Toubkal Is actually a mountain peak in southwestern Morocco, located in the Toubkal National Park. At 4167 metres (13,671 ft), it’s probably the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains and in North Africa. The mountain is located roughly sixty three km south of the town of Marrakesh.
The very first ascents of Toubkal had been probably by Berber tribesman during hunting trips well before recorded ascents began. The first recorded ascent by Europeans was on twelve June 1923 by 2 Frenchmen Marquis de Segonzac, Hubert Dolbeau, as well Vincent Berger. The level of the mountain was captured in 1924, so the summit pyramid, that is a trigonometrical signal, was created in 1931.
The crucial climbing seasons Ascents could be created throughout the season, although it is typical for the soil being snow covered from November until May. During these days crampons and also axes are advisable. Even during the summertime, temperatures could be well below freezing above 3500m, and consequently great boots & waterproofs are needed throughout the season, and also trekking poles are priceless for the scree. Most trekkers typically address the mountain through the road end village of Imlil, using porters and mules to transport equipment along with food items higher into the mountains.
Routes on Mount Toubkal The regular course begins with a simple hike on the village of Aroumd, then simply across a floodplain before the path follows the left incline of the valley southwards. The valley bends to the east on the small settlement of Sidi Chamharouch, with the road leading over the stream plus steeply uphill on the right side of the Isougouane valley, that results to 2 stone built refuges (old Neltner Refuge as well as innovative Refuge du Toubkal). Far more info on both refuges are available below.
From the refuges, the road crosses a stream after which climbs a steep scree slope to the east and goes into a valley, now climbs one more steep incline to attain a col (Tizi’n’Toubkal at 3,940m). At the col the path turns left (northwards) to the summit ridge of Jbel Toubkal. The 4,167m summit is crowned pyramidal metal frame from what the sights are impressive across the mountains to Marrakech into the north, and also the beginning of the Sahara on the south.
Summer Toubkal Ascent
Ascent of the path during the summer season (from May) is non technical but fairly hard, just complicated by slippery and steep scree slopes and altitude sickness. Sturdy boots and proper (windproof) clothes are needed, and also trekking poles are very helpful on the scree. An ice axe might be required on the remaining snowfields in the first summer. In summer the mountains can be quite dry, but are usually subject to storms. Although the temperature should stay above zero throughout the morning, freezing conditions are possible more than 3,500m.
Winter Ascent of Toubkal
The ascent during the conclusion of winter months and also spring (February/March) is much more complicated. In winter the mountains are covered in ice and snow, and may be vulnerable to avalanches, along with crampons are necessary. The cold months let a chance for skiing and ski touring as the snow is able to lie to significant level and cover many rocky slopes.
The ascent of Mount Toubkal during the cold months may be performed during Winter Toubkal, that is an eight day course (six times guiding), and also runs from the conclusion of June until mid September. The guiding ratio because of this program is 1:6, and also has the summit of Mount Toubkal 4167m; and also Ouanoukrim 4089m. No earlier winter experience is necessary because of this program, as most abilities are instructed on the trek. The itinerary was created for keen walkers, as the ascent is non technical, but involves a number of straightforward scrambling and snow slopes.
From both summits, the sights are impressive across the mountains to Marrakech into the north, and also the beginning of the Sahara on the south. Almost all around are the jagged peaks of the High Atlas stretching as much as you are able to see in each course.