures.

Why you'll love this trip

  • 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 majestic 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 and visit to Bahia Palace.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations and working with new partners can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise but every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’. 

  • High Atlas Mountains can be very cold in the winter so you must have the appropriate footwear and clothing. To be fully prepared, please follow the recommended clothing list closely. As your luggage will be carried up the mountain by mules, we ask that you have no more than 1 bag (duffle bag or rucksack) weighing no more than 16kgs and a smaller rucksack for trekking essentials.

  • Winter weather can be unpredictable in high mountains so we may need to make itinerary changes to keep the group safe and well at all times. If this occurs, we will do our best to find comparable activities and experiences

Other destination

Important notes

Travellers on Zidtravels trips that start on or before 31 December 2022 are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. 

1. This is a Winter trekking trip, so the physical demands are higher than on any other trips. To reach the summit of Mount Toubkal, you need to be fit and healthy. Previous hiking experience will help you during this trip.
2. Parts of your trip go above 2800 meters / 9200 feet where it is common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude.
3. A ‘Passenger Self Assessment Form’ is required to be completed for this trip. Please ask your Travel Consultant for details.
4. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to nights in Marrakech and excludes nights spend on the approach and in the Basecamp (Days 2-5). Single supplement is subject to availability and there is limited number of single supplements available per departure. If you would like to book a single supplement please speak to your booking agent for further information.