Climb Mount Toubkal in 2 Days

The highest summit in North Africa, 4,167 metres of Atlas Mountain glory, reached in a single weekend from Marrakech.

By Toubkal Treks Morocco | Licensed tour operator based in Morocco

Imagine standing at 4,167 metres, the highest point in North Africa, with the Marrakech plain far below you and the edge of the Sahara glowing on the southern horizon. Now imagine doing it in just two days, without a technical climb, without a mountaineering résumé and without giving up a whole week of your holiday.

That is exactly what the 2-Day Mount Toubkal Ascent Trek delivers. Whether you have a short stopover in Marrakech or you simply want a big summit without a big time commitment, this is the most direct, most rewarding way to stand on the roof of North Africa.

In this guide, we walk you through the full two-day itinerary, what is included, what to pack, how much it costs and how to book with a local team that knows these trails like home.

Why Mount Toubkal?

Jebel Toubkal rises inside Toubkal National Park, in the High Atlas range, and it is one of the most accessible big peaks in the world. A few reasons trekkers choose it year after year:

It is the highest peak in North Africa at 4,167 m, a genuine bucket-list summit.
It is close to Marrakech. Imlil, the trailhead, is only about 1 hour 30 minutes from the city by road.
No technical climbing in summer. The route is a steady walking trail, with a difficulty rating of 4/10 on our tour page.
It is rich in culture. You walk through Berber villages, past the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch and sleep at a mountain refuge.
It runs all year. Our 2-day trek departs on the dates you choose, in every season.

2-Day Trek at a Glance


Duration	2 days, 1 night
Starting point	Marrakech (hotel or riad pick-up) to Imlil, 1,700 m
Overnight	Toubkal Refuge, 3,207 m
Summit	Mount Toubkal, 4,167 m
Difficulty	4/10
Group size	Up to 14 guests
Day 1 walking time	Approx. 4 to 5 hours (+1,507 m)
Day 2 walking time	Approx. 9 to 10 hours (summit and return to Imlil)
Price	From €220 per person

Your Two-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech, Imlil (1,700 m) and the Toubkal Refuge (3,207 m)

After breakfast, your driver collects you from your accommodation in Marrakech. Many riads in the medina are not reachable by car, so the driver parks nearby and meets you on foot. Then it is time to leave the city behind.

The drive: About 1 hour 30 minutes to Imlil, the gateway village to Toubkal National Park, where your guide and mule team are waiting.

The trek begins: Your route follows the green Aït Mizane Valley, passing through the traditional Berber village of Aremd. Walnut trees, terraced fields and mud-brick houses frame the path, and the air gets cooler with every step.

Sidi Chamharouch: Next comes the white-domed shrine of Sidi Chamharouch, a place of pilgrimage that sits beside a mountain river. It is a perfect spot to rest and take photos before the climb steepens.

The ascent: From here the trail follows mule tracks and winds up in long zigzags. In winter you will reach the snowline on this stretch. Finally you arrive at the Toubkal Refuge at 3,207 m, where you will spend the night.

Evening: Rest, eat a hot meal, drink mint tea with your guide and go to bed early. Tomorrow starts before sunrise.

Day 1 summary: Approx. 4 to 5 hours of walking, with an elevation gain of 1,507 m from Imlil to the refuge. Dinner and overnight at the Toubkal Refuge.

Day 2: Summit Day, Toubkal Peak (4,167 m) and Return to Marrakech

This is the day you came for. You wake early, have breakfast and set out in the cool morning air while the mountains turn gold.

The climb: The route takes you through the south cirque, crossing the stream above the refuge. The path is clear and not technical, but the steep incline and the thin air make every step count. Your guide sets a steady pace so you can save your energy for the top.

The summit: Reaching 4,167 m is an unforgettable moment. On a clear day the view stretches from the Marrakech plain and the peaks of the High Atlas to the Anti-Atlas and the edge of the Sahara Desert. Take your photos and enjoy the silence.

The descent: You retrace your steps to the refuge for a well-earned lunch, then continue down through the valley to Imlil.

Back to Marrakech: Your driver takes you back to the city, tired, sunburnt and proud.

Day 2 summary: Approx. 9 to 10 hours of walking in total, with about 960 m of ascent from the refuge to the summit. Return transfer to Marrakech.

What Is Included

Round-trip transport between Marrakech and the trailhead
Expert local mountain guide
Mules and muleteers to carry your luggage
All meals during the trek
One night at the Toubkal Refuge

Not included: travel insurance, soft or alcoholic drinks, tips and personal expenses.

Prices

The more friends you bring, the less each person pays:

Group size	Price per person
1 person (May to October)	€ 420
1 person (winter season)	€ 530
2 people	€250
3 people	€200
4 to 7 people	€180
8 to 12 people	€160

Prices are from our 2-Day Climb Mount Toubkal Ascent Trek page. Please check the page or contact us for the latest rates.

What to Pack

A good kit makes the difference between a hard day and a great one:

Sturdy walking boots and good socks
A soft-sided bag (50 to 80 litres) for the mules, and a lightweight daypack for the day
A light sleeping bag in summer, or a 3 to 4 season bag in winter
Lightweight waterproof over-trousers
Water bottle or hydration pack
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Head torch with spare batteries
Personal first aid kit, towel and toiletries
Warm layers, a hat and gloves, because it is cold near the summit even in summer

Forgot something? Most of this equipment can be rented from our equipment shop in Imlil.

Best Time to Climb Toubkal

Our 2-day trek runs all year, and each season has its own character:

Spring (April to June): Green valleys, pleasant temperatures and clear views. One of the best windows.
Summer (July to August): Warm in the valleys, cooler at altitude. A good time for a non-snow ascent, but start early to avoid the midday heat.
Autumn (September to October): Stable weather, golden light and fewer crowds.
Winter (November to March): Snow transforms the mountain into a dramatic alpine landscape. The climb is more demanding and conditions can change fast. See our dedicated 3 Days Toubkal Climb Winter Edition.

Tips for a Successful Summit

Walk slowly on Day 1. A steady, relaxed pace helps your body adapt to the altitude.
Drink plenty of water and eat even if you are not hungry.
Sleep early at the refuge. Summit day starts at dawn.
Layer your clothing. Temperatures swing quickly between valley and summit.
Listen to your guide. Our guides know the mountain, the weather and your pace.
Be honest about how you feel. Headache and nausea at altitude are signs to slow down or descend.

Want More Time on the Mountain?

Two days is a thrilling taste of the Atlas, but if you would like a gentler pace, more acclimatisation or a bigger adventure, explore these options:

Not ready for the summit? Try a one-day hike such as the Atlas Mountains Day Hike to Sidi Chamharouch, or pair the mountains with the desert on our Overnight Hike in the Atlas Mountains and Camel Ride in Agafay Desert.

Browse everything on our Mount Toubkal, Atlas Mountains, Sahara Tours and Day Trips pages.

Where to Stay Before or After Your Trek

If you want a night in the mountains before or after the climb, we can book you at our guesthouse Dar Adrar in Imlil, or at the Eco-lodge in Ouirgane.

How to Book

Booking is simple:

Choose your trek and your preferred date.
Contact us by email, phone or WhatsApp to confirm availability and details.
Confirm with a 20% deposit, payable online in euros, pounds sterling or US dollars.
Pay the balance in cash at the start of the trek, or online by bank a few days before departure.

The trek can be booked on its own, with transfers from Marrakech, or combined with Marrakech, Essaouira, the Atlantic coast or the Sahara Desert. Learn more about us and the team behind the treks.

Ready to Stand on the Roof of North Africa?

Two days. One unforgettable summit. The mountain is waiting, and so are we.

Book the 2-Day Mount Toubkal Ascent Trek

Contact Toubkal Treks

Toubkal Treks Morocco | Licensed tour operator based in Morocco

Website: www.toubkal-treks.com
Email: contact@Toubkal-Treks.com
Phone / WhatsApp: +212 638 861 657
Contact page: toubkal-treks.com/contact-us
Tripadvisor: Toubkal Treks reviews

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Climb Mount Toubkal in 2 Days