Day 2: The Ascent
9HR/12KM/960M ASCENT & DESCENT
Set off as early as possible to avoid climbing in the sun – there is no shade, only rocks – and
be sure to dress warmly and pack extra water and snacks. If you’ve trekked here directly from
Imlil you may not be acclimatised, so walk at a steady, slow pace to avoid altitude sickness. If
you experience severe headache or vomiting, descend immediately. However tempting, do not
lie down to sleep on the slope.
Two cwms (valleys formed by glacial activity) run down the western flank of Toubkal, divided
by the west-northwest ridge, which leads down from the summit. The southern cwm is the more
usual route, and starts immediately below the refuge to the left , where you cross the river and
head eastwards to the scree slope.
Start to climb the well-defined path to the left of the slope, cross the field of boulders, then
follow the path that zigzags up to Tizi n’Toubkal (3940m), straight ahead on the skyline. From
there the path turns left (northeast) and follows the ridge to the summit (4167m). Allow up to
four hours to reach the top, depending on your fitness and weather conditions.
Stick to the same route coming down, bearing left when the refuge comes into view. The
descent to the refuge should only take 2½ hours, after which you can return to Armoud or Imlil.
If you are planning on spending a second night at the refuge, you could come down the longer
route via the Ihibi sud, or south circuit. It’s a straightforward four-hour walk down to the refuge
for well-earned congratulations and celebratory chocolate.
TOUBKAL CIRCUIT
Beyond the majestic peaks and fabulous views of Jebel Toubkal, this circuit offers fascinating
glimpses into Berber life in remote High Atlas villages. You will need camping gear for this
route, though with short detours you could use basic village accommodation and mountain
refuges .