Toubkal

Toubkal or Tubkal is a mountain peak in southwestern Morocco, located in the Toubkal National Park. At 4167m, it is the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains, Anti Atlas, North Africa and the Arab World. It is an ultra prominent peak located 63 km south of the city of Marrakesh, and is a popular destination for climbers.TourismThe first ascent by Europeans was on 12 June 1923 by the Marquis de Segonzac, Vincent Berger and Hubert Dolbeau, but the mountain may have been climbed before that date.Trekkers usually approach the mountain from 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. For experienced mountaineers, guides are not required for the normal route, as it is a moderate hike and orientation is not a problem.The normal route starts with an easy walk to the village of Aroumd. Past 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 (old Neltner Refuge and new Refuge du Toubkal) that are often used as base camp at 3207m. It is possible to buy good meals in the Refuge du Toubkal. Tents can be pitched near the refuges for a small charge.