Toubkal

Although much of the High Atlas consists of sedimentary rocks, the Toubkal massif is an area of volcanic rocks which have weathered into alpine crests, cut by deep, narrow valleys. To the south, the mountain drops steeply down for {{convert|1800|m|ft|0}} to a small lake called Lac d'Ifni. To the west, the mountain's edge is marked by a pass, the Tizi n'Ouanoums at {{convert|3664|m|ft|0}}. From this pass, the mountain's W-S-W ridge rises up to Toubkal West, which forms a shoulder at {{convert|4020|m|ft|0}} before continuing to the summit at {{convert|4167|m|ft|0}}.{{cite book |author1=Hamish Brown |author-link1=Hamish Brown |editor1-last=Salkeld |editor1-first=Audrey |title=World mountaineering : the world's great mountains by the world's great mountaineers |date=1998 |publisher=Mitchell Beazley |isbn=1845331427 |pages=272–275 |chapter=Jebel Toubkal}}

The north and western sides of Toubkal drain down to the Mizane Valley, which has the passes of both Tizi n'Ouanoums and Tizi n'Ouagane at its head. Two hanging valleys on the western side of the mountain - the Ikhibi Nord and Ikhibi South provide ready access for trekkers and climbers to reach Toubkal's summit. At one time the northern valley provided the normal route of ascent, but the construction of a mountain hut by the French Alpine Club below Ikhibi Sud now encourages trekkers to ascend via the southern route instead.

Toubkal is popular with trekkers and ski mountaineers, but less so with climbers, despite its ease of access and sunny climate. Trekkers usually approach the mountain from Marrakesh via the road-end village of Imlil. Qualified guides can be hired, as well as porters, to carry equipment and food supplies higher into the mountains. It is a moderate hike and navigation is not a problem.

The normal route starts with a walk to the village of Aroumd. Beyond Aroumd, a floodplain is crossed and the route follows the left slope of the valley southwards. The valley bends to the east to the tiny settlement of Sidi Chamharouch, which has grown around a Muslim shrine. At Sidi Chamharouch, the path leads over the stream and runs steeply uphill to the right side of the Isougouane valley, which leads to two stone-built refuges (Refuge du Toubkal and Refuge Les Mouflons) that are often used as base camp at {{convert|3207|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}.

{{See also|Tourism in Morocco}}

File:Atlas Mountains snow cover.jpg

The first recorded ascent was on 12 June 1923 by the Marquis de Segonzac, Vincent Berger and Hubert Dolbeau, but the mountain may well have been climbed before that date.{{cite book|first=Robin G.|last=Collomb|title=Atlas Mountains|location=Goring|publisher=West Col Productions|year=1980|isbn=978-0906227312}} Toubkal's height was measured the following year, and determined as being {{convert|4165|m|ft|0}} Nowadays measured at 4,167 metres, the summit is crowned with a large pyramidal metal trigonometric marker, and offers views taking in most of the Atlas and Little Atlas Mountains.

It is possible to climb mountain Toubkal in two days - first day up to the refuge (around seven hours), second day to the summit (around four hours ascent, three hours descent) and back to Imlil (up to five hours).{{citation needed|date=October 2020}}

In summer the mountains can be very dry, but are sometimes subject to storms. Although the temperature should remain above zero during the day, freezing conditions are possible over 3,500m. 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. Information about the state of the route can be obtained at Marrakesh tourist offices or at Imlil.

1) Ikhibi Sud (normal route). From the Toubkal refuge, a path crosses the stream, climbs a steep scree slope to the east and enters a hanging valley, then climbs another steep slope to reach a col (Tizi'n'Toubkal at 3,940m). At the col the route turns left (northwards) up easy slopes to the narrow summit crest of Jebel Toubkal.

The ascent during the summer (from May) is non-technical yet moderately difficult, complicated only by steep and slippery scree slopes and altitude sickness. Sturdy boots and proper (windproof) clothing are required, and trekking poles are helpful on the scree. An ice-axe may be needed on the remaining snowfields in the early summer. The ascent during the end of the winter and spring (February/March) is more difficult; crampons are necessary to ascend through the snow and - in some cases - ice. Ascent: {{convert|960|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}; 2.5 –3 hours.

2) Ikhibi Nord Not as frequently ascended as Ikhibi Sud, but technically easier. The route starts some distance down the valley from the Toubkal refuge, and turns right (eastwards) to follow a track up through a hanging valley to a col on the north side of Toubkal. Ascent:{{convert|1000|m|ft|0}}; 3–4 hours. The col also gives access to adjacent peaks of Imouzzer {{convert|4010|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} and Tibherine {{convert|3887|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}

3) West-North-West Ridge (ONO Arete). (First ascent by J de Lepinay and party, 1936). Infrequently climbed, but a long and pleasant traverse containing many gaps and towers. Some difficulties can be avoided by means of an abseil. Grade III/IV; 7 hours.

{{Wide image|Jebel Toubkal summit panorama.jpg|1000px|align-cap=center|360 degree panorama from the summit}}

On 17 December 2018, two trekkers, from Denmark and Norway, were murdered close to the foot of the trail in a terror-related attack.{{cite web |last1=O'Grady |first1=Siobhán |title=Two tourists killed in Morocco — one of them beheaded — in likely terrorist attack |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2018/12/20/two-tourists-killed-morocco-one-them-beheaded-likely-terrorist-attack/?noredirect=on |work=The Washington Post |access-date=22 December 2018}}{{Clear|left}}

{{Reflist}}

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{{Wikivoyage|Jebel Toubkal}}

• [https://www.atlas-trekking-toubkal.com/ Mount Toubkal Group Tours]
• [https://highatlashiking.com/mount_toubkal_climb Routes up Mount Toubkal]
• [https://highatlashiking.com/kit_list_for_toubkal_climb/ What to wear on Mount Toubkal in winter?]
• [http://www.summitpost.org/show/mountain_link.pl/mountain_id/50 Summitpost.org page about Jbel Toubkal]
• [http://www.caingram.info/Toubkal.htm Photo Gallery of Jebel Toubkal and the High Atlas]
• [http://nikopav.blogspot.co.uk/2017/12/climbing-toubkal.html Useful information on climbing Toubkal]

{{Mountains of Morocco}}

{{Authority control}}{{Highest points of Africa}}

Category:Mountains of Morocco

Category:Atlas Mountains

Category:Geography of Marrakesh-Safi

Category:Highest points of countries

Category:Four-thousanders of Africa