Mount Toubkal

Jbel Toubkal is a mountain peak in southwestern Morocco. At 4,167 m, it is the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains and in North Africa. It is located 63 km south of the city of Marrakech, in the Toubkal National Park. Trekkers usually approach the mountain from the road-end village of Imlil. Qualified local guides can be hired, as well as mules and porters, to carry equipment and food supplies higher into the mountains. The usual route follows a long valley southwards, passing the tiny settlement of Sidi Chamharouch, which has grown around a Muslim shrine. Many trekkers base themselves at the Neltner Refuge; a stone-built mountain refuge at 3,207m. From that point a path climbs a steep scree slope and enters a hanging valley, then climbs another steep slope to reach a col, before gaining the shoulder of Jbel Toubkal. The 4,167m summit is crowned with a curious pyramidal metal frame and views take in most of the Atlas and Anti-Atlas Mountains. In summer the mountains can be very dry, but are sometimes subjected to storms. In winter the mountains are covered in snow and ice and can be prone to avalanches. Skiing is possible as the snow can lie to considerable depth and cover many rocky slopes.

External links

• Mountain Climbing and Jbel Toubkal