About the Challenge
The High Atlas Mountains run south west through Morocco. They’re absolutely, barren, and remote stunning. The problem of ours is climbing their highest peak – and also the greatest in North Africa: Mount Toubkal, at 4167m.
The ascent of ours is the, rocky, steep, and tough consequences of being at altitude contribute to the task. Nevertheless, the gorgeous views from the summit – reaching across to the Sahara Desert – and the sense of ours of accomplishment far more than compensate for the efforts of ours.
On the Toubkal trek 4 days we also experience the area lifestyle as we pass through colourful villages, in which Berbers farm in the river valleys and also herd goats and sheep in the mountains. The early city of Marrakech, with the labyrinthine streets of its and also interesting souks, offers the most perfect contrast.
After a first breakfast we load up and drive in to the mountains to the tiny village of Imlil (1740m), wherever we see our clogs and guides, and also are leaving! The path of ours transports us uphill through walnut groves, emerging into a flood plain giving us a brief respite from the climbing. The path of ours then increases once more by way of a winding valley into remote mountains; the views look beautiful. We pass from the small hamlet of Sidi Chamharouch (2200m), that has grown up around a Muslim shrine, then zig zag much more steeply in to the valley. It is then not well before we reach camp, below the refuge in the foundation of Toubkal. Night camp (3200m).
Drive approx two hours; trek approx 10km / 6 8 hours; height gain 1460m
Our summit beckons: Mount Toubkal, probably the highest peak in North Africa at 4167m. We rise soon, to allow sufficient time for the ascent of ours, and also after a great energy boosting breakfast we head out. It is cold on the mountain this first in the early morning though the physical exercise warms us nicely! Equipped with head torches, we trek along well trodden rocky boulder strewn tracks which twist the way of theirs up the mountain. We stop admiring the sunrise illuminating the stunning landscapes around us as we ascend. We gain altitude continuously as we climb up gradually by way of a hanging valley with spectacular landscapes all around us; there are several high shale areas here plus we might begin to find some snow underfoot. We arrive at a col with astounding views; we are able to envision the Sahara Desert from here. We are able to likewise notice the final segment of the climb in front of us, with tantalising views of the summit. This very last hour is tough, then again, we’re standing in the summit – a genuine achievement. We’ve time that is enough to savour the sensation of being in addition to North Africa’s top summit, before we descend the exact same manner, zig zagging rather steeply then crossing the big boulders and rocks of the lower area. We are able to envision the refuge and the tents of ours out of very high up, and also feel euphoric as we go back to it. We’ve the time to unwind with a mint tea, enjoying the views from camp. Night camp (3200m).
Trek approx 8km / 6 8 hours; height gain / loss 967m
After breakfast we trek all downhill, to Imlil, admiring the landscapes of this gorgeous hanging valley. The thighs and legs of ours are exhausted plus we go easy, though the tracks ought to be a lot simpler than they did on the way up! On arrival in the village we’ve lunch, then meet up with our head and transport to the buzzing city of Marrakech. We’ve the time to examine the exciting Jma El Fnaa, the primary square, with the food stalls of its, snake charmers and musicians, and also haggle for souvenirs of the interesting souks – a genuine contrast to the remote mountains paths of ours and an unforgettable way to end the adventure of ours! We meet once again in the evening for a slap up dinner to celebrate the achievements of ours. Night hotel.
Trek approx 10km / 5 7 hours; height loss 1460m; drive approx two hours