How many days to hike Toubkal
How Many Days to Hike Toubkal
It may take a long time to get your heart’s desires. Everything requires a process, whether you’re saving up for your dream home, preparing for the job you have always wanted, or even embarking on your next adventure. How may days to hike Toubkal?
If you’re wondering how many days it will take you to hike Toubkal, worry not because it doesn’t take that long.
How Long Will Climbing Mount Toubkal Take?
On normal circumstances, ascending Toubkal, regardless of the season, will take you 2 to 5 days. The duration is often around two full hiking days. The timeframe also includes the journey that begins and commences in Marrakech.
This period also depends on the specific season. Climbing during winter will require you to acclimatize, adding up to the time. Winter climbs in general are also trickier because of the ice and snow conditions.
The trek in Toubkal is quite short. You can expect to ascend and descend again in just about three days of actual climbing.
The Normal Ascent: 2 Days
A 2-day trek is the most common duration for climbing Toubkal. It is an ideal itinerary for hikers who are a bit short on time and with a reasonable level of fitness.
- 1st Day
Your hike starts in Imlil village that you can reach from Marrakech on a 2-hour drive. You begin the climb in the morning that will take you through the quaint Berber villages and verdant valleys.
Toubkal Refuge is the typical conclusion for the hike and you will also be spending your night here. It usually takes 5 to 7 hours to reach the refuge depending on your pace.
- 2nd Day
You will have an early start on summit day, usually before sunrise. This will let you enjoy the cooler temperatures and stay away from the sudden changes in the weather common during the afternoon. It often takes approximately 3 to 5 hours to reach the refuge coming from the summit. The last stretch also happens to be the most difficult because of loose scree and the sharp incline. You can then go down to Imlil and arrive later in the afternoon.
Although reasonably fit people can pull off this 2-day trek, don’t forget the possibility of altitude sickness if you try to reach the top too fast because of the reduced time to acclimatize.
The Opportunity for Acclimatization: 3 Days
If you would rather stick with a more relaxed pace or you are simply worried about getting altitude sick, it is highly recommended that you try climbing Toubkal for 3 days. With this approach, trekkers can have a more effective acclimatization to the area and bask in the trek without feeling rushed.
- 1st Day
The initial day undertakes the same route leading to Toubkal Refuge. This time, however, the pace is more leisurely. You can go on breaks more often and look around the area.
- 2nd Day
Rather than pushing yourself to reach the peak, the second day intends to acclimatize you. You can go for a quick hike to other peaks and see the stunning views from there. The extra day gives your body the chance to adjust to the change in altitude. It also lowers the risk of suffering from altitude sickness once the summit day arrives.
The last day has the same ascent to the summit as in the itinerary good for two days. The only difference is that this time, your body is already acclimatized better, making your climb more tolerable.
