The ascent to Toubkal which is the highest peak in Morocco is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding mountain experiences for lovers of high-altitude hiking. If you love mountain climbing, the Toubkal trek is an experience you won’t forget. It is an adventure in the most classic sense of the word without many technicalities apart from having to be in good physical condition. The trek to Toubkal peak can be done at any time of the year but during the snow months you will have to use ice picks and other specific equipment.
Day 1 • Marrakech – Imlil (1740m-5709 feet) – Armed (2050m-6725 feet).
We begin by leaving from Marrakech by a van to Oukeimiden. Our destination is the Berber village of Imlil, about 90 km(56miles) from Marrakech and 1,740m(5709feet) above sea level. This is the starting point of the trek to Toubkal and the entrance to the national park. There we will meet the team, our expert local mountain guide and the mulero-cook. They will accompany us throughout this route. Your luggage will be carried with the assistance of a mule. We will have a mint tea before starting our trek through various Berber villages and hamlets of the High Atlas. The duration is approximately 1 hour. It is a very interesting section where we can interact with the villagers who are very friendly and hospitable people. We will continue the trek until reaching the village of Armed, at an altitude of 2050m(6725feet). Here we will stay in a hostel. At sunset we recommend going for a walk and if the weather allows it, you can enjoy the fantastic panoramic views of the Imlil Valley and Mount Toubkal with its 4167m(13671feet) altitude, the highest peak in North Africa. We will settle into our accommodation to rest and have dinner
Day 2 • Armed – Sidi Chamharouch (2,310m-7579feet) – Refugio Netler (3,207m-10521feet).
On our second day, we will have breakfast at the hostel and leave early for the Netler’s refuge. We are going to take a path that ascends regularly to the river bank through apple and walnut orchards until we reach the “Marabout Sidi Chamharouch”. It is a sanctuary often visited by pilgrims. We will enjoy lunch in the field and then continue along the path until we reach Netler (3207 m – 7579feet). This evening we will have dinner and accommodation in tents, think of it as a camping trip in Netler mountain. In case of a lot of snow or excessive cold, you will spend the night at the Netler hostel. This day is 12 linear km(8miles) – elevation 1490 m(4888feet) – walking time is app 5 hours.
Day 3 • Netler Refuge – Toubkal Summit (4,167m-13671feet)) – M´Zik – Marrakech
After an early breakfast we will leave and start the ascent to Toubkal. The ascent route begins with a steep slope of about (200m – 656feet), then smoothes out. At (3,700m-12139feet) and (3,850m-12631feet) it rises again. At which point we will find a ridge that leads to the summit of Toubkal. After enjoying the wonderful views and celebrating this challenge, we will go down through the valley until we reach the village of Mzik and from there we will return to Marrakech by road.
