Walker’s Haute Route

Set out on the Walker’s Haute Route self-guided and hike this iconic trek from Chamonix to Zermatt amongst the highest peaks of the Alps.
Price
From: 2,495€/person
Starting point
Chamonix
Finish point
Zermatt
Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Technical level
Fitness level
Inquiry
Admire the views of both Mont Blanc and Matterhorn — the two most iconic peaks in the Alps
Hike the Walker’s Haute Route self-guided and let us handle the logistics
Trek through the most picturesque landscapes of Switzerland and France
Complete the full route on this 14-day itinerary
Sleep in mountain huts with incredible views
The first stages of the Haute route share the trail with Tour du Mont Blanc
The first stages of the Haute route share the trail with Tour du Mont Blanc
Pennine Alps near Zinal in the swiss canton Valais
Pennine Alps near Zinal in the swiss canton Valais
Majestic Weisshorn seen from Col de Sorebois
Majestic Weisshorn seen from Col de Sorebois
The Walliser alps peaks over the Mattertal valley
The Walliser alps peaks over the Mattertal valley
Zermatt town and Matterhorn mountain
Zermatt town and Matterhorn mountain
City of Martigny and Sembrancher in the Southern Switzerland
City of Martigny and Sembrancher in the Southern Switzerland
Sunset panorama of the Lac Blanc lake with Mont Blanc
Sunset panorama of the Lac Blanc lake with Mont Blanc
Exciting morning view of Stellisee lake with Matterhorn peak on background
Exciting morning view of Stellisee lake with Matterhorn peak on background
Beautiful day on the rocky road accross meadows in the Swiss Alps leading to the Fenetre d´Arpette pass
Beautiful day on the rocky road accross meadows in the Swiss Alps leading to the Fenetre d´Arpette pass
A hiking trail leading towards Mont Collon near Arolla
A hiking trail leading towards Mont Collon near Arolla
The Alphubel over the Mattertal valley
The Alphubel over the Mattertal valley
Lac Bleu above Arolla
Lac Bleu above Arolla
Cows will be your loyal companions
Cows will be your loyal companions
Day 1: Chamonix – Argentiere

The first day starts strong. Your goal is just a little higher up in the Chamonix Valley, but to get there, take the trail to the iconic Lac Blanc. After taking in postcard views of the Mont Blanc massif, descend the TMB ladders, where the day ends in Argentiere.

If you’d like to start the Haute Route easier or you want to get in some hiking on the day of arrival, you can also take the direct way to Argentiere, following the gently ascending trail along the valley.

Hiking

17km and 1350m elevation gain

Pictures of Valley of Chamonix closer the village of Argentiere
Pictures of Valley of Chamonix closer the village of Argentiere
Lac des Cheserys with a view at the beautufil mountains of Chamonix
Lac des Cheserys with a view at the beautufil mountains of Chamonix
Vallon de Berard Nature Preserve Chamonix Graian Alps
Vallon de Berard Nature Preserve Chamonix Graian Alps
Pictures of Valley of Chamonix closer the village of Argentiere
Lac des Cheserys with a view at the beautufil mountains of Chamonix
Vallon de Berard Nature Preserve Chamonix Graian Alps
Day 2: Argentiere – Trient

The last day in France will be relatively undemanding. Following the ridge of Aiguillette des Possettes, it takes you to Col de Balme, the border of Switzerland. When you leave France, you also leave the most up-close views of the Mont Blanc massif behind (though they return later), descending down into the green pastures of the Swiss village Trient.

Hiking

16km and 1200m elevation gain

Col de Balme on the border of France and Switzerland with a view of Mont Blanc in the background
Col de Balme on the border of France and Switzerland with a view of Mont Blanc in the background
Idyllic Trient river and valley in Valais
Idyllic Trient river and valley in Valais
The alpine village of Trient in the canton of Valais
The alpine village of Trient in the canton of Valais
Col de Balme on the border of France and Switzerland with a view of Mont Blanc in the background
Idyllic Trient river and valley in Valais
The alpine village of Trient in the canton of Valais
Day 3: Trient – Champex

A challenging path awaits you on the third day. You’ll ascend over the Fenetre d’Arpette, with spectacular views of the Glacier du Trient. The tricky rocky descent soon turns into a pleasant walk into the green valley, where Champex-Lac, the welcoming town beside a lake, awaits.

In the case of bad weather, the easier Bovine route (part of the Tour du Mont Blanc) is preferable.

Hiking

15km and 1350m elevation gain

Beautiful day on the rocky road accross meadows in the Swiss Alps leading to the Fenetre d´Arpette pass
Beautiful day on the rocky road accross meadows in the Swiss Alps leading to the Fenetre d´Arpette pass
Steep mountain trail hiking up the summit in spring Fenetre d'Arpette
Steep mountain trail hiking up the summit in spring Fenetre d'Arpette
Fenetre d'Arpette pass
Fenetre d'Arpette pass
Beautiful day on the rocky road accross meadows in the Swiss Alps leading to the Fenetre d´Arpette pass
Steep mountain trail hiking up the summit in spring Fenetre d'Arpette
Fenetre d'Arpette pass
Day 4: Champex – Le Châble

As the only day on the trail without huge mountains, you’ll explore more of the Swiss countryside. You will follow the side of the picturesque Val Ferret and into Sembrancher of Val de Bagnes, where you hike along the river towards Le Châble. Even without any big mountains in sight, this day is still interesting as it shows you ordinary Switzerland, not often advertised.

Hiking

14km and 300m elevation gain

Champex a charming village surrounded by mountains and a lake
Champex a charming village surrounded by mountains and a lake
The town Le Chable in Swiss Alps seen from above on a clear bright summer morning
The town Le Chable in Swiss Alps seen from above on a clear bright summer morning
City of Martigny and Sembrancher in the Southern Switzerland
City of Martigny and Sembrancher in the Southern Switzerland
Champex a charming village surrounded by mountains and a lake
The town Le Chable in Swiss Alps seen from above on a clear bright summer morning
City of Martigny and Sembrancher in the Southern Switzerland
Day 5: Le Châble – Cabane du Mont Fort

Start early and get ready for a big climb on this day. The steep footpaths will take you above the tree line, on the slopes of the world-renowned Verbier ski resort. Traversing them, you will soon start to notice another great Alpine massif — the Grand Combin — before reaching the Cabane du Mont Fort hut, where you end the day.

Hiking

12km and 1650m elevation gain

The town Le Chable in Swiss Alps seen from above on a clear bright summer morning
The town Le Chable in Swiss Alps seen from above on a clear bright summer morning
Croix of Coeur of Verbier
Croix of Coeur of Verbier
The town Le Chable in Swiss Alps seen from above on a clear bright summer morning
Croix of Coeur of Verbier
Day 6: Cabane du Mont Fort – Cabane de Prafleuri

The sixth day presents itself a stage full of contrasts — first the panoramic green ridges with a good chance of seeing an ibex, and then the moonlike plateau. From the panoramic trail over Col Termin (optional over Col de Louvie), you’ll soon reach the dying Grand Désert Glacier. The route takes you just below it, on the barren land of scree and stones. After passing many small lakes, you cross over Col de Prafleuri (2987 m), the highest point on the Haute Route. From there, you’ll soon reach the hut of Cabane de Prafleuri.

Hiking

17km and 1000m elevation gain

Trail to Col Termin
Trail to Col Termin
The views from the way to Col Termin
The views from the way to Col Termin
Trail to Col de Prafleuri and Cabane de Prafleuri
Trail to Col de Prafleuri and Cabane de Prafleuri
Trail to Col Termin
The views from the way to Col Termin
Trail to Col de Prafleuri and Cabane de Prafleuri
Day 7: Cabane de Prafleuri – Arolla

This stage will keep you high up in the mountains, with some of the best views on the Haute Route. Lac de Dix will surprise you just over the morning Col. After traversing alongside this 5 km long accumulation lake, you’ll cross over the morain of Glacier de Cheilon, admiring the pyramid-shaped Mont Blanc de Cheilon on your right. You have two passes you can choose before descending down to Arolla. One has ladders and the other will give you a slight glimpse of Matterhorn.

Hiking

18km and 750m elevation gain

View from Cabane de Prafleuri
View from Cabane de Prafleuri
View of the Rosablanche glacier from Col de Prafleuri
View of the Rosablanche glacier from Col de Prafleuri
View of the Lac des Dix
View of the Lac des Dix
View from Cabane de Prafleuri
View of the Rosablanche glacier from Col de Prafleuri
View of the Lac des Dix
Day 8: Arolla – La Sage

This stage is easier, and doesn’t feature any high mountains, but still very scenic. It takes you down the valley from Arolla, past typical Swiss villages, towards Les Hauderes. In between, you can also do a detour to the small but fairytale-like Lac Bleu. The day ends at the small village of La Sage.

Hiking

11km and 250m elevation gain

A hiking trail leading towards Mont Collon near Arolla
A hiking trail leading towards Mont Collon near Arolla
Lac Bleu above Arolla
Lac Bleu above Arolla
View of a small village Les Hauderes
View of a small village Les Hauderes
A hiking trail leading towards Mont Collon near Arolla
Lac Bleu above Arolla
View of a small village Les Hauderes
Day 9: La Sage – Cabane de Moiry

You’ll climb your way up from the valley towards the ridge above Val d’Hérens, crossing it at its lowest point in Col du Tsate. After a descent to the small Lac Châteaupré, the way up along the Moiry Glacier begins. As the landscape becomes rockier and you start to get a closer look at the glacier, switchbacks will bring you to one of the best-situated huts on the route. The Cabane du Moiry has a great atmosphere and is for many people a destination on its own.

Hiking

11km and 1650m elevation gain

Mountain peaks and chalets in Val d'Herens
Mountain peaks and chalets in Val d'Herens
View of the Moiry Glacier from the Lac de Chateaupre surrounded by flowers in summer
View of the Moiry Glacier from the Lac de Chateaupre surrounded by flowers in summer
Cabane de Moiry
Cabane de Moiry
Mountain peaks and chalets in Val d'Herens
View of the Moiry Glacier from the Lac de Chateaupre surrounded by flowers in summer
Cabane de Moiry
Day 10: Cabane de Moiry – Zinal

After a breakfast admiring the view through the panoramic glass windows of the hut’s dining room, head back down yesterday’s path to Lac de Moiry. The ascent then leads towards Col de Sorebois, a great outlook over Val d’Anniviers and iconic peaks like Weisshorn (4505 m). The descent to Zinal is steep and long, but can be shortened about halfway by a cable car.

Hiking

16km and 550m elevation gain

The Moiry Mountain Refuge in the Val d'Anniviers
The Moiry Mountain Refuge in the Val d'Anniviers
Lac de Moiry in Canton of Valais
Lac de Moiry in Canton of Valais
Majestic Weisshorn seen from Col de Sorebois
Majestic Weisshorn seen from Col de Sorebois
The Moiry Mountain Refuge in the Val d'Anniviers
Lac de Moiry in Canton of Valais
Majestic Weisshorn seen from Col de Sorebois
Day 11: Zinal – Gruben

This is the first day when you will cross into the German-speaking part of Switzerland. The ascending trail leads high above the Zinal Valley with great views of its head every time you look behind. The shortest route to the valley of Turtmanntal on the other side is across Forcletta pass. If you have more time, you can also extend the trail with a night stay at the Victorian Hotel Weisshorn, and hiking across Meidpass the next day. The common goal of these options is Gruben, a small village only occupied in the summer.

Hiking

17km and 1200m elevation gain

Pennine Alps near Zinal in the swiss canton Valais
Pennine Alps near Zinal in the swiss canton Valais
Cows will be your loyal companions
Cows will be your loyal companions
Pennine Alps near Zinal in the swiss canton Valais
Cows will be your loyal companions
Day 12: Gruben – St Niklaus

This is another day full of contrasts, crossing the last mountain pass on the Walker’s Haute Route. From the green forests above Gruden, across the rocky landscape of Augstbordpass, you’ll be walking on a historical trading route. After coming around the corner, the epic views of Mattertal valley will vow you. Although no sight of Matterhorn yet, you’ll see Dom (4545 m), the highest peak only in Swiss territory). Past the lovely hamlet of Jungen, descend into the valley into St. Niklaus.

Hiking

17km and 1000m elevation gain

View from Augstbordpass
View from Augstbordpass
Mattertal Valley
Mattertal Valley
Village of Jungen
Village of Jungen
View from Augstbordpass
Mattertal Valley
Village of Jungen
Day 13: St Niklaus – Europahutte

The last two-day stretch on the Walker’s Haute features one of the best hikes in the alp, the Europaweg. Redesigned in 2021, because of a landslide, its first part now takes you from Gasenried to Herbriggen at a lower altitude. Taking the valley route from St. Niklaus to Herbriggen can shorten this long stage. From there, a long but grand ascent to the Europahutte begins. With epic views at every stop, including the panorama with Matterhorn, you’ll cross suspension bridges and soon arrive at the end.

Hiking

17km and 1600m elevation gain

The Walliser alps peaks Bishorn, Weisshorn, Schalihorn, and Rothorn over the Mattertal valley
The Walliser alps peaks Bishorn, Weisshorn, Schalihorn, and Rothorn over the Mattertal valley
Europa Hut in Mattertal
Europa Hut in Mattertal
The Walliser alps peaks Bishorn, Weisshorn, Schalihorn, and Rothorn over the Mattertal valley
Europa Hut in Mattertal
Day 14: Europahutte – Zermatt

Every grand route should have a grand ending, and this one is exactly that. You’ll be traversing up high above the valley, crossing the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world, all with the imposing view of the sharp Matterhorn at the end of the valley. After Sunegga, descend down into Zermatt — the end of the Walker’s Haute Route.

Hiking

22km and 600m elevation gain

The panorama of swiss walliser alps with the Matterhorn and Breithorn peaks
The panorama of swiss walliser alps with the Matterhorn and Breithorn peaks
Europaweg trail leads the eye trough lush green meadows to the distant Matterhorn
Europaweg trail leads the eye trough lush green meadows to the distant Matterhorn
Zermatt town and Matterhorn mountain
Zermatt town and Matterhorn mountain
The panorama of swiss walliser alps with the Matterhorn and Breithorn peaks
Europaweg trail leads the eye trough lush green meadows to the distant Matterhorn
Zermatt town and Matterhorn mountain
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Included in price

14x Accommodations with breakfast
Tour design and organization
Booklet with detailed itinerary and route instructions
Service and support during your hike
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app

Optional Extras

Transfer to Chamonix
Transfer from Zermatt
Upgraded Accommodations (where available)
From:
2,495€
/person
Inquiry

The Walker’s Haute Route is probably one of the most epic hikes in the Alps.

From Chamonix to Zermatt, from Mont Blanc to Matterhorn — it connects the two most important mountaineering centers in Europe and two of its most iconic mountains. You can confidently say that you’ve been to this part of the world after you experience all the diverse scenery on this long-distance route.

The Walker’s Haute Route is a challenging trek, tougher than some of its counterparts (like Tour du Mont Blanc). This makes it more rewarding, with fewer crowds on its trails. It starts in France, overlapping with the TMB, and soon enters Switzerland, where it stays until the end.

It has 14 stages that a reasonably fit hiker can complete in 14 days of about 5-7 hours of hiking, with optional detours that can extend it for an extra day (Hotel Weisshorn). Crossing many mountain passes that never quite reach 3000 m of elevation, the Haute Route trek is challenging without even considering the planning aspect.

We can help this once-in-a-lifetime adventure be as hassle-free as possible.

We take your wishes and preferences to best advise you on your perfect Walker’s Haute Route itinerary. We book all of your accommodations and other services, so you can focus on the journey. And a few weeks before setting off, we’ll send you the detailed itinerary booklet with the planned GPS route.

All that’s left for you is to get to Chamonix and start walking!

But if you are short on time, you can also choose to hike just half of the Walker’s Haute Route — the West or the East.

Map

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Self-guided

Those who like a good adventure and limitless flexibility should go on a self-guided tour. We prepare the itinerary and book your accommodations while you enjoy the journey without our guide, being fully in charge of all the daily decisions. While you’ll have the full support of our team in case of any emergencies or concerns, a certain level of self-reliance is required.

Private Guided

Experience the great outdoors on a private guided tour tailored just for you. The tour is for those who want a hastle-free adventure and enjoy the flexibility of a small private group and not stress about the details of everyday planning. The guide will be fully at your disposal to make this experience as personalized as possible, maximizing the enjoyment during and after the tour.

Join a Group

For solo hikers or hikers who wish to meet other like-minded souls, don’t want to stress about tour-planning and other annoying details. We’re going to find you a group of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts and take care of all the other details. The tour will be led by our guide, who’ll make sure everything runs smoothly, ensuring maximum hiking enjoyment.

Hassle-Free

We handle itineraries, accommodations, and anything else you prefer not to deal with, so you can enjoy a carefree hike.

Book with confidence

We are a financially protected company, fully bonded and insured, keeping your money safe and allowing you to travel with confidence.

Tried & Tested Adventures

Only the best hut to hut hikes of Switzerland, cherry-picked by our local team with an in-depth knowledge of the region.

Unbeatable support

Our 24/7 customer support is where we show our passion, bringing you a better experience by making your well-being our number one priority.

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A short version of the iconic Walker’s Haute Route, leading you from the Chamonix valley below Mont Blanc to the mountain passes in the Swiss Alps.
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