FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Mount Toubkal Adventure Retreat Morocco
Do I need to be very fit to climb Mount Toubkal?
You do not need to be a seasoned hiker or climber.
The ascent of Mount Toubkal at 4167 meters is achievable for most people who are reasonably fit and able to walk for several hours at a steady pace. No technical climbing skills are required.
This retreat is designed as a beginner friendly high altitude experience. We walk slowly, take regular breaks, and adapt the pace to the group. Professional mountain guides are with us at all times, and safety is always the priority.
This is not a race and not a performance challenge. It is a supported ascent, step by step.
Do I need previous hiking or climbing experience?
No.
You do not need any prior hiking, trekking or climbing experience to join this retreat. Many participants are first time high altitude hikers.
What matters is your willingness to walk steadily, follow guidance and take care of your body. The structure of the retreat, the pacing and the support system are designed to make this experience accessible without being trivial.
Is this retreat safe?
Yes.
Safety is central to how this retreat is designed and guided. You will be accompanied by experienced, licensed local mountain guides who know the terrain and conditions intimately. We work with a trusted local team and have done this ascent multiple times.
Mules carry equipment so you are not overloaded. The pace is adapted to altitude. We monitor how everyone is feeling and adjust when needed.
This is a fully supported mountain experience, not an independent or self guided trek.
What role do yoga and meditation play during the retreat?
Yoga and meditation are an essential part of the experience, not an optional extra.
They help your body recover after hiking, support your breathing at altitude and keep your nervous system regulated. This makes the ascent feel more grounded, calm and sustainable.
All yoga sessions are accessible and adaptable. No prior yoga experience is required.
Can I join if I am travelling alone?
Yes.
Many participants join this retreat as solo travellers. The group is intentionally small, which creates a sense of safety, connection and ease very quickly.
You will never feel left out or overwhelmed. This retreat attracts people who value depth, respect and shared experience.
What is the accommodation like during the trek?
Accommodation varies depending on where we are in the journey.
In Marrakech, Imlil and Essaouira, we stay in carefully selected riads and guesthouses that are comfortable, atmospheric and well run.
During the mountain trek, we stay one night in a mountain refuge. This is a shared bunk style accommodation and is simple rather than luxurious. It is the only option at this altitude and part of the authentic mountain experience.
Comfort returns fully after the trek.
Will I have to carry my luggage?
No.
Mules carry the main equipment and luggage during the trekking days. You only carry a day pack with essentials such as water, snacks and extra layers.
This significantly reduces physical strain and allows you to focus on walking, breathing and enjoying the landscape.
What is included in the retreat price?
This retreat is all inclusive.
From the moment you arrive until the moment you leave, everything is taken care of. Accommodation, all meals, non alcoholic drinks, airport and in country transfers, professional mountain guides, equipment, yoga and meditation classes, massage, hammam and cultural experiences are included.
Apart from your flight and personal travel insurance, you will not need to spend any additional money during the week.
What is not included?
Flights to and from Marrakech
Personal travel insurance
Alcoholic drinks
Transfers outside the official retreat dates
Everything else is included.
What should I bring?
You do not need to bring much.
The most important items are good walking boots with ankle support, a comfortable day pack, weather appropriate clothing and a refillable water bottle.
Before departure, you will receive a detailed practical information pack with a clear and simple packing list.
What will the weather be like in May?
May is one of the best months for this experience.
At altitude, temperatures are ideal for hiking and can be cool, especially in the early morning and near the summit. In Marrakech and Essaouira, it can be warm.
We adapt the daily schedule to the conditions so that the experience remains comfortable and safe.
Can I skip the yoga sessions?
Yes, you can, although yoga and meditation are part of what makes this retreat unique.
If you are travelling with a partner who is less interested in yoga, they are welcome to join with the understanding that they participate in at least one yoga session during the week.
Who is this retreat not for?
This retreat is not designed for extreme athletes or people looking for a competitive or high speed expedition.
It is also not suitable for those who prefer luxury accommodation throughout the entire journey, including on the mountain.
This retreat is for people who value meaningful challenge, strong guidance and thoughtful integration.
To find out more or book your place...
Please contact Rachel at rb@revealingvajra.com if you would like to ask any questions about this retreat or how to book and pay for your place, she will be more than happy to get back to you!
You can also book and pay securely online here. Payments via Paypal, Credit Card or Bank Transfer
YOUR HOST, TEACHER AND TRAVEL GUIDE, RACHEL BONKINK
I have been teaching and retreat hosting for 14 years now and I do what I do because it is who I am – it is what I love to do. Traveling the world and inspiring people in anyway I can.
I’m a yoga and meditation teacher with many years of professional teaching and coaching experience.
There’s a strong corporate background and I teach different yoga styles, from traditional Hatha Yoga to Kundalini and Yin yoga. Pranayama (breathing), meditation and yoga philosophy are part of all my lessons.
You will go home after this week, with a mental back pack, filled with incredible memories and practical tools to help you maintain and cultivate Balance in your daily life.
To me, these holidays are so much more than just a getaway.
This yoga and hiking retreat can be truly life changing. It will empower you to become a more healthy and happy person.
All levels of yoga are welcome!!!
You can read more about my story here.
I welcome any and all questions or concerns you may have and invite you to email me at: rb@revealingvajra.com or just give me a call or whatsapp message on +32 476 204 121.
Rachel is a great host and teacher. She makes everyone feel at ease and safe. The yoga sessions are suitable for all levels and get you back what you put in. I also enjoyed meeting fascinating and kind people from diverse backgrounds and countries. A wonderful trip!
Nicole Berry, NYC, USA – Nicole joined several Revealing Vajra retreats in Morocco and Scotland.
Investment
This Mount Toubkal adventure retreat is a fully supported, all inclusive journey.
Apart from your flight to and from Marrakech and your personal travel insurance, you will not need to spend any money during the week.
Everything is organised, guided and included from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave.
Retreat price
1995 EUR per person for shared accommodation
2850 EUR per person for private accommodation, except for one night at the mountain refuge where accommodation is shared
This includes the full three day Mount Toubkal hiking experience, accommodation in carefully selected riads, guesthouses and one mountain refuge, all meals and non alcoholic drinks, airport and in country transfers, professional mountain guides, mules to carry equipment, walking poles, sleeping bags and head torches, daily yoga and meditation classes, one full length massage, a traditional hammam, cultural experiences, workshops, welcome gifts and all local taxes.
This is a decision free experience.
You do not need to plan, organise or coordinate anything yourself.
Why this is structured this way
This retreat is designed for people who want a real mountain adventure without logistical stress, uncertainty or hidden costs.
Experiences like this usually require months of research, coordination with multiple providers, and a tolerance for things not going according to plan. Here, everything is integrated into one coherent journey, guided by someone who has done this ascent multiple times and lived in Morocco for years.
You are not paying for individual components. You are investing in ease, safety, expertise and the freedom to fully be in the experience.
Flights and practical notes
You can fly into Marrakech, RAK.
Airport transfers are included on the official arrival and departure dates of the retreat.
On the departure day, please take into account a 35 minute drive to the airport and approximately three hours of airport waiting time. Very early departures are therefore not advised for your own comfort.
Booking and questions
If you have any questions or would like to talk through whether this retreat is right for you, you are very welcome to contact me directly.
Cancellation Policy
You can secure your booking with a 500 Euro non-refundable deposit.
All venues, the guides we use and myself are small business owners so we do not make any exceptions on the non-refundable deposit policy, no exceptions, sorry.
You can not transfer the deposit to another retreat. No exceptions.
There are no partial refunds for late arrivals or if you need to leave the retreat early.
The remaining amount is due 6 weeks before the start date of the retreat.
In the event Revealing Vajra needs to cancel this retreat because of government regulations, or simply not being able to have the retreat in Morocco for whatever reason, in this case, there are 2 options:
1. You agree with simply moving your booking to a new date.
2. You prefer a refund, Revealing Vajra refunds you what you paid, minus the deposit of 500 Euros.
In the event that you need to cancel the retreat, less than 5 weeks before the start date of the retreat: There is no Refund.
We strongly encourage you to take a travel insurance to cover the costs of possible cancellation or illness.
Flights are not covered and not included in your retreat price.
I recently participated on the Revealing Vajra retreat in Morocco and it was a fantastic experience. The stay at Quaryati was comfortable and welcoming, with beautiful rooms and stunning views of the mountains.
The 3-day climb of Toubkal (4167 m) departing from Imlil was challenging but well worth it, with breathtaking views and great guidance from our guides.
The guides and crew were also fantastic in the kitchen, with delicious dishes that helped us keep our energy levels high during our hikes.
The stay in Essaouira on the coast was refreshing, especially after our intensive mountain hikes, and I enjoyed the invigorating treatments at the local hammam.
Marrakesh was a great conclusion to our trip, with a culinary workshop as the icing on the cake. I enjoyed learning to make and taste new dishes.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this yoga and hiking retreat to anyone looking for adventure, relaxation, and culinary indulgence in Morocco. The guides and crew were excellent, the landscape breathtaking, and everything was taken care of down to every detail. Thank you Rachel for this unforgettable experience!
See you on the next retreat !
Sophie joined the yoga and hiking retreat in May 2024
Sophie DP, Belgium
One of the best retreats I ever attended. Rachel has a vast knowledge of yoga and all its aspects and made sure that we all got a taste of it. The week was very complete in the amount of activities, yoga and excursion time. I highly recommend Rachel's retreats to anyone wanting a wonderful week, away from the intensity of every day life. To learn new skills, to relax in a beautiful setting with amazing food. Thank you!
Lauretta Zucchetti, Italy
What a great retreat in an amazing location! I had such a good time and I wish there was one more week to come! The yoga classes are not too intense, but really creative and very interesting. After a week of practise, I can feel the benefits of daily yoga and meditation. It helped me to create some space and look at my thoughts and emotions from a distance. There is still a lot to sort out, but I feel that I am coming back stronger and with an open mind. Thank you for that!
Ewa Paluszkiewicz, Poland
This week has been a totally unique experience to me. I leave taking away so many wonderful things and experiences which will stay with me for the rest of my life. Thank you!
Carole Vinycomb, UK
Just Go!
Everything that's promised on the website... and more!
Best experience ever!
Zafanya Vandenberg, NL
Book this retreat
Why take this trip?
In 1 trip you will ….
Climb the highest point in North Africa, Mount Toubkal !
Visit the charming cities of Marakkech AND Essaouira with bustling markets
Detox completely from daily life
Meditate and do Yoga
Experience true Berber life in the small villages surroundings the foothills of the Atlas
Rest and Rejuvenate
Be with an international group of like minded people
Enjoy good food, all 7 days long
My third retreat with Rachel and this one was an incredible adventure – a week of hiking and yoga in majestic and exotic surroundings that surpassed all expectations (and they were high to start after my previous 2 retreats). This was a true yoga adventure holiday, super well-organized and well-run, I knew from the moment I booked I wouldn’t have to worry about anything other than showing up.
