Climbing Toubkal
20 hFit mountain walkersJune – September without snow; spring and autumn with possible snow
The 4,167 m summit in two days from Imlil, with a night at the refuge at 3,207 m and an accredited guide compulsory since 2019.
From Marrakesh1 h 30 · 65 km
Best timeApr · May · Jun · Sep · Oct
Minimum time1 day, 2 for the summit
GuideCompulsory for Toubkal
Overall difficultyHigh for the summit
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against travelling to this area Imlil is in the province of Al Haouz. The Spanish Foreign Ministry's travel advice for Morocco (updated on 9 July 2026) advises Spanish travellers against going to the provinces affected by the September 2023 earthquake, Al Haouz and Taroudant, because access remains difficult. Check it before organising anything and do not plan the climb up Toubkal while it remains in force.
What to do
What to do in Imlil and Toubkal
Each plan says how long it takes, who it's for and whether you can book.
Walk to Aroumd
2 h 30Families who walk
A one-hour climb from Imlil to the mud-brick village hanging above the Aït Mizane valley: 2 to 3 h round trip, independently.
Sidi Chamharouch
5 hWith some fitness
A white-rock shrine at about 2,500 m, on the way to Toubkal: 5 h round trip from Imlil, 760 m of climbing, with a guide.
Plan the trip
Imlil and Toubkal, step by step
Each choice narrows the next: the season shapes how best to travel, and how you travel decides where you stay and where you eat.
When to go
When to go to Imlil and Toubkal
From April to June and in September and October. In summer the valley is cool, but the climb up Toubkal gets a lot of sun. From December to March the summit has snow and ice: crampons, ice axe and winter experience.
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Best timeGood timeLow season
Where to stay
Where to stay in Imlil and Toubkal
Kasbah du Toubkal
Why we like it: A restored kasbah at the top of the village, with the summit straight ahead. After the earthquake it remains open while part of the building is rebuilt.
Toubkal Refuge
Why we like it: The base for the summit. Bunks, a hot dinner and departure before dawn. Book in season.
Nearby
Near Imlil and Toubkal
The closest places, whichever country they are in.
Tips
Worth knowing first
- 1Sleep a night in Imlil before climbing
You acclimatise to the altitude, hire a guide without rushing and start early.
- 2Bring layers
In the valley it is 25 °C at midday and at the refuge, at 3,200 m, it drops below zero at night even in June.
- 3Hire a mule for your rucksack
For little money, a mule carries your luggage up to the refuge and you walk light.
How to get there from Marrakesh
It is about 65 km and around an hour and a half via Asni, with the last kilometres of bends. The usual way is a shared or private grand taxi from Marrakesh, or your accommodation's car. By hire car it is easy; park at the entrance to the village.
Do you need a guide for Toubkal?
Yes. To climb Toubkal you need to go with an accredited mountain guide, and there are checks on the way past Aroumd. Local sources agree that it is enforced (checked in November 2026). You hire in Imlil, at the guides' office or through your accommodation; short walks round the valley can be done independently.
How is it after the earthquake?
The September 2023 earthquake hit this area hard and reconstruction is still under way. As long as the Foreign Ministry advises against travel to the province of Al Haouz, what this page says is for when that advice changes: check it before booking.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is Toubkal hard to climb?
It is a long mountain route, without climbing sections in summer, but with a lot of ascent and altitude: more than 2,400 m of climbing from Imlil in two days. You need to be fit.
How many days do you need?
One day for walking in the valley from Marrakesh. Two days with a night at the refuge for the summit; three if you want to take it calmly.
Can you climb it in winter?
Yes, but with snow and ice: crampons, ice axe and a guide with winter experience. It is not for beginners.
Can you go with children?
To the valley and Aroumd, yes, with children used to walking. To the summit, it is not advisable for minors because of the altitude and duration.