Walker's Haute Route Westerly Self Guided Trek

Trek Itinerary

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  DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN CHAMONIX:

  As we are based in Chamonix please ask if you wish to have a self guided trek briefing to go through any aspect of your trek before you start on your adventure.

  If you require a briefing on your day of arrival please specify at the time of booking so we can make sure someone will be available.

  Accommodation:

  3* Hotel, private en-suite rooms, B & B

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  DAY 2 CHAMONIX TO TRIENT:

  You take a short bus ride to Montroc where you start the route with an ascent to the Col du Balme via the beautiful Aiguillette des Possettes. You make your 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

  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 but don't expect service with a smile!! It's worth the experience nonetheless!

  Accommodation:

  Auberge, private rooms with shared facilities, evening meal with breakfast.

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  DAY 3 TRIENT TO CHAMPEX-LAC:

  Leaving Trient, you 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

  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.

  Accommodation:

  3* Hotel with private rooms and en-suite, evening meal with breakfast.

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  DAY 4 CHAMPEX-LAC TO CABANE MONT FORT:

  You start the day with an easy descent into to the Orsiére Valley and trough the Swiss villages of Sembrancher and Châble. From Châble, you will take the 30 minute bus ride to Fionnay. From Fionnay you 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

  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!

  Accommodation:

  Refuge in dormitory with evening meal and breakfast.

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  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. You will 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

  Guide notes:

  It’s up and out early as possible today as the day is long and hard. Amazing views of the Grand Combin & the lunar landscape of the Grand Desert. The statistics don’t give the day justice, as the high altitude terrain is larger than life!

  Accommodation:

  Refuge in dormitory with evening meal and breakfast.

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  DAY 6 CABANE PRAFLEURI TO AROLLA:

  Passing over the Col des Roux, you 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, you finally reach the small Alpine village of Arolla.

  Daily stats:

  Time: 7hrs | Height gain: +850m | Descent: -1400m

  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!

  Accommodation:

  3* Hotel in private en-suite rooms, evening meal and breakfast.

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  DAY 7 AROLLA TO LA SAGE:

  An easy day as you make your 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. You arrive in Val d'Herens around mid-afternoon with time to rest and relax.

  Daily stats:

  Time: 4hrs | Height gain: +215m | Descent: -700m

  Guide notes:

  At last an easier day! Enjoy the lofty traverse and rest a while at the beautiful Lac Bleu with wonderful views back down the Arolla valley and the mighty Mont Colon.

  Accommodation:

  Hotel with private en-suite rooms, evening meal and breakfast.

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  DAY 8: DEPART LA SAGE:

  Breakfast is included however on the departure day you are free to leave at any time you wish.

  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

  Accommodation:

  3* Hotel, Bed and Breakfast