Haute Route Trek Guided 11 Days

General overview

Embark on the illustrious Haute Route trek, a globally celebrated multi-day journey, connecting the iconic Mont Blanc in France to Switzerland’s majestic Matterhorn. This trek offers a rare opportunity to traverse between two prominent alpine centers: Chamonix, which nestles beneath Mont Blanc, and Zermatt, the base of the Matterhorn. Set against the backdrop of awe-inspiring alpine landscapes, trekkers can anticipate mesmerizing mountain vistas at every turn.

This trek, limited to the months of July, August, and early September, provides adventurers with unparalleled views of the High Alps and its glistening glaciers. It’s a perfect expedition for those passionate about the mountains, eager to traverse picturesque valleys and ascend high alpine passes.

The summer Haute Route unfolds along a comprehensively marked and signed trail system, ensuring trekkers remain below an altitude of 3000m. The path is punctuated by welcoming mountain huts, quaint inns, and hotels situated in delightful villages, enhancing the experience. Though the summer trek doesn’t demand technical skills, it’s essential for participants to be in excellent physical shape due to its daily elevation challenges and trekking distances.

Itinerary

While we aim to adhere to the itinerary below, the mountain and weather conditions may necessitate changes. Rest assured, we will remain flexible to make necessary adjustments for the best possible experience.

DAY 0: Arrival in Chamonix

Settle in, get familiar with the town, and make final preparations for the trek. Spend the evening relaxing and enjoying the Alpine ambiance of Chamonix.

DAY 1: Chamonix to Trient

Begin your journey from Chamonix, traversing through lush valleys and picturesque landscapes to reach Trient.

DAY 2: Trient to Champex

Continue your ascent, experiencing the pristine beauty of the region, finally reaching the serene Champex lake by evening.

DAY 3: Champex to Cabane Mont Fort

Trek through a diverse landscape, from dense forests to open meadows, before reaching the Cabane Mont Fort, a refuge nestled amidst the peaks.

DAY 4: Cabane Mont Fort to Cabane Prafleuri

Experience the raw beauty of the Alpine terrain, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains as you make your way to Cabane Prafleuri.

DAY 5: Cabane Prafleuri to Arolla

Descend into the valley and experience the beauty of Arolla, a hidden gem amidst the Alpine giants.

DAY 6: Arolla to La Sage

A relatively gentle day, trekking through verdant landscapes and enjoying the serenity of La Sage.

DAY 7: La Sage to Zinal

Traverse through some of the most scenic landscapes, passing by waterfalls and glacial rivers, before reaching the charming village of Zinal.

DAY 8: Zinal to Gruben

Embrace the beauty of the Pennine Alps as you make your way to Gruben, a quaint settlement offering stunning mountain views.

DAY 9: Gruben to Grachen

Descend through dense alpine woods, following trails with panoramic views until you reach Grachen, a village with a rich history and mesmerizing surroundings.

DAY 10: Grachen to Europahutte

Embark on the renowned ‘Europaweg’ section, a highlight of the trek, leading from Grachen to Zermatt. As you leave Grachen, pass through sprawling alpine meadows and navigate deep gorges on the mountainside until reaching the Europahütte. This mountain hut boasts a prime location, offering a bird’s-eye view of the valley below. Relish this final evening in the mountains, savoring every moment.

• • Statistics: 15.7km distance / 1244m ascent / 597m descent / 5-6 hours trekking.

DAY 11: Europahutte to Zermatt

Conclude your trek with a descent to Zermatt, the iconic town at the foot of the Matterhorn. Celebrate your achievements and relive the memories of this remarkable journey.

Remember, this trek is more than just a journey between two points on a map—it’s an experience, a challenge, and an opportunity to connect with nature. Safe trekking!

Good to know

What’s included:

• Accommodation for 11 nights
• Breakfast and dinner for 11 days
• A night’s stay in Chamonix prior to the trek
• Services of a fully qualified trekking guide
• Luggage transfer from Chamonix to Zermatt
• Comprehensive planning and logistics

What to expect from the accommodation:

Comfort is paramount during this trek. Recognizing the need for a soothing retreat and delectable food after an exhausting trekking day, we’ve meticulously chosen our accommodations. From cozy hotels to the authentic aura of mountain refuges, our selections promise a delightful stay.

Hotels and Auberges:

• 5 nights will be in handpicked hotels
• 2 nights in quaint auberges
• 3 nights in snug mountain refuges

Each place of stay has been chosen keeping in mind both comfort and the practicality required for a successful trekking experience. We believe these selections will significantly enhance your journey.