There was an error with your log in
Trip options
Protection
How to pay
Checkout
Self-Guided Walker’s Haute Route: From Chamonix to Zermatt
Date and group size
Select date
/ /

Select your adventure protection

Redpoint travel protection
Weather shifts, flights cancel. Core and Premium include Redpoint travel protection to cover you when they do. Standard follows 57hours' booking policy. See full coverage
Every booking, whichever you pick
Cancel within 48h of booking 100% refund
Cancel 60+ days before departure (Any or no reason) 60% refund
Full coverage details
Basic Standard terms Most popular Core protection Recommended Premium protection
Cancel within 48h of booking
100% refund 100% refund 100% refund
Cancel 60+ days before departure (Any or no reason)
60% refund 60% refund 75% refund
Cancel any time (Covered reason)
75% refund 100% refund
Cancel any time (Any or no reason)
75% refund
Cancel under 60 days (Any or no reason)
75% refund
Travel: canceled flights, lost baggage, delays
Up to $1,000 p.p. Up to $1,000 p.p.
Rescue, evacuation, and medical coverage
Up to $100,000 p.p. Up to $100,000 p.p.
Basic Standard terms
Cancel within 48h of booking
100% refund
Cancel 60+ days before departure (Any or no reason)
60% refund
Cancel any time (Covered reason)
Cancel any time (Any or no reason)
Cancel under 60 days (Any or no reason)
Travel: canceled flights, lost baggage, delays
Rescue, evacuation, and medical coverage
Most popular Core protection
Cancel within 48h of booking
100% refund
Cancel 60+ days before departure (Any or no reason)
60% refund
Cancel any time (Covered reason)
75% refund
Cancel any time (Any or no reason)
Cancel under 60 days (Any or no reason)
Travel: canceled flights, lost baggage, delays
Up to $1,000 p.p.
Rescue, evacuation, and medical coverage
Up to $100,000 p.p.
Recommended Premium protection
Cancel within 48h of booking
100% refund
Cancel 60+ days before departure (Any or no reason)
75% refund
Cancel any time (Covered reason)
100% refund
Cancel any time (Any or no reason)
75% refund
Cancel under 60 days (Any or no reason)
75% refund
Travel: canceled flights, lost baggage, delays
Up to $1,000 p.p.
Rescue, evacuation, and medical coverage
Up to $100,000 p.p.
Cancellation policy

The percentages in the table above are of the full trip price, not of what you’ve paid at the time of booking.

Cancellations made within 48 hours of booking receive a full refund on all plans, including booking fees and insurance. After the 48-hour window, your refund depends on your selected protection plan and when you cancel. Core and Premium plans extend your cancellation rights beyond the Standard policy:

  • With Core, a covered reason gets you 75% of your trip cost back — even the day before you go.
  • With Premium, a covered reason gets you 100% of your trip cost back — and any other reason gets you 75%, right up to the day you leave.
What counts as a covered reason
  • Sudden illness or injury — yours, a travel companion’s, or an immediate family member’s, confirmed by a doctor
  • Death of a traveler or an immediate family member
  • A natural disaster affecting your destination or your departure point
  • A government travel advisory against travel to your destination

Changing your mind isn’t a covered reason. Premium is the only plan that covers that. Documentation is required for all insurance claims.

Everything the travel insurance covers

Both plans include travel insurance through Redpoint Travel Protection. Core insures 75% of your trip cost; Premium insures 100%.

Maximum per person:

  • Trip cancellation — up to 100% of your trip cost
  • Cancel for any reason — up to 75% of your trip cost (Premium only)
  • Trip interruption — 150% of the trip cost limit
  • Trip delay — $200 a day, $1,000 max
  • Itinerary change — $250
  • Single occupancy supplement — up to 100% of trip cost
  • Missed connection — $1,000
  • Travel inconvenience — $250 each, $750 max
  • Pet return — $1,000 per pet
  • Baggage and personal effects — $2,500, max $300 an item
  • Baggage delay — $600, after 12 hours
  • Baggage delivery — $100 per trip
  • Emergency medical expenses — $100,000
  • Medical evacuation and repatriation — up to $1,000,000

These are maximums. What a claim actually pays depends on what you can document and on the policy’s exclusions — pre-existing conditions and undeclared activities among them. We’ll send the full policy wording with your confirmation.

Reserve deposit (40%) $0
Second Payment Amount: $0
Self-Guided Walker’s Haute Route: From Chamonix to Zermatt
Itinerary
9-Day Haute Route
Date(s)
--
Number of travelers
1 Person
  • 9-Day Haute Route
    Qty:1
    -
    Subtotal
    Booking fees
    Discounts
    Group discount
    Protection
Cancel in the first 48h for free
Pay deposit now, the rest by
Travel and medical insurance available
Earn $0.00 Adventure credits

  • This is the tighter version of the classic traverse, for when you want to hike all the way from Chamonix to Zermatt but have a few days less. Over nine days, you’ll follow the Walker’s Haute Route across the Swiss Valais, crossing high passes like the Col de Louvie, the Col de la Forcletta, and the Augstbordpass, and walking past glaciers, dams, and some of the wildest valleys in the Alps. Expect between 11.5 and 24 km (7–15 mi) a day, with nights in mountain huts and dormitory-style lodging. Eight nights of accommodation, most breakfasts and dinners, a detailed route description with walking times, and a map are all arranged before you set off. The trek ends in Zermatt, right below the Matterhorn.

    • Start your self-guided journey in the village of Montroc, just 20 minutes from Chamonix, and hike up to the Aiguillette des Posettes. This ridge is one of the most panoramic spots on the route, with views over the Mont Blanc range, its main summits, and the Chamonix valley. The mountain pastures of Posettes and Balme are the last ones still in use near Chamonix. From here, a path along the mountainside takes you across the French-Swiss border and through the alpine pastures of Catogne. The village of Trient is your destination for the night.

      Meals: Dinner
      Distance: 13.9 km (8.6 mi)
      Elevation: +1,175 m (+3,855 ft) / -1,260 m (-4,134 ft)
      Accommodation: Dormitory

      Aiguillette des Posettes

    • The day begins with a climb up to the Col de la Forclaz. From there, the trail winds through a beautiful larch forest and reaches the alpine pastures of Bovine, with views of the Dents du Midi and the foothills of the Bernese Alps. Further east, the Pennine Alps come into view, along with the Grand Combin massif. Farmers still use the Bovine route to bring their cattle through the mountains. The trail then descends to Plan de l’Au and finally to Champex-Lac, a small village set on a mountain lake.

      Meals: Breakfast and dinner
      Distance: 14.5 km (9 mi)
      Elevation: +945 m (+3,100 ft) / -790 m (-2,592 ft)
      Accommodation: Dormitory

      Grand Combin massif

    • From Champex-Lac, a pleasant descent through forest, hillsides, and small hamlets brings you to the bottom of Val d’Entremont and the village of Orsières, at the foot of the Great St Bernard Pass. This is where the Valais Alps begin. A long climb up the western side of Val d’Entremont leads to the crests of Mont Brûlé, where you’ll get one last look at the summits on the northeastern end of the Mont Blanc range. The trail then reaches the Mille hut, perched at 2,473 m (8,114 ft), where you’ll spend the night.

      Meals: Breakfast and dinner
      Distance: 15.5 km (9.6 mi)
      Elevation: +1,700 m (+5,577 ft) / -700 m (-2,297 ft)
      Accommodation: Dormitory at the Mille hut

      Champex le Lac

    • Today’s stage is long but easy, through beautiful open landscapes. It links two huts with wonderful panoramas: the Cabane de Mille, overlooking Val d’Entremont, and the Cabane de Louvie, overlooking Val de Bagnes. A very pleasant trail takes you past the Brunet hut before descending into Val de Bagnes. From the village of Fionnay, the path climbs toward the Louvie hut and its magnificent lake, where you’ll see the immense Corbassière glacier reflected in the water.

      Meals: Breakfast and dinner
      Distance: 21 km (13 mi)
      Elevation: +1,260 m (+4,134 ft) / -1,500 m (-4,921 ft)
      Accommodation: Dormitory at the Louvie hut

      Val d’Entremont view

    • There are two passes on today’s program: first the Col de Louvie (2,921 m / 9,583 ft), then the Col de Prafleuri (2,939 m / 9,642 ft). Between them lies the Grand Désert, a vast plateau of moraines and rocks left behind by the retreating glaciers. The landscape here is stark and rocky, dotted with lakes, cairns, and markers that guide you across. From the Col de Prafleuri, the trail descends to the Prafleuri hut, where you’ll spend the night.

      Meals: Breakfast and dinner
      Distance: 11.5 km (7.1 mi)
      Elevation: +1,040 m (+3,412 ft) / -625 m (-2,051 ft)
      Accommodation: Dormitory at the Prafleuri hut

      Grand Desert in the Alps

    • Today’s route skips the Col de Riedmatten and the Pas de Chèvre. Both are technical, exposed sections with unstable rocky terrain and tall vertical ladders. Instead, from the Grande Dixence dam, the tallest gravity dam in the world, you’ll descend into the Hérémence valley to a spot called Motôt (1,905 m / 6,250 ft). The path crosses the Merdéré torrent and later reaches the alpine pastures of Novélé (2,082 m / 6,831 ft). Crossing the Col de la Meina takes you into Val d’Hérens and down to the pretty hamlet of La Meina, where a chairlift eases the way down to Lannaz.

      Meals: Breakfast
      Distance: 15.5 km (9.6 mi)
      Elevation: +1,000 m (+3,281 ft) / -1,515 m (-4,970 ft)
      Accommodation: Dormitory

      Grande Dixence Dam

    • From La Sage in Val d’Hérens, set off toward Zinal. You’ll first cross the Col de Torrent, where the Moiry dam and its strikingly colored lake come into view below. From there, hike down to the lake through the alpine pastures. Once you reach the dam, a local shuttle takes you from Moiry to Zinal, a mountain village at the head of Val d’Anniviers, where you’ll spend the night.

      Meals: Breakfast and dinner
      Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi)
      Elevation: +1,260 m (+4,134 ft) / -665 m (-2,182 ft)
      Accommodation: Dormitory

      Reservoir Lac Moiry

    • The climb to the Col de la Forcletta is long and varied. A steep forest path leads to a long, pleasant balcony above Val de Zinal, then on to welcoming alpine pastures before the final steep slope. The descent into the Turtmanntal feels like a step back in time. The valley is cut off in winter, and it’s the wildest one in Valais. In the distance, you’ll spot the Augstbordpass, which you’ll cross tomorrow, and the Turtmann glacier, framed by the Bishorn on one side and the Weisshorn on the other. Tonight, you’ll stay in the hamlet of Gruben.

      Meals: Breakfast and dinner
      Distance: 24 km (14.9 mi)
      Elevation: +1,500 m (+4,921 ft) / -1,350 m (-4,429 ft)
      Accommodation: Dormitory

      Zinal cow

    • The ascent to the Augstbordpass (2,892 m / 9,488 ft) is long, through forest, alpine meadows, grassy slopes, and rocky terrain. It’s the last real challenge of your journey, and the pass rewards you with a spectacular view of the Zermatt valley and the Mischabel massif. The descent follows the valley below the pass to a junction at 2,095 m (6,873 ft). It then continues along the rather steep side of the Twära toward Jungu (1,954 m / 6,411 ft), a tiny hamlet perched high above the valley. From there, a small cable car takes you down to St. Niklaus, and the train carries you on to your final destination, Zermatt.

      Meals: Breakfast
      Distance: 17.2 km (10.7 mi)
      Elevation: +1,250 m (+4,101 ft) / -1,090 m (-3,576 ft)

      View of the Swiss resort town of Zermatt, one of the stops during the Tour of Monte Rosa, and the towering Matterhorn during summer.

    • We’re happy to customize your journey and hear your wishes—and we’ll do our best to meet your expectations, contact us!

      The itinerary, distances, and altitudes may vary slightly for many reasons beyond your organizer’s control, including weather and terrain conditions.

      Accommodation prior to Day 1 and on Day 11 are not included in the self-guided tour. Your guiding company can arrange this for an additional cost.

    • Both itineraries follow the Walker’s Haute Route from Montroc, near Chamonix, to Zermatt, and they share most of the same stages. The main differences are length and how technical the terrain gets.

      The 9-day itinerary ends in Zermatt and follows a non-technical route that avoids exposed sections and ladders like the Pas de Chèvre. On Day 4, you’ll stay at the Louvie hut instead of the Mont Fort hut. It’s a great fit if you’re a strong hiker who wants the full traverse without the technical parts. Just keep in mind that the days are still long, with up to 24 km (15 mi) on the longest stage.

      The 11-day itinerary includes technical sections that require mountaineering skills, and it adds two extra days after Zermatt: a night at the Fluhalp hut and a hike up to the Gornergrat (3,090 m / 10,138 ft), with views of the Monte Rosa range. Choose this one if you have the experience and want to finish the trek high above Zermatt, not down in the village.

    • Included:

        • 9- or 11-day self-guided Walker’s Haute Route
        • Accommodation for 8 or 10 nights in dormitory-style accommodation, depending on the itinerary you select
        • Most meals:
          • 9-day itinerary — 8 breakfasts and 7 dinners
          • 11-day itinerary — 9 breakfasts and 8 dinners
        • Travel information — detailed route description, walking times, and map
        • Unlimited email support before the tour
        • Assistance from your guiding company’s team on-site

      Not included:

        • Transportation to Chamonix and from Zermatt
        • Any other transfers during the tour, such as chairlifts, shuttles, cable cars, and trains
        • Accommodations prior to and after the tour — available at an additional cost
        • Dinner on Day 6 in La Sage, plus dinner and breakfast on Day 9 on the 11-day itinerary
        • Lunches, picnics, snacks, and personal expenses
        • Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
        • Repatriation and search & rescue insurance — mandatory, available to add at checkout
        • Travel and cancellation insurance — highly recommended, available to add at checkout

    • The self-guided Walker’s Haute Route is a challenging one, whichever itinerary you choose. Here’s what you can expect:

        • You will be hiking for 9 or 11 days in a row through mountainous terrain.
        • There will be significant elevation gains and losses (with up to 1,700 m / 5,580 ft of ascent per day!).
        • You will cover anywhere between 9–24 km (6–15 miles) per day.

      Regarding the terrain—lots of ups and downs. It’s more difficult than Tour du Mont Blanc due to several reasons:

        • This adventure takes you along less popular trails, which are not as wide or as “smoothed” out as TMB is.
        • These trails reach higher altitudes than TMB, making the physical effort more demanding and the climatic constraints potentially more severe.
        • Daily elevation changes and distances covered are much greater than on TMB.

      The two itineraries differ in how technical they get:

      9-day itinerary: This route isn’t technical, but it does require a good level of fitness and previous multi-day hiking experience. It avoids the most technical sections of the Haute Route, like the Col de Riedmatten and the Pas de Chèvre, with their exposed terrain and vertical ladders. Before booking, check the daily distances and elevation gains carefully to make sure you’re up for it.

      11-day itinerary: This route requires mountaineering skills, excellent fitness, and some mountain experience under your belt. Trails feature technical sections on particularly uneven terrain, which may require more attention, caution, and the use of arms as well (such as the crossing of the Grand Désert). However, all technical paths can be crossed, as long as you’re calm and methodical!

      If you decide to go on this self-guided tour, make sure you’re ready and fit enough. Preparation is always key!

    • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

        • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
        • Sleeping bag for the huts
        • Hiking poles — optional
        • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
        • Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
        • Spare clothes for layering
        • Waterproof rain jacket
        • 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.

      Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!

    • Self-guided tours are perfect for those who enjoy exploring on their own terms—at their own pace, and with the company they choose. By joining this self-guided tour, we take care of:

        • Accommodation
        • Most meals
        • Travel information — detailed route description, walking times
        • Unlimited email support before the tour
        • Assistance from your guiding company’s team on-site

      Rather than joining a guided group, you’ll navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the tour operator. For a hassle-free journey with everything arranged for you in advance, there’s no better option!

      As a self-guided tour is built around your preferred travel dates, your guide will take care of arranging accommodations and details after you book. Note that exact accommodations and dates might shift slightly, so don’t make any travel arrangements until the details of your adventure are confirmed.

    • Group sizes:

        • Solo travelers are welcome to join!

      This self-guided Walker’s 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.
        • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

      If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

    • No, a single occupancy room is not available on this tour as you’ll be sleeping at mountain huts with shared dormitories—no options of single rooms.

    • 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. Your journey officially starts in the village of Montroc, just 20 minutes away from Chamonix.

      There are several ways to reach your destination, including public transport. Looking to make airport transfers hassle-free? Check out Mountain Drop Offs—they provide door-to-door service in their comfy and spacious shuttles. Use the code 57HCHX to get a 5% discount!

      Keep in mind that you should get on the trail on Day 1 in the morning, meaning that you’ll also have to spend a night in Chamonix prior to the first day, so you could get some rest.

    • Repatriation/search and rescue insurance is mandatory, while travel insurance is highly recommended to join this trip. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

      Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

57hours uses cookies for a better experience!
We rely on cookies to remember your preferences and analyze our website traffic. View Privacy Policy
Saved to bucket list
Removed from bucket list

Choose a currency

  • USD - $
    US Dollar
  • EUR - €
    Euro
  • AUD - AU$
    Australian Dollar
  • CAD - CA$
    Canadian Dollar
  • GBP - £
    British Pound Sterling
  • CHF - CHF
    Swiss Franc
  • JPY - ¥
    Japanese Yen
  • SGD - S$
    Singapore Dollar
  • HKD - HK$
    Hong Kong Dollar
  • DKK - Dkr
    Danish Krone
  • NOK - Nkr
    Norwegian Krone
  • NZD - NZ$
    New Zealand Dollar