This 8-day self-guided hike takes you along the stunning eastern section of the iconic Walker’s Haute Route, from Arolla to Zermatt. Enjoy breathtaking views of Valais’s towering peaks like the Pigne d’Arolla (3,796 m) and the iconic Matterhorn (4,478 m). Traverse high alpine passes, charming villages, and pristine valleys while following a beautifully mapped route. With accommodations, meals, and luggage transfers all organized for you, this adventure offers the perfect balance of freedom and ease to fully immerse yourself in one of the most spectacular alpine crossings in Europe.
Upon arrival in Arolla, check-in at your hotel is available from 3pm. Arolla is the highest village in the Valais canton, located at the edge of the last sparse forests of Arolla pines and larches. The glaciated north face of Mount Collon dominates the southern view from this village, which sits at the end of the Val d’Hérens. Enjoy the afternoon and get some rest, tomorrow the hiking starts!
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: 2-star hotel in Arolla (L’Hôtel du Glacier or similar)
This scenic hike leads up to Pra Gra (2,479 m / 8,133 ft), offering sweeping panoramic views before entering a cirque filled with scree and following the moraine edges of the Aiguilles Rouges glacier. The trail reaches the refuge of the same name — an ideal spot for a break — before descending to the clear blue waters of Lac Bleu (Blue Lake). From there, you return on foot to Arolla and continue by bus to Les Haudères, a charming village nestled at the foot of the Dent Blanche (the White Tooth), where you will spend the night in a hotel in the village center.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 12.9 km (8 mi), 5.5-6 hours
Elevation: +/-920 m (3,018 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Les Haudères (Hotel Les Mélèzes or similar)
You will hike up to the Torrent Pass (2,919 m / 9,577 ft) via La Sage – Villaz (1,742 m / 5,715 ft), a village known for its rustic charm. From there, you will enjoy extraordinary views of the Grands Combins, Mont Fort, and the Pigne d’Arolla. Next, the hike continues to Lake Moiry. From here, you can either take a bus or continue hiking to the beautiful traditional village of Grimentz. The route passes through Bendolla, where you can use a ski lift to reach Grimentz. After exploring the village, which is entirely built with larches, you will take a bus to Zinal.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 11.3 km (7 mi), hours
Elevation: +1,180 m (3,875 ft), -670 m (2,200 ft) — less climbing, depending on where a morning taxi drops you off, provided you pay extra and plan a taxi from Les Haudères instead of bus)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Zinal (Hotel Europe or similar)
Optional extra hike #1: Moiry Lake to Bendolla (ski lift to Grimentz), about 2 hours of walking, 6.3km (3.9m)i, +223 m (730 ft), -357 m (1,170ft)
Optional extra hike #2: Bendolla to Grimentz, about 1.5 to 2 hours of walking, 2.4 km (1.5 mi), -545 m (-1,790 ft)
Optional extra hike #3: Moiry Lake to Grimentz, about 1.5 to 2 hours of walking, 6 km (3.7 mi), -665 m (-2,180 ft).
The “Roc de la Vache” (2,581 m / 8,468 ft) lookout, south of the Zinal valley, offers breathtaking views over the Moming Glacier, the Zinalrothorn (4,221 m / 13,848 ft), and the northeast side of the “Dent Blanche.” You then return to Zinal for a second night in this relaxing town.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 14.7 km (9.1 mi), 5-6 hours
Elevation: +/-945 m (3,100 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Zinal (Hotel Europe or similar)
You will follow a balcony path that overlooks the Val d’Anniviers (valley). It is a flat trail that follows a contour line. Behind you rise the towering Matterhorn and Zinal peaks. You will walk via the Forcletta Pass (2,874 m / 9,429 ft) and descend through a pastoral Alpine landscape, passing meadows and larch forests, to reach Grüben/Meiden (1,822 m / 5,978 ft). Don’t forget to admire the marvelous chalets in this charming village and the stunning Turtmann Glacier.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 16.9 km (10.5 mi), 6.5-7 hours
Elevation: +1,215 m (3,985 ft), -1,056 m (3,465 ft)
Accommodation: Mountain lodge hotel in Gruben (Hotel Schwarzhorn or similar)
You will start your walk by meandering through forests of larches and Arolla pines. You will hike through a stunning valley past a small glacial lake before crossing the Augstbord Pass (2,894 m / 9,495 ft), which forms the natural border between the Turtmanntal and the Mattertal. You can make an optional side hike to the Schwarzhorn (3,201 m / 10,501 ft) for unique panoramic views stretching from Mont Blanc to the Monte Rosa massif. Then, you will descend to the hanging hamlet of Jungen (1,955 m / 6,414 ft), a magnificent site with a Baroque chapel and views of the Nadelhorn and the Monte Rosa massif. From Jungen, you can either take a cable car or continue hiking to reach St. Niklaus (1,127 m / 3,697 ft). Transfer by train to Täsch.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 13.2 km (8.2 mi), 5 hours
Elevation: +1,111 m (3,645 ft), -962 m (3,155 ft) — cable car option from Jungen to St. Niklaus
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Täsch (Hotel Täscherhof or similar)
Optional extra hike: Jungen to St. Niklaus, about 1.5 to 2 hours of walking, +4.2 km (2.6 mi), +40 m (130 ft), -887 m (2,910 ft).
From Täschalp (2,214 m / 7,264 ft), you will take the “Europaweg” to Zermatt. This is a fantastic balcony hike that offers views of a multitude of 4,000-meter-high mountains. The views of the Matterhorn from here are truly spectacular. You will end your hike in the lovely village of Zermatt after an epic day on the trail.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking (with taxi from Täsch to Täschalp): 9.4 km (5.8 mi), 4 hours
Elevation: +300 m (790 ft), -870 m (2,645 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Zermatt (Hotel Capricorn or similar)
Optional extra hike: from Täsch to Täschalp, about 2 hours of walking, +4 km (2.5 mi), +747 m (2,450 ft)
Departure after breakfast and hotel check-out (around 10am). If you’d like to stay an additional night or two in Zermatt, you can add it at checkout.
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Add-ons (available to add at checkout):
Not included:
In order to go on this self-guided Walker’s Haute Route, great fitness is required as you’ll be hiking for 6 days in a row over rocky, mountainous terrain, 3-7 hours per day. The most you’ll hike within a day is 16.9 km (10.5 mi), while ascents range from 300 to 1,200 m (985 to 3,937 ft). The highest elevation reached is 2,918 m (9,574 ft).
Check out the itinerary to learn about day-by-day distances and elevation changes.
The following items are required for this Walker’s Haute Route East adventure unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed. Luggage transfers have a limit of 33lbs/15kg—please stick to this as extra items are not easily stored by the team.
Avoid cotton or cycling-specific clothing. Synthetic fabrics dry quickly and perform well in active conditions. Merino wool is also an excellent option — it dries fast, is comfortable to wear, and naturally resists odors even after extended use.
Note that the beginning of the season (early July) has a strong risk of snow and snowy conditions on the trail.
Clothing:
Gear:
First aid kit suggestions:
Carrying a basic personal first aid kit is strongly advised, as unforeseen situations may arise during travel. Access to medications and first aid supplies can be limited in certain destinations, making it essential to bring necessary prescription and over-the-counter items. Travel plans, vaccinations, and medication use should be reviewed with a healthcare provider in advance to ensure a safe and smooth journey.
Here’s a basic list of what’s generally a good personal travel first aid kit:
Optional items:
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 going on this self-guided Walker’s Haute Route East, we take care of…
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!
Digital travel package includes documents available in English, French, and German, sent by email, and provides access to a smartphone travel application for navigating hikes and accessing local maps (available in English only). It also contains the list of booked accommodations, and all the detailed information needed for a successful trip. If desired, a printed version of the travel package can be provided for an additional fee; it will be ready and available at the first accommodation of the itinerary, including maps, a topo guide, and a travel folder—you can add this at checkout.
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 and pricing
Walker’s Haute Route East can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Walker’s Haute Route East is Arolla, Switzerland. To get there, most people fly into Geneva Airport (GVA) or Zurich Airport (ZRH). From there, it’s best to take a shuttle service or rent a car to reach Arolla. Alternatively, public transport is an option, but it will take longer.
You can check into your hotel from circa 3pm onwards.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their 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.
After checkout, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!