What to do · Imlil and Toubkal
Sidi Chamharouch
Information
- Price
- Accredited guide compulsory
- Duration
- 5 h
- Who it's for
- With some fitness
What it is
Sidi Chamharouch is a shrine and a small pilgrimage hamlet at about 2,500 m, on the path from Imlil to the Toubkal refuge. It is recognisable from afar: a large rock painted white beside the torrent, with huts, drink stalls and little shops crowded around it. It is a pilgrimage site for Muslims of the region. For those climbing Toubkal, it is the lunch stop of the first day; for those not going to the summit, it is a good goal for a day excursion from Imlil.
The route, step by step
It is an out-and-back along the same path, the normal route to Toubkal.
- Imlil (1,740 m). You leave the village up the valley on the mule track.
- Aroumd. In a little over an hour you reach Aroumd, the mud-brick village above the valley.
- The climb. After that the path climbs the valley, well marked by the passage of mules and walkers. As you climb, the valley closes in and the landscape becomes high mountain.
- Sidi Chamharouch (about 2,500 m). You reach the white rock. Have something at one of the stalls and rest.
- Return. You go back down the same path to Imlil.
Allow about 5 hours round trip, with about 760 m of climbing from Imlil. The difficulty is moderate: there are no technical sections, but the climb is continuous and the path has loose stone.
Rules at the shrine
The shrine is reserved for Muslims: non-Muslims do not cross the small bridge leading to the rock. It can be seen up close from the path. Dress respectfully and do not photograph people who come to pray without permission.
Guide
Since 2019 it has been compulsory to go with an accredited mountain guide on the routes of the Toubkal National Park, and local sources place the checkpoint on the path past Aroumd, before Sidi Chamharouch. Plan on going with a guide. You hire in Imlil, through your accommodation or with agencies in the valley such as Imlil Trek.
When to go
From April to June and in September and October. In summer set off early: the climb is in the sun. In winter the path may have snow or ice above Aroumd.
What to bring
- Mountain footwear.
- Water, at least a litre and a half per person; drinks are sold at Sidi Chamharouch, but do not count on it in the low season.
- A hat, sun cream and a warm layer.
- Cash in dirhams for the stalls.
If the weather changes
In the mountains the weather changes fast. If it clouds over or starts to rain, turn back: the torrent rises quickly and the path gets slippery. The Spanish Foreign Ministry warns of sudden flash floods in the area in the rainy season and that rescue resources are limited.
With teenagers
For teenagers who walk, it is a good mountain excursion without the demands of the summit. For small children it is long.
Tips
- Set out early The climb is in the sun and this way you are back before the weather changes.
- Stop at Aroumd on the way back A tea on a village terrace before going down to Imlil.
- Carry cash At the Sidi Chamharouch stalls you can only pay in dirhams.
Frequently asked questions
Can you enter the Sidi Chamharouch shrine?
Not if you are not a Muslim. It is seen from the path, without crossing the bridge.
How long does it take from Imlil?
About 5 hours round trip, with about 760 m of climbing.
Do you need a guide?
Yes: the routes of the Toubkal National Park have required an accredited guide since 2019, and there is a checkpoint past Aroumd.
With teenagers
