HIGH ATLAS, FOUR THOUSANDS IN TOUBKAL`S MASSIF

Morocco
ToubKal, Afella, Imouzzer, Ras, Aguelzim
departure: All year
Duration: 7 days

Very close to Marrakech, “the red city”, is the imposing Toubkal mountain massif, which constitutes the heart of the Western High Atlas. Here the highest watchtowers rise among the North African mountains, covered by snow for many months each year. In spring the valleys located at their foot become green orchards and fertile pasture lands which are irrigated by the torrents of melt-water cascading down from the mountains. Above these valleys, the mountain slopes show their powerful and abrupt mineralogy, where the color of the rocks and the white of the snow contrast harshly. These beautiful lands of steep mountains have been inhabited by the Berber people for centuries, no one knows them better, and they are inextricably linked to the terrain. For a long time the Berbers were nomadic tribes and some of their groups still range these mountains today, but the majority gradually settled down  in the deep valleys of the Atlas where they built their  villages and towns. On this trip we will climb part of the highest mountain in North Africa, the Toubkal, the second and third highest peaks, which make up the so-called Ouanoukrims Group; the Ras (4,083 m) and the Timesguida (4,088 m ), two easier mountains that will allow us to explore the extent of the Toubkal circus and delight in its extensive panoramic summit views, and the Akioud, one of the 4000’s most aesthetic circus.

Best season:
All year
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TYPE OF ACTIVITY:
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TRAVEL ITINERARY

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN MARRAKECH
Reception at Marrakech airport at the agreed time.

Hotel accommodation, Marrakech.

DAY 2: IMLIL (1.740 M) – TIZI M’ZIC (2.490 M) – AZIB TAMSOULT (2.250 M)
Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Transfer by road (1h30) to Imlil (1,740 m), a town located at the foot of the Toubkal. From Imlil we will head west to ascend to the M’zic pass from where we will have an extensive panoramic view of the Atlas Mountains. From here we will start a journey of the slope of the mountain, passing small hamlets and shepherds’ houses until we reach the valley of the Azaden river and the site of the Azib Tamsoult refuge where we will strike camp for the night.

Walking time: 5-6 hours

Tent accommodation, Azib Tamsoult.

DAY 3: AZIB TAMSOULT – AGUELZIM (3.500 M)- REFUGIO NELTNER (3.207 M)
Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

In the morning we will begin the climb to the Neltner refuge (3,207 meters). A long ascending walk will take us to the Aguelzim pass, at an altitude of 3,500 meters. At this point a fantastic view of the Toubkal mountain circus and all of the 4000 m peaks that form it will open up in front of us. From Aguelzim we will make a progressive descent diagonally until we reach the plains where the Neltner refuge is located.

Walking time: 7 hours

Tent accommodation.

DAY 4: ASCENSION TO TOUBKAL (4.167 M), TOUBKAL WEST (4.030 M)
Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Ascent to the Toubkal summit (4,167 meters). From the refuge, you gain the first ramp that gives access to the southern valley (southern Ikhibi). From here the ascent smooths out to the zigzag that leads to the pass between the main summit of Toubkal and it’s Western peak. It is possible here to ascend this secondary summit of more than four thousand meters (4,030 m). Return to the hill and climb the easy ridge until you reach the triangulation point that adorns the Toubkal summit. Great views from the top. Return by the same route or by the north valley (North Ikhibi) with the possibility of making a nice circular and climbing the Immouzer (4,010 m). Arrival at noon, food and rest in the refuge.

Walking time: Ascent 3:30 and descent: 2:30.

Tent accommodation, Toubkal.

DAY 5: RAS ASCENSION (4.083 M) AND TO THE TIMESGUIDA (4.089 M)
Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Today we will ascend the second and third highest mountains in the massif, and in Morocco itself. We will head south to win the Tizi n’Ouagane pass. Here we will take the east edge of the Ras and shortly before its top we will turn off towards a wide pass that leads to the foot of the Timesguida. To ascend the Ras we will retrace our steps and ascend the few meters to it’s rocky peak. Descent on the same route.

Walking time: 7 hours

Tent accommodation, Timesguida.

DAY 6: ASCENSION TO AKIOUD (4.030 M) – AREMD (1.900 M)
Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Ascent to one of the most beautiful summits of the circus. We will climb the Tizi Afella and then continue along the ridge to the summit of the Akioud, where we can contemplate a magnificent view over the Ouanoukrims group and Toubkal. In the afternoon, after collecting our equipment at the refuge, we will begin the descent through the Ait Mizane valley, passing through Sidi Chamharouch until we reach the small town of Aremd.

Walking time: 8-9 hours (ascent to the top + descent to Aremd)

Tent accommodation, Aremd.

DAY 7: REFUGE NELTNER – AREMD – MARRARECH
Breakfast.

In the morning transfer to Marrakech (1.5 h by car). Rest of the day free to walk around Marrakech and visit its famous souk and the Jma n’Fna Square. In the afternoon / evening, at the agreed time, transfer to the airport to take the flight back home.

INCLUDED
  • 5 nights accommodation in tents
  • 1 night hotel accommodation
  • Diet according to program
  • Local English speaking X-plore guide
  • Unlimited km’s car rental and all risk insurance with franchise
  • Reception at Marrakech airport
  • Private transportation from Marrakech – Aremd airport – Marrakech – Airport
  • Muleteer(s) and mules to transport to the Aremd – Refugio – Aremd material
NOT INCLUDED
  • International flight to Marrakech
  • Meals in Marrakech
  • Bottled water and soft drinks
  • Personal material (sleeping bags, clothing, trekking poles, crampons, ice axes, etc.).
  • Single room supplement
  • Travel and mountain insurance
  • Anything not specified in the “INCLUDED” section.
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