mt toubkal - evertrek.co.uk...about mt toubkal this is a tough ascent of mount toubkal, the highest...
TRANSCRIPT
Your go to high altitude experts from Everest to Kili and all the adventures inbetween
mt toubkalRoof of the North Weekender
Spend a long weekend trekking through the spectacular
Atlas Mountains and climb Mt Toubkal 4167m. The
highest peak in North Africa.
2
What's inside?About the Toubkal - Roof of the North Weekender 3
Why trek with EverTrek? 4
What’s included? 7
What to expect 8
FAQs 9
Your trek itinerary 12
Equipment list 18
Chat to our Yeti’s 21
3
about mt toubkalThis is a tough ascent of Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in
North Africa taking place over four epic days in Morocco.
You will trek along the Berber Mountain Trails and experience the fantastic hospitality of the Berber people as you climb through the Atlas mountains to the ‘Roof of the
North’ Mt Toubkal at 4167 meters.
The four day itinerary starting on a Friday is designed to maximize your weekend and your annual leave. What an
awesome way to spend four days.
4
Why trek with eveRtrek?Are the mountains calling you again?
EverTrek are the UK’s leading specialists in hardcore high altitude trekking.
Why our customers think we’re awesome?
We spend more time on preparing our EverTrekkers and truly believe they are the best prepared trekkers
on the mountain with a success rate of over 95%
(industry standard 65%).
You get a personalised trip planner which will be
your trekking bible for both before and during the
trek to help prepare you practically, mentally &
physically.
Access our training portal for mountains of
knowledge in the EverTrekkers Members Hub to
get clued up on everything you need to know about
your trip, training & trek.
Get booked up on one our awesome UK based
training weekends to kick start your trek training,
socialise with other EverTrekkers & get pick the
brains of our experienced Adventure Experts (or as
we call them - the Yetis).
Saving the world one trek at a time
Over the last couple of years, we have made it
our priority to find a solution to the environmental issues that our industry faces in Nepal and the
other countries we operate in.
We became one of the very first companies to offer fresh filtered drinking water in Nepal using water filters on every trip. Customers no longer need to buy plastic bottles or use chlorine tablets.
This means less plastic and a far more pleasant
experience for our customers.
We have also teamed up with Mossy Earth where
we now plant a tree for every customer that books
with EverTrek. .
5
Flexible Yeti’s
We like to remain as accessible and as flexible as
possible having our Adventure Experts on hand to
supply all the information you need for a successful
and worry-free trip.
We offer lifetime deposits, instalment plans, private
transfers & airport pickups/send offs and if you need
to change your trip for an emergency you won’t be
stung with any admin or surprise-fees.
All your food and fantastic accommodation on the
trek is covered by us, so you don’t need to stress over the details. You can feel confident that our quality assured accommodation is completely taken care of so you can focus on having a ton of fun on your trip.
“Has to be one of the best run and professional companies I have come across.”
This trip was exceptional from start to finish. Has to be one of the best run and professional companies I have come across. Before we even started we were sent
weekly emails and lots of correspondence to get us excited for the trip. Any questions and worries were answered straight away - some even by video replies!! The actual
Everest base camp trip itself was one of the best experiences of my life, however very
tough! Everything from start to finish was run perfectly. I couldn’t have asked for more from Andy, Dave and the Sherpas they provided! A 5 star service all round!
Lee Wardle
“The guides were truly amazing, professional and were always on-hand to look after us.”
Thanks guys for the experience of a lifetime. What can I say about EverTrek! Simply brilliant.
From the moment we spoke with Andy and signed up it was all taken care of. The guides were
truly amazing, professional and were always on-hand to look after us. Listen, this is a tough
challenge but it’s well within the reach of most of you out there considering the possibility. I’ve
kept myself pretty fit all my life (63 years young) but trying to keep up with my sons was, at times, pushing my limits. The scenery is so beautiful it becomes an emotional challenge at times.
Our guides, Rahul and Krishna were meticulous in making sure we were looked after every step
of the way and needless to say we have become friends for life. I cannot recommend EverTrek
highly enough. Don’t think about this for too long - just do it. They’ll get there and you’ll never
forget the experience. So,as soon as I have some pics ready
I’ll upload and share but please do not hesitate to contact me while I’m still flying through
thin air!!! Thanks again Andy and EverTrek.
Alan Irwin
customer reviews
6
Mt Toubkal - Roof of the North WeekenderDestination:
In a nutshell:
Trip duration: 4 days
Accommodation: 2 nights camping/1 night hotel/Riad
Tour detail: 3 days trekking
Max altitude: 4167m (13,671ft)
Mt Toubkal has grown in popularity over the last 10 years but it’s still something of a hidden jewel in high altitude trekking at it lies so close to Europe.
Although Mt Toubkal sits above 4000m, you can ascend
quickly to the summit as long as you get back down once it’s completed. That’s why this quick 4 day ascent is possible maximising your weekend.
You start your trek in the Imlil valley and camp under the
stars in the high Atlas Mountains as we get closer to the
historic Toubkal peak.
There is nothing quite like watching the sunrise as you reach the summit of Mt Toubkal. The views are immense. It’s a
challenging and tough climb but the views are worth it. You
will have reached the roof of North Africa.
“Toubkal is super accessible being
so close to Europe. One of the best
places to get your first test of high altitude ifg you are thinking of going
higher to places like Everest Base
Camp or Kilimanjaro.
The itinerary we have created gives
you ta chance to maximise your
weekend. Although you never want
to rush a 4000m peak, the itinerary
is designed to summit and come
down enough that altitude won’t
really effect you.
Andy MooreHead Yeti
7
what's iNcluded? Airport Pick-up and Drop-off service
in a private vehicle
1 nights B & B accommodation in Marrakech
Return transfer to Imlil valley
High quality tents.
EverTrek pre trip support
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) on the trek
All accommodation whilst on trek in Tent
Pulse oximeters
EverTrek First Aid Kits
Qualified guides & mountain crew & their accommodation
Pack animals for duffel bags and gear
Boiled water on the mountain
EverTrek Trip Planner & Access to our online programme
EverTrekker T-shirt & Neck Buff
15% discount with Cotswold Outdoor
International flights to Morocco
Meals at the hotel except breakfast and other mentioned meals
Personal expenses including mineral water, and alcoholic drinks and beverages
Tips for guides & porters
Your altitude travel insurance
Any other extended trips or additional accommodatio
Gear for your climb, Some equipment is available for rent at the hotel.
8
What to expect on the trek
Food & Accommodation
When you think of a camping trip i’m sure tinned oranges and dried packet rations spring to mind.
However, this is Morocco and the food is pretty damn good for where you are. You do have to
remember where you are, the remote Atlast mountains and most of the ingredients used are locally
sourced.
All cooking equipment is taken with us onto the trek and then back out again. These are carried by our awesome team of provided at the camps or refuges on the trek. Meals are prepared by our local
cook for the entire trip and consist of breakfast, lunch and dinner. A mix of local dishes keeping us
fueled for the summit climb.
Accommodation on the treks are in either tents or refuges at certain locations along the trails. All
camping gear is carried by our mules/porters but you should bring along a decent sleeping bag and
sleeping bag liner. Ohh and don’t forget your ear plugs.
9
When is the best time to go?
Climbing in the Atlas mountains is available all year round. It depends on what sort of experience you are looking for. In winter, there will be snow and ice axe and crampons are a must. In summer, it’s warmer and generally great conditions.
March through to June - The most popular
This is the best conditions to climb in the Atlas mointains. It’s very warm and dry. The only downside being that it’s generally buiser at this time of year.
September through to November - Low season
This a great time to visit as it’s definitely quieter as most of Europe are not on holidays.
Winter - Cold but awesome
If you are up for taking on Toubkal in winter, it’s certainly challenging. However, the weather is perfect for winter hiking and you don’t need any technical skills to climb Toubkal.
faQAll of our treks include land transfers, accomodation and all of our meals on the trekking part of the itinerary but here are a few other well known questions that crop up:
Transport
All transport during the trip is included, whether private or public, including road transport and transfers as per the itinerary.
Accommodation
The standard of accommodation we use can vary from our comfy hotel or Riad in Marrakech to the super basic high mountain refuge and tents. We always try to choose comfortable accommodation with local character, although in some areas this may not meet Western standards. Where hotel accommodation is provided, this is based on twin occupancy. On climbing trips that require high camps, up to 3 people may on occasion be required to share a lightweight mountain tent although on most trips it is 2.
Included Meals
Wherever practical, all meals are provided within the trip price. Each trip description on this website gives an indication of the meals that are included for you when booking the trip.
Staff
All EverTrek groups are accompanied by a professional local guide selected on the basis of his or her experience and leadership skills. There will also be a local crew of drivers, cooks, porters and other appropriate staff. All of our guides are fulle qualified and medically trainined for high altitude. We have high standards when it comes to mountain guides. Some climbing trips will have 2 or more leaders, depending on group size.
10
how fit do i need to be?As an adventure travel company we always suggest people who take part in any of our trips have some level of fitness and most treks require on average 4-6 hours of walking per day with some of the longer days reaching 8-10 hours.
Hiking at altitude can be tough at times and we always recommend doing some CV exercise prior to the trek whilst also incorporating some hill walking to get the legs used to going up and down mountain paths.
The more you do before the trip the more you will get out of it. If you want some advice on training for a trek just get in touch with us by email.
Most of the treks and climbing expeditions we operate are at high altitude where the body and mind will be tested to its limits.
The trips are meant to be tough and challenging and that’s what makes the journey so worth it but the decision to take part is one you will have to make yourself.
11
itineRaryHere is a detailed description of your itinerary on the Kilimanjaro trip.
1Day
Arrive in Marrakech - 1.5 hours by 4 x 4 vehicle
Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival in Marrakech a member of the EverTrek team will be there to welcome you at the start of your adventure and drive you to our lodge in the Berber village of Imlil 1740m where you will spend your first night in the Atlas mountains. The journey takes around 1 1/2 hours to reach Imlil where you will have some spare time to explore the village and the surrounding area depending on what time of day you arrive.
You will meet up with the rest of the group and try some of the local dishes before the trek starts for real tomorrow.
12
2Day
Trek from Imlil to the Toubkal refuge at 3206m - 5-6 hours walking
Today we wake up early and hike the Berber tails up through the Mizane Valley to the holy shrine of Sidi Chamarouch.
Here we can take some time to appreciate this special place which is a site of pilgrimage for many Moroccans. After a short rest, we then start to gain some real altitude as the trail slowly takes us up towards 3206 meters and our ultimate goal of the day, the Toubkal Refuge. This is the main base for everyone heading to the summit of Mt Toubkal and is an exciting hub of energy as fellow trekkers all rest and watch the sunset before the excitement of summit day.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
13
3Day
Summit of Mount Toubkal - 8 - 10 hours walking
Summit Day! There is nothing quite like waking up on summit day! You’ll leave the refuge still under the cover of darkness, head torches leading the way. The trail immediately steepens as you ascend a scree slope and the thin air makes the climb a little tough but hugely rewarding. After some steady climbing, you come to a wide pass which will offer some stunning views and a small break before you turn towards the summit ridge and the final push. As you ascend the summit ridge and step foot on the ‘Roof of the North’ reaching an altitude of 4167 meters, you will be hit by the massive sense of achievement that you are standing on the summit of the highest peak in North Africa!
The metal tetrapod which marks the summit is a great photo opportunity and the views are incredible. On a clear day you will be able to see all the way back to Marrakech and take in how far you have come, both physically and mentally. The descent takes you down the same route, treading carefully through the snow as you retrace your steps back to the Toubkal refuge and then back to Imlil where we will then get picked up and transferred down to Marrakech where you will spend your final night. Mission accomplished.
This a tough old day with around 9-10 hours of walking so you will definitely sleep tonight.
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
14
4Day
Trip finished
Departure Day
Your trip may be over, but the memories will last a lifetime.
Your time in Morocco has come to end and your transfer is waiting to take you back to the airport.
You may have time to once again experience the sights, sounds and colours of Marrakech before starting your homeward journey and reflecting on the amazing achievement of reaching the summit of Mt Toubkal.
IMPORTANT - If you choose to trek on one of our winter summit dates, the conditions can force us to alter the itinerary meaning we head a different route to Mt Toubkal. We still climb and ascend to the mountain refuge but through the valley next to the Mizane valley due to the crossing a ski area. We will try to keep to the schedule as much as we can but the main aim is to summit Toubkal via the safest route and this will be determined by our mountain guide before the trek commences.
15
equipment listOver the years, we have gained an incredible amount of experience and expertise in outdoor
equipment and clothing. We have applied this to each trip that we offer and recommend what we believe to be the most suitable items for your trip. The packed weight of your trek bag
while trekking should be no more than 15 kgs. It is possible to leave clothes or other items not
required on trek at the group hotel.
Hiking boots
Socks
Trekking trousers
Underwear
Baselayer shirts
Fleece jacket or warm jumper
Waterproof jacket
Warm Down Jacket
Sunhat/Warm hat/Beanie
Neck Buff
Sunglasses
Thermal gloves
Warm and waterproof gloves or mittens
Headtorch and spare batteries
Sun protection
Water bottles 1 Litre x2
Washbag and toiletries
Toilet paper (you can also buy this in the lodges if necessary)
Antibacterial handwash
Travel towel
Selection of dry bags (to keep trek bag contents dry)
Small padlock (to lock trek bag)
Daypack roughly 30 litres
Sleeping bag (comfort rated –10ºC)*
Basic First Aid Kit
Winter Equipment (Available to rent in Imlil)
Ice Axe
Crampons
The following items are optional:
Trekking poles
Trainers or similar for use in the lodges
Spare laces
Shorts
Long johns (thermal underwear)
Gaiters
Sleeping bag liner
Ear plugs (particularly if you are not the one snoring)
Travel clothes
Camera
Pen-knife (remember to pack sharp objects in hold baggage)
Repair kit (eg. needle, thread, duct tape)
personlised tRip planneR
When you book a trip with us and become an
‘EverTrekker’ you also get access to a FREE
personalised trip planner!
Book with us, save money and
help support a country we love.
View more details
17
geneRal informationThe 4 day Toubkal Roof of the North trek is a full board package that includes all meals and accommodation during the trek with bed and breakfast being included in Marrakech.
Passport & Visas
You don’t need a visa to travel if the purpose of the visit is tourism so you won’t need one for this trip
While it is not required by the immigration authorities, some airlines require passengers to show proof of onward travel (e.g. an airline ticket) in order to travel to Morocco so keep a copy of your flights on you just in case.
Tips for your guide and porter
Tips are a great way to reward your guides, porters and on the ground staff for their hard work. Although not compulsory it’s culturally expected in Morocco and you should budget for this accordingly.
We recommened these figures for the staff:
Chief guide: $50 per trip
Mule drivers/porters $15-$20 per trip
Your go to high altitude experts from Everest to Kili and all the adventures inbetween.
readyare you
for a trip of a lifetime?
Andy and the rest of our team at EverTrek are trekkers, climbers and travellers just like you. We use our
personal experience and specialist knowledge that comes from this to help plan your next adventure.
Call or email Andy & the team today to discuss your next trip:
02920 003216