Climbing Toubkal: route, duration and best time

Toubkal at a glance

At 4,167 metres, Toubkal is the highest mountain in North Africa. It lies in the High Atlas, only about 90 minutes’ drive from Marrakech. For many hikers it is the most beautiful summit in Morocco that you can reach without climbing skills.

Fact	Toubkal
Summit	4,167 m
Start	Imlil, 1,740 m, about 90 minutes from Marrakech
Night	Mountain refuge at 3,207 m
Duration	2 or 3 days
Best time	May to October
Luggage	carried by mules to the refuge

The route from Imlil

Day 1: Marrakech → Imlil → refuge. In the morning we drive you from Marrakech to the mountain village of Imlil. From there you walk up with your guide through the Mizane Valley, past Berber villages and the small shrine of Sidi Chamharouch. Mules carry the luggage. After about 5 to 6 hours you reach the refuge at 3,207 metres.

Day 2: the summit. Very early, still in the dark, you set off for the summit. After about 3 to 4 hours you stand at 4,167 metres and watch the sun rise over the Atlas. On clear days you can see as far as the Sahara.

The descent. With the 2-day version you walk down to Imlil the same day and drive back to Marrakech. With the 3-day version you spend another night at the refuge and walk down at an easy pace on the third day.

2 or 3 days?

	2 days	3 days
For whom	Fit hikers with little time	Most guests, beginners too
Summit day	Summit and descent to Imlil, about 8 to 10 hours	Summit and back to the refuge
Altitude	Little time to adjust	More time to adjust to the altitude

Our honest advice: if you can, take three days. The summit day is then much more pleasant.

How hard is Toubkal?

In summer Toubkal is a demanding mountain hike, but not a climb. You need good fitness for several hours of ascent and descent a day, and sure footing on scree. From about 3,000 metres some people feel the altitude, for example with a headache. Walking slowly, drinking a lot and sleeping well helps. Your guide sets a pace that suits you.

Since 2019 a licensed mountain guide has been compulsory on Toubkal. On our trek a local guide from the region is always with you.

The best time for Toubkal

The best time is May to October, when the path is usually free of snow. In high summer Marrakech is very hot, but at the summit it is cold in the morning even then.

Hiker in the snow on the way to Toubkal — In winter there is snow on Toubkal: then only with crampons and experience.

From about November to April there is often snow and ice. Toubkal is then only possible with crampons, an ice axe and experience. We are happy to advise whether a winter ascent suits you. More about the climate in our article Best time to visit Morocco.

Packing list

Sturdy hiking boots that are already broken in
Warm jacket, hat and gloves: it is cold at the summit in the morning
Head torch for the early start
Sunglasses, sun cream and a sun hat
Water bottle and small snacks
Small daypack: the mules carry the big luggage
Passport: there are checks on the way

Combining Toubkal and the desert

Many guests combine Toubkal with a desert tour. For example: two or three days on Toubkal, a rest day in Marrakech and then the 3-day desert tour to Merzouga. Or we build Toubkal into a longer tour as a tailor-made trip. All our treks are on the page Trekking in Morocco.

Price: the price depends on the number of people, the duration and the transfer. Write to us and we will send you an offer.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to climb Toubkal?

Two or three days from Imlil. On the first day you walk up to the refuge at 3,207 metres, on the second you start very early for the summit. With the 3-day version you spend another night at the refuge after the summit and have more time.

Do I need mountain experience for Toubkal?

From May to October you need no climbing skills, but good fitness and sure footing. In winter there is snow and ice, and then only with crampons, an ice axe and experience.