Walker’s Haute Route: From Chamonix to Zermatt

Your trip begins in the famous mountain town of Chamonix, found at the foot of Mont Blanc. You will meet your Haute Route hiking guide and fellow hikers at 6pm for a trip briefing, followed by dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: 3* Hotel

Your adventure starts with a beautiful train journey on the famous Mont Blanc Express. Start trekking in the hamlet of Montroc, and begin with a climb up the stunning Aiguillette des Posettes. Straying from the standard route, your group will take a quiet and beautiful variant through the meadows of Les Tseppes and into Switzerland. You will stay for the night either in Trient or Col de la Forclaz—depending on accommodation availability.
Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
Ascent: 1,100 m / 3,610 ft
Descent: 1,100 m / 3,610 ft
Walking time: 7-8 hours
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Simple hotel

Start today’s hike with an easy stroll to the Chalet des Glaciers, a small café next to the impressive Trient glacier. Here, your group will begin a long and at times steep ascent through spectacular scenery up the high pass known as the Fenêtre d’Arpette, from which you can enjoy wonderful views of the Trient Plateau. What follows next is a steep descent through the Val d’Arpette to your accommodation in the resort town Champex, found by a gorgeous lake.
Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
Ascent: 1,411 m / 4,630 ft
Descent: 1,200 m / 3,937 ft
Walking time: 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

Leaving the picturesque village of Champex, hike through the meadows and farmland to reach the little village of Sembrancher. From here, it’s a short walk to Le Châble, a traditional village en-route to the famous resort of Verbier. From Le Châble, you will take the cable car to Les Ruinettes, above Verbier. Afterward, head to the well-known Cabane du Mont Fort, where you can relish the fantastic views of the Mont Blanc massif and the Grand Combin.
Distance: 20 km / 12.4 miles
Ascent: 1,350 m / 4,430 ft
Descent: 1,300 m / 4,265 ft
Walking time: 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut

Day 5 is one of the most spectacular days of the trek as it involves crossing 3 cols with dramatic views throughout. After climbing the Col Termin, you will make another traverse and then climb to the Col de Louvie. From here, your group will make a steep descent at the edge of the Grand Désert glacier. Later, make your way up to the Col de Prafleuri (2,987 m / 9,800 ft), then descend to the Cabane de Prafleuri (2,642 m / 8,668 ft) for the evening.
Distance: 16.7 km / 10.4 miles
Ascent: 1,377 m / 4,517 ft
Descent: 1,170 m / 3,838 ft
Walking time: 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut

A short, steep climb greets you this morning as you summit the Col de Roux, overlooking the waters of the Lac de Dix. A gentle descent will then take your group to the shore of the lake, which you’ll follow to its end, in the shadow of Mont Blanc de Cheillon and the Pigne d’Arolla. Afterward, it’s a steep ascent to the base of the Col de Riedmatten, where your group will either have the option of climbing up to the col or taking a more direct route up the Pas de Chèvres ladders. Your guide will decide which route to take, based on the weather and the group’s desires. Later, it’s downhill to Arolla, where you’ll stay for the night.
Distance: 16 km / 10 km
Ascent: 735 m / 2,411 ft
Descent: 1,360 m / 4,462 ft
Walking time: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

On day 7, you’ll approach the halfway point of the trek. Enjoy a leisurely walk through woodland to the Lac Bleu, one of the locals’ favorite spots to enjoy the natural wonders of the area. From here, there is an easy descent through a beautiful gorge to Les Haudères, where your group will stop for lunch. After a final short climb, today’s hike finishes at the small farming hamlet of La Sage.
Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
Ascent: 215 m / 705 ft
Descent: 550 m / 1,805 ft
Walking time: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: 3* Hotel

Your hiking on day 8 starts with a long, but not-too-difficult ascent to the Col de Torrent (2,912 m / 9,554 ft). Afterward, descend to the turquoise Lac de Moiry, enjoying the views of the imposing peaks of the Pennine Alps. Reaching Col de Sorebois is a more difficult climb due to being shorter and steeper than the previous ascent. From here, you can take in the spectacular views of the Weisshorn, the Dent Blanche and the Zinalrothorn. After a steep downhill, you will have reached the hotel at Zinal, a welcome sight after the hardest day of the trek so far.
Distance: 21 km / 13 miles
Ascent: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
Descent: 1,850 m / 6,070 ft
Walking time: 8-9 hours
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

Start today’s hike with a steep but pleasant ascent through larch forest, before a rising traverse takes you through alpine pastures to views across the Val d’Anniviers. Later, you’ll tackle the Forcletta pass (2,874 m / 9,430 ft). From there, you’ll be able to see into the Turtmanntal, entering the German-speaking part of Switzerland. During the descent, apart from the magnificent peaks, you’ll probably be able to spot the rare edelweiss, one of the symbols of Switzerland and of mountaineering. You’ll stay for the night in the tiny hamlet of Gruben.
Distance: 19 km / 12 miles
Ascent: 1,200 m / 3,937 ft
Descent: 1,165 m / 3,822 ft
Walking time: 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Simple hotel

Start today’s trekking by walking through open woodland, then across high pastures, followed by rocky wilderness. The trek soon opens up to some of the most spectacular views in the Swiss Alps. The last pass you will cross during your Haute Route trek is the Augstbordpass (2,894 m / 9,495 ft), beyond which your group will descend steeply to the viewpoint known as the Twära, offering views into the Mattertal. Later, it’s another descent to the hamlet of Jungu. From here you can walk or take a cable-car ride to Saint Niklaus, your base for the night.
Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
Ascent: 1,070 m / 3,510 ft
Descent: 1,765 m / 5,790 ft
Walking time: 7-8 hours
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

Today, your group will have a choice between two different routes. The first one involves taking a short taxi journey to Randa and heading up to a high-level route to finish the Haute Route in style. You’ll cross the newly opened Charles Kuonen suspension bridge—the longest one in the world—and continue to Zermatt along the iconic Europaweg route. If the weather is bad, or if there is danger of rockfall, your group will take the alternative route through the valley floor. Celebrate your achievements with your group and your guide in Zermatt—your adventure finishes tomorrow.
Distance: 13 or 18 km / 8 or 11 miles
Ascent: 450 m / 1,476 ft via the valley floor, or 1,400 m / 4,593 ft via the Europaweg
Descent: 0 m / 0 ft via the valley floor or 1,000 m / 3,280 ft via the Europaweg
Walking time: 8-9 hours or 4-5 hours via the valley floor
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: 3* Hotel

Your Haute Route trekking tour finishes after breakfast. Say goodbye to your guide, fellow hikers, and the alpine wilderness. Alternatively, you can take the opportunity to stay on for some extra nights in this beautiful area close to the iconic Matterhorn.
Meals: Breakfast

Your trip begins in the famous mountain town of Chamonix, found at the foot of Mont Blanc. You will meet your guide and fellow hikers at 6pm for a trip briefing, followed by dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: 3* Hotel

Your adventure starts with a beautiful train journey on the famous Mont Blanc Express. Start trekking in the hamlet of Montroc, and begin with a climb up the stunning Aiguillette des Posettes. Straying from the standard route, your group will take a quiet and beautiful variant through the meadows of Les Tseppes and into Switzerland. You will stay for the night either in Trient or Col de la Forclaz—depending on accommodation availability.
Distance: 13.5 km / 8.4 miles
Ascent: 1,200 m / 3,937 ft
Descent: 1,100 m / 3,609 ft
Walking time: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

Start the day with a climb up the Bovine Trail, to the family-run Alpage de Bovine to enjoy refreshments and homemade cakes. Next, you’ll make a steep ascent with fantastic views of the Grand Combin, before entering the forest trail. After reaching the rustic café at Plan de l’Au, your group will have a short transfer to the remote village of Fionnay for a quick lunch stop. This marks the beginning of your journey into the mountains, with the next two days being the most rugged of the trip. You’ll now cross a challenging, yet spectacular trail to the Cabane de Louvie, your accommodation offering a breathtaking panorama across many of the 4,000-meter peaks in the Alps (+13,000 feet).
Distance: 18 km / 11 miles
Ascent: 1,250 m / 4,100 ft
Descent: 550 m / 1,804 ft
Walking time: 7-9 hours
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut

Begin today’s hike by following the shoreline of the Lac de Louvie. The trail will then lead your group up to a high path beneath the cliffs. There are a couple of places along this trail where you’ll have to be extra careful, and there is often a chain to hold on to. Afterward, tackle the Col de Louvie (2,921 m / 9,583 ft), before descending on to the edge of the Grand Désert glacier. The Col de Prafleuri (2,987 m / 9,800 ft) is your group’s next goal. After a short descent, arrive at the Cabane de Prafleuri (2,624 m / 8,609 ft), where you’ll spend another peaceful evening in the mountains.
Distance: 18 km / 11 miles
Ascent: 820 m / 2,690 ft
Descent: 550 m / 1,804 ft
Walking time: 7-9 hours
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut

Day 5 begins with a short climb with views of glaciers and Lac de Dix to reach the Col de Roux. Following the lake to its end, descend gently enjoying views of the Pigne d’Arolla and Mont Blanc de Cheilon. Next, you’ll cross the moraine of the Dix glacier, followed by a steep ascent to either the Col de Riedmatten or the ladders of ‘Pas de Chèvres’. The rest of the day is all downhill to the village of Arolla, nestled in its very own forest of Arolla pines. Here your group will take a well-earned break before taking a transfer to the delightful hotel in the small farming hamlet of La Sage.
Distance: 22 km / 13.7 miles
Ascent: 1,100 m / 3,609 ft
Descent: 1,360 m / 4,462 ft
Walking time: 8-9 hours
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

Your hiking on day 6 starts with a long, but not-too-difficult ascent to the Col de Torrent (2,912 m / 9,554 ft). Afterward, descend to the turquoise Lac de Moiry, enjoying the views of the imposing peaks of the Pennine Alps. Reaching Col de Sorebois is a more difficult climb due to being shorter and steeper than the previous ascent. From here, you can take in the spectacular views of the Weisshorn, the Dent Blanche and the Zinalrothorn. After a steep downhill, you will have reached the hotel at Zinal, a welcome sight after the hardest day of the trek so far.
Distance: 24.5 km / 15 miles
Ascent: 2,000 m / 6,562 ft
Descent: 1,850 m / 6,070 ft
Walking time: 8-9 hours
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

Day 7 begins with a gentle ascent and crossing an alpine meadow, followed by traversing the mountainside on a fantastic balcony trail. Later, you’ll tackle the Forcletta pass (2,874 m / 9,430 ft). From there, you’ll be able to see into the Turtmanntal, entering the German-speaking part of Switzerland. During the descent, apart from the magnificent peaks, you’ll probably be able to spot the rare edelweiss, one of the symbols of Switzerland and of mountaineering. You’ll stay for the night in the tiny hamlet of Gruben.
Distance: 19 km / 12 miles
Ascent: 1,315 m / 4,315 ft
Descent: 1,165 m / 3,822 ft
Walking time: 7-8 hours
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

Set out through open woodland and into high pastures. Your final col on this trip is the Augstbordpass (2,894 m / 9,495 ft). Beyond the pass, you’ll descend into a bowl and follow a rocky trail that clings to the mountainside. Stop at the Twära viewpoint to admire a magnificent view into the Mattertal. Afterward, it’s a descent to the pretty hamlet of Jungu, followed by a final steep section to the town of St. Niklaus. There, you’ll have an option to take a cable-car ride down to St. Niklaus. From St. Niklaus, your group will take a short train or taxi ride to the iconic town of Zermatt, sprawling beneath the iconic peak of Matterhorn.
Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
Ascent: 1,070 m / 3,510 ft
Descent: 1,765 m / 5790 ft
Walking time: 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: 3* Hotel

Your Haute Route Highlights hiking tour finishes after breakfast. Say goodbye to your guide, fellow hikers, and the Alpine wilderness Alternatively, you can take the opportunity to stay on for some extra nights in this beautiful area close to the iconic Matterhorn.
Meals: Breakfast

Your trip begins in the famous mountain town of Chamonix, found at the foot of Mont Blanc. You will meet your guide and fellow hikers at 6pm for a trip briefing, followed by dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Luxurious 4* hotel

Your Haute Route adventure begins with taking the Planpraz cable car, followed by a hike along the famous Grand Balcon Sud, famous for its fabulous Mont Blanc views. As your path is located in the heart of the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve, you’re likely to see ibex, chamois, and marmottes. Lanter, traverse to the stunning Lac des Chéserys, descend to the Col des Montets and follow the valley to Vallorcine and your comfortable accommodation.
Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Ascent: 1,411 m / 4,629 ft
Descent: 1,200 m / 3,937 ft
Walking time: 6.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: High-quality hotel

Start your day with a short transfer from Vallorcine to the start of today’s hike at the Col de la Forclaz: an easy stroll to the Chalet des Glaciers, a small café next to the impressive Trient glacier. Here, your group will begin a long and at times steep ascent through spectacular scenery up the high pass known as the Fenêtre d’Arpette, from which you can enjoy wonderful views of the Trient Plateau. What follows next is a steep descent through the Val d’Arpette to your luxurious accommodation in the resort town Champex, found by a gorgeous lake.
Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
Ascent: 1,411 m / 4,629 ft
Descent: 1,200 m / 3,937 ft
Walking time: 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Luxurious hotel

This morning we’ll leave the picturesque village of Champex behind. We’ll cross summer meadows and farmland to reach the little village of Sembrancher. From here we take a private transfer to Evolène in the picturesque Val d’Herens. We then spend the afternoon making our way from Evolène to La Sage where our very comfortable hotel awaits for the evening.
Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
Ascent: 305 m / 1,000 ft
Descent: 305 m / 1,000 ft
Walking time: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: High-quality hotel

Day 5 begins with a long, but not-to-difficult ascent to the Col de Torrent (2,912 m / 9,554 ft). Your group will then descend to the turquoise Lac de Moiry. From here, you can admire some of the giant peaks of the Pennine Alps, including the Dent Blanche and the Weisshorn. From the Lac de Moiry, it’s a 1.5-hour walk to the historic village of Grimentz, where you’ll stay for the night.
Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
Ascent: 1,270 m / 4,166 ft
Descent: 693 m / 2,273 ft
Walking time: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: High-quality hotel

This morning, you’ll head out of Grimentz following the forested trail into the Val d’Anniviers. From here, pick up the path which will lead your group up through flower-strewn alpine pastures to the historic Hotel Weisshorn (2,337 m / 7,667 ft), a great place to stop for lunch. After lunch, you’ll descend to the village of St Luc, perched high above the valley. This will be your base for the next two nights.
Distance: 13.5 km / 8 miles
Ascent: 1,150 m / 3,772 ft
Descent: 1,065 m / 3,495 ft
Walking time: 5.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Luxurious hotel

A wonderful luxurious hotel is chosen for your two-night stay in St Luc, the perfect juncture for a well-deserved rest day. Enjoy a restful and relaxing day in St Luc, taking advantage of the hotel’s excellent spa facilities. There are various shorter walks that are also possible today.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Luxurious hotel

Today you’ll pass from the French-speaking part of Switzerland to the German-speaking Val Turtmanntal. From St Luc, your group will retrace their steps out of the village and up into the open pastures to make a steady ascent to the Meidpass (2,790 m / 9,154 ft). Here, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views across the Alps. While approaching the pass, you may even spot some edelweiss, the symbol of Switzerland and mountaineering. Descend from the pass into the peaceful Turtmanntal valley and reach the tiny hamlet of Gruben, your home for the night.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: High-quality hotel
Distance: 11.8 km / 7.3 miles
Ascent: 667 m / 2188 ft
Descent: 1026 m / 3366 ft
Approx hiking time: 6 hrs

Start today’s trekking by walking through open woodland, then across high pastures, followed by rocky wilderness. The trek soon opens up to some of the most spectacular views in the Swiss Alps. The last pass you will cross during your Haute Route trek is the Augstbordpass (2,894 m / 9,495 ft), beyond which your group will descend steeply to the viewpoint known as the Twära, offering views into the Mattertal. Later, it’s another descent to the hamlet of Jungu. From here you can walk or take a cable-car ride to Saint Niklaus, your base for the night,
Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles
Ascent: 1,070 m / 3,510 ft
Descent: 1,765 m / 5,790 ft
Walking time: 7-8 hours
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: High-quality hotel

Today, your group will have a choice between two different routes. The first one involves taking a short taxi journey to Randa and heading up to a high-level route to finish the Haute Route in style. You’ll cross the newly opened Charles Kuonen suspension bridge—the longest one in the world and continue to Zermatt along the iconic Europaweg route. If the weather is bad, or if there is danger of rockfall, your group will take the alternative route through the valley floor. Celebrate your achievements with your group and your guide in Zermatt—your adventure finishes tomorrow.
Distance: 13 or 18 km / 8 or 11 miles
Ascent: 450 m / 1,476 ft via the valley floor, or 1,400 m / 4,593 ft via the Europaweg
Descent: 0 m / 0 ft via the valley floor or 1,000 m / 3,280 ft via the Europaweg
Walking time: 8-9 hours or 4-5 hours via the valley floor
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Luxurious hotel

Your Deluxe Haute Route guided tour finishes after breakfast. Say goodbye to your guide, fellow hikers, and the Alpine wilderness Alternatively, you can take the opportunity to stay on for some extra nights in this beautiful area close to the iconic Matterhorn.
Meals: Breakfast