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Winter
Mt Toubkal, Morocco 2010
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Course
overview
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Client
feedback
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Mount
Toubkal 4167m is the highest peak in North Africa,
and is a trekking peak involving no climbing but
the final two days involve walking in crampons holding
an ice axe for security. The itinerary has been
designed for keen walkers, as the ascent is non-technical,
but involves some easy scrambling and snow slopes.
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The
views from the summit are amazing across the mountains
to Marrakech to the north, and the start of the
Sahara to the south. All aroung are the jagged peaks
of the High Atlas stretching as far as you can see. |
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This
trek enables you to enjoy both the walking and the
colourful local culture of the Berber villages that
are built into the steep valley sides. In contrast,
Marrakech provides an interesting start and finish,
where you can relax and enjoy shopping and eating
in the French area boulevards or the narrow alleyways
of the medina. |
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Enjoy
the local cuisine, couscous, mechoui, pastilla and
tajine, as Moroccan food is considered by many to
be the best in Africa. The souk markets provide
great shopping for those wanting to practice their
bargaining skills. All meals (breakfast, lunch and
dinner) are included on trek. Whilst in Marrakech
only breakfast is included. |
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You
only normally require warm clothing above 3000m
where it is cooler. During the winter the skies
are normally clear but as in all mountain areas
the weather can be unpredictable. |
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Thank
you for a wonderful trip to Morrocco, it
was excellent.The Riad hosts were just great
they looked after me exceptionally well
and gave me excellent advice and help on
where to go and what to do. Marrakech is
just a Magical place, and that is from a
person who is not keen on cities. The Trek
of Mount Toubkal was a joy, the scenery
and local People were delightful and as
for the Guide Mohamed the Porters plus the
Mule they could not have been better. The
summit day was very windy with lots spindrift,
so a hard cold ascent, but the views from
the top were sensational.
Frank
Curtler, Winter Toubkal 2010
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Just
a little note to say I had a great time
in Morocco last week. From Mohamed, who
I thought was both competent and professional
but also approachable and fun, to the great
accommodation (even the Nelter Hut wasn't
as bad as I'd heard or feared). The food
was tip-top. Also I feel a mention needs
to go to madam at the riad in Marrakesh
who was an absolute joy, she couldn't do
enough for us.
David
Kemble , Winter Toubkal 2010
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UK
nationals need a full passport valid for 6 months from
the return date of travel. No visa is required for the
above passport holders. Most European Community passport
holders do not require a visa. All other nationalities
should check with their embassy. |
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Dates: 5
- 12 December 2009, 26
Dec 09 - 3 Jan 2010, 6 - 13 February 2010, 6 - 13 March
2010, 3 - 10 April
2010 (8 days, with 6 days trekking). Extra dates can be
run on demand throughout the year for groups of two or
more people. For current availability on this course click
here. |
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So
why choose Icicle? |
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We
are true specialists in climbing Mount Toubkal.
See our blog, by clicking on the RSS logo (right). |
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Itinerary
flexibility to allow you to take full advantage
of the weather and conditions each day, so that
you maximise the amount of time spent climbing each
day. |
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Our
prices are fixed in £ pounds sterling, to
protect you from euro currency fluctuations, so
that you can budget accurately. Our prices are very
inclusive in Morocco. |
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We
have a local logistics and guiding team in Morocco,
as well as European leaders. For
more details on the guiding team and qualifications,
please click
here. |
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Course
Photo Gallery
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Daily
Course Itinerary |
| Sat |
Fly
from London to Marrakech and transfer to hotel (riad).
Equipment checks and briefing about the trek. |
| Sun |
After
breakfast you are transfered to the village of Oukaimeden,
which takes about 2 hours. This journey takes you
from Marrakech into the High Atlas. In the afternoon
there is a short trek to explore. Night in mountain
refuge or Bedouin camp. |
| Mon |
To
acclimatise well, you ascend the peak of Jebel Oukaimeden
3257m, which provides great views across the local
mountains, especially Mount Toubkal, and other 4000m
Atlas peaks. After summiting you descend to the
Tizi'n'Ouardi pass to reach the Tachedirt refuge
for the night. Walking time: 7 hours. Night in mountain
refuge or Bedouin camp. |
| Tue |
You
trek up the Tachedirt Valley, past the Aksoual Massif
and the village of Ouaneskra. After this the trail
ascends over the Tizi'n'Tamatert pass at 2200m,
and then enters the steep sided Mizane valley. You
then pass the village of Imlil and soon reach the
hamlet of Arroumd. Walking time: 5 - 6 hours. Night
in mountain refuge or Bedouin camp. |
| Wed |
Today
the trail gains almost 1200m as the trek passes
the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, and the tomb of the
Marabout. From here the path leads upwards to reach
the Neltner mountain refuge 3210 m. It is from here
that the summit trek to Mount Toubkal starts from.
Walking time: 5 - 6 hours. Accommodation: refuge. |
| Thu |
A
very early start for the ascent of Mount Toubkal.
The trek starts up an easy angled snowy slope, before
traversing the south ridge to reach the summit at
4167m. At the summit post you can enjoy the panoramic
view which stretches for miles in all directions.
Descend back to Arroumd / Aremd village. Walking
time: 8 hours. Accommodation: local hostel or Bedouin
camp. |
| Fri |
Trek
/ drive down to Imlil, and you are then transfered
to Marrakech, to arrive there around lunchtime.
In the afternoon there is an optional tour organised
and then you are free to go and explore Marrakech.
A key attraction is the Djemaa el Fna market (souk).
In the evening the group often opts to go out for
a celebratory meal to toast the achievements. Night
in hotel (riad) in Marrakech. |
| Sat |
After
breakfast you are transfered back to Marrakech airport
for your return flight home. |
| N.B. |
ITINERARY
NOTES: Where possible we follow itineraries. Mountain
adventures are weather and conditions dependant,
so occasionaly we are forced to alter the plans.
If this is the case, suitable alternatives are offered.
Please use this outline itinerary as a guide to
the types of route / activity that you will attempt. |
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| Course
Prices |
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Standard
course
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6
days guiding, 8 days holiday in total |
£499 |
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Premium
course
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As
above, with an Icicle T-Shirt
To see the t-shirts, click on this
LINK |
£509 |
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Secure
online booking system |
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| Standard
Course Inclusions: 1) UIMLA / Local Guides for six
days, 2) Accommodation from Saturday evening to Saturday morning
(7 nights), varying from hotels (riads) to mountain huts and
camps, 3) All meals on the actual trek (breakfast, lunch and
dinner), 4) Pre course information booklet, 5) Airport transfers
to and from Marrakech airport, 6) Equipment discount voucher
for UK shops, 7) Free 36 page technical Course Instruction Booklet. |
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| Exclusions:
1) Travel to and from Marrakech, 2) Equipment hire, 3) Personal
laundry, telephone calls, lunches, evening meals in valley,
& any purchases in mountain huts / hotels / restaurants,
4) Lunches and evening meals in Marrakech, 5) Activities insurance,
& excess baggage charges, 6) Allow up to 50€ per person
for optional entry into sightseeing places of interest and optional
town tour on the Friday. |
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