The Haute Route: Hiking From Chamonix To Zermatt

TOUR OVERVIEW

7-DAYS

11-DAYS

14-DAYS

TRIP INFO

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PHOTOS

 

HAUTE ROUTE HIKING TOUR OVERVIEW

This is an amazing hike past two of the most iconic places in the Alps, Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. You’ll start in Chamonix, France and finish in Zermatt, Switzerland, two historic cities at the bottom of these mountains respectively.

The idea of reaching those two places by foot was first charted as a summer mountaineering route by members of the English Alpine Club in the mid-19th century. The itinerary was along the biggest glaciers of the area sleeping in huts. Although the route is more popular in winter and done on skis, you’ll be following a similar and absolutely stunning itinerary, climbing up dramatic mountain passes, hiking through alpine meadows filled with wildflowers.

We offer you a choice of:

– 7 days “The Best of the Haute Route”
– 11 Days “The Classic Haute Route”
– 14 Days “The Full Haute Route”

Most of the Haute Route is in Switzerland and offers stunning views of the highest peaks in the Alps, just like you will on our Tour du Mont Blanc Self-Guided Tour. More than a trek, the Haute Route is a real journey. You’ll cross the border and mountain passes just like the early explorers did. like in the old times.

You’ll get a real feel for mountain life in France and Switzerland with their own culture, and even a local dialect in Zermatt. The Haute Route is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

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HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR HAUTE ROUTE HIKING TOUR

✔ Hike past 2 of the most iconic mountains in the Alps, Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn.

✔ Hike in 2 countries – France and Switzerland

✔ Hike one of the most iconic long-distance trekking trails in the world.

✔ Pass through charming mountain villages in the Alps.

✔ Eat delicious meals with a regional flair from each country.

✔ Hike dramatic mountain passes, meadows filled with wildflowers and gorgeous mountain lakes.

✔ Stay in a mix of mountain refuges and hotels with astonishing views of the surrounding mountains.

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7-DAY HAUTE ROUTE SELF-GUIDED TOUR INFO

The 7-day tour is a great choice if you want the best hiking the Haute Route has to offer but don’t have time for the full 14-day trip. You’ll take a few transfers at strategic points to skip the lesser scenic parts of the trip while still doing most of the full route.

This trip is recommended for experienced hikers who’ve completed at least one shorter or equivalent trek before.

Day 1: Transfer from Chamonix to Fionnay – Cabane de Louvie

We’ll arrange a transfer with a private van to you to Fionnay where the hike starts. From there, you’ll hike to Cabane de Louvie.

• Hiking Today: 3 hours – Elevation: 800m Ascent
• Accommodation: mountain hut, dormitory-style, half board.

Day 2: Cabane de Louvie – Cabane Prafleury

A great hiking day. You’ll climb the Col the Prafleury, the highest point of your trek at almost 3000m.

• Hiking Today: 6 hours – Elevation: 900m Ascent.
• Accommodation: mountain hut, dormitory-style, half board.

Day 3: Cabane Prafleury to Arolla

You’ll start by hiking along with the “Lac des Dix” before hiking the “Pas du Chat” and the Col de Reidmatten before going down to Arolla, a wonderful mountain village in the heart of the Valais.

• Hiking Today: 7 hours – Elevation: 720m Ascent
• Accommodation: 3* hotel in Arolla, half board

Day 4: Arolla to Zinal

You’ll leave the high mountain environment and exchange it for typical swiss alpine meadows. After a short transfer to La Sage by a local bus, you’ll hike to Col Torrent before reaching Moiry and then Zinal with another transfer on a local bus.

• Hiking Today: 6 hours – Elevation: 800m Ascent
• Accommodation: 3* hotel in Arolla, half board

Day 5: Zinal to Gruben

An incursion in the Turtmanntal area, probably the wildest of the Valais.

• Hiking Today: 6,5 hours – Elevation: 1100 Ascent
• Accommodation: 3* hotel in Gruben, half board

Day 6: Gruben to St Niklaus and then Zermatt

This day is the last one before reaching the famous swiss alpine city Zermatt. From St Niklaus, you’ll take the train to Zermatt where you will enjoy a spectacular view of the Matterhorn.

• Hiking Today: 7 hours – Elevation: 1150 Ascent and a 30 min train ride to Zermatt.
• Accommodation: 3* hotel in Zermatt

Day 7: Zermatt

Zermatt, like Chamonix, has many great activities to offer. For the last day of the tour, we suggest taking the lift to the Klein Matterhorn at almost 4000m on top of the Zermatt Resort. It’s also on the border with Italy and in addition to views of the Matterhorn, you’ll also get views of Monte Rosa and all the 4000m peaks which is just spectacular. Alternatively, you can do a short hike to the wonderful little alpine village of Zmutt above Zermatt.

• Hiking Today: 1 hr to 3 hrs (optional)

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COST OF THE 7-DAY HAUTE ROUTE SELF-GUIDED HIKING TOUR: 

€1399 per person based on double occupancy

30% is due at the time of booking. 

Note: All times, distances and elevations are approximate.  The times indicated above don’t include breaks. Allow more time than you think you’ll need. The hiking can be rugged so this tour. is only for experienced hikers.

Please carefully check the difference in elevation gains and times to make sure you have the ability to do this tour. It’s not technical but it does require a good degree of fitness. There may be snow in some sections in July and in September (but it’s possible at all times)  so please ensure that you’re comfortable hiking in snow if you book your tour at these times. Contact us before booking if you have any doubts or questions. 

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11-DAY HAUTE ROUTE TOUR INFO

The 11-day tour is a great choice if you want the best hiking the Haute Route has to offer but don’t have time for the full 14-day trip. You’ll take a few transfers at strategic points to skip the lesser scenic parts of the trip while still doing most of the full route.

This trip is recommended for experienced hikers who’ve completed at least one shorter or equivalent trek before.

Day 1: Chamonix / Télechamp to Trient

Morning start by a short transfer (bus or train) to Montroc at the very end of the Chamonix valley. From there, we will hike to Tête de Balme and then reach Trient in Swizterland.

• Hiking Today: 6.5 hours – Elevation: 1135 m Ascent
• Accommodation: hotel, half board.

Day 2: Trient to Champex

2 options here. The easiest one goes through Bovine and the classical but more challenging one goes through Fenetre d’Arpette.

• Hiking Today Option 1: 6,5 hours – Elevation: 850m Ascent
• Hiking Today Option 2: 7 hours – Elevation: 1385m ascent
• Accommodation: 3* hotel, half board.

Day 3: Transfer from Champex to Fionnay – Cabane de Louvie

Depending on where you choose to sleep, we will arrange a transfer with a private van to Fionnay. From there, the hike starts to Cabane de Louvie.

• Hiking Today: 3 hours – Elevation: 800m Ascent
• Accommodation: mountain hut, dormitory-style, half board,

Day 4: Cabane de Louvie – Cabane Prafleury

A great hiking day. We will climb the col the Prafleury, the highest point of our trek at almost 3000m.

• Hiking Today: 6 hours – Elevation: 900m Ascent
• Accommodation: mountain hut, dormitory-style, half board.

Day 5: Cabane Prafleury to Arolla

We will start by hiking along with the “lac des Dix” before hiking the “pas du Chat” and the col de Reidmatten before going down to Arolla, a wonderful mountain village in the heart of the Valais

• Hiking Today: 7 hours – Elevation: 720m Ascent
• Accommodation: Hotel in Arolla, half board

Day 6: Arolla to La Sage

A bucolic stroll through the woods and meadows of the Oval d’Arolla. A shorter day, perfect to rest from the big past 2 days and before a long day to reach Zinal.

• Hiking Today: 4,5 hours – Elevation: 350m Ascent
• Accommodation: Hotel in La Sage, half board

Day 7: La Sage to Zinal

We will leave the high mountains for the typical swiss alpine meadows. We will hike to Col Torrent above the Moiry dam and then Col de Sorebois (2835m) to finally reach Zinal by cable car.

• Hiking Today: 9 hours – Elevation: 1870m Ascent
• Accommodation: 3* hotel in Zinal, half board.

Day 8: Zinal to Gruben

An incursion in the Turtmanntal area, probably the wildest of the Valais.

• Hiking Today: 6,5 hours – Elevation: 1100 m Ascent
• Accommodation: hotel in Gruben, half board.

Day 9: Gruben to St Niklaus and then Randa

This day is the last one before entering the famous Zermatt valley. From St Niklaus, a short train transfer takes you to Randa.

• Hiking Today: 7 hours – Elevation: 1150 m Ascent and a 30 min train ride to Zermatt.
• Accommodation: Hotel in St Niklaus or Randa, half board.

Day 10: Randa to Zermatt

Final day before Zermatt! A wonderful hike with stunning views on the big 4000m peaks around:
Weisshorn, Mont Rose, Dom de Mischabel, Taschorn,… and the Matterhorn!

• Hiking Today: 8,5 hours – Elevation: 1150 Ascent
• Accommodation: 3* hotel in Zermatt, dinner on your own.

Day 11: Zermatt

Zermatt, like Chamonix, has many great activities to offer. For the last day of the tour, we can suggest
taking the lift to the Klein Matterhorn at almost 4000m on top of the Zermatt resort. It is also the
border with Italy and the views on the Matterhorn, the Monte Rosa and all the 4000m peaks around are just spectacular. Or a short hike to the wonderful little alpine village of Zmutt above Zermatt.

• Hiking Today: 1 hr to 7 hrs

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COST OF THE 11-DAY HAUTE ROUTE SELF-GUIDED TOUR AND INCLUSIONS

€2199 per person based on double occupancy.

30% is due at the time of booking. 

Note: All times, distances and elevations are approximate.  The times indicated above don’t include breaks. Allow more time than you think you’ll need. The hiking can be rugged so this tour. is only for experienced hikers.

Please carefully check the difference in elevation gains and times to make sure you have the ability to do this tour. It’s not technical but it does require a good degree of fitness. There may be snow in some sections in July and in September (but it’s possible at all times)  so please ensure that you’re comfortable hiking in snow if you book your tour at these times. Contact us before booking if you have any doubts or questions. 

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14-DAY HAUTE ROUTE SELF-GUIDED HIKING TOUR INFO

The 14-day trek is for purists who want to do the Haute Route in its entirety without skipping any sections or taking transfers and be fully immersed in nature.
Due to its length, we only recommend this for experienced hikers who’ve done at least one 10-day trek before.

Day 1: Chamonix to Télechamp

From Chamonix, we will hike the south side of the valley in the Aiguilles Rouge range in from of the Mont-Blanc! Incredible view on the Chamonix Needle!!

• Hiking Today: 7 hours – Elevation: 1100m Ascent
• Accommodation: mountain hut, dormitory-style, half board (hotel option possible in Argentière)

Day 2: Télechamp to Trient

We will hike to Tête de Balme and then reach Trient in Switzerland.

• Hiking Today: 6,5 hours – Elevation: 1135m Ascent
• Accommodation: hotel, half board

Day 3: Trient to Champex

2 options here. The easiest one goes through Bovine and the classical but more challenging one goes through Fenetre d’Arpette

• Hiking Today: 6,5 hours – Elevation : 850m Ascent for option 1; 7 hours – Elevation : 1385m Ascent for option 2
• Accommodation: 3* hotel, half board

Day 4: Champex – Cabane de Mille

Transition day. We will leave the Mont Blanc range and start hiking in the Valais area in the val d’Entremont next to the famous historical Grand St Bernard hospice.

• Hiking Today: 6,5 hours – Elevation: 1700m Ascent
• Accommodation: mountain hut, dormitory-style, half board

Day 5: Cabane de Mille – Cabane de Louvie

Magnificent views, particularly on the Grand Combin 4000m peak. A long and technical straightforward hike in the Val de Bagne.

• Hiking Today: 8 hours – Elevation: 1200m Ascent
• Accommodation: mountain hut, dormitory-style, half board

Day 6: Cabane de Louvie – Cabane Prafleury

A great hiking day. We will climb the col the Prafleury, the highest point of our trek at almost 3000m.

• Hiking Today: 6 hours – Elevation: 900m Ascent
• Accommodation: mountain hut, dormitory-style, half board

Day 7: Cabane Prafleury to Arolla

We will start by hiking along with the “lac des Dix” before hiking the “pas du Chat” and the col de Reidmatten before going down to Arolla, a wonderful mountain village in the heart of the Valais.

• Hiking Today: 7 hours – Elevation: 720m Ascent
• Accommodation: Hotel in Arolla, half board

Day 8: Arolla to La Sage

A bucolic stroll through the woods and meadows of the Val d’Arolla. A shorter day, perfect to rest from the big past 2 days and before a long day to reach Zinal.

• Hiking Today: 4,5 hours – Elevation: 350m Ascent
• Accommodation: Hotel in La Sage, half board

Day 9: La Sage to Zinal

We will leave the high mountains for the typical swiss alpine meadows. We will hike to Col Torrent above the Moiry dam and then Col de Sorebois (2835m) to finally reach Zinal by cable car.

• Hiking Today: 4,5 hours – Elevation: 350m Ascent
• Accommodation: Hotel in La Sage, half board

Day 10: Zinal to Gruben

An incursion in the Turtmanntal area, probably the wildest of the Valais.

• Hiking Today: 6,5 hours – Elevation: 1100 Ascent
• Accommodation: hotel in Gruben, half board

Day 11: Gruben to St Niklaus

This day is the last one before entering the famous Zermatt valley.

• Hiking Today: 7 hours – Elevation: 1150 Ascent and a 30 min train ride to Zermatt.
• Accommodation: Hotel in St Niklaus or Randa, half board

Day 12: St Niklaus – Europahutte

The trail goes across the Zermatt valley at the bottom of the Dom de Mischabel. Unique and spectacular!

• Hiking Today: 7 hours – Elevation: 1150 Ascent and a 30 min train ride to Zermatt.
• Accommodation: Hotel in St Niklaus or Randa, half board

Day 13: Europahutte – Zermatt

Here you are!!! Zermatt!! A long and wonderful hike with stunning views on the big 4000m peaks around Weisshorn, Mont Rose, Dom de Mischabel, Taschorn,… and the Matterhorn!

• Hiking Today: 7 hours – Elevation: 350 Ascent
• Accommodation: 3* hotel in Zermatt, diner on your own

Day 14: Europahutte – Zermatt

Zermatt, like Chamonix, has many great activities to offer. For the last day of the tour, we can suggest taking the lift to the Klein Matterhorn at almost 4000m on top of the Zermatt resort. It is also the border with Italy and the views on the Matterhorn, the Monte Rosa and all the 4000m peaks around is just spectacular. Or a short hike to the wonderful little alpine village of Zmutt above Zermatt.

• Hiking Today: 1 hr to 7 hrs

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COST OF THE 14-DAY HAUTE ROUTE SELF-GUIDED HIKING TOUR AND INCLUSIONS

Price: 

€2699 per person based on double occupancy

Note: All times, distances and elevations are approximate.  The times indicated above don’t include breaks. Allow more time than you think you’ll need. The hiking can be rugged so this tour. is only for experienced hikers.

Please carefully check the difference in elevation gains and times to make sure you have the ability to do this tour. It’s not technical but it does require a good degree of fitness. There may be snow in some sections in July and in September (but it’s possible at all times)  so please ensure that you’re comfortable hiking in snow if you book your tour at these times. Contact us before booking if you have any doubts or questions. 

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THE HAUTE ROUTE HIKING TOUR INFO

Availability

The Haute Route is available from July 15th to Sept 1st. Depending on the year (and the amount of snow) it may be possible earlier. Contact us for the most up-to-date conditions. 

Self-Guided Tour Details

On our Haute Route self-guided hiking tours, you get the flexibility and freedom of starting your day when you choose. You hike at your own pace and take breaks whenever your heart (or lungs) desire. But without the pain and time-consuming planning and booking accommodations in three different countries in three different languages.

We’ll take care of booking your accommodation at our preferred providers, arrange for daily luggage transfer (if you wish), provide you with a map and instructions in English.

We’re there for you both prior to and during your trip if you have any questions. But keep in mind that these are self-guided trips so you also need to use your judgment and arrange your own transfers (unless otherwise indicated).

Luggage Storage and Luggage Transfers

Upon booking with us, we can recommend hotels that will likely store your luggage for you while you trek. Always check with the hotel when you book that they’ll do this.

Luggage transfer is NOT available on this trip as it is EXTREMELY expensive so we don’t offer it as an option.

Grade & Terrain and Required Fitness Level

Grade 3 (middle). We recommend that you are in decent shape, and active. Otherwise, you likely will find it too challenging.

Hiking Times/Distances

The distances and ascents/descents are approximations as are the hiking times. These don’t include breaks. We’ve used the times indicated on the hiking signposts on the trail to be consistent, but most people find it takes them longer than the times indicated.

The itineraries shown may change slightly based on the available accommodation for your self-guided tour.

Some sections may be covered in snow so you should be comfortable hiking in snow.

Extras

Lunches are not included. They can be ordered from your mountain hut (refuge) or hotel the night before for an additional fee. You’ll also need to bring your own snacks.

Travel insurance is required and not included. We recommend World Nomads since it includes mountain rescue and repatriation insurance which are required and not covered by all insurance policies.

Accommodation

You’ll be staying in a mix of mountain huts and hotels.

In the mountain huts, you’ll be staying in dormitories which include shared bathroom facilities. Accommodation is simple, yet clean.

There’s usually a strict lights-out policy at around 10:00 pm and hikers are up at approximately the same time to eat a light breakfast served between limited hours. Staying in a mountain hut is a great way to connect with fellow hikers. Huts are usually right on the trail or close to it.

For the rest of the tour, you’ll be staying in small hotels.

Payment Schedule and Refunds

30% of the payment is due at the time of booking. As soon as we receive your deposit, we will start making the arrangements for your accommodation.

The remaining balance is due 45 days before the onset of the trip. If you’re booking within 45 days, payment will be charged as indicated above.

Your trip is nonrefundable but it is transferable for a fee of €50 per person if you can find someone to take your spot 45 days in advance of your tour start date. That’s why we recommend that your travel insurance also includes Trip Cancellation Insurance.

If for some reason we’re not able to find suitable accommodation for your self-guided tour, you’ll receive a full refund.

 

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BOOK YOUR HAUTE ROUTE: CHAMONIX TO ZERMATT SELF-GUIDED HIKING TOUR NOW

Our Haute Route: Chamonix to Zermatt self-guided hiking tours gives you the freedom to hike on your own. But without the time-consuming hassles of booking accommodation in three different languages and planning your route.

By using the booking form below you’ll be booking your trip directly with them.

 

Book Your Haute Route Hiking Tour With Us & You’ll Get… 

✅ Great value for money

✅ Freedom to hike on your own schedule with the people you choose

✅ To avoid the hassles of booking accommodations that have to be booked by phone or email (there’s no central booking system to check availability)

✅ Alternative routes(when available) to make your hike easier when your legs have had enough

✅ Our insider knowledge to reserve the best accommodations based on what’s important to you (i.e. location, comfort, etc)

✅ Tours that are designed by hikers for hikers. We combine our knowledge and experience with our local partners to provide you with an amazing hiking tour.

  RESERVE YOUR HAUTE ROUTE HIKING TOUR NOW

+ YOU’LL GET THE FOLLOWING BONUSES WHEN YOU BOOK:

✔ BONUS 1:Trekking Tips Online Course (value $97)

so that you get the most from your amazing trek

✔ BONUS 2: Hiking & Trekking Gear Online Course (value $47)

so that you bring everything you need and nothing you don’t

✔ BONUS 3: Soft Copy of our Hiking Logbook (value $9)

so that you can remember your incredible hiking trip to the Dolomites.

TOTAL VALUE: $153 FREE as a thank you for your booking and to have an incredible vacation.

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COMPARE

Not sure which Haute Route Self-Guided Tour is right for you? Check out our comparison chart below to help you find your perfect tour.

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PHOTOS OF THE HAUTE ROUTE: CHAMONIX TO ZERMATT HIKING TOUR