PJSChallenges | Mt Toubkal

Mt Toubkal

Morocco

ABOUT MOUNT TOUKBAL

Altitude - 4,167m (13,671ft)

Grading Level - T4 (click HERE to find out more about our grading)

Best months to go: March - June, September - November

Winter climbs: December - February

At 4,167m high, Mount Toubkal, also known as Jebel Toubkal, is North Africa's highest peak. Set in the High Atlas Mountain range in Morocco, this iconic mountain presents a challenging yet rewarding trek that is perfect for regular walkers with a reasonable level of fitness. With roughly 40% less oxygen than at sea level, the altitude of Mount Toubkal will undoubtedly make this hike harder. But your experienced local guide will ensure that you have plenty of food and set the pace of the walk at a sustainable rate to help you acclimatise, giving you the best chance of the reaching the summit.

The Mount Toubkal ascent only takes two days, with most of the walking done on the first. Leg one of the trek takes around 5 hours during which we'll follow 11 kilometres of mule paths zigzagging up into the rocky valley towards towering snow-dusted peaks on the horizon. Our destination is the Neltner Refuge at 3,207m at the base of Toubkal where we'll enjoy a well-earned rest, gather around a wood-burning stove to share stories with other climbers from around the world and acclimatise to the altitude before setting off early the next morning towards the summit.

Mount Toubkal requires no technical climbing and most people in good physical condition should be able to make the summit, if they are well prepared and respect the altitude of the peak. However, it is not an easy hike and there is always the risk of injuries and even fatalities on the climb.

The main difficulty for most people who climb Mount Toubkal is altitude sickness and if you’re new to trekking then you may well struggle, however with the correct preparation and a good guide team, then the vast majority of people will successfully summit.

If you plan on trekking in the winter months then you’ll need to familiarise yourself with the use of crampons and possibly an ice axe too, but as long as your boots are crampon compatible you can learn these skills on the climb.