Toubkal 2-Day Trek Itinerary, Step by Step

By Amazouz Morocco Tours team, local guides based in Marrakech and the High Atlas

Day one: walk into the mountains. Day two: stand on the roof of North Africa at sunrise. Here's exactly how the Toubkal 2 day trek unfolds, step by step, from the moment we pick you up in Marrakech.

The two-day trek is the most popular way to climb Toubkal. It is short, it fits a weekend, and it gives you the summit without a long holiday. It is also demanding, because there is little time for your body to adjust. Knowing the plan helps you pace yourself.

All times below are typical. Your guide adapts them to the season, the weather and your group [TO CHECK: confirm typical timings for each of our 2-day programmes].

- **Pickup:** from your accommodation in Marrakech in the morning. - **What you carry:** a day pack with water, snacks, layers, sun protection and a headlamp. The main bags go on a mule. - **Guide:** a licensed mountain guide, mandatory for foreign hikers. - **Booking:** All our Toubkal treks have free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start (Morocco time), with a full refund.

For packing lists and gear rental in Imlil, see our sister site [Toubkal Views](https://toubkalviews.com).

### Morning: the drive

The drive from Marrakech to Imlil is about 65 km and takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. You cross the flat plain, then wind up into the foothills, with the snow-capped or bare grey peaks ahead depending on the season.

### Late morning: Imlil

Imlil sits at about 1,740 metres. You meet your team, the mules are loaded, and you have time for a tea. This is the moment to fill your water bottle, adjust your laces and use a proper toilet.

### Walking: Imlil to Aroumd and the valley

The trail climbs gently out of Imlil towards the village of Aroumd, then crosses a wide, stony valley floor. The pace should feel almost too easy. That is deliberate: you have a big climb ahead and altitude to manage.

### Midday: lunch on the trail

Lunch is usually taken along the way [TO CHECK: whether lunch on day one is a picnic or a stop at a café on each programme]. Eat properly, even if you are not hungry.

### Afternoon: Sidi Chamharouch to the refuge

Beyond the small shrine of Sidi Chamharouch, the path climbs steadily for several hours towards the refuges. This is where you start to feel the altitude. Short steps, steady breathing and regular sips of water help. Our sister site covers [Sidi Chamharouch](https://toubkalviews.com) in detail.

### Evening: at the refuge

You arrive at the refuge in the late afternoon. Change into dry, warm clothes straight away. Dinner is served in the evening, and most people are in bed early. Sleep may be broken by the altitude and by other trekkers in the dormitory. Rest anyway.

A mild headache on the first evening is common. A severe headache, vomiting or confusion is not normal; tell your guide immediately. If you have any heart, lung or blood-pressure condition, are pregnant, or take regular medication, ask your doctor before booking a trek to 4,167 metres.

### Before dawn: wake-up

Your guide wakes you very early. You have a quick breakfast, fill your bottles, put on warm layers and switch on your headlamp. On a quick Toubkal ascent, this early start is what makes the summit possible and gives you time for the long descent.

### The climb: refuge to summit

The path climbs steeply above the refuge on rocky ground and scree. It is cold and dark, and progress is slow. That is fine. In summer the route is a steep walk; in winter it needs crampons and an ice axe.

If you are lucky with timing, you watch the sky turn from black to blue to orange as you climb.

### The summit: 4,167 metres

At the top you find the summit marker and a 360-degree view of the High Atlas. Take photos, eat something and put on a warm layer. Most groups spend a short time at the top before heading down [TO CHECK: typical time spent at the summit].

### The descent: summit to refuge

Going down is quicker but harder on the knees. Take your time on the loose stones. Back at the refuge, you collect your bags and have a rest and a meal.

### Afternoon: refuge to Imlil

The long walk back down the valley to Imlil feels endless for some people. It is mostly downhill on a good path. Your legs will be tired, so keep concentrating on your footing.

### Evening: back to Marrakech

From Imlil, you drive back to Marrakech, arriving in the evening. Plan nothing more ambitious than a shower, dinner and sleep.

The two-day trek suits you if:

- You walk regularly and can manage long days on hills. - You have limited time. - You are happy to accept a quick ascent with little altitude adjustment.

Choose three days if you want a more comfortable pace, more sleep and more time to adjust. Compare both in our [3-day itinerary](/blog/toubkal-3-day-trek-itinerary).

- **Sleep well the night before** in Marrakech. - **Go slowly on day one.** It pays off on summit day. - **Eat and drink at every stop.** - **Keep warm layers at the top of your pack.** - **Listen to your guide's turnaround decision.**

Our current 2-day Toubkal treks start from **€105.75 per person**. Each trip page lists what is included, such as transport, guide, meals and the refuge night. The prices shown at checkout are the real prices.

Read our [Mount Toubkal trek beginner's guide](/blog/mount-toubkal-trek-beginners-guide) for the bigger picture, and the [Atlas Mountains & Imlil guide](/blog/atlas-mountains-imlil-guide) for the region.

Because the two-day programme is fast, small errors cost more. These are the ones we see most often.

- **Walking too fast on day one.** Feeling strong in the valley is normal. Racing to the refuge often means a headache that night and a hard summit morning. - **Not eating lunch.** Nerves and altitude reduce appetite. Eat anyway, even small amounts. - **Arriving cold and wet.** Sweat cools quickly at the refuge. Change into dry clothes as soon as you arrive. - **Packing the headlamp at the bottom of the bag.** You will need it in the dark on summit morning. - **Forgetting the descent.** The summit is only halfway. Keep energy and water for the long walk down to Imlil.

Our two-day groups are a mix: expats living in Morocco who escape for a weekend, travellers adding a mountain to a city break, and runners and hikers who want a quick summit. The common thread is that they are used to being active. If that is not you, the three-day version will make your experience much better.

Expect sore legs for a day or two, especially your thighs and calves from the descent. A gentle walk, a hammam and plenty of water help. If you are flying home the next day, try to book a later flight so you are not rushing on tired legs.

- [Mount Toubkal Trek: The Complete Beginner's Guide](/blog/mount-toubkal-trek-beginners-guide) - [Toubkal 3-Day Trek Itinerary: The Comfortable Way Up](/blog/toubkal-3-day-trek-itinerary) - [Atlas Mountains & Imlil guide](/blog/atlas-mountains-imlil-guide)