Mountain Trekking · Toubkal & Imlil

3-Day Mount Toubkal Trek from Marrakech with Two Refuge Nights

3 days / 2 nights
Moderate
Private or small group, from 2 people
Marrakech (transfer to Imlil)

At a glance

Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
Difficulty: Moderate
Group: Private or small group, from 2 people
Start: Marrakech (transfer to Imlil)
End: Marrakech
Max altitude: 4,167 m
Price: On request (depends on dates & group size)

Overview

The three-day Toubkal trek is the relaxed way to climb North Africa’s highest summit (4,167 m). With two nights at the Toubkal Refuge instead of one, you gain time to acclimatise, enjoy a gentler summit day and still have a free afternoon in the mountains. It is a good choice if you prefer a steadier pace over a quick up-and-down.

From Marrakech, a short transfer takes you to Imlil, where muleteers load the bags. A five-hour walk leads up through Aremd and past the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch to the refuge at 3,100 m. Early on the second morning you head for the top, about three hours up and two and a half hours down, with views reaching the Siroua massif and the plains of Marrakech on a clear day. The third day is an easy descent back to Imlil for lunch, followed by the drive to Marrakech.

The Toubkal massif is a landscape of volcanic origin and Jurassic and Cretaceous rock, where bare, lunar slopes contrast with terraced fields, walnut and apple orchards and Berber villages that keep a traditional way of life. A certified mountain guide leads the trek, and mules, all meals on the trail, trekking permits and two nights in a Marrakech hotel or riad are included. The best season is April to October; prices are on request.

Highlights

Summit Mount Toubkal (4,167 m), the roof of North Africa
Two nights at the Toubkal Refuge for better acclimatisation
Walk through Aremd and the Berber villages of the Imlil valley
Visit the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch
Views to the Siroua massif and the Marrakech plains from the top
Certified mountain guide, muleteers and mules
Free afternoon at the refuge after the summit

Day-by-day itinerary

1
Day 1: Marrakech – Imlil – Aremd – Toubkal Refuge (3,100 m) · 5 h
Leave Marrakech early in the morning for the short transfer to Imlil, the gateway to the Toubkal massif. Here you meet the muleteers who will carry your luggage, then start walking up to the village of Aremd, with its terraced fields and stone houses. The trail continues up the valley to the marabout of Sidi Chamharouch, a revered local shrine, and climbs steadily to the Toubkal Refuge at 3,100 m. About 5 hours of walking. Dinner and overnight at the refuge.
2
Day 2: Toubkal summit (4,167 m) – return to the refuge
Set off as early as possible to make the most of the cool morning air. The path to the summit takes about three hours, climbing over scree and rocky ground to the top at 4,167 m. On a clear day, the view stretches as far as the Siroua massif and down to the Marrakech plains. After about two and a half hours of descent, mint tea and lunch await at the refuge, followed by a free afternoon to rest. Second night at the refuge.
3
Day 3: Toubkal Refuge – Sidi Chamharouch (2,250 m) – Imlil (1,750 m) – Marrakech
After breakfast at the refuge, you descend the mule track back down the valley, passing the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch at 2,250 m, a saint long venerated for healing spiritual ills. The path continues through the villages to Imlil at 1,750 m, where lunch is served. After about four hours of walking, a drive of roughly an hour and a half takes you back to Marrakech, where the trek ends.

What’s included

2 nights in a hotel or riad in Marrakech
Transfers Marrakech – Imlil – Marrakech in a tourist transport vehicle
2 nights at the Toubkal Refuge
All meals during the trek
Mules and muleteers
Certified mountain guide
Trekking permits

Travel and repatriation insurance (recommended)
Drinks and personal expenses
Tips for the local team
Meals in Marrakech
Personal trekking equipment

What to bring

Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots
Warm layers and an insulated jacket (the refuge can drop below freezing)
Waterproof jacket
Headlamp
Warm hat and gloves
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Small daypack and water bottle
Personal medication

Good to know

Level: moderate. Good physical condition and some hiking experience are needed; summit day is about 3 hours up and 2.5 hours down.
Best season: April to October. Nights at the refuge can drop below freezing, so pack warm layers.
The day-by-day plan is a sample itinerary and can be adapted to your pace and dates.
In high winds, heavy snow or poor visibility, the guide may postpone or cancel the summit attempt; the 3-day plan leaves time to wait for better conditions.
Price on request. We reply with a personalised quote within 24–48 working hours.

Questions about this tour

It is rated moderate. You need good physical condition and some hiking experience; summit day involves about 3 hours of ascent and 2.5 hours of descent.

The extra night at the refuge gives your body more time to acclimatise, so summit day feels easier and the overall pace is more relaxed.

You spend two nights at the Toubkal Refuge (3,100 m) in dormitory rooms with beds, blankets and shared bathrooms, plus nights in a Marrakech hotel or riad before and after the trek.

Do regular cardio such as running, cycling or hiking for at least 2–3 months beforehand. Bring sturdy boots, warm layers, a waterproof jacket, a headlamp and personal medication; an equipment list is sent after booking.

It combines volcanic origins and Jurassic and Cretaceous rock formations with lunar landscapes, deep valleys and Berber villages that still follow a traditional way of life.

Your guide may delay or cancel the summit attempt in high winds, heavy snow or poor visibility. The 3-day itinerary gives extra time to wait for a better weather window.

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