What you get on this adventure: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 9, 11, or 12 days of hiking, depending on your chosen itinerary (involving 7-10 hiking days) Accommodation based on double occupancy Meals as specified in the itinerary Luggage delivery (except on days where you will stay in mountain huts) Transfers during the adventure What’s not included: Flights and airport transfers Airport transfers — we recommend Mountain Drop-Offs Lunches, personal drinks and snacks Cable-car rides Travel insurance covering medical expenses, mountain rescue including helicopter evacuation, and cancellation Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

Even though hiking the Haute Route doesn’t require any technical skills, it is generally recommended to those with a great level of fitness and an experience of multi-day hikes on mountain trails. You can expect 4,000-foot ascents on more challenging days and hiking between 10 and 15 miles for 7 hours on average for 7-10 consecutive days. Keep in mind that hiking can be made difficult because of changing weather. However, you will always have a guide by your side who will be able to quickly notice if hiking gets too strenuous for you or somebody in your group and make any adjustments. You will also be able to take many breaks, including those that allow you to take in the views. Due to some more exposed sections, the tour is not recommended for those with severe fear of heights.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Day pack large enough to carry all the items you will need during a day (around a 25-40L bag) Hiking poles — optional Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Lightweight hiking boots or shoes Spare clothes for layering Waterproof rain jacket Waterproof pants Base layers (top and bottom) Mid layer—usually a fleece Hiking pants (shorts as well if you want) Sunhat Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For these group adventures, the maximum client-to-guide ratio is 10:1. It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The cost does not decrease as the group grows. Hiking along the Haute Route can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.

Deposits and cancellation policy

A 30% non-refundable deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 10 weeks (70 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to seventy (70) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, only the Client’s deposit will be forfeited. For cancellations thirty-one (31) to seventy (70) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total price of the trip. For cancellations thirty or less days in advance, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Chamonix, most people fly into Geneva International Airport (GVA) , one hour away. Once you arrive, there are several ways to reach your destination, including public transport. Looking to make the airport transfer hassle-free? Check out Mountain Drop-Offs —they provide door-to-door service in their comfy and spacious shuttles. You will meet your guide in your accommodation in Chamonix on day 1 at 6 pm—the exact location will be given to you once your trip has been confirmed. Your Haute Route guided adventure will finish in a different location—Zermatt. There are many bus and train lines connecting the town to Geneva, which is 3.5 hours away.

Covid measures in France and Switzerland

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the in France and Switzerland, please refer to France Diplomacy’s advice for travelers and foreign nationals and Switzerland’s official COVID-19 travel guidelines . Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

Europaweg hiking route along the Haute Route, views of Matterhorn.

Charles Kounen suspension bridge along the Europaweg hiking trail in the Swiss Alps.

Alpine pass of Fenetre d’Arpette featuring glaciated mountains.

Edelweiss flower seen in the Swiss Alps along the Haute Route.

Scenicly located Swiss Alpine town of St Niklaus with a church bell.

Grand Balcon Sud, hiking trail near Mont Blanc.

Swiss town of Zermatt, last stop of the Haute Route, with wooden houses and the view of Matterhorn.

Chamonix | France

Haute Route Trek: Hiking From Chamonix to Zermatt

5.00 ()

Season

July through September

Nearest city

Geneva, Switzerland is 1.5 hours from Chamonix, France—your starting point

Duration

9-12 days

Skill level

Intermediate

Guide

Cloud 9 Adventure

From $3,160 () / 9-12 days

Got any questions? or Talk with us

Overview
Itinerary
Brochure
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Reviews
Things to know

Cross the spectacular Haute Route, a trek that connects the two adventure capitals of the Alps: Chamonix and Zermatt. Starting in the shadow of Mont Blanc, you will complete the 110-mile trail with a dramatic finish at the foot of Matterhorn—experiencing 10 of the 12 highest peaks in the Alps along the way. Brace yourself for long daily hikes; patchworks of dramatic landscapes leading you from glaciated mountains reflecting in crystalline lakes to verdant valleys and meadows beneath 9,500-foot mountain passes. And once you reach yet another picture-perfect village, your typical mountain hospitality exuding from its wooden chalets wrapped in flowers, learn why the Haute Route trek is one of the best hiking experiences in the Alps.

Hike past Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, and 8 other highest Alpine peaks
Get immersed in sublime mountain vistas of Switzerland and France
Experience unique mountain lifestyle in typical Alpine villages and towns

Available itineraries

Classic Haute Route Trek

Meandering between Chamonix and Zermatt for 12 days, discover the heart of the Alps by getting up close to its highest peaks and experiencing its unique lifestyle in charming towns and villages. Your adventure offers superb hiking speckled with stupendous panoramic views, accommodation in quality hotels, auberges, and rustic mountain huts, as well as luggage delivery during all but two days—allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the sublime Alpine scenery.

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

Haute Route Trek Highlights

Perfect for hikers who are short on time, this version of the Haute Route is a little shorter, but still hits all the highlights! This is achieved by taking short transfers, allowing you to focus on the best parts of the adventure. So, although your total walking will be shortened from 110 to 80 miles, you won’t be deprived of hiking past those iconic peaks and across the high-altitude mountain passes, nor the experiences of quaint towns and villages and rustic mountain huts.

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

Deluxe Haute Route Trek

You want to lace your Haute Route hiking adventure with some irresistible Alpine luxury? We’ve got you covered. Apart from hiking along one of the world’s most beautiful and spectacular treks, you will also be spoiled by luxurious hotels boasting incredible food, as well as spas, saunas, pools, and wellness suites wherever possible. You will also have an extra day in the Swiss resort town of Saint-Luc and luggage delivery during all days.

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
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

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Cloud 9 Adventure

Offering a diverse range of trips in the Alps, Pyrenees, Dolomites, Jura and beyond, Cloud 9 Adventure is all about conveying their passion for adventure travel among some of the world’s most magnificent mountain landscapes—and as far away from the crowds as possible.

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September 28 , 2023 at 12:00PM EDT

Starting in

Everything You Need to Know About Hiking the Haute Route

Emma Jack

International Mountain Leader & Co-founder of Cloud 9 Adventure

5.00 (1 reviews)

Haute Trip

paul k (source: Tripadvisor)

This trip has been in the works for almost 3 years and through the Covid epidemic you somehow managed to pull it off. The additions and changes you had to make were remarkable in fitting our needs. How can an 11 day trip go off without 1 hiccup? It did because of your knowledge, professionalism and extreme dedication to your clients. As one of your guides(Suze) said: Emma never sleeps! Every single detail from luggage delivery, hotel accommodations, trip notes, maps, food requests(we had 2 vegetarians) was spot on. From the bottom of my heart, you made a 25 year dream to hike the Haute come true. It was way beyond my expectations. To do it with friends was even more special. On any future expeditions, I would never consider another person(or company) to arrange my trip. No wonder Richard Branson so highly recommends you. To all who read this review, I personally have arranged dozens of trips over the years, but I knew from the start that Emma was the one to arrange this one.

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 9, 11, or 12 days of hiking, depending on your chosen itinerary (involving 7-10 hiking days)
  - Accommodation based on double occupancy
  - Meals as specified in the itinerary
  - Luggage delivery (except on days where you will stay in mountain huts)
  - Transfers during the adventure
What’s not included:
- - Flights and airport transfers
  - Airport transfers — we recommend Mountain Drop-Offs
  - Lunches, personal drinks and snacks
  - Cable-car rides
  - Travel insurance covering medical expenses, mountain rescue including helicopter evacuation, and cancellation
  - Guide gratuities — optional
Even though hiking the Haute Route doesn’t require any technical skills, it is generally recommended to those with a great level of fitness and an experience of multi-day hikes on mountain trails. You can expect 4,000-foot ascents on more challenging days and hiking between 10 and 15 miles for 7 hours on average for 7-10 consecutive days.

Keep in mind that hiking can be made difficult because of changing weather. However, you will always have a guide by your side who will be able to quickly notice if hiking gets too strenuous for you or somebody in your group and make any adjustments. You will also be able to take many breaks, including those that allow you to take in the views.

Due to some more exposed sections, the tour is not recommended for those with severe fear of heights.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Day pack large enough to carry all the items you will need during a day (around a 25-40L bag)
  - Hiking poles — optional
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Waterproof rain jacket
  - Waterproof pants
  - Base layers (top and bottom)
  - Mid layer—usually a fleece
  - Hiking pants (shorts as well if you want)
  - Sunhat
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Headlamp or flashlight
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and prices:
- - For these group adventures, the maximum client-to-guide ratio is 10:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate.
  - The cost does not decrease as the group grows.
Hiking along the Haute Route can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
A 30% non-refundable deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 10 weeks (70 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
- - If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to seventy (70) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, only the Client’s deposit will be forfeited.
  - For cancellations thirty-one (31) to seventy (70) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total price of the trip.
  - For cancellations thirty or less days in advance, Client is not entitled to any refund.
  - Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.
To get to Chamonix, most people fly into Geneva International Airport (GVA), one hour away. Once you arrive, there are several ways to reach your destination, including public transport. Looking to make the airport transfer hassle-free? Check out Mountain Drop-Offs—they provide door-to-door service in their comfy and spacious shuttles.

You will meet your guide in your accommodation in Chamonix on day 1 at 6 pm—the exact location will be given to you once your trip has been confirmed.

Your Haute Route guided adventure will finish in a different location—Zermatt. There are many bus and train lines connecting the town to Geneva, which is 3.5 hours away.
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the in France and Switzerland, please refer to France Diplomacy’s advice for travelers and foreign nationals and Switzerland’s official COVID-19 travel guidelines.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!