The 3 day trek will take you out of the busy Imlil Valley into the peace of the Azzaden Valley, where any traffic jams are usually of the four-legged mountain goat variety. It is a picturesque valley with lush river banks. You'll pass by the waterfalls at Ighouliden and on the next day tackle a steep climb up the scree to the Aguelzim Mountain pass at 3,560m which offers stunning views over the Atlas Range. The big draw is then of course tackling Toubkal (4,165m) itself, expect an early start and sunrise over the Mountains and Sahara Desert!
Tour Duration: 3 days
Starting time 8/10 AM
Walking grade:
Challenging
Itinerary
DAY 1: Marrakech - Imlil
You will be picked up from your accommodation in Marrakech at 9.00am. Your driver will take you to the starting point of your trek at Imlil (1,780m) where you will meet your guide and muleteer (about 1 ½ hour’s drive). Once you have loaded up the mules, you will begin your trek, which starts with a fairly stiff climb out of the Imlil valley, up to the Tizi n Mzik pass (2,489m), which offers dramatic mountain views. From here, the trail descends down into the spectacular Azzadene valley, known locally as the valley of colour. You will pass the summer village of Azib n’Tansoult and the pretty D’Irhouliden waterfalls, which flow year round before continuing to the Lepiney mountain refuge (3,000m) where you will be spending the night
DAY 2: Lepiney mountain refuge - Toubkal Refuge
This morning you will embark on a fairly stiff climb out of the Azzadene Valley, heading towards the Toubkal Refuge where you will be spending the night. On the way you will pass back via the D’Irhoulidene waterfalls before climbing the Aguelzim Mountain pass (3,560m). Lunch will be taken in a spot with panoramic views over the Atlas Mountain Range. After taking in the scenery you’ll begin a descent to the Toubkal Mountain Refuge (Neltner Hut) at 3,200m. The dorms at the refuge tend to be crowded with other trekkers aiming to tackle Toubkal early next morning so in the summer and when the weather allows we typically camp at the Refuge.
DAY 3: Toubkal Summit - Imlil - Marrakech
Today you will be up early for the ascent of Toubkal (4,167m). It’s a challenging trek to the summit, but, weather permitting, you will be rewarded for your efforts with incredible views over the Atlas Range and the Sahara Desert. After the glory of the summit, you will retrace your steps to the Toubkal Mountain Refuge and then follow the well-trodden path back to Imlil, passing the holy Muslim site of Sidi Charmmharouch. Once you arrive in Imlil, you will be transported back to Marrakech, arriving in the early evening.
Tour Details
Availability
This trek is available from April to October If you are travelling alone please contact us as there is often the opportunity to join a group.
Accommodation
Night 1: Berber Houce.
Night 2: The Mouflon or Neltner mountain refuge.
*Camping is optional depending on weather.
Included meals
Breakfast: 2
Lunch: 3
Dinner: 2
Tour staff
Local Guide
Cook
Muleteer/mules to carry your kit bags
Driver
Frequently Asked Questions
During this trek, we will be using mountain refuges, they offer basic shared dorms with bunk beds and passable shared bathroom facilities. There’s a common area to relax in the evening and chat with other climbers from around the world.
Meals will be largely Moroccan based but are likely to be infused with a little European influence.
Example:
- Breakfast: Bread with jam, butter, boiled eggs and processed cheese, with the option of olive oil, served with mint tea, coffee and milk. And also juice, fruit and yoghurt.
- Lunch: salad, tomatoes, carrots, lentils, beans, rice or pasta, kefta (meatball tagine). fish (sardines, tuna), seasonal fruit
- Dinner: Soup, classic Morooccan tajine, couscous, olives, nuts, seasonal fruit
Mount Toubkal is a non-technical summit – You do not need to be super-fit or an expert climber, but you do need to have a good level of fitness and an appetite for adventure!
In summer it is accessible as long as you are reasonably fit and determined.
In winter you will encounter steep snowy sections where crampons and ice axes could be required; it is preferable to have prior experience using them but this is not essential as training is provided.
