Toubkal – Climbing Notes
Toubkal – Climbing Notes
Toubkal Climbing notes shared by Mountain-Forecast users
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(NOTE: Texts may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
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March 20, 2022
Imlil_guide from Morocco
Trekking to Toubkal from Marrakech and back from 2 days
Amazing two days Toubkal trekking in the High Atlas Morocco Mountains in Morocco , You will enjoy Toubkal summit, which is the highest peak in North Africa. This trek starts from Marrakech to Imlil valley where you will meet our team which is composed of a local guide, mule drivers as well. After a welcome tea at a guesthouse, you will start walking with our guide towards Toubkal Base camp where you will spend the night! During the second day, you will walk uphill to the Toubkal summit, after nice views on the top, you will go down from the top to the refuge have lunch and then return back to Imlil, then drive back to Marrakech.
Itinerary DAY One: MARRAKECH – IMLIL 1700M – TOUBKAL REFUGE 3207M
After breakfast we have 1h 30 drives to Imlil village, and we will begin the trek. Heading along the Ait Mizane Valley, we first pass Aremd village and then onto the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch. We then continue east and by crossing the flood plains our route take us along mule tracks and up into the high rocky cliffs above the valley crossing the river we eventually come to the pastoral shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, which attracts tourists and pilgrims. From here the trail continues to climb steadily, snaking and zigzagging its way up to the snowline in ( in winter ) and the Toukbal Refuge (3207m), our stop for the night, Approx 4 to 5hrs walking. Height difference 1507m between Imlil and Toubkal hut.
DAY Two: TOUBKAL REFUGE 3207M – MOUNT TOUBKAL PEAK 4167M – REFUGE – IMLIL – MARRAKECH
Early in the morning we make our attempt on the summit of Jebel Toukbal, the highest peak in Northern Africa. Our route takes us up the south cirque, crossing the stream above the refuge. The walking is relatively straightforward, but the screen and the altitude will make the going quite difficult in parts. The views along the way make the journey more than worthwhile. When you reach the summit you will see that the vistas across the surrounding landscape are quite breathtaking. From here there are unrestricted views in every direction, from the Marrakesh Plain to the High Atlas in the north and as far south as the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara. We will retrace our steps when we return down to the refuge have lunch and then head back towards Imlil. 9 to 10 hours walk. Height difference is 960m between refuge and Toubkal peak.
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August 07, 2017
Abdessamad from Morocco
Hello,
All what was noted by the previous notes is true. I'll only add a recommendation to NOT to go in August, as thunderstorms and hail are very abundant and frequent.
Here is time spent in the roads in case you were wondering:
at a normal pace, bearing a backpack of approx. 14 Kg:
Imlil => Chamharouch : 2h
Chamharouch => Refuge : 2h30
refuge => Peak : 2h30
Peak => Refuge : 1h40
Refuge => Chamharouch : 1h33
Chamharouch => Imlil : 1h02
Good luck !
(Climbing dates : 4-5-6 Aug 2017
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October 05, 2016
Yassine ELMANSOUR from Morocco
Climbing the highest peak in North Africa is a very challenging experience.
The starting point is a small village called Imlil ,think about buying whatever you need before starting the trek. You will find there small shops offering different stuff for hikers.
After that, the journey begins with a three to five hours trek in order to reach the base camp ( refuge les mouflons ) depending on your fitness level and the weight of your backpack. Know that you might hire a muleteer if you are overweighted.
The refuge is good enough with a friendly staff always available to provide information regarding the climb or whatever.
After a quiet night in the refuge we had our breakfast at 4am and tackled the peak at a quarter to five (in the dark).
You will go through several obstacles such as rocky roads where you will have to use your hands to keep climbing, there is also a part of the trek where the road is very slippery which can be dangerous in the decent so stay focused on where you put your feet.
With dedication, determination and motivation you gonna make it to the top where you can enjoy the view like a boss before starting the decent which will fully test you legs .Use small and quick paths to avoid kissing the floor.
Enjoy the views and take pictures of what you have through.
After that you gonna have a deserved dinner at the refuge where you can have several conversations with people from around the world.
-
April 05, 2012
AtlasTrekShop from Morocco
If you want to climb or trek around Toubkal, you will find some useful information here. Standing on the peak in the middle of winter with beautiful snowy summits around you - it's hard to believe you're in Africa. It is a remarkable part of the world to be in.
Most people head up the south col / cwm, as it is the most straightforward way up the mountain. However, there are a lot of other ways up the peak, so if you are into more than just peak bagging - it's really worth exploring the different options.
The following are some basic route descriptions :
South Col / Cwm
In summer conditions there are a number of tracks, which all seem to eventually lead to the top. From the headwall before Tizi-n-Toubkal is the point of most confusion, with tracks going everywhere. However, the peak is obvious in clear conditions - use your common sense and you should make it OK. Toubkal is well known for it's scree slopes. However, over the years, with more and more people climbing the mountain, the scree slopes seem less atrocious than they used to be. In winter conditions, you may end up breaking the trail. If so, get as early a start as you can, like many alpine areas, the snow will soften later in the day making progress harder.
Setting off from the Neltner hut, cross the stream and head east for the obvious hanging valley. From the base of the steep climb there is usually a path crossing from right to left ascending the scree and rocks to gain the valley properly. Follow the valley bottom up, keeping close to the stream bed, ascending all the time until you reach the headwall of the valley. Climb this, exiting onto the slightly less steep area immediately below Tizi-n-Toubkal. After gaining the Tizi, follow the ridgeline NE. The path narrows and steepens, passing crags until the summit plateau becomes visible. Continue on to the iron pyramid. In strong winds beware of being blown off the cliff faces on the ridgeline and summit plateau.
Time to ascend: 3-5 hrs. Descent: 2-3 hrs (Depending on conditions)
North Col / Cwm
Toubkal's north col / cwm route is far more interesting than than the south col route. It also benefits from having fewer people on it. People that climb the north col route, will normally descend by the south col route. This makes a great day out with the advantage of not covering ground already seen.
Start by descending the main valley northwards for a short period. As soon as possible cross the stream and start a rising traverse. After a short time the north col / cwm should begin to be visible, head up to this over the easiest looking ground. Gain the valley properly and keep climbing steeply, passing several rock bands. Look out for parts of a crashed plane en-route. Keep left until you get to the headwall, ascend this by the obvious exit. Head for the col and enjoy the great views. Follow the rocky ridge south which steepens, finally exiting on the summit plateau.
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December 12, 2011
Jamie Richards from United Kingdom
The Toubkal ascent is an incredible experience. I completed it yesterday (11th December 2011) having never seriously hill walked or hiked before. However I have a fairly high-level of general fitness which you will also need before tackling Toubkal.
Firstly, you need to be prepared for a long uphill hike (5 to 6 hours) from the village of Imlil to the Toubkal refuge which will thoroughly test your legs prior to the climb the following day. I strongly recommend the use of walking poles as the hike to the refuge can be quite treacherous at times, especially in the winter months.
As you might expect the accommodation at the refuge is very basic but has the important things you require i.e. dorms and a means of cooking. Bring a sleeping bag as the sleeping areas themselves are entirely unheated! That said, blankets were available at the refuge when i visited. The tap water is not generally safe for drinking, so either bring your own or bring along water purification tablets. I was lucky as there was bottled water available at the refuge when I visited, and there are a couple of shops on the way up to the refuge where you can purchase bottled water and snacks if you wish.
On the day of the ascent, you will awake around 5.30 in the morning and start the climb at about 6 to 6.30. Note that the routes up the mountain are different in the winter to that at other times of the year (the winter route apparently being shorter but steeper). Time for the ascent in winter is around 2 to 4 hours depending on your levels of fitness - I managed two and a half hours.. Again I recommend the use of walking poles and also if available an ice axe which will prove to be useful closer to the summit. Crampons are an essential winter item and may also prove useful on the latter stages of the hike to the refuge.
The ascent is fairly non-technical and generally safe, although closer to the summit there are some more dangerous parts where you need to be very careful. I thoroughly recommend the use of an experienced guide to help you navigate a safe route, especially if you haven't climbed before in winter conditions. The oxygen levels at the summit are naturally less then at the level of the refuge, however it is unlikely you will suffer from the effects of any altitude sickness as long as you don't spend too long at the summit. The views from the summit are truly fantastic with views across the entire Atlas mountain range and Morocco in general. Bring a compact camera if you like but keep it inside your clothing in winter as sub-zero temperatures deplete batteries all to quickly!
Upon returning to the refuge, and after an hour or so to recover, you will begin the long hike back down to Imlil.
I booked the climb whilst staying in Marrakech. There are many agencies in Marrakech providing this on their list of excursions. You can expect to pay up to approximately £75 for each of the two days including travel to and from Imlil and including all food. However i suggest bringing some of your own as the rations are quite meagre! Also, be very sure to agree upon the price and what it includes before you commit to anything!
There are a number of places in Imlil where you can hire the necessary equipment (poles, crampons, ice axe etc.) - i paid £25 - and an abundance of accommodation, gites, riads etc where you can stay if you choose to sleep in Imlil.
So in summary, this is generally a safe but also physically taxing ascent which I thoroughly recommend especially if you are new to mountaineering or wish to take hiking to the next level. Enjoy!
(NOTE: Texts may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
Imlil_guide from Morocco
Trekking to Toubkal from Marrakech and back from 2 days
Amazing two days Toubkal trekking in the High Atlas Morocco Mountains in Morocco , You will enjoy Toubkal summit, which is the highest peak in North Africa. This trek starts from Marrakech to Imlil valley where you will meet our team which is composed of a local guide, mule drivers as well. After a welcome tea at a guesthouse, you will start walking with our guide towards Toubkal Base camp where you will spend the night! During the second day, you will walk uphill to the Toubkal summit, after nice views on the top, you will go down from the top to the refuge have lunch and then return back to Imlil, then drive back to Marrakech.
Itinerary DAY One: MARRAKECH – IMLIL 1700M – TOUBKAL REFUGE 3207M
After breakfast we have 1h 30 drives to Imlil village, and we will begin the trek. Heading along the Ait Mizane Valley, we first pass Aremd village and then onto the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch. We then continue east and by crossing the flood plains our route take us along mule tracks and up into the high rocky cliffs above the valley crossing the river we eventually come to the pastoral shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, which attracts tourists and pilgrims. From here the trail continues to climb steadily, snaking and zigzagging its way up to the snowline in ( in winter ) and the Toukbal Refuge (3207m), our stop for the night, Approx 4 to 5hrs walking. Height difference 1507m between Imlil and Toubkal hut.
DAY Two: TOUBKAL REFUGE 3207M – MOUNT TOUBKAL PEAK 4167M – REFUGE – IMLIL – MARRAKECH
Early in the morning we make our attempt on the summit of Jebel Toukbal, the highest peak in Northern Africa. Our route takes us up the south cirque, crossing the stream above the refuge. The walking is relatively straightforward, but the screen and the altitude will make the going quite difficult in parts. The views along the way make the journey more than worthwhile. When you reach the summit you will see that the vistas across the surrounding landscape are quite breathtaking. From here there are unrestricted views in every direction, from the Marrakesh Plain to the High Atlas in the north and as far south as the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara. We will retrace our steps when we return down to the refuge have lunch and then head back towards Imlil. 9 to 10 hours walk. Height difference is 960m between refuge and Toubkal peak.
Abdessamad from Morocco
Hello,
All what was noted by the previous notes is true. I'll only add a recommendation to NOT to go in August, as thunderstorms and hail are very abundant and frequent.
Here is time spent in the roads in case you were wondering:
at a normal pace, bearing a backpack of approx. 14 Kg:
Imlil => Chamharouch : 2h
Chamharouch => Refuge : 2h30
refuge => Peak : 2h30
Peak => Refuge : 1h40
Refuge => Chamharouch : 1h33
Chamharouch => Imlil : 1h02
Good luck !
(Climbing dates : 4-5-6 Aug 2017
Yassine ELMANSOUR from Morocco
Climbing the highest peak in North Africa is a very challenging experience.
The starting point is a small village called Imlil ,think about buying whatever you need before starting the trek. You will find there small shops offering different stuff for hikers.
After that, the journey begins with a three to five hours trek in order to reach the base camp ( refuge les mouflons ) depending on your fitness level and the weight of your backpack. Know that you might hire a muleteer if you are overweighted.
The refuge is good enough with a friendly staff always available to provide information regarding the climb or whatever.
After a quiet night in the refuge we had our breakfast at 4am and tackled the peak at a quarter to five (in the dark).
You will go through several obstacles such as rocky roads where you will have to use your hands to keep climbing, there is also a part of the trek where the road is very slippery which can be dangerous in the decent so stay focused on where you put your feet.
With dedication, determination and motivation you gonna make it to the top where you can enjoy the view like a boss before starting the decent which will fully test you legs .Use small and quick paths to avoid kissing the floor.
Enjoy the views and take pictures of what you have through.
After that you gonna have a deserved dinner at the refuge where you can have several conversations with people from around the world.
AtlasTrekShop from Morocco
If you want to climb or trek around Toubkal, you will find some useful information here. Standing on the peak in the middle of winter with beautiful snowy summits around you - it's hard to believe you're in Africa. It is a remarkable part of the world to be in.
Most people head up the south col / cwm, as it is the most straightforward way up the mountain. However, there are a lot of other ways up the peak, so if you are into more than just peak bagging - it's really worth exploring the different options.
The following are some basic route descriptions :
South Col / Cwm
In summer conditions there are a number of tracks, which all seem to eventually lead to the top. From the headwall before Tizi-n-Toubkal is the point of most confusion, with tracks going everywhere. However, the peak is obvious in clear conditions - use your common sense and you should make it OK. Toubkal is well known for it's scree slopes. However, over the years, with more and more people climbing the mountain, the scree slopes seem less atrocious than they used to be. In winter conditions, you may end up breaking the trail. If so, get as early a start as you can, like many alpine areas, the snow will soften later in the day making progress harder.
Setting off from the Neltner hut, cross the stream and head east for the obvious hanging valley. From the base of the steep climb there is usually a path crossing from right to left ascending the scree and rocks to gain the valley properly. Follow the valley bottom up, keeping close to the stream bed, ascending all the time until you reach the headwall of the valley. Climb this, exiting onto the slightly less steep area immediately below Tizi-n-Toubkal. After gaining the Tizi, follow the ridgeline NE. The path narrows and steepens, passing crags until the summit plateau becomes visible. Continue on to the iron pyramid. In strong winds beware of being blown off the cliff faces on the ridgeline and summit plateau.
Time to ascend: 3-5 hrs. Descent: 2-3 hrs (Depending on conditions)
North Col / Cwm
Toubkal's north col / cwm route is far more interesting than than the south col route. It also benefits from having fewer people on it. People that climb the north col route, will normally descend by the south col route. This makes a great day out with the advantage of not covering ground already seen.
Start by descending the main valley northwards for a short period. As soon as possible cross the stream and start a rising traverse. After a short time the north col / cwm should begin to be visible, head up to this over the easiest looking ground. Gain the valley properly and keep climbing steeply, passing several rock bands. Look out for parts of a crashed plane en-route. Keep left until you get to the headwall, ascend this by the obvious exit. Head for the col and enjoy the great views. Follow the rocky ridge south which steepens, finally exiting on the summit plateau.
Jamie Richards from United Kingdom
The Toubkal ascent is an incredible experience. I completed it yesterday (11th December 2011) having never seriously hill walked or hiked before. However I have a fairly high-level of general fitness which you will also need before tackling Toubkal.
Firstly, you need to be prepared for a long uphill hike (5 to 6 hours) from the village of Imlil to the Toubkal refuge which will thoroughly test your legs prior to the climb the following day. I strongly recommend the use of walking poles as the hike to the refuge can be quite treacherous at times, especially in the winter months.
As you might expect the accommodation at the refuge is very basic but has the important things you require i.e. dorms and a means of cooking. Bring a sleeping bag as the sleeping areas themselves are entirely unheated! That said, blankets were available at the refuge when i visited. The tap water is not generally safe for drinking, so either bring your own or bring along water purification tablets. I was lucky as there was bottled water available at the refuge when I visited, and there are a couple of shops on the way up to the refuge where you can purchase bottled water and snacks if you wish.
On the day of the ascent, you will awake around 5.30 in the morning and start the climb at about 6 to 6.30. Note that the routes up the mountain are different in the winter to that at other times of the year (the winter route apparently being shorter but steeper). Time for the ascent in winter is around 2 to 4 hours depending on your levels of fitness - I managed two and a half hours.. Again I recommend the use of walking poles and also if available an ice axe which will prove to be useful closer to the summit. Crampons are an essential winter item and may also prove useful on the latter stages of the hike to the refuge.
The ascent is fairly non-technical and generally safe, although closer to the summit there are some more dangerous parts where you need to be very careful. I thoroughly recommend the use of an experienced guide to help you navigate a safe route, especially if you haven't climbed before in winter conditions. The oxygen levels at the summit are naturally less then at the level of the refuge, however it is unlikely you will suffer from the effects of any altitude sickness as long as you don't spend too long at the summit. The views from the summit are truly fantastic with views across the entire Atlas mountain range and Morocco in general. Bring a compact camera if you like but keep it inside your clothing in winter as sub-zero temperatures deplete batteries all to quickly!
Upon returning to the refuge, and after an hour or so to recover, you will begin the long hike back down to Imlil.
I booked the climb whilst staying in Marrakech. There are many agencies in Marrakech providing this on their list of excursions. You can expect to pay up to approximately £75 for each of the two days including travel to and from Imlil and including all food. However i suggest bringing some of your own as the rations are quite meagre! Also, be very sure to agree upon the price and what it includes before you commit to anything!
There are a number of places in Imlil where you can hire the necessary equipment (poles, crampons, ice axe etc.) - i paid £25 - and an abundance of accommodation, gites, riads etc where you can stay if you choose to sleep in Imlil.
So in summary, this is generally a safe but also physically taxing ascent which I thoroughly recommend especially if you are new to mountaineering or wish to take hiking to the next level. Enjoy!
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