Trek through the spectacular Atlas mountains in winter to stand on the highest point in North Africa - mighty Toubkal (4,167m).

This epic winter ascent of Toubkal (4,167m) offers truly stunning views across Morocco, from the High Atlas mountains, to the dazzling souks & minarets of Marrakech.

Our carefully crafted 6-day itinerary is designed to give you the maximum opportunity for summit success, while immersing yourself in the hospitality and culture of our Berber hosts.

This winter trekking peak is achieveable for those with no previous winter walking or mounntaineering experience. We'll teach you everything you need to know during the trip.

Dates 

14th - 20th December 2021

29th January - 4th Febuary 2022

14th - 20th December 2022

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Group Size 

6-12 

Price 

£950 

Itinerary: 

Day 1: Arrive in Marrakech  

You will be welcomed to Morroco by this vibrant city and it's bustling streets. This is an authentic experience of Morroco, with its traditional foods and buildings. This perfect start to our adventure will culminate in a meeting at our 3* accomodation. Here we will have an opportunity to meet the group and discuss the trek ahead. 

Day 2: Marrakech to Aroumd 

Today we leave the bustling city of Marrakech for the more traditional Berber village of Aroumd. We will be transported to the little village of Imil before beginning our trek up mount Toubkal. From here we will have a great view of the Morrocan plains, and the local flora and wildlife in the area surrounding the highest Peak in North Africa. Having reached the village of Aroumd we will stay in a Mountain Gite overnight. 

Day 3: Aroumd to Neltner Hut 

Neltner Hut, a base camp ascended 3,207 meters above sea level is the perfect starting point for our ascent of Mount Toubkal the following day. Along the way from Aroumd we will be accompanied by the local used mules, who will carry our equipment as we trek. We will also be able to see the remnants of the areas history, including religious shrines. This steep trek will see us reaching Neltner Hut where we will relax until our ascent to the peak the following day. 

Day 4: Neltner Hut to Toubkal Summit. Descend to Neltner Hut. 

Today you will reach the summit of North Africa's highest mountain. At 4,167 meters Mount Toubkal is a test of endurance more than technical skill. From this peak you will have a wonderful view of the Atlas Mountain Range and the landscape below! Having conquered this peak we will make our way down to Neltner Hut where we will rest after our incredible achievement. 

Day 5: Neltner Hut to Marrakech  

Today we will make our way to where we began our adventure. This awesome city will host us for another two nights. We will take in all the city has to offer, from its incredible architecture to its delicious food. 

Day 6: Marrakech 

This city has much to offer and to ensure you maximize your enjoyment of the experience we will provide you with a guided walk of the city, its markets and areas of historical importance. Marrakech is an incredible city and you won't want to leave, it's simply an unforgettable experience! 

Day 7: Departure 

Logistics: 

As well as your leader (me), we'll be supported by local English-speaking guides. You will carry only what you need for each day's trekking in a small rucksack. We can expect to have a guide-to-client ratio of 1:3 as a minimum on summit day. Due to the relatively low altitude at the peak of Toubkal we will not require acclimatisation days, this will allow us to maxmize the the time we spend in the stunning Marrakech after our trek.   
 
On the mountain, I will carry an expedition first aid kit, a satellite phone and have two-way radio contact with all of our guides at all times. I will also carry a pulse-oximeter to monitor your oxygen levels regularly. 

Accommodation: 

Accommodation is on a shared twin-bed basis in hotels and two trekkers to a three-person tent on the mountain. Single supplements are available and can be booked below. 

Safety: 

Your safety is our top priority. On the mountain, your Leader will carry an expedition first aid kit, a satellite phone and have two-way radio contact with all of our guides at all times. They will also carry a pulse-oximeter to monitor your oxygen levels regularly. In the event of an emergency, helicopter rescue is available and - if your travel insurance covers medical evacuations up to 6,000 meters above sea level - your insurance company should cover your costs. We also carry an emergency supply of supplementary oxygen. 

Clothing & Equipment: 

I will send through a kit list on request, but you can see an example here: https://www.expeditionkithire.co.uk/mt-toubkal-kit-list-hire.html 
 

Client Benefits: 

• a complimentary guidebook (worth £16.95) 

• a complimentary branded Inspire Alpine BUFF® (worth £15.95) 
• a complimentary BMC Safety on Mountains booklet (worth £6.99) 

We also offer an unbeatable range of generous discounts from outdoor retailers & manufacturers: 

• Cotswold Outdoor and Snow+Rock: 15% discount online or in-store 
• Montane: a 15% discount online 

• Open Air: a 15% online or in-store 
• summitfit: a 20% discount online 

Included:  • Visa application papers  • Municipal registration in Tyrnauz  • Transfers Mineralnye Vody airport/hotel  • Hotel in Cheget (twin/triple room basis)  • All hotel and restaurant meals (BLD)  • Mount Elbrus National Park fees  • All cable cars/chair lifts on mountain  • Accommodation in Barrel huts  • All meals on mountain  • English-speaking local guide (ratio of 1:3 for summit day, depending of team size)  • Group equipment

Excluded:  • Flights to Moscow and Mineralnye Vody  • Russian Visa  • Travel insurance  • Personal expenses  • Personal Equipment hire (such as - sleeping bag, boots, crampons etc)  • Single room supplement in Cheget  • Riding snow-cat  • Mountain Service (guide, cook) in case of additional summit attempt outside of programme  • Trip extensions (Moscow etc.)

 
Training & Fitness: 

Excellent fitness is necessary. It is certainly beneficial to have experience of moving on snow and ice for this trip to Elbrus but local guides provide on-site training in basic alpine skills such as moving on crampons before the summit day. Before starting, everybody must have the necessary skills for safety on the hill. Predominantly, these skills are to do with personal movement, understanding of layering and personal climate, handling a slip, being familiar with all the equipment and working in a team. Elbrus is a big mountain that requires a mountaineering approach to ensure safety and success and enjoyment.  
 
A good preparation would be to do a winter hillwalking course in Scotland or an alpine skills course in the Alps, but this is not mandatory to join the trip. The minimum age is 18 years old. You will be trekking/climbing for seven consecutive days at high altitude and in varied temperatures, so good cardiovascular fitness is required – the fitter you are the more you will enjoy your expedition. We will provide you with a training guide upon booking, but you should aim to walk regularly in the hills with a light pack (7-10kg) and follow an exercise routine to strengthen your core and legs and to increase your cardiovascular fitness. 
 

 
Leader: 

Ricky Munday will be leading this expedition. He's a qualified Mountain Leader with an Expedition First Aid qualification and is a full member of the Mountain Training Association.  
 
He has planned and completed 18 expedition to 6 continents over the past decade, and on 18th May this year he reached the summit of Mount Everest (8,848m). He has an Honours degree in Physiology & Sport Science and is also a Chartered Accountant. As a Red Cross international delegate, he worked in 5 countries in Africa, Asia & the Caribbean in the aftermath of natural disasters to support the most vulnerable people.  
 
He worked for 4 years as a member of the executive team at the UK's national polar research organisation. He has summited Elbrus before, and he has spent over 120 days trekking or climbing above 5,000m during his expeditions, so he is well-placed to advise on how to prevent altitude sickness, or to minimise the impact.  
 
In 2017, he successfully evacuated a badly injured team mate from Mount Everest. As a Mountain Leader, he regularly leads groups in the UK mountains, including on multiple National 3 Peaks events. 

 
Insurance: 

You need to ensure that you have a policy which covers trekking to 4,167m, but it does not need to cover technical climbing. You're advised to take out insurance to cover potential events that might cause you to cancel your trip. You should bring with you a copy of your policy and also a photocopy of your passport, and to keep it separate to your own documents in the unlikely event that you lose your passport. I have often used the British Mountaineering Council insurance for my own personal expeditions, but many other insurance companies offer policies suitable Toubkal: https://www.thebmc.co.uk/insurance 

Entry Requirements & Health: 

You can view the British Government's latest advice here. We suggest clients discuss their vaccination requirements with their GP and refer to the TravelHealthProwebsite, which comprises the travel health resources of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC), which was set up by the Department of Health with the broad aim of Protecting the Health of British Travellers. You can be issued a single-entry tourist visa on arrival at Marrakech (RAK) Airport, but we advise our clients to apply for a Morrocan visa in advance using the new e-visa system on line – this works really well and has significantly reduced waiting times at the airport on arrival. Alternatively, you can apply for a visa from the nearest Morrocan High Commission before you travel. We do not recommend a visa on arrival as this creates unnecessary delays for the whole group. 

How to book: 

The booking process is as follows: 

1. Choose your ticket type and complete the event booking form below & pay your deposit online, or by bank transfer, or pay your full balance - you'll then receive an email acknowledging receipt of your payment/booking 

1. Once you've booked and/or paid your deposit you'll receive a second email requiring you to complete our online Client Information & Medical Declaration Form (see below). This must be completed before we can confirm your booking 

If you have a balance to pay, you can choose to pay by either bank transfer or direct debit. Once you've submitted your Client Information & Medical Declaration Form, we'll send you an invoice by email and this will include both our bank details and a secure link to set up an electronic mandate to authorise direct debit. 

Client Booking & Medical Declaration Form 

You'll also need to read and agree to both our Overseas Trips Booking Terms & Conditions and our Participation Agreement (see below) - you will be asked to confirm this during Step 1 above. 

Overseas Trips Booking Terms & Conditions Participation Agreement 

Questions?: 

Please let us know if you have any other questions - we're happy to schedule a follow-up call with you at a convenient time. You can also contact us via WhatsApp or email. Schedule a personal call with Ricky here: https://calendly.com/inspire-alpine 
 
Email: [email protected] 
WhatsApp or text: +44(0) 7867 143 657