Jbel Toubkal

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Jbel Toubkal
Tizi'n'Toubkal from the summit ridge
Elevation	4,167 metres (13,671 feet)
Location	Morocco
Range	Atlas Mountains
Coordinates	31°03′43″N, 7°54′58″W
First ascent	1923 by Marquis de Segonzac, V. Berger, and H. Dolbeau
Easiest route	Hike

Jbel (Jebel) Toubkal / Adrar n Toubkal is a mountain peak in southwestern Morocco. At 4,167 metres, 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. For experienced mountaineers guides are not required for the normal route, as it is an easy hike and orientation is not a problem. Usage of the mules is questionable, as they are often being overloaded and mistreated.

The normal route starts with easy walk to the village of Aroumd. Past Aroumd a floodplain is crossed and route follows the left slope of the valley southwards. Valley bends to the east to the tiny settlement of Sidi Chamharouch, which has grown around a Muslim shrine. At Sidi Chamharouch path leads over the stream and steeply uphill to the right side of the Isougouane valley which leads to two stone-built refuges (old Neltner Refuge and new Refuge du Toubkal) that are often used as base camp at 3,207m. It is possible to buy some basic beverages in the refuges. Tent can be pitched near the refuges for a small charge.

From that point a path crosses the stream, climbs a steep scree slope to the east and enters a valley (corrie), then climbs another steep slope to reach a col (Tizi'n'Toubkal at 3,940m). At the col the route turns right (northwards) to the summit ridge 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.

Birds soaring above the path to the summit.

The ascent during the summer (from May) is non-technical and easy, only complicated by steep and slippery scree slopes and altitude sickness. Sturdy boots and proper (windproof) clothing is required, trekking poles are helpful on the scree. An Ice-axe may be needed on the remaining snowfields in the early summer.

It is possible to climb the mountain in two days - first day up to the refuge (around seven hours without mules), second day to the summit (around five hours) and back to Imlil (up to five hours).

In summer the mountains can be very dry, but are sometimes subjected to storms. Minimum temperature should keep above zero during the day, freeze is 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 state of the route can be obtained at Marrakech tourist offices or at Imlil.