Accommodation camping and mountain refuges
Public Transport yes
Summary The most popular walk in the High Atlas, with magnificent views. The route is straightforward, but the trek up the
scree slope is hard, and trekkers can be struck with altitude sickness. The trek is best in summer and autumn, but check
conditions before departure – there can be snow even in June.Day 1: Imlil to Toubkal Refuge
5-6 HRS/10KM/1467M ASCENT
Toubkal looms above the trailhead at Imlil heading towards the Toubkal refuge; ideally head off
early morning – it’s uphill all the way, with little shade past Armoud. Follow the dirt track leading
to Armoud (Armed) past the Kasbah du Toubkal . Beyond the kasbah, the path zigzags
steeply upwards to rejoin the road at Armoud, where towering slopes begin to close around
you.
Past Armoud, cross the stony valley floor and follow the well-defined mule trail uphill towards
a very large rock above the eastern side of the Assif Reraya, which leads to the hamlet and
marabout of Sidi Chamharouch (2310m). Legend has it that Sidi Chamharouch is king of the
djinn (genies), which might help explain why there’s no body in his mausoleum (open to Muslims
only).
BEFORE YOU GO: TOUBKAL SUMMIT CHECKLIST
» » Maps The same maps are recommended as for the Toubkal Circuit (Click here ).
» » Water Purifying locally sourced water is a more responsible alternative than bottled water ( Click here ), but don’t count on
finding available water sources. Pack plenty of water from June to October.
» » Guide Although the route is marked, a guide is recommended for the ascent, especially for inexperienced mountaineers
and in variable conditions from October to June. Experienced, licensed guides are listed at Imlil’s bureau des guides (
/fax 0524 48 56 26) .
» » Food Meals and snacks are available at Toubkal Refuge and Refuge Mouflon, but you can also find lunch supplies in Imlil
and a wide selection of portable snacks in Marrakesh supermarkets.
» » Mule For this two-day trek with limited gear requirements, most experienced trekkers won’t require a mule. If you would
prefer one, guides can organise mules and muleteers for you.
» » Gear Bring a sleeping bag. You won’t need a tent, unless you’d rather camp than stay at refuges – just ask your guide to
arrange tents in advance.The number of pilgrims and peak-baggers has given birth to a cluster of stalls almost halfway
between Imlil and the Toubkal refuge selling soft drinks, food and souvenirs. Beyond the
marabout to the left of the track are cascades, pools and a prime picnic spot in the shady
overhang of the rocks.
After crossing the river by the bridge at Sidi Chamharouch, the rocky path veers away from
the river for a couple of kilo-metres and zigzags above the valley floor. It then levels off, before
rejoining the course of the river. The Toubkal refuge is visible for an hour before you reach it,
immediately below the western flank of Jebel Toubkal.