Summit Jbel Toubkal (4,167 m)
A two-day, mule-supported ascent — night at the Toubkal Refuge at 3,207 m, summit at dawn, descent to Imlil the same afternoon. Non-technical in summer; crampons required from November to April.
High Atlas · Toubkal National Park
Imlil, Morocco
Imlil is the High Atlas trekking village that puts North Africa's highest summit within two days' walk.
Best time
April–June and September–November for trekking; December–February for winter mountaineering
Recommended
1–4 days
Airport
Marrakech Menara (RAK) + 1h drive
Region
High Atlas · Toubkal National Park
Why Imlil
Imlil is a Berber village at 1,740 m in the Toubkal National Park, roughly 60 km and one hour's drive south of Marrakech up the Mizane valley. It is the principal base for ascents of Jbel Toubkal (4,167 m), the highest peak in North Africa and the entire Atlas range, and the central node for a network of mule tracks connecting High Atlas villages accessible only on foot. Even for non-trekkers, the drive up is itself dramatic — terraced orchards of cherry, walnut and apple rising above the Asni market, and the village of Aroumd perched on a ridge above the valley floor. The Toubkal summit is non-technical in summer but requires crampons and an ice axe in winter.
What to see
Highlights of Imlil.
Kasbah du Toubkal
A beautifully converted Berber kasbah above the village, with Atlas-facing terraces, a hammam and the finest mountain lunch in Morocco — the natural base for any visit.
Village walks to Aroumd and Sidi Chamharouch
A gentle two-hour walk to the hanging village of Aroumd, or three hours up the Mizane valley to the white-painted Sidi Chamharouch shrine at 2,310 m — rewarding day hikes without the summit commitment.
Berber villages and mule-track circuit
A four-day traverse linking Imlil, Tacheddirt, Tizi n'Tagharat and Ouaneskra — high passes, remote gîtes and an unbroken Atlas ridge visible the entire route.
Itineraries
7 tours that visit Imlil.
Every itinerary below is privately operated, fully customisable, and includes a deep stop in Imlil. Click any tour for the day-by-day plan, the map, dates and pricing.
2 daysBestsellerMountains
Mount Toubkal 2-Day Summit
The classic express Toubkal trek: hike from Imlil (1,740m) to the refuge, then a pre-dawn alpine start to the 4,167m summit. Challenging, high-altitude — strong day-walkers only; mule-supported.
from $320Private · view →
5 daysSignatureMountains
Toubkal Circuit 5-Day Trek
A five-day acclimatised circuit of the Toubkal massif crossing passes over 3,500m before summiting Jbel Toubkal (4,167m). Challenging high-altitude trekking; full mule support and refuge/gîte nights.
from $720Private · view →
1 daysTop ratedMountains
Imlil & Berber Villages Day Hike
A relaxed guided day hike from Imlil (1,740m) through walnut groves and Berber villages with tea in a local home. Easy walking — about 3–4 hours and 300–400m of gentle ascent; suitable for most fitness levels.
from $75Private · view →
3 daysWinterMountains
Toubkal Winter Ascent
A three-day winter mountaineering ascent of Jbel Toubkal (4,167m) on snow and ice using crampons and an ice axe. Challenging — requires good fitness and a willingness to learn winter skills; led by qualified guides.
from $540Private · view →
1 daysMountains
Atlas Three Valleys Day Hike
A scenic day combining three High Atlas valleys — Asni, Imlil and the Ourika foothills — with a gentle guided walk and a Berber lunch. Easy: roughly 2–3 hours of relaxed walking plus scenic driving.
from $85Private · view →
7 daysMountains
Atlas Lakes & Passes Trek
A seven-day high-level traverse linking the mountain lakes of Tamda and Ifni with a string of passes over 3,000m and an optional Toubkal summit. Challenging high-altitude trekking; mule-supported camps and gîtes.
from $980Private · view →
7 daysBest of bothMountains
Toubkal + Sahara Combo
A seven-day adventure pairing a guided summit of Jbel Toubkal (4,167m) with a desert crossing to an Erg Chebbi dune camp. Challenging high-altitude trekking followed by easy desert days; mule and 4x4 support.
from $1,150Private · view →
Before you go
Practical notes.
- Getting there: 60 km from Marrakech — 1h by private car via Asni; no public transport runs directly to Imlil
- Guide permit: A licensed mountain guide is mandatory for the Toubkal summit since 2018; we work with local guides from the valley
- Altitude: Imlil 1,740 m · Toubkal Refuge 3,207 m · Summit 4,167 m — acclimatise in Marrakech for 1–2 nights first
- What to bring: Solid hiking boots, warm layers (summit nights can drop to −10°C), sun protection and a headlamp
Concierge
Have your Imlil trip designed by a local
Tell us your dates, group size and pace. We'll send back a written proposal within 24 hours — private guides, transfers, riads, the lot.
Request a proposalFAQ
Imlil — common questions.
How hard is the Toubkal summit trek?+
The summer route is a long, steep walk (not a technical climb) — demanding fitness but no mountaineering skills required. The main challenge is altitude: the ascent gains 2,400 m from Imlil. Winter ascents above the snow line require crampons, an ice axe and experience with winter mountain conditions.
Can I visit Imlil without trekking to the summit?+
Absolutely — Imlil works beautifully as a day trip or lodge stay for non-trekkers. The walks to Aroumd village, Sidi Chamharouch and the valley trails are gentle, and Kasbah du Toubkal is worth the drive alone.
What is the best time of year to trek in Imlil?+
April–June and September–November offer stable weather, clear skies and comfortable temperatures. July–August is busy and hot at lower elevations but fine at altitude. December–March is a serious winter mountaineering environment above 3,000 m.
How far is Imlil from Marrakech?+
Roughly 60 km — about one hour by private transfer through the Asni valley. It is the closest part of the High Atlas to Marrakech and a very easy day trip.
Closest destinations
Pair Imlil with.
These destinations are closest to Imlil — easily combined on a private itinerary.
8 kmHigh Atlas · Imlil & Toubkal
Atlas Mountains
The roof of North Africa — Berber footpaths, mule trains and the climb to Jbel Toubkal at 4,167m.
Explore
28 kmHigh Atlas · Near Marrakech
Ourika Valley
The High Atlas trekking valley closest to Marrakech — Berber footpaths, the Setti Fatma cascades and the gentlest first steps onto the mountain.
Explore
40 kmNear Marrakech · Stone desert
Agafay Desert
A stone-desert evening 40 minutes from the trailhead — rolling khaki hills, a tented camp and the snow line of the High Atlas at sunset.
ExploreRead more
From the journal.
Stories, guides and practical notes to help you plan a richer trip to Imlil.
Journal