Taking you from the Chamonix Valley in France to the Swiss Valais, 180 kilometers, 11 high mountain cols with approx. 12,000 meters of ascent. Includes baggage transfer. The summer Haute Route makes for an excellent multi-day trekking holiday in the alps and makes for a tougher trek than the Tour du Mont Blanc. The Walkers Haute Route full guided trek features a 12 night itinerary features with a rigorous 10 day walk from Chamonix to Zermatt with an added rest day during the trek in Zinal.
suggested intinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN CHAMONIX
On the day of arrival we have a trek briefing in the hotel lounge at 5pm, this gives you the opportunity to meet your guide and the rest of the group.
During the briefing we will go though all the necessary information including itinerary, accommodation, meals and bag transfer. The guide will also discuss plans for the first day of the trek. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have so you are fully informed before you start your adventure.
AccommodationAccommodation: 3* Hotel, private en-suite rooms, B & B.
DAY 2 CHAMONIX TO TRIENT:
We take a short bus ride to Montroc where we start the route with an ascent to the Col du Balme via the beautiful Aiguillette des Possettes. We make our way to the col by crossing the border into Switzerland and descending to the Swiss village of Trient.
Daily stats:Time: 7hrs | Height gain: +1100m | Descent: -1000m
AccommodationAuberge, private rooms with shared facilities, evening meal with breakfast.
Guide notes:The route over the Aiguillette des Possettes is magnificent and one of my favourite peaks in the Chamonix valley. Enjoy the 360 degree far reaching views over the Mont Blanc massif, the Aiguille Rouges and the Swiss Valais. Refreshments of a kind at the Col du Balme.
DAY 3 TRIENT TO CHAMPEX-LAC:
Leaving Trient, we climb steeply to the Fenetre d’Arpette. A tricky descent over boulders leads us to pastureland and to the picture postcard village of Champex-Lac.
Daily stats:Time: 8hrs | Height gain: +1400m | Descent: -1200m
AccommodationHotel with private rooms and en-suite, evening meal with breakfast.
Guide notes:Option to take the Bovine route if the weather isnt so good which is more sheltered in poor weather. The true Haute Route goes over the Fenetre d'Arpette and although tough you wont be disappointed.
DAY 4 CHAMPEX-LAC TO CABANE DE LOUVIE:
We start the day with an easy descent into to the Orsiére Valley and trough the Swiss villages of Sembrancher and Châble. From Châble, we take the 30 minute bus ride to Fionnay. From Fionnay we make a steep ascent through beautiful terrain with spectacular views of the emerging Grand Combine. A warm welcome awaits at the Cabane de Louvie.
Daily stats:Time: 8hrs (inc. transport) | Height gain: +750m | Descent: -700m
AccommodationRefuge, dormitory with evening meal and breakfast.
Guide notes:A lovely leisurely start to the day as you wander down to Le Chable. Enjoy the easy angled terrain before the final descent to the refuge. Fabulous terrain to come over the next few days!
DAY 5 CABANE DE LOUVIE TO CABANE PRAFLEURI:
An easy start as you traverse the Lac Louvie before the steep ascend over rocky terrain to Col de Louvie. The descent from the col takes you into the the vast moraine filled Grand Desert with its river crossing & receding glacier above. We pass a series of small tarns before ascending once more to the Col de Prafleuri and descend steeply to the Cabane de Prafleuri.
Daily stats:Time: 6hrs | Height gain: +900m | Descent: -550m
AccommodationRefuge, dormitory with evening meal and breakfast.
Guide notes:It’s up and out early as possible today as the day is long & hard. Amazing views of the Grand Combin and the lunar landscape of the Grand Desert. The statistics don’t give the day justice, as the high altitude terrain is larger than life!
DAY 6 CABANE PRAFLEURI TO AROLLA:
Passing over the Col des Roux, we descend to the Lac Dix and contour above the shoreline for several kilometers before rising again to the Col de Riedmatten. Descending from the col, we finally reach the small Alpine village of Arolla.
Daily stats:Time: 7hrs | Height gain: +850m | Descent: -1400m
AccommodationHotel in private en-suite rooms, evening meal and breakfast.
Guide notes:Another big day over challenging terrain so an early start is a must. Fabulous views of Mont Blanc Cheilon as you ascend the glacial moraine. There is of course the option of the Pas de Chevre for those with a head for heights!
DAY 7 AROLLA TO LA SAGE:
An easy day as we make our way via Lac Bleu to the typical Valaisian village of Les Hauderes and on to the hamlet of La Sage in the Val d'Herens. We arrive in Val d'Herens around mid-afternoon with time to rest and relax.
Daily stats:Time: 4hrs | Height gain: +215m | Descent: -700m
AccommodationHotel with private en-suite rooms, evening meal and breakfast.
Guide notes:At last an easier day! Enjoy the lofty traverse & rest a while at the beautiful Lac Bleu with wonderful views back down the Arolla valley and the mighty Mont Colon.
DAY 8 LA SAGE TO ZINAL:
We climb steadily to the Col du Torrent before descending via Lac Autannes to Lac de Moiry and the barrage. From here, we have two options. Ascend towards Col de Sorebois and descend steeply through the ski area where you take the cable car to Zinal, or take the bus from the barrage to Zinal to shorten the route and reduce the height gain and descent (dependent on weather, fatigue and time).
Daily stats:Time: 8hrs | Height gain: +1750m | Descent: -900m
AccommodationHotel with private en-suite rooms, evening meal and breakfast.
Guide notes:This potentially can be a very long day but we have options! Don't underestimate this col as its high at 2916m, with far reaching views from the col back towards Arolla and its significant peaks, on a good day you can see Mont Blanc!
Day 9 REST DAY:
Free day in Zinal to relax, rest & reflect.
AccommodationHotel with private en-suite rooms, evening meal and breakfast.
DAY 10 ZINAL TO GRUBEN:
A steady climb through woodland to the high mountain pastureland passing the remote Barnueza Alpage. Once at the Col du Forcletta, we make your descend in to the Gruben valley to the small village of Gruben.
Daily stats:Time: 7hrs | Height gain: +1200m | Descent: -1000m
AccommodationAuberge with private rooms and shared facilities, evening meal & breakfast.
Guide notes:Making your way over the Col de la Forcletta and into one of the most remote valleys of the trek is a fabulous experience. This valley is closed off from autumn to spring and is used during the summer months for cattle farming. Get ready for the Hotel Schwartzhorn which seems totaly incongruous to this remote valley.
DAY 11 GRUBEN TO ST NIKLAUS:
Another steep climb from Gruben to high-level pastures of the Augustbordpass. We make your descent steadily from the col towards Jungen where we take the little cable car to St Niklaus and your rest stop for the night.
Daily stats:Time: 7hrs (Inc. transport) | Height gain: +1100m | Descent: -1000m
AccommodationHotel in private en-suite rooms, evening meal and breakfast.
Guide notes:The Augustbordpass passes without any notable acclaim as the col seems to be somewhat hidden away, the views are reserved for later in the day with the narrow traverse above Jungen which reveals the delights of the Matterhorn valley!
DAY 12 ST NIKLAUS TO ZERMATT:
Departing from St Niklaus and a short train ride on the Matterhorn express to Randa. We rejoin the trail and ascend to the Europaweg and take the impressive Charles Kuonen suspension bridge for the final day on this stunning traverse via Taschalp and finish taking the hight route into Zermatt.
Daily stats:Time: 9hrs | Height gain: +1175m | Descent: -850m
AccommodationHotel in private en-suite rooms, B & B.
Guide notes:In August 2017 the Europaweg was reopened after closure for some years. Therefore there are many options for today, which can be decided before the day. My recommendation would be to include the final stage from Taschalpen, which includes the Charles Kuonen suspension bridge & has stupendous views on the mighty Matterhorn.
DAY 13: DEPART ZERMATT
Breakfast is included however on the departure day you are free to leave at any time you wish.
Option to add an additional day in Zermatt.
AccommodationBreakfast.
Guide notes:Once you have completed the trek I hope you will agree that the Walkers Haute Route is truly an exceptional trek & has a worthy place as of one of the worlds top 10 long distance walks.
"Take only memories, leave only footprints"
Chief Seattle