5
challenging

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • guided alpine walk
Accommodation
  • 2 nights mountain refuges
  • 2 nights gîtes
  • 2 nights hotels in dormitory style accommodation
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 7 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts

ON SALE

£1490 GBP

7 Days£1416GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: HRT

Trip highlights

  • Trek through stunning alpine scenery amongst the highest peaks in Western Europe including the Matterhorn and Dent Blanche
  • Follow the historic route from Verbier to Zermatt
  • Enjoy the culinary specialties such as Raclette
  • Share your hiking day with a group of like minded travellers

The Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt is steeped in mountaineering legend, a route first taken by British climbers at the end of the 19th Century. We join this historic route above Verbier in Switzerland, where we are immediately immersed in the incredible mountain scenery. Skirting glaciers we ascend passes gaining breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, including the 4000m+ peaks of Dent Blanche, Zinalrothorn and Weisshorn. On reaching Zermatt we take in the instantly recognizable form of the Matterhorn and appreciate the scale of this mountain and its tumbling glaciers with a hike along the Hornli Ridge. Staying in a mixture of comfortable alpine huts, gîtes and hotels, we experience traditional European mountain culture and the camaraderie of our fellow travellers. Suitable for experienced trekkers, this route is rugged at times with considerable altitude gains of up to 1000 metres per day, and a high level of fitness is essential.

Countries:

Switzerland

Starting Point:

Le Chable (Switzerland)

Finishing Point:

Zermatt

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

You will meet your guide in the morning to start your hike. From Le Chable we transfer to Verbier. The trek today takes you across the Alp du Val de Bagnes where you can appreciate the wonderful mountain scenery. On a clear day we will have views of the Grand Combin and Mont Blanc. Tonight we stay overnight in a mountain hut. Note: You will need to carry your overnight gear including clothing and toiletries for nights 1 and 2 - your luggage will be transferred to the 3rd nights hut. (+600m/1968ft)

Meals:  L,D

An early morning start as we have a big day trekking across three alpine passes. You may encounter Ibex as they are often seen on the remote mountain passes. Follow a steep descent which leads to the Grand Desert, a moraine-strewn area of dry glacier. We will cross the glacier to reach the Col de Praz Fleuri at 2965m/9727ft. Continue to the refuge Prafleuri where we stay overnight. (+910m/2985ft, -925m/3034ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will hike up the banks of the Dixence River and then over the Riedmatten pass. We may get our first glimpse of the Matterhorn. Continue down to the village of Arolla and onto Les Hauderes where we will stay overnight in a Gite and be able to have a well deserved shower! (+714m/2352ft, -1327m/4254ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

A shorter day as we hike through flower filled pastures to get to the Torrent pass (2919m). We hike the Moiry Valley and the Sorrebois pass (2800m). Enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding 4000m peaks of Valais: Dent Blanche (4356m), Zinalrothorn (4221m), Obergabelhorn (4063m) and Weisshorn (4504m). (+858m/2814ft, -841m/2759ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

The route today takes us across the Anniviers Valley located on the left bank of the Rhone. We are now heading towards the Forclettaz pass (2871m) before we descend to the village of Gruben. Our accommodation tonight is in a hotel in the village of Gruben in the Turtmantal, a very narrow valley habitated only in summer. (+1090m/3576ft, -972m/3189ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will trek via the Augstbord Pass (2894m), enjoying panoramic views of the Oberland and Valais. We will travel through Jurgen and St Nicklaus before arriving into the Zermatt Valley. We will either catch a bus or a train to Zermatt where we will overnight in a hotel. (+1075m/3527ft, -990m/3248ft OR -1400m/4593ft without cablecar)

Meals:  B,L,D

Our last hike is along a trail facing the Hornli ridge of the Matterhorn with a superb panorama of the 4000m peak Monte Rosa (4634m). The Matterhorn is steeped in a history of human dramas. The first attempt to reach the summit was made in 1857, with the first successful attempt made by Edward Whymer in 1865. After a few hours hiking we will return to Tasch /Zermatt where our tour will end early afternoon. (+443m/1453ft, -443m/1453ft) Note: This morning you have the option to ascend a technically straight forward 4000m peak, Breithorn. This activity will be undertaken with a high mountain guide and an additional cost applies - this includes the crampons and harness. Your guide can organise this according to how many people are interested and the weather conditions. Please register your interest when booking.

Meals:  B,L

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners (does not include drinks) – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. Lunch is picnic style. Dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses which include regional specialties
  • 2 nights accommodation in mountain refuges, 2 nights in gîte hostels on a dormitory share basis and 2 nights in hotel dormitory accommodation. Upgrade possible to 3 nights dorms and 3 nights double rooms - supplement applies, limited availability, on request only at time of booking.
  • Luggage transfer by minibus (except day 1 to 3) – 15kg limit - must be a soft bag (not a hard suitcase). Extra costs apply to transfer excess luggage to Zermatt.
  • Experienced mountain guide
  • Group internal transfers by bus

  • Travel to and from the trail head
  • Drinks and snacks eg trail mix and protein bars
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Storage or transfer of luggage - fees apply
  • Transfers and cable cars not noted as included
  • Bus or train from trail into Zermatt - allow EUR10 per person
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Items of a personal nature

Suitability

challenging

5

This trip is graded challenging (5) and includes daily hikes of 5 to 8 hours and an average daily ascent of 1100m. The highest altitude of the trip is under 3000m. There are some challenging stages during the hike with steep uphill, descents, and many sections of the trail which require care. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need an excellent level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced hikers only with a good walking pace. If for any reason during the trip the guide considers, in his or her sole discretion, that your fitness or mental or physical health is likely to cause danger, distress or annoyance to others, he or she may direct you not to continue and you must follow the guide’s instructions. In this case you will not be entitled to any refund. Early in the season (June) you may encounter snow on the passes which may be quite deep and make the trip more challenging. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds. As with all our challenging programs, we expect participants to be regular outdoors people, enjoying aerobic sport around four or five times a week over some period of time. Preferably this has been a long term interest but if not, you have set a program of fitness preparation with at least three months lead in time to your trip. The fitter you are for your trip, the more of a holiday it will be. Activities as close to the actual activity on your trip are the best training; in this instance walking with and without a pack. This builds leg strength, aerobic capacity and confidence in your ability to travel comfortably with a pack for extended periods. At the same time, you are also comfortable with the layers you like to wear and footwear. Important note: good quality hiking boots with ankle support are a pre-requisite for your participation. Runners or shoes without ankle support are not suitable for the conditions encountered on this hike.

Departure dates


Notes

Note:
Option to upgrade to 3 nights dorms, 3 nights double rooms - supplement applies, very limited availability, on request only. No single room option available.
Note:
Hiking boots with good ankle support are a requirement for this hike.
Note:
Briethorn Ascent (4164m): on the last morning there is an option to ascend a technically straight forward 4000m peak, Breithorn. This activity will be undertaken with a high mountain guide (ratio of 5 -1) and an additional cost applies - this includes the crampons and harness. Lift ticket extra. Your guide can organise this according to how many people are interested and the weather conditions on the day. Please register your interest when booking. Total cost approx EUR250 - subject to confirmation.

Priceper person from

£1416GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Additional luggage transfer - Le Chable to Zermatt - per 15kg bagGBP£60
  • double room supplement - 3 nights dorm/ 3 nights double where availableGBP£220
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

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We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

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