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An 8-day hiking tour of the Matterhorn is a full circuit around this iconic Alpine peak. Formed by several land masses slamming into one another, Matterhorn is arguably the most recognizable peak in the world—and you’re about to take in its beauty from all its sides. Use those Swiss summer days for explorations of crystalline lakes, verdant pastures, and rocky ridges, with plenty of photo and snack breaks. As the day draws to a close, get some rest in traditional refuges and quality hotels—but not before tasting authentic dishes and delicious wines. Bon voyage!
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Since there will be plenty of walking on Day 1 of the tour, it is recommended that you arrive at St. Niklaus or somewhere near to it a day prior to the start day. Make sure to arrange your flight tickets and accommodation for that one night accordingly.
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Kick off your tour of the Matterhorn with a traditional cable car that will take you to Jungu. That’s your starting point, from which you’ll begin hiking, enjoying the views of Monte Rosa in the background to the foot of the first pass—the Augstbordpass at 2,900 m (9,515 ft). Descend through Alpine meadows and larch forests until you reach the typical Alpine village of Gruben, where you will spend the night.
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Hiking: 6.5 hours
Accommodation: Mountain refuge
Elevation: +1,000 m / +3,280 ft | -1,100 m / -3,610 ft
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Depending on how the group feels and weather conditions, there are several possibilities today. You will either climb up to the Col de Forclettaz at 2,874 m (9,430 ft) via the Chalte Berg or to the Meidpass at 2,790 m (9,155 ft). The Nava and Barneuza meadows welcome you to Val d’Annivier. Take a 30-minute drive to your accommodation for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 6.5 hours
Accommodation: Mountain refuge
Elevation: +1,150 m / +3,770 ft | -1,400 m / -4,595 ft
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There’s a possibility of taking a short transfer to the Moiry Dam—or you can walk. Today you’ll be walking along the top of the scenic Moiry Dam, before climbing further up above it. Once you reach the Col du Tsaté, you’ll be rewarded with scenic views of the Arolla Valley. Reach the valley with a short transfer and settle in for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 6.5 hours
Accommodation: Hotel
Elevation: +500 m / +1,640 ft | -1,200 m / -3,940 ft
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Day 4 of the Matterhorn tour starts with an easy section on the high Arolla Glacier and a climb up to the Col Collon at over 3,000 m (9,845 ft). Soon you’ll reach the Prarayer refuge, nestled on the edge of the lake, which will be awaiting you at the end of a long and scenic descent.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 6.5 hours
Accommodation: Mountain refuge (without luggage transfer)
Elevation: +1,200 m / +3,940 ft | -1,200 m / -3,940 ft
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Start the day with a long ascent to the Col de Valcournera at over 3,000 m (9,845 ft). A few cabled, though not too difficult sections, lead you up to the final major ascent. From the col, the cabled path provides an easy route to the Perucca Vuillermoz refuge perched on the rocky glacial landscape. One final hiking push is required to reach your accommodation for the night at the bottom of Valtournenche.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 6.5 hours
Accommodation: Hotel
Elevation: +1,350 m / +4,430 ft | -1,400 m / -4,595 ft
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A short transfer takes you to the ski resort of Breuil Cervinia. You will hike up to the Theodul Pass at an altitude of 3,349 m (10,990 ft), where you will rope up and cross the glacier to Trockener Stegg. Descend down to Zermatt through quintessential Alpine pastures and typical, charming villages, whose buildings cling onto the slopes. Spend the night at an inn.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 6 hours
Accommodation: Inn
Elevation: +800 m / +2,625 ft | -1,360 m / -4,460 ft
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Today’s starting point is Randa, which you’ll reach by a short transfer, and start an ascent along a path on the left bank of the Matter Valley to the Topali Hut. This off-the-beaten-track path offers spectacular views of the Täschhorn.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 7.5 hours
Accommodation: Mountain refuge
Elevation: +1,520 m / +4,990 ft | -260 m / -855 ft
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Depending on the group’s readiness and weather conditions, you’ve got two options for your final day: you can either walk along an Alpine path to the Wasulicke Pass at 3,114 m (10,125) before taking a cable car down to St. Niklaus, or you can walk straight down to St. Niklaus via varied paths. You’ll reach the town at around 4 pm, marking the official end of your adventure. If you’d like to stick around for a bit longer, just ask your guide for some recommendations!
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hiking: 6.5 hours
Elevation: +440 m / +1,445 ft | -1,160 m / -3,805 ft
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What you get on this adventure:
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- An experienced, French mountain leader with extensive knowledge of the area
- 8-day trekking tour of the Matterhorn
- Accommodation in mountain huts and hotels (as listed in the itinerary)
- All meals (listed in the itinerary) — half-board accommodation & picnics at lunchtime
- Transportation during the tour
- Luggage transfer except on day 4 and 7
What’s not included:
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- Transportation to Switzerland
- Airport transfers — we recommend Mountain Drop-Offs
- Personal trekking and travel equipment
- Sheet sleeping bag — mandatory for nights in mountain refuges
- Drinks
- Cancellation and repatriation assistance insurance — taken out at the time of booking
- Transport to the meeting point and return transfer — possible to arrange with your guides
- Any private transfers or cable cars not listed in the itinerary
- Guide gratuities — optional
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Hikers who would like to do the Matterhorn Trek should have an excellent level of fitness and experience with multi-day hiking. You will be hiking for 6-7 hours a day, 8 days in a row, and gaining up to 1,520 m (4,990 ft) of altitude. Keep in mind that you’ll be carrying a daypack filled with things you might need throughout the day.
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Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
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- Day pack large enough to carry things you’ll need throughout the day (25-40L bag)
- Hiking poles — optional
- Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
- Sheet sleeping bag — mandatory
- Earplugs — optional, but recommended
- Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
- Comfortable clothing for 8 days of hiking
- Spare clothes for layering
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Sunhat
- Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
- Headlamp or flashlight with a red bulb — least likely to disturb other guests at huts
- 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.
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Group sizes and prices:
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- For this tour of the Matterhorn Trek, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 12:1. The maximum number of people for this tour is 12.
- It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to run.
- The cost does not decrease as the group grows.
- During the tour, you will stay in hotels and mountain refuges, which vary with different dormitory sizes. On some nights in refuges, it will be possible to sleep in private rooms for 2, 3, or 4 people. Let us know your preferences upon booking and we will try to accommodate you.
Trekking the Matterhorn can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
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- 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.
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To get to St. Niklaus in Switzerland, the starting point of your Matterhorn Trek, most people fly into Zurich Airport (ZRH), Geneva Airport (GVA), or Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP). From there, you can take the train or rent a car—it will take you around 3 hours to reach St. Niklaus. If you land in Geneva, 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!
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet. Since you’ll be walking for more than 6 hours on Day 1 of the tour, you should be in St. Niklaus a day prior to the official start of the tour.
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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, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Switzerland, please refer to COVID-19 information by Switzerland’s Federal Office of Public Health.
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!
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