# Climbing Toubkal

What to do en Imlil and Toubkal · Imlil and Toubkal

Fuente: https://www.geocalia.com/en/morocco/imlil-and-toubkal/things-to-do/toubkal-ascent

- Duración: 20 h
- Temporada: June – September without snow; spring and autumn with possible snow
- Para quién: Fit mountain walkers

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.

What it is
Toubkal, at 4,167 m, is the highest summit in the Atlas and North Africa. The normal route leaves Imlil, at 1,740 m, climbs the Aït Mizane valley to the refuge, at 3,207 m, and the next day reaches the summit before descending. In summer it has no climbing sections, but it is more than 2,400 m of ascent in two days and a night above 3,000 m.
Since 2019 it has been compulsory to go with an accredited mountain guide on all routes of the Toubkal National Park, and there are checks on the path.
The route, day by day
Day 1: from Imlil to the refuge. About 5 or 6 hours, about 11 km and about 1,460 m of ascent.

You leave Imlil with the guide and the mules, which carry your luggage up.
You pass through Aroumd, the mud-brick village hanging above the valley.
You climb the slope to Sidi Chamharouch, the white-rock shrine, at about 2,500 m. It is the lunch stop.
The terrain becomes high mountain: scree and bare slopes up to the Toubkal refuge, at 3,207 m. You arrive mid-afternoon, have an early dinner and the guide explains the next day.

Day 2: summit and descent to Imlil. 8 to 9 hours, about 13 km, about 960 m of ascent and 2,430 m of descent.

You set out around 5:00 with a head torch.
You climb for 3 to 4 hours over scree and high terrain to the summit.
You descend to the refuge, rest a while and continue down the valley past Sidi Chamharouch to Imlil.

If you want to take it more calmly, add one more night in Imlil before starting to acclimatise, or at the refuge.
Guide, price and how to hire
The guide is hired in Imlil or through an agency or your accommodation. Imlil Trek, an agency based in the valley, offers the two-day ascent with an accredited local guide, a night at the refuge in a dormitory, mule, full board and private transfer from Marrakesh. The price per person falls with group size: €450 for one person alone, €290 each if there are two of you, €220 in a group of four and €160 in groups of 14 to 17. In winter or with snow it may rise. Crampons, ice axe, boots and poles are hired separately.
When to go
From June to September the summit is usually free of snow. Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from October to November, are good seasons, with possible snow above 3,500 m. From December to February there is snow and ice: crampons, ice axe and winter experience. In summer the valley is cool, but the climb gets a lot of sun.
What to bring

Mountain boots with ankle support.
Warm layers: at the summit it drops below zero.
Head torch, hat, sunglasses and high-protection sun cream.
Travel insurance covering trekking up to 4,200 m and evacuation.
A sheet sleeping bag for the refuge.

Altitude and health
Above 3,500 m it is normal to notice a mild headache or tiredness. Drink water, climb slowly and tell the guide how you feel. If symptoms get worse, you go down. Rescue resources in the area are limited.
With teenagers
For teenagers in good shape and used to walking, it is an achievable challenge. It is not recommended for children because of the altitude and duration.

Lo organiza: Imlil Trek, desde 160 € per person, in a group of 14 to 17 (https://imliltrek.com/tour/toubkal-ascent-trek-2-days/)

## Cómo llegar y contacto

- Coordenadas: 31.0597, -7.9156

## Cerca de aquí

- [Toubkal Refuge](https://www.geocalia.com/en/morocco/imlil-and-toubkal/where-to-stay/toubkal-refuge), a 1.4 km
- [Sidi Chamharouch](https://www.geocalia.com/en/morocco/imlil-and-toubkal/things-to-do/sidi-chamharouch), a 4.5 km
- [Walk to Aroumd](https://www.geocalia.com/en/morocco/imlil-and-toubkal/things-to-do/aroumd), a 7.2 km
- [Kasbah du Toubkal](https://www.geocalia.com/en/morocco/imlil-and-toubkal/where-to-stay/kasbah-du-toubkal), a 8.4 km
- [A loop through the valley terraces](https://www.geocalia.com/en/morocco/imlil-and-toubkal/things-to-do/imlil-valley-walk), a 8.6 km

## Consejos

### Sleep a night in Imlil beforehand
You acclimatise, meet the guide and set out early.

### Leave your rucksack to the mule
You walk with just the essentials and reach the refuge with energy.

### Set out for the summit at night
At 5:00, to reach the top with the day and come down before the heat.

## Preguntas frecuentes

### Is a guide compulsory for climbing Toubkal?
Yes. Since 2019 an accredited mountain guide has been compulsory in the Toubkal National Park, and there are checks.

### How much does it cost to climb Toubkal with a guide?
With Imlil Trek, from €160 per person in a large group to €450 for one person alone, with refuge, meals, mule and transfer.

### Is it hard?
It is moderate to demanding. There is no climbing in summer, but the second day is 8 or 9 hours and there is a lot of altitude.

Destino: [Imlil and Toubkal](https://www.geocalia.com/en/morocco/imlil-and-toubkal.md)