Mount Toubkal Summit Day: Step-by-Step from the Refuge to the Peak

3:00 AM - Getting Ready at the Refuge

The day normally starts at around 3:00 AM at the Toubkal Refuge, at approximately 3,200m. You get dressed, prepare your backpack, and have a light breakfast with tea or coffee, bread, cheese, jam, and other simple foods.

You do not need to carry everything to the summit. You can leave your sleeping bag and unnecessary belongings at the refuge and take only what you need: water, snacks, an extra warm layer, a headlamp, and your personal essentials.

Before starting, your guide will normally explain the plan for the climb, especially when hiking with a group, and give advice about altitude, pace, and what to do if anyone starts feeling unwell.

Climbing Toubkal in the Dark

We normally leave before 4:00 AM. From the refuge to the summit, there are approximately 5km of climbing, and the trail is steeper than the previous day's hike.

One thing I personally like about hiking at night is that you cannot see how far you still have to climb. You simply follow the light of your headlamp and concentrate on the next few steps. Mentally, this can make the long ascent feel easier.

We take several short breaks along the way—sometimes six or seven, depending on the group. I always recommend drinking some water every 20–30 minutes and eating small snacks regularly. Do not wait until you are very thirsty or hungry.

Most importantly, if you feel anything unusual or seriously unwell, tell your guide immediately.

Sunrise in the High Atlas

As you gain altitude, daylight slowly begins to appear, and the mountains that were hidden in the darkness start revealing themselves around you.

This is one of my favorite parts of the climb.

It also makes the descent interesting because much of the trail you climbed was invisible during the night. On the way back, you finally see the valleys, ridges, and surrounding peaks. Even though you are using the same trail, it can feel as though you are discovering a different route.

Reaching the Summit - 4,167m

Eventually, you reach the summit of Mount Toubkal at 4,167m, the highest point in North Africa.

You are surrounded by some of the highest peaks of the High Atlas, with beautiful mountain scenery in every direction. On a clear day, you can even look down toward Imlil, where your trek began, far below in the valley.

We usually stay for a while to take photos, enjoy the views, and have a snack. There is something special about eating a simple snack up there after everything you have just climbed. The tiredness seems to disappear for a moment, and reaching the summit gives you fresh energy for the journey back down.

Back to the Refuge and Imlil

After enjoying the summit, we begin descending toward the refuge. The descent is faster, but you still need to take your time, especially on loose and rocky sections.

Back at the refuge, you can rest, eat, collect the belongings you left there, and prepare for the final hike down to Imlil.

It is a long day, but for me, summit morning is what makes the Toubkal trek special: starting under the stars, watching the High Atlas appear with the sunrise, standing at 4,167m, and finally seeing the entire route in daylight as you make your way back.

What If You Are Doing Toubkal in 3 Days?

If you choose a 3-day Mount Toubkal trek and spend another night at the refuge after reaching the summit, there is no need to start as early. We normally begin the summit hike at around 6:00–7:00 AM, giving you a more relaxed morning.

However, if you want to watch the sunrise from high on the mountain, you can still start around the same time as hikers doing the 2-day trek. This is something you can discuss with your guide depending on your preference, the season, and the conditions on the mountain.