Brookes Climb in Nepal and Morocco

Find out about our treks to Nepal and Morocco, organised by Brookes Climb

In April, Brookes Climb Manager, Richard Cole, led a group of Oxford Brookes staff and community members to the Annapurna region in Nepal to climb Tharpu Chuli (5663m). The team of 11 spent 19 days following the Annapurna trail to ABC basecamp (4130m) staying in local guest houses and trekking lodges.

After a couple of days acclimatising in the shadow of Annapurna South 7219m and Annapurna 1 (8091m) the climbing team continued on to the Tharpu Chuli high camp after crossing the South Annapurna glacier.

Unfortunately however, after three nights of ‘thundersnow’ at high camp (4800m) the team were unable to attempt the final push to the summit due to weather conditions and risk of avalanche. The team returned to ABC basecamp and then continued back down the trail to Pokhara via the Jhinu Danda hot springs before flying back to Kathmandu.

In May, Brookes climb assistant manager, Mel Bacon lead a team of 8 trekkers to Morocco to climb Mt Toubkal (4167m) the highest mountain in North Africa’s Atlas Mountains. After a day in the bustle of Marrakesh the team started the trek via the Imnil and Azzadene Valley.

The team continued their way up the mountain pass via the well-known ‘85 zig zags’ high pass towards high camp. The summit day was an early ‘alpine’ 3.30am start with clear starry skies, however the storm clouds soon arrived and summer quickly became full winter condition. The team pushed on and reached the snow covered summit of Toubkal (4167m) in late morning before retreating back to high camp and then the warmth of Marrakesh.

Over the summer Brookes Climb are running a number of outdoor climbing courses for all ages and abilities. For more information please email climb@brookes.ac.uk