How To Summit Jbel Toubkal (2026)
- Alexander
- March 17, 2026
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Jbel Toubkal Guide (2026): Route, Cost & Tips For Morocco’s Highest Mountain
Standing at 4.167 meters Jbel Toubkal (aka. Jebel Toubkal) is not just the tallest mountain in Morocco, but in all of northern Africa. While it’s a popular and relatively non-technical hike during the summer months, conditions in winter can make the ascent significantly more challenging. The trek usually takes two days, starting from the small mountain village of Imlil and an overnight stay at a mountain refuge.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to climb Jbel Toubkal, how much it costs, what you should expect along the way and how challenging it actually is.
Table of Contents
📜 Background Information on Jbel Toubkal
Jbel Toubkal is located roughly 60 km from Marrakech in the Atlas Mountains and is part of the protected Toubkal National Park. Thanks to its accessibility and relatively straightforward route, it has become one of the most popular trekking destinations in North Africa. That’s no surprise considering Morocco is the most visited country on the continent.
As a result, the trail can be really crowded during the summer months. In winter, however, conditions become much harsher, with temperatures dropping to as low as -30°C and knee-deep snow covering the route. Because of this, far fewer people attempt the climb. When I summited Toubkal in mid-December, I even had the entire peak to myself.
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🚕 How to get to Jbel Toubkal
The trek to Jbel Toubkil starts in the mountain village of Imlil and getting there from Marrakech is as easy as it gets.
Shared taxis from Marrakech start from this location. To get to this location just use InDrive, a transportation App just like Uber. The shared taxi to Imlil should be around 5€. Anything more would be a Rip-off.
🧗♂️ Organizing Equipment and Guide
🧭 Hiring A Guide For Jbel Toubkal:
Since 2019, it is mandatory to hire a licensed guide when climbing Jebel Toubkal. This rule was introduced as a consquence of two scandinavian girls being killed in a terrorist attack in the national park. More on that later.
So even if you think you are experienced enough to do this hike on your own, you will need to hire a Guide. There is a checkpoint along the way where guards check if you actually show up with a guide. Yes, probably it would be possible to sneak around it but personally I would’t risk it.
💰 What Does a Guide Cost To Slummit Jbel Toubkal:
Personally I paid 1350 MAD for a Guide together with two friends of mine. That worked out to around 40€ per person for a 2-day trek, which was fairly reasonable.
On GetYourGuide and other popular Apps you’ll roughly end up paying 150€ per person in a bigger group. However this also includes equipment and a night at the refuge.
Personally we hired the Guide in Imlil directly after asking around a day before.
🎒 What Equipment Do You Need To Summit Jbel Toubkal:
The equipment you need depends heavily on the season.
In summer you’ll probably just need to show up in hiking boots and with Treking poles the list. In winter, however, conditions are much more demanding, and you’ll need proper mountaineering equipment, including:
- Crampons
- Trekking Poles
- Sleeping Bag (for the refuge)
- Hiking boots
- Snow Gaiters
- Thermal clothing
- A really warm jacket
- Winter hat
- Ice Axe
- Waterproof Pants
In deepest winter you might even need a harnet, a helmet and ropes
🛏️ Accommodation around Jbel Toubkal
Mountain Refuge Jbel Toubkal
The Toubkal Refuge Luis Neltner of the French Alpine Club is located at 3207m above sea level. This is where every hiker trying to summit will stay for the night. There are 4 dorm rooms at the Refuge for between 12 and 27 people each. As far as I know the smallest dorm room is for foreigners only.
The dorm rooms are very basic. In the basement you’ll find sinks, showers with cold water and toilets. Overall it is not that clean but also not too bad.
You can rent a blanket and pillow for a night but to be honest with you I doubt they are being washed frequently. I’d rather bring up a sleeping bag myself.
From May 1st to October 31st a bed is 25€ a night and 30€ a night during summer months.
Here the official Price List
Accomodation in Imlil
Can be booked on Airbnb or Booking.com. A basic room will be around 15€ a night. I paid 12,50€ for a shared room.
💪 Difficulty of Summitting Jbel Toubkal
The difficulty of summiting Jbel Toubkal depends heavily on the season you choose. The trek is usually completed over two days. On the first day, you hike from Imlil to the mountain refuge. On the second day, most people start the summit push between 2–4 a.m. to reach the peak for sunrise before descending all the way back to Imlil.
In summer the trek is suitable for anyone with a basic fitness level. The trail from Imlil to the refuge is quite long but pretty straightforward. Summit day is more demanding but mainly because of the high altitude. If you only spend a short time in the Atlas Mountains, altitude sickness can hit you unexpectedly.
In winter, however, the climb becomes significantly harder. You’ll need equipment such as crampons and an ice axe, and depending on conditions, even a harness and ropes. On the second day at around 4000 meters we were walking on 5 meter deep snow. Especially in December and January it can get extremly cold and the wind together with the deep snow will make the summit push way more demanding.
For reference, in mid-December, my friends and I needed around 8 hours to reach the refuge and another 4 hours to summit. However all three of us are a lot into fitness and regularly go mountaineering, so maybe add another hour to that.
🛡️ Is sumitting Jbel Toubkal safe?
Climbing Jebel Toubkal is generally considered safe, especially compared to many other high-altitude destinations. Thousands of hikers summit the mountain every year without any issues.
One reason safety regulations have become stricter is the tragic 2018 terrorist attack in Toubkal National Park, where two Scandinavian tourists were killed near the trail between Imlil and the refuge. Following this incident, Moroccan authorities introduced new security measures, including mandatory licensed guides.
Aside from that, the main risks on Jbel Toubkal are natural rather than human-related.
Altitude sickness is no joke and can hit you heavy and unexpected. Around the 4.000 meter mark I had experienced quite heavy dizziness. Additionally rapid weather changes, cold temperatures, strong winds and deep snow are the main challenges.
⛅ Best Time to Summit Jbel Toubkal
The best time to summit Toubkal depends on the conditions you’re looking for.
Spring (March – May):
Spring is a great time to visit the Atlas Mountains. Temperatures are moderate, and the lower valleys begin to turn green.
Summer (June – August):
Summer is the most popular time to climb Jbel Toubkal. The trail is usually snow-free, making it a non-technical hike suitable for most people with a good level of fitness. As a consequence though there will be a lot more tourists.
Autumn (September – November):
Similar to Spring.
Winter (December – February):
Winter offers the most challenging but also most unique experience. Heavy snow and freezing temperatures turn the climb into a true mountaineering expedition, requiring proper equipment like crampons and an ice axe. The number of climbers drops significantly, and you may even have the mountain almost to yourself.
🥡 Food, Electricity and Internet
At the Toubkal Refuge dinner and lunch are 10€ each and breakfast costs 5€. You can buy Candybars, Soda and Water at the Refuge too, but obviously it is very pricey.
There are a few electricity outlets available in the dining area, but they are shared among all guests. This means you won’t be able to charge your devices overnight and will likely need to find a time slot during the day to charge devices.
Internet is available at the Refuge.
🤑 How expensive is a Jbel Toubkal Summit?
Keep in mind I stayed at the refuge for two nights for another summit. Also I shared costs with two friends.
Here is what I paid:
- 12,50€ for acommodation in Imlil
- 25€ a night for a bed in the Refuge
- 10€ for dinner at the Refuge
- 40€ for a Guide (For 3 days instead of the usual 2) We paid him 1350 MAD total for 3 people
- 1€ for a fresh Juice
- 50ct for a bottle of water
- For 10€ you could get mule to bring your backpack and equipment to the Refuge.
Conclusion about Sumitting Jbel Toubkal
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Alex
Welcome off the beaten path!
I’m Alex, a 23 year old traveler who loves to explore the corners of the world, that still seem to be untouched. In this Blog I want to share my experiences with you.
