Jebel Toubkal - 8 day trek Morocco 4167m

Jebel Toubkal is a great mountain to tackle and high in The Atlas, is just on our doorstep. It can be done within a week and gives you the chance to spend time in the vibrant and heady city of Marrakech, in addition to providing a striking alternative to European Alpine trekking.

There is no camping on this trek as we spend the nights in the refuges, and on our final night in the Atlas in the fantastic Kasbah de Toubkal. In Marrakech we stay in a charming riad , all to add a little more civility and luxury to this fascinating trek.

Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech

Arrive in the buzzing city of Marrakech where you will be picked up from the airport and taken to your hotel to drop bags off before heading out into the city.

Day 2: Marrakech - Aremd - Sidi Chamharouch - Neltner Refuge (3,207m)

After a hearty breakfast our minibus will drive us up to our start point at Imlil (1,800m) in the foothills of The Atlas. We set out from there and head initially to Aremd (1,940m) about an hour away and stop for a quick lunch. We continue up meandering mule paths for a further five hours through the Ait Mizen valley and into breathtaking high mountain scenery. On the way we call in to the marabout of Sidi Chamharouch before reaching Neltner Refuge for dinner and where we camp for the night (B, L, D).

Day 3: Neltner Refuge

Today is spent acclimatising, exploring the area around the refuge. There is the option of climbing Ouanakrim (4,088m), a local peak for those who feel up for an additional challenge. We stay at Neltner that evening for dinner and camp overnight (B, L, D).

Day 4: Neltner Refuge - Toubkal Summit (4,167m) - Neltner Refuge

Up very early for breakfast to set us up for the climb to the summit of Toubkal. We wind through rocky paths as the vegetation starts to disappear at this altitude. As we pass the 4,000m mark the whole of the Atlas range opens up before us, as we gain a full, magnificent 360o panorama at the summit. The silence is remarkable, the High Atlas is unforgettable. Once we?ve all had time to contemplate what we have just achieved, we head back down to the Neltner Refuge for a late lunch. In the afternoon we can explore the area further or simply relax after the morning ascent. Dinner that evening and then overnight camp (B, L, D).

Day 5: Neltner Refuge - Kasbah de Toubkal

We descend to Aremd and wend our way to the unique Kasbah de Toubkal in time for lunch. That afternoon relax at the Kasbah admiring the stunning views out over the Toubkal massif, or head out for an afternoon walk in the immediate surroundings of the Kasbah. (B, L, D).

Day 6: Kasbah du Toubkal - Imlil - Marrakech

We set out in the morning from the Kasbah to make our way steadily back down to Imlil, enjoying stunning views all the way to our minibus that will take us back to Marrakech. The lively souks, Jemaa El Fna square and the city of Marrakesh are yours to explore in the afternoon before we head out for n amazing 11 course degustation dinner at the renowned Maison Arabe, where sumptuous dishes will be constantly presented to you to try. After such a hearty dinner we repair to the riad for a good night's sleep. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Marrakech

Our local city guide will lead a tour of Marrakech including Bahia Square, the Koutoubia minaret, the Saadian Tombs and the Dar Si Said, finishing on the Jemaa El Fna Square. Lunch and the rest of the day are yours to spend at your leisure, exploring the warren of souks, the lively squares and Medina. Take dinner where you would like, the riad is yours to return to whenever your feet give up. (B)

Day 8: Departure

Departure transfer to the airport. (B)