Toubkal Summit Trek

Pick up from your hotel in Marrakech. After a transfer to the little village of Imlil we begin our trek. Heading along the Mizane Valley, we first pass the village of Aremd and then onto the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch. We then continue east and by crossing the flood plains our route takes us along mule tracks and up into the high rocky cliffs above the valley. Crossing the river we eventually come to the pastoral shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, which attracts tourists and pilgrims. From here the trail continues to climb steadily, snaking and zigzagging its way up to the snowline and the refuge (3206m), our stop for the night.

Summit day! You will be woken up very early by your guide for breakfast. To make sure that the views are the best when your on top, you will start your ascent before 6.00 am. The beginning of your climb can be tough as the path is steep and you might feel the altitude. Short breathing, headache and nausea our some of the symptoms. Some paracetamol can do miracles. The view of the head torches of the other climbers lightning up along the trail will make up for it. At the level of Tizi Toubkal (almost 4.000m.) you might have a small setback. Please note that altitude can also make you less motivated. It is is very much a mental game. Allow yourself to take a 5 minutes break and give it a restart. After 4 hours you will reach the top of Jbel Toubkal and you will be rewarded with a marvelous view over the Atlas Mountains. Going down to the refuge will take you around 2,5 hours, but be careful. It can be slippery. Once you are the refuge, you can enjoy a great lunch and give your legs a deserved rest. Well done! NOTE: in winter, when there is snow on the mountain, you might need crampons to cross the icy parts to prevent you from slipping down. Crampons can be hired in Imlil. The crampons can be adapted to the size of your shoes and are attached with straps. There is no need for the heaviest hiking boots: category B/C is fine. For hikers who descend easily, there is the possibility to go down to Imlil/Aremd (1900m) on the same day. Total walking ca. 8 to 10 hours!

After a 5am breakfast, we trek up to Toubkal Summit. We start with a steep single path on the east side above the base camp; a very slow and progressive walk to Tizi n’ Toubkal (4000m) where you can clearly see the summit, then another 30 minute walk on the ridge to reach Mount Toubkal summit, which will provide marvelous moments observing the silent beauty of the rocks lit up with the sun’s first rays. Afterwards, we trek back down to the hut for lunch and walk all downhill passing through Sidi Chamharouch along a rocky trail all the way to Aremd village. You can choose whether you would like to spend the night in our lodge in Aremd, spen night in the village of Imlil, or be collected in Imlil and driven to Marrakech.