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MOUNT TOUBKAL TREK

A two day guided 'strenuous' trek from Riad Assarou in Imlil to climb Mount Toubkal, North Africa's highest mountain. Includes a night in Toubkal refuge, mountain guide and mule for transporting trek gear.

On top of Toubkal
Sidi Chamharouch Trek (5).jpg

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Climb Mount Toubkal

  • Toubkal National Park

  • Sidi Chamharouch

  • Aremd Berber village

  • Meet the Berbers

  • Amazing Atlas views

Sidi Chamharouch Trek (8).jpg

At 4,167m, Mount Toubkal is the highest mountain in North Africa. Although the trek to the summit requires no mountaineering experience it is still challenging and requires a high degree of fitness and stamina. The view from the summit on a clear day is

breathtaking and makes the hard work very worthwhile. This two-day trek starts and ends at Riad Assarou in Imlil and is ideal for keen walkers who are short on time but high on motivation. It can be included as part of a longer Moroccan adventure or as an overnight trek from Riad Assarou.

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Trek to Toubkal Refuge via Sidi Chamharouch

We start our trek from Riad Assarou (1,761m) near the Berber village of Imlil. First our route follows the Mizane Valley, passing the dramatically located village of Aremd. Next we head east to cross flood plains and follow ancient mule tracks up into the high rocky cliffs above the valley. We cross the river to eventually reach Sidi Chamharouch at 2,350m, a famous pilgrimage site in Morocco. Sidi Chamharouch, or Saint Chamharouch, is regarded as the King of Jinns, worshipped in a pre-islamic Marabou shrine - a large boulder painted white. From here the trail climbs steadily, snaking and contouring its way up to the snowline and our stop for the night, a refuge on the Toubkal plateau (3,206m). From the refuge you have time to explore the local area or just rest and recuperate before tomorrow’s big day. Approx. 5 to 6 hours walking.

Overnight at either the Toubkal or Mouflon Refuge with picnic lunch and dinner.

Day 2 - Early morning summit attempt of Mount Toubkal, descend to Imlil

Early in the morning we make our attempt on the summit of Jebel Toubkal (4,167m), the highest mountain in North Africa. Our route takes us up the south cirque, crossing the stream above the refuge. The walking is relatively straightforward, but the scree and the altitude will make the going quite difficult in parts. The views along the way make the journey more than worthwhile. From the summit the views across the rooftop of North Africa are simply awe-inspiring. We have unrestricted views in all directions, from the Plain of Marrakech to northern High Atlas and as far south as the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara Desert. We retrace our steps and return down the mountain and head back towards Imlil via the refuge and Aremd village. Approx. 8 to 10 hours walking.

Trek ends at Riad Assarou; breakfast and picnic lunch are included.

IMPORTANT NOTES

  • This trip operates daily throughout the year on a private trek basis.

  • Timings may vary due to interests of the group, weather or seasons.

  • During winter, crampons & ice axe may be necessary. These can be hired locally.

  • Local weather conditions may require the route to be altered to ensure your safety.

ACCOMMODATION

Toubkal Refuge can accommodate up to 90 people in rooms of 8, 12,16, 26 or 27 beds with shared toilet and shower facilities. Breakfast includes hot drinks, bread, butter, honey, jam, cereal, fruit juice and milk. Evening meals include vegetable soup, Berber tagine, spaghetti, salad and dessert.

EQUIPMENT LIST

Mountain weather can change quickly so be prepared. See our walking and trekking equipment list for advice and recommendations.

TREK GRADE

This trek is rated as Grade 3 - Strenuous.

PRICES PER PERSON
PRICE INCLUDES

Trek Team - local mountain guide and cook.

Transport - mule with muleteer for carrying bags and equipment during trek.

Meals - 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner.

Accommodation - bed in shared room at either Toubkal or Mouflon Refuge with blanket and pillow.

PRICE EXCLUDES

Beverages and meals not specified; tips and items of a personal nature; taxi or 4x4 transfers at start/end of the trek if joining from another town other than Imlil. Hire of crampons & ice axe in snowy winter months.

ADDITIONAL NIGHTS

Additional nights can be pre-booked at Riad Assarou to experience the beauty of the Imlil Valley and for enjoying other day treks in the area. 

CHILDREN

This trek is suitable for active children aged 10 and above. Additional Mules can be pre-booked so children have the option of walking and riding a mule to the refuge if they become tired. Children pay adult price.

Trekking Group - Toubkal
Toubkal National Park
On top of Toubkal
Sidi Chamharouch
Toubkal National Park
Toubkal National Park
Sidi Chamharouch
Toubkal National Park
Mountain Guide
Toubkal Trek
Sidi Chamharouch
Toubkal Trek
Toubkal National Park
Toubkal National Park
Aremd
Toubkal Trekking
Mizane Valley
Berber Village
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