THE HIGHEST PEAK IN MOROCCO TOUBKAL

Meet at the group hotel in Marrakech. Airport transfers are included from Marrakech Airport. On arrival in Marrakech you will be met by a KE representative who will assist with the short transfer to the group hotel in the city. Depending on your flight arrival time, after settling in you may have the opportunity to do a little exploration. Marrakech is a friendly city and quite easy to get around and most people head for the central square of the Djemaa-el-Fna beneath the imposing tower of the Koutoubia Mosque. KE group package services begin with the evening meal taken at the group hotel or a nearby restaurant. The group leader will give a trip briefing during dinner. Overnight at the group hotel.

Transfer to Imlil. Trek to the Neltner Refuge below Mount Toubkal. After breakfast, we will set off on the short drive to the start point of our trek. We drive southwards out of the city, with the peaks of the Atlas ahead of us. At the bazaar town of Asni, we turn away from the main road and begin to climb into the foothills of the Atlas. Our route follows the picturesque Mizan Valley as far as the small hill town of Imlil where we meet our muleteers and trek crew. The area around Imlil was recently used as the backdrop for parts of the major Hollywood movie, 'Kundun'. The old kasbah above the village was renovated and made to look like a Tibetan temple. Setting off on trek, the trail follows the river and climbs quite gradually for an hour and a half to the seasonal village and holy shrine of Sidi Chamharouch (2310m) which is surrounded by rocky peaks. A huge white-painted boulder marks the spot where, legend has it, a holy man lies entombed. Beyond here it is a steady climb of around 4 hours to reach the Neltner Refuge (3207m). Operated by the Club Alpin Francais this hut was only completed in 2000 and has been designed to (loosely) resemble a Berber fortified dwelling. The hut sleeps around 80 people in dormitory accommodation. The refuge is a very basic mountain hut but it does have bathrooms and showers, plus a couple of large dining areas and a lounge with an open fire. Morning ascent of Mount Toubkal (4167m) and descend to Imlil. Afternoon transfer to Marrakech. A long day for the ascent of Jebel Toubkal (4167m), North Africa’s highest peak. After an early breakfast, we set off on the steep ascent. Our route zig-zags eastwards, directly above the hut across scree and boulders, before passing between two rocky guardian peaks to reach a high corrie which usually holds patches of old snow. We continue upwards across more scree, with the views becoming more expansive as we reach the ridge-line which drops off steeply to the east. After a total of 3 to 4 hours, we arrive at the distinctive metal tripod which marks Toubkal’s summit. There are breathtaking views of the peaks of the High Atlas away to the north-east and of the Anti Atlas (Jebel Sirwa prominent) and the Sahara to the south. Descending to the hut in 2 hours, we have lunch before making the long hot walk back down to Imlil, passing several wayside stalls en route, where it is possible to buy a cup of Berber tea or a cool drink. Meeting up with our transport, we make the return drive to Marrakech, where we check in at the group hotel. We have our final dinner tonight in a local restaurant. Departure Day. Airport transfers to Marrakech Airport are provided. services end after breakfast. There is a complimentary transfer to the airport to check in for the return flight.