Toubkal Snow Ascent

Climb North Africa's highest peak with time to acclimatise: village guesthouse nights, a warm-up pass above Imlil and two nights at the Toubkal refuge before the summit.

8 Days
Moderate
High Atlas

Highlights

Summit Toubkal (4,167 m), often snow-covered, with a gradual build-up in altitude and ascent
A small group of no more than 10 people
Comfortable, welcoming guesthouse stays in Ait Souka
Time in Marrakech and its medina
Easy to extend: this trek can be combined with a desert tour

About the route: the High Atlas around Toubkal is a superb playground for adventure. The plan includes an acclimatisation day in the Imlil valley, the climb to the Toubkal refuge (staffed in winter), a pass above it, and then the summit.

Trip Information

Duration: 8 Days
Distance: About 60 km
Max altitude: 4,167 m
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Group: Max 10
Best season: Dec–Apr

Day-by-day

Day 1 Arrival in Marrakech

Fly to Marrakech, where your guide meets you for the short transfer (about 15 min) to the hotel. Depending on arrival time, enjoy free hours in the city, especially Jemaa el-Fna square. Tip: visit the Ben Youssef Medersa, a historic Quranic school with a richly tiled courtyard. (Overnight in Marrakech)
Day 2 Imlil, Ait Souka and Tachedirt

Drive to Imlil (about 1 h 30) via the Moulay Brahim gorges and Asni village. You spend two nights at a guesthouse in Ait Souka (1,750 m). After lunch, take a first leg-stretching walk towards Tachedirt (2,190 m) through villages of the Imenane valley, with irrigated terraces climbing the slopes. An optional traditional hammam is available near the guesthouse in the evening. (Walk ~3 h, ascent 300 m, max 2,190 m, overnight guesthouse at 1,750 m)
Day 3 Tizi n'Mzik acclimatisation day

A day to adapt to altitude in the Imlil valley. Pass through several villages, then follow a clear path to the Tizi n'Mzik pass (a little over 2,500 m), often stony but well marked, with some patches of snow. Lunch, carried by mule, is usually eaten at the pass. Climb the ridges above for views over both valleys, then return to Ait Souka. (Walk 4-5 h, ascent 800 m, max 2,520 m, overnight guesthouse at 1,750 m)
Day 4 To the Toubkal refuge

Follow the irrigation channels through terraced fields, then take a midday break at Sidi Chamarouch. Beyond it the mountain becomes drier and rockier; if there is snow, porters take over from the mules. Spend the night at the Toubkal refuge (3,210 m), with shared dorms, toilets, showers and a common room. (Walk ~5 h 30, ascent 1,200 m, max 3,210 m, overnight refuge at 3,210 m)
Day 5 Tizi n'Ouagane pass

Leave the refuge along the Ait Mizane stream to the Tizi n'Ouagane pass (about 3,740 m) for a fine view of the distant Siroua massif, with the Tifnout and Agoundis valleys behind. In winter this is the way towards Lake Ifni. Return to the refuge for a second night. (Walk ~4 h, ascent and descent 535 m, max ~3,740 m, overnight refuge)
Day 6 Toubkal summit

The climb to North Africa's highest summit has no major technical difficulty. Start with a steep slope of scree above the refuge, then a narrower gully full of large boulders; in winter, snow and ice may require crampons. The final ridge is wide and flattens as you near the top. From the summit, take in views of the Marrakech plain, the Siroua and the far south. Return to the refuge for a well-earned tea. (Walk 5-6 h, ascent and descent 960 m, max 4,167 m, overnight refuge)
Day 7 Down to Imlil and back to Marrakech

A pleasant descent from high mountain to irrigated valleys, via Sidi Chamarouch to the cultivated terrace of Aremd (1,900 m). Lunch at the Ait Souka guesthouse, then drive to Marrakech (about 1 h 30), arriving mid-afternoon. Check in at the hotel and enjoy a free evening. Optional extras: a guided city visit, a cooking class or a traditional hammam. (Walk 3-4 h, descent 1,200 m, overnight hotel in Marrakech)
Day 8 Departure

Transfer to the airport (about 15 min) and flight home.

Your package at a glance

Exactly what is covered by this trek and what is not. Please review before booking.

Included

Local certified guide, mules and porters
Hotel nights in Marrakech (Days 1 and 7)
Guesthouse nights in Ait Souka (Days 2-3) and refuge nights (Days 4-6)
All meals on Days 2-6, plus breakfast and lunch on Day 7 and breakfast on Day 8
Private vehicle transfers

Excluded

International flights
Meals in Marrakech not listed above
Personal insurance
Optional hammam and city activities
Tips for the crew
Crampons and ice axe (rental available on request)

Photo gallery

Your guide

Lahcen I.

Experienced local guide who knows the trails and takes care of every detail.

Departure dates & availability

December 14, 2026 8 places left
January 11, 2027 10 places left
February 1, 2027 Places available
February 22, 2027 Places available
March 15, 2027 6 places left

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

The things travellers most often ask before booking this trek.

Can I cancel my booking?

Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure; after that the deposit is non-refundable.

How fit do I need to be?

You should be comfortable walking 4-6 hours a day with steady climbing. Summit day and the climb to the refuge are the toughest. The first days are built to help your body adapt to altitude.

Will there be snow?

Often, especially in winter and spring. Your guide will tell you what to pack, and may adjust the route depending on conditions.

What are the refuge and guesthouse like?

The guesthouse in Ait Souka is simple and welcoming. The Toubkal refuge has shared dorms, showers, toilets and a common room.

What should I bring?

Warm layers, waterproof jacket, sturdy boots, gloves, hat, sunglasses, headlamp, sleeping bag liner and a refillable water bottle.