Things You Should Know Before Climbing Mount Toubkal | Morocco’s Atlas Mountains Hiking Tours

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Overview of Mount Toubkal

What information should you have before climbing Mount Toubkal? Most people would connect Morocco with meandering around the souks, riding camels into the desert, and drinking a ton of mint tea—all against the background of the Atlas Mountains. Although the latter is accurate, Mount Toubkal is a peak that is less well-known to non-mountaineers despite having amazing vistas of rural Morocco from its majestic 4,167-meter (13,671-foot) summit.

How far up is Mount Toubkal?

Leaving your oxygen mask at home is perfectly appropriate, as Jebel Toubkal is not that high. It is located 13,671 feet (4167 meters) above sea level. On the other hand, high altitude can easily cause headaches if you are not acclimated. Traveling to the city located at the foot of the mountain requires a minimum of two days to reach the summit.

How much time does climbing Mount Toubkal take?

The majority of the walking is done on the first day of the two-day ascent of Mount Toubkal.

The hike takes around five hours on the first day. Over 11km on clearly marked routes with a little climb, you will have time to enjoy the landscape and acclimate at the camp at the end of the day.

Before dawn, “summit day” begins with a leisurely stroll up a steep slope so you may see the sunrise over the summits. Walking down a windswept scree slope takes around six hours to go from the camp to the peak and back. You will then go to the village of Aremd, where you will spend the night in a village home enjoying bed, warm baths, and home-cooked meals.

How challenging is Toubkal Mount?

As long as they are well-prepared, most persons in decent physical condition should be able to climb Toubkal, which is pronounced “tub Kal.” Technical climbing is not required. However, this is no simple ascent! It is true that accidents and even deaths occur.

Altitude sickness is one of Toubkal’s challenges. Altitude sickness is a risk since you are only getting around 60% of the oxygen that you would at sea level at the top. To acclimate, it is advised that you ascend the peak over the course of two days.

Are Crampons Required for Mount Toubkal?

Depending on when you choose to ascend North Africa’s tallest peak. It is possible, but not required, to use crampons if you choose to undertake it in the winter. In case you wish to climb this peak in the summer, crampons are not a need. If you are a winter climber visiting Morocco just with hand baggage, renting crampons in Imlil is a pretty simple process. Snow protection and two pairs of crampons for 400 dirhams over three days.

When ought I to ascend Jebel Toubkal?

The Toubkal Mountain is open all year round. sanctuary as well. Thus, you are free to tackle the peak anytime you choose, even in the dead of winter. If you are a professional mountain climber, you should need crampons at the very least; thus, go between January and February. Summertime climbing Toubkal is a low-tech, high-altitude trip that doesn’t require ropes or other climbing equipment.

Is lodging available on Mount Toubkal?

On the ascent to Toubkal, there are two refuges. Les Mouflons and Cabine Alpine Francais (CAF) are the names of them. Although reservations are accepted, there is almost always room at the CAF Refuge when you arrive.

Every night, CAF charges 140 Moroccan Dirhams (MAD). That buys you a bunk bed without covers, just like in a hostel. Toilets lack soap and toilet paper, and showers are chilly. The personnel is amiable.

You may make reservations for your stay there without contacting them in advance during the low season (winter and spring). Simply turn up; there ought to be plenty of space.

My overnight stay at “Les Mouflons” was 280 MAD, which included breakfast and supper. Depending on the season, they have varied pricing.

To ensure that there will be a bed available, I would advise getting in touch with the refugees in advance if you want to visit Toubkal during the busiest times of the year (summer and fall). Here are the websites where you may get in touch with them in advance:

What Can One Expect While Hiking Mount Toubkal?

The majority of Toubkal hiking schedules are three days or less. They usually begin at Imlil village and make their way up into the mountains from there. With only a modest, steady climb in height, the early parts of the journey are manageable. The first day’s itinerary goes via one or more additional villages, and it’s usual to come across roadside sellers offering refreshments and food as well. There is not much of a difficulty on this easy-to-follow track.

You will arrive at the CAF Refuge, your mountainside campground, after four or five hours of climbing. Depending on how many other hikers are on Toubkal, the Refuge may get busy, but overall, it’s a nice spot to rest before summit day.

You will attempt to reach the top the next morning at around dawn. Trekking becomes more difficult on the second day, with steeper slopes and scree fields full of rocks. A bright, pointed tripod marks the summit, which is reached in three to four hours. The views from the top can be rather pleasant on a clear day, but sometimes strong winds can kick up dust and sand into the air, making it difficult to see neighboring mountains in the Atlas Range.

You’ll descend again after spending some time at the top. Although the trek might be quite challenging due to exhausted legs, the descent usually takes only two or three hours. Trekking poles may be quite helpful for maintaining your balance when navigating loose scree, which can occasionally provide unstable footing.

Some trekking parties will choose to continue their ascent to Imlil after reaching the Refuge, finishing the ascent in an only two days. To some extent, this breaks up the walk because others will stay overnight at the campground before moving on down the next day.