Things to know before you climb Mount Toubkal
Taking just a long weekend to accomplish, climbing Morocco’s Mount Toubkal is a great way to start your mountaineering journey. Learn all you need know before making the hike to Jebel Toubkal’s top pyramid.
Read More: Mount Toubkal Trek
Table of Contents
What is Mount Toubkal’s height?
North Africa’s tallest mountain is Mount Toubkal, sometimes called Jebel Toubkal, at 4,167 meters high. This famous peak, which is located in Morocco’s High Atlas peak range, offers frequent hikers with a respectable degree of fitness a demanding but worthwhile journey. This climb will definitely be more difficult due to Mount Toubkal’s height, which provides around 40% less oxygen than at sea level. To give you the best opportunity of reaching the summit, your knowledgeable local guide will, however, make sure you have an ample supply of food and pace the walk at a reasonable speed to aid in your acclimatization.
How much time does it take to ascend Toubkal?
The majority of the walking is done on the first day of the two-day ascent of Mount Toubkal. The first leg of the walk takes around five hours, during which we’ll go 11 kilometers on mule tracks that zigzag up into a rocky valley and towards the distant, towering hills covered in snow. Our goal is to reach the 3,207-meter-high Neltner Refuge at the foot of Toubkal, where we will have a well-earned break, get together around a wood-burning stove to swap climbing tales with fellow adventurers from over the globe, and adjust to the higher altitude before departing early the following day in pursuit of the summit.
The majority of the walking is done on the first day of the two-day ascent of Mount Toubkal. The first leg of the walk takes around five hours, during which we’ll go 11 kilometers on mule tracks that zigzag up into a rocky valley and towards the distant, towering hills covered in snow. Our goal is to reach the 3,207-meter-high Neltner Refuge at the foot of Toubkal, where we will have a well-earned break, get together around a wood-burning stove to swap climbing tales with fellow adventurers from over the globe, and adjust to the higher altitude before departing early the following day in pursuit of the summit.
What is the optimal diet to ascend Mount Toubkal?
Since trekking expels a lot of energy, eating enough of the correct foods is essential to climbing and descending Mount Toubkal safely. Our dedicated trekking support crew prepares excellent freshly-cooked meals every day, including a substantial breakfast on summit day, to help you refuel and refill your energy reserves for the next leg of the journey. Savor crisp salads and juicy fruit throughout the day, along with dates and almonds. If you need more supplies, you may purchase snacks on the way. Last but not least, in order to avoid dehydration, it’s imperative that you always have enough water in your system.
What kind of weather might one expect on Mount Toubkal?
Mount Toubkal, which is in Morocco, is a well-liked trekking location. However, the High Atlas Mountain valleys are usually cooler, especially the higher you travel. During the hiking season, Marrakech experiences temperatures between 28°C to 37°C. Although there isn’t much rain and beautiful blue skies, the weather is primarily dry. However, as you ascend higher, mist clouds may blow in over the mountains. While summer temperatures on our Toubkal Long Weekend often remain around 10°C, winter lows can go as low as -5°C at night.
Book our Toubkal Climb trip in May or October for a more strenuous Mount Toubkal hiking adventure. These months provide lower temperatures and the possibility of early or late snowfall on the top.
What should I bring with me to climb Mount Toubkal?
Make sure you’re well-prepared for your Mount Toubkal trip in order to get the most out of it. Up in the mountains, the weather may change quickly, so bring layers of moisture-wicking clothes that you can readily add or remove based on the situation.
An excellent down jacket, a windproof shell jacket, and a warm fleece are needed because nighttime temperatures tend to drop sharply. Instead of jeans, we suggest packing some breathable walking pants. For the pre-sunrise trip on summit day, you’ll also need a head lamp, a thick hat, a scarf, and waterproof/windproof gloves.
For your feet, we recommend wearing liner socks underneath a pair of relatively thick loop stitch socks and walking boots that provide ankle support. Use a high factor sunscreen and wear high-quality sunglasses or ski goggles to protect your eyes from glare at high altitudes.
Regardless of the season you visit Mount Toubkal, a good sleeping bag is a need. It’s advised to use a 4-season sleeping bag in May, September, and October and a 3-season sleeping bag from June to August. An fleece or silk lining is also helpful.
Make sure to pack for any particular dietary needs you may have and bring a refillable water bottle. pack a power bank to charge your phone or camera, as some of the stopovers won’t have electricity. You may also want to pack extra batteries for your torch.
Lastly, bring a 20–30 liter backpack so you can store everything you’ll need for each hiking leg. Our team cars or mules will transport the remainder of your gear up to the next camp.