Bushwalk Australia

Has anyone trekked at altitude in Tajikistan or Morocco?

Which bit of Morocco?

Haven't trekked but have spent time there.

I have trekked in the High Atlas in Morocco but not at any serious altitude. Generally dry, steep with little to no vegetation on the hills and slopes.

I am looking at Jabal Touqbal, The highest peak in Morrocco which stands at about 4100 M. Base camp is at 3200 M. It looks similar to Mulhacen peak(3483 M. ) in southern Spain. I have reached the summit of that one.
What about base camp trips to one of the 7000 M. Pamir peaks in Tajikistan ?.Has anyone been there? . Morocco seems to be cheaper and more accessible than Tajikistan.There are direct flights from Gatwick airport in the U.K. and there are guided package treks which offer 3 days and two nights to climb Jabal Touqbal , starting in Marrakesh.I am very taken by this idea. It means some trekking and some regular sight seeing in Morocco and the UK.

Morocco has an accredited guide system like France. Using the services of a local accredited guide or guiding company will save you heaps compared to the UK based tour operators who usually just add on an exorbitant amount and employ a local guide anyway. This ensures your money goes directly into the local community.

In 2009 I used the company below to run a short trip for a small group of us after a conference in Marrakesh. He was very professional, spoke good english and well organised.

Houssine Ait Lahcen Ou Ahmad
Mountain & Desert Guide Based in Imlil
owner of guest house in high atlas mountains
Phone(Outside Morocco): 00212 667 49 13 52
Phone(Inside Morocco): 0667 49 13 52
Website: http://www.trekmorocco.com
E-mail : atlasguidemorocco@yahoo.fr

Thanks for the tip. I prefer to put my money into local pockets too.

I just got the ferry into Tangiers and followed my nose. Not saying it's better, but it's deffo doable. Lots of info on the net to plan your own trip without paying to be led around to all the same easy tourist stops.

Marrakesh is overrated, but I guess you're in that area. Any plans to head up north?

I am an Islamic art and architecture buff as well as a mountain trekking nerd. Morocco has BOTH!.I am quite able to get a visa and follow my nose. Mostly that is how I have always done it. But high altitude trekking in parts of the world I don't know requires some local knowledge and caution.

This is back on my radar and I am going to do this in October 2025. For sure.
https://trekinmorocco.net/trip/berber-village-trek-2/

My daughter did Mt Toubkal (4167m) last Aug with Intrepid ~A$800

Starting at 1750m

Toubkal Day 1: Imlil to Aroumd 4km 400m
Shorter hike from the small town of Imlil to the village of Aroumd, where we had lunch with our guide’s family. It was so windy at points we had to crouch. Also very hot - but amazing!!!

Toubkal Day 2: acclimatisation hike 11km 620m
Acclimatising to the elevation by hiking to a saddle near Aroumd - with fresh orange juice at the top!

Toubkal Day 3: base camp 10km 1250m
From Aroumd to base camp today - beautiful walking through the mountains. Summit tomorrow!

Morocco Day 4: summit!!! 8km 1000m
3am alarm for a 4am start in the dark, up a very steep and rocky path to the tallest peak in North Africa - Mount Toubkal 4167m!

Then 10km back to Aroumd

Maybe get yourself to Aroumd & find that guide ?