Mount Toubkal Trip Report - October '25
- LMG Treks & Expeditions
- Oct 14
- 4 min read
Climbing Mount Toubkal in Morocco is always a highlight of my expedition calendar — and this October trip was no exception. Unlike my previous four ascents, which were all under snowy winter conditions, this one promised something different: sunshine, blue skies, and warm (but not scorching) temperatures.
Here’s how the week unfolded…
✈️ Day 1 – Arrival in Morocco & Journey to Aroumd
The team arrived at Marrakech Airport and by 11 a.m., we were on our way to the mountain village of Imlil, led by our local handler, Abdul. The scenic 90-minute drive brought us to the base of the High Atlas, where we chose to walk the final stretch to Aroumd — a great way to stretch the legs after travelling.
The walk to Aroumd took about an hour, winding through picturesque trails. Our accommodation sat right at the top of the village, at an altitude of 2,000m. That evening, we held a quick trek briefing, followed by our first delicious meal of fresh Moroccan cuisine. Spirits were high.
🚶♂️ Day 2 – Acclimatisation Hike to Tizi n’Mzik
Rather than heading straight to the refuge, I like to use the second day as a chance for the team to ease into the altitude. We descended from the riad, followed quiet mountain trails, and hiked up to the Tizi n’Mzik pass.
At around 2,700m, we stopped to soak up the views and enjoy a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice — the perfect mid-hike treat. On the way back, we had a scenic picnic under the trees, which was nothing short of impressive given our remote location.
Back at the riad, we spent the afternoon preparing for the hike to the refuge.
🥾 Day 3 – Trekking to the Toubkal Refuge
We set off at 9 a.m., following the trail up the valley. The initial part of the walk was gentle, giving us time to appreciate the towering peaks ahead.
After 90 minutes, we reached Sidi Chamharouch, a small shrine surrounded by tea stalls and cafés. We paused for some mint tea before tackling the steeper ascent. While the distance to the refuge is about 6 km, the total ascent is a hefty 1,200m — not a small effort at this altitude.
The team moved steadily and after around six hours, we reached the Toubkal Refuge. Everyone was feeling strong, so I broke the news: we’d go for the summit the next morning. Excitement levels soared.
⛰️ Day 4 – Summit Day
Our alarms went off at 2 a.m., and the team slipped quietly out of the dorms for a surprisingly satisfying breakfast of fruit, yoghurt, bread, eggs, cheese, and pancakes.
By 3:10 a.m., we were on the trail — the first group on the mountain — under a glorious starlit sky. Abdul set a perfect pace. As we neared the summit, the sun began to rise, painting the sky in brilliant orange hues.
Exactly four hours later, we stood on the summit of Mount Toubkal (4,167m) just as the day broke. Photos were snapped, hugs exchanged, and we took a moment to appreciate where we were.
On our way down, Callum and I took a quick detour to the nearby summit of Toubkal West — a 10-minute climb from the col, and remarkably quiet compared to the main summit. We rejoined the group halfway down and made our way back to the refuge.
After a late lunch and a restful afternoon, the group decided to descend to Aroumd the next day, rather than attempt another 4,000m peak — a wise and well-earned decision.
🏡 Day 5 – Return to Aroumd
It felt great to hear other teams waking at 4 a.m. while we stayed in bed for a few more hours! After a relaxed breakfast, we began our descent back to Aroumd.
The wind had picked up, making us all the more thankful that we'd summited the day before. We paused at Sidi Chamharouch for one last mountain tea, and by just after 2 p.m., we were back at our riad — boots off, lunch served, and a sense of accomplishment in the air.
🌴 Days 6 & 7 – Rest and Relaxation in Marrakech
Our final days were spent winding down. After breakfast, Abdul took us on a forest walk past crashing waterfalls and through peaceful trails. We stopped for coffee in Imlil before returning to the lively city of Marrakech.
Having time at the end of the trip to relax and enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavours of Morocco is something I always value. Marrakech is an incredible city to explore — vibrant, colourful, and the perfect place to celebrate a successful expedition.
🧭 Final Thoughts
This was a brilliant trip with a fantastic group. Everyone rose to the challenge, summited safely, and made the most of everything the Atlas Mountains and Morocco had to offer.
Mount Toubkal continues to be a special place for me — whether in snow or sun. Already looking forward to the next one.
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