'The Walkers Haute Route' is one of the worlds great multi-day treks taking a linear route across the spine of the Alps and linking the famous mountaineering capitals of Chamonix and Zermatt.
Although demanding at times, the Haute Route Trek is a non-technical trek suitable for those people who would like to experience walking in the alps without tackling any technically difficult routes.
The Haute Route passes beneath 10 of the 12 highest peaks in the Alps, crossing several high passes and traversing two small glaciers. The lower section of the trek takes you through green Alpine valleys and flower strewn meadows. The complete trek is on path and track with the occasional section of ladders / cables, which can be avoided by taking a longer route round if preferred. This itinerary includes 2 support days when luggage can be exchanged at your accommodation.
This trek is ideal for enthusiastic and fit walkers who are looking for a challenge without the use of technical equipment.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Chamonix
Meet with your Leader in the evening and get any last minute bits and pieces.
Day 2 Chamonix to Trient
The petite balcon sud will bring you up the Chamonix valley towards le Tour and on to Col du Balm (2191m), the gateway to Switzerland. From here you get fantastic views of the Mt Blanc Massif. A straighforward decent through woods bring you to the village of Trient
7.5 hrs
Day 3 Trient to Champex via Bovine
This is a lovely pastoral route through forest to the high point of Portalo (2049m) where you will get views that stretch as far as the Bernese Oberland. A steep descent through meadows brings you to Champex.
6.5hrs
Day 4 Champex to Cabane du Montfort
Colourful meadows and farmland lead you to the town of Sembrancher here you will continue along the Val de Bagnes to Le Chable where you will take two cable cars to Les Ruinettes. From here it is a short walk to the Montfort Refuge.
6.5hrs
Day 5 Cabane du Montfort to Cabane de Prafleuri
An exposed path leads to the Col Termin (2648m) and great view of the Rosablanc and Grand Combin. Ibex and chamois are often seen grazng here. The path traverses toward the Col de Louvie (2921m) and across the Desert Glacier and on to the Praflueri Refuge.
6.5hrs
Day 6 Cabane de Praflueri to Arolla
Col des Roux (2804m) is the frist climb today followed by a gentle walk through meadow and to the Dix lake. A flat track above the Dix lake gives way to the long ascent to the Pas de Chevres. An exciting ladder will take you up the last section of rock to the col. From here you get your first views of the Matterhorn. A gentle path bring you to Arolla.
6hrs
Day 7 Arolla to La Sage
Very pleasant short walk to La Sage through forest and typical alpine chalets and through the wonderful town of les Hauderes.
4hrs
Day 8 La Sage to Cabane de Moiry
The main obstacle to tackle today is the Col de Torrent (2919m) which is a 1200m climb from La Sage but which offers fantastic views of the surrounding peaks Pigne d’Arolla, Mt Blanc de Cheilon. A further climb of 600m will bring you to Cabane de Moiry.
8hrs
Day 9 Cabane de Moiry to Zinal
Traverse the western slopes of the Aiguilles de la Le and teh Garde de Bordon to Col de Sorebois. From this col you will get new views, this time of the Weisshorn. Here you are at the top of the Zinal ski area and you can save your knees by getting the lift down to Zinal.
5.75hrs
Day 10: Zinal to Gruben
Zinal to St. Luc takes the form of a spectacular high traverse. The Meidpass (2790m) leads to the Turtmantal valley which is beautiful. Larch forest gives way to the hamlet of Gruben.
7hrs
Day 11 Gruben to Zermatt
The last col of the week is the Augstbordpass (2894m). The climb to the col is varied and continually interesting. From the col you will traverse round the Troara ridge a massive cairn marks a spectacular viewing point. Switzerlands highest peaks are spread out before you. From the hamlet of Jungu you get the cable car to St. Niklaus. From here you will get the train to Tasch and walk the remaining section into Zermatt. The Matterhorn towering above you.
7hrs
Day 12 Depart Zermatt
Trip ends, onward travel from Zermatt
Changes to the itinerary are at the discretion of the Trekking Guide. These changes may be made due to weather conditions, conditions on the mountains, changes in accommodation, or fitness of the group.
Price includes: 10 days guiding with International Mountain Leader at a 8:1 ratio, 11 nights accommodation, 11 breakfasts, 9 evening meals, all group safety, all ground transport, all uplifts, road support for 2 days.
Price does not include: Travel to Chamonix and from Zermatt, evening meals on the first and last night, personal equipment, insurance, lunches, incidental expenditure, any other items now mentioned as included.
Price: 1685.00 euro
Dates: 15 - 26 July
26 August - 6 September
