NOTE: This trip is now available to book. Please ensure that you’re able to enter France and Switzerland. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Location: Chamonix, Haute-Savoie, France
Length: 7 Days
Availability: July 2020
Type: Self-Guided
Grade: Moderate
Starting From: €1399 pp.
Chamonix to Zermatt: Self-Guided 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 historical 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” or
– 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. 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 is a once in a lifetime experience!!
Who Will Enjoy This Tour?
You’ll enjoy this trip if you have demanding standards for mountain scenery (this is one of the best in all the Alps), love amazing landscapes, have a sense of adventure, enjoy hiking through challenging trails and want to follow in the steps of early mountain explorers..
Highlights of Chamonix to Zermatt Self-Guided 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.
What’s Included
- 3 nights in 3* accommodations, 1 night in 1* accommodation and two nights accommodation in dormitories in mountain huts
- 6 Dinners
- 6 Breakfasts
- Road book + GPS tracking device
- 1 transfer in a private van from Chamonix, on Day 1 to the trailhead
- Support throughout your trip
Map of the Chamonix to Zermatt Hiking Tour
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 D+
- 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 D+.
- 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 D+
- 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 D+
- 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 D+
- 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 on the Matterhorn.
- Hiking Today: 7 hours – Elevation: 1150 D+ 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)
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: 1135m D+
- 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 D+
- Hiking Today Option 2: 7 hours – Elevation: 1385m D+
- Accommodation: 3* hotel, half board.
Day 3: Transfer from Champex to Fionnay – Cabane de Louvie
Depending on where the client 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 D+
- Accommodation: mountain hut, dormitory-style, half board,
- No luggage transfer possible
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 D+
- Accommodation: mountain hut, dormitory-style, half board.
- No luggage transfer possible
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 D+
- Accommodation: Hotel in Arolla, half board.
- Luggage transfer possible
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 D+
- Accommodation: Hotel in La Sage, half board
- Luggage transfer possible
Day 7: La Sage to Zinal
We will leave the high mountains for the typical swiss alpine meadows one. We will hike to Col Torrent above the Moiry dam and then Col de Sorebois (2835m) to finally reach Zinal by the cable car.
- Hiking Today: 9 hours – Elevation : 1870m D+
- Accommodation: 3* hotel in Zinal, half board.
- Luggage transfer possible
Day 8: Zinal to Gruben
An incursion in the Turtmanntal area, probably the wildest of the Valais.
- Hiking Today: 6,5 hours – Elevation: 1100 D+
- Accommodation: hotel in Gruben, half board.
- Luggage transfer possible
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 D+ and a 30 min train ride to Zermatt.
- Accommodation: Hotel in St Niklaus or Randa, half board.
- Luggage transfer possible
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 D+
- Accommodation: 3* hotel in Zermatt, diner on your own.
- Luggage transfer possible
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
is just spectacular. Or a short hike to the wonderful little alpine village of Zmutt above Zermatt.
- Hiking Today: 1 hr to 7 hrs
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 D+
- 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 D+
- 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 D+ for option 1; 7 hours – Elevation : 1385m D+ 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 D+
- Accommodation: mountain hut, dormitory-style, half board
- No luggage transfer possible
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 D+
- Accommodation: mountain hut, dormitory-style, half board
- No luggage transfer possible
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 D+
- Accommodation: mountain hut, dormitory-style, half board
- No luggage transfer possible
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 D+
- Accommodation: Hotel in Arolla, half board
- Luggage transfer possible
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 D+
- Accommodation: Hotel in La Sage, half board
- Luggage transfer possible
Day 9: La Sage to Zinal
We will leave the high mountains for the typical swiss alpine meadows one. We will hike to Col Torrent above the Moiry dam and then Col de Sorebois (2835m) to finally reach Zinal by the cable car.
- Hiking Today: 4,5 hours – Elevation: 350m D+
- Accommodation: hotel in La Sage, half board
- Luggage transfer possible
Day 10: Zinal to Gruben
An incursion in the Turtmanntal area, probably the wildest of the Valais.
- Hiking Today: 6,5 hours – Elevation: 1100 D+
- Accommodation: hotel in Gruben, half board
- Luggage transfer possible
Day 11: Gruben to St Niklaus
This day is the last one before entering the famous Zermatt valley.
- Hiking Today: 7 hours – Elevation: 1150 D+ and a 30 min train ride to Zermatt.
- Accommodation: Hotel in St Niklaus or Randa, half board
- Luggage transfer possible
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 D+ and a 30 min train ride to Zermatt.
- Accommodation: Hotel in St Niklaus or Randa, half board
- No luggage transfer possible
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 D+
- Accommodation: 3* hotel in Zermatt, diner on your own
- No luggage transfer possible
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
THE HAUTE ROUTE: CHAMONIX TO ZERMATT SELF-GUIDED HIKING TOUR INFO
Availability
Our hiking tour is available to start from July 2020.
Best Time To Go
This trip is available July – mid-September.
Booking in Advance
We recommend booking your trip as far in advance as possible since accommodations are extremely limited in some places and may impact your starting date.
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 and Terrain
Grade 3 (middle). We recommend that you are in decent shape, and active. Otherwise, you likely will find it too challenging.
Self-Guided Tours
This is a self-guided hiking and wine-tasting tour. You get the flexibility and freedom of starting your day when you choose, hiking at your own pace and taking breaks whenever your heart (or lungs) desire.
We’ll take care of booking your accommodation, providing your with a Road Book and GPS instructions so that you don’t get lost. We’re there for you prior to and during your trip.
Location
Your trip starts in Chamonix, France and each day you’ll hike to your next accommodation. You’ll finish in the village of Zermatt in Switzerland.
Fitness Level
You should be in good physical condition and be a regular walker or hiker. The route is not technical so no prior expertise is required.
General
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 isgn posts 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.
PRICING AND INCLUSIONS FOR THE 7-DAY TOUR
Pricing
€1399 per person based on double occupancy.
Inclusions
- 3 nights in 3-star accommodation, 1 night in 1-star accommodation, 2 nights in dormitory accommodation in a mountain hut.
- 6 Dinners
- 6 Breakfasts
- Road book + GPS tracking device
- 1 transfer in a private van from Chamonix to the trailhead in Fionnay on Day 1
Payment Info
A 25% per person deposit 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 and will automatically be charged. You can see the full terms and conditions by clicking here.
Extras
- International airfare
- Transportation to Chamonix (we can propose and organize
transfers if needed) or any other cities - Transportation from Zermatt at the end of the trip on day 7. We
can organize transfers back to Chamonix or straight to Geneva on request - Drinks during lunches and dinners.
- Pre and post trip accommodation. (We’ll provide you with recommendations).
- Additional hotels nights if required
- Lunches during the trip
- Travel insurance that covers you for this tour and includes emergency evacuation and hospital care in the unlikely incident that you get injured. World Nomads insurance covers this which is why we recommend it.
ACCOMMODATION ON THE CHAMONIX TO ZERMATT HIKING TOUR
Availability
You’ll be staying in mountain huts during the first two nights. Your standard accommodation is dormitory-style and will 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, one night in a 1-star hotel and 3 nights in 3 star hotels. NOTE: it’s not possible to have private rooms on the first two nights since mountain huts with dormitory rooms are the only accommodations available.
Our Haute Route: Chamonix to Zermatt self-guided hiking tours give you the freedom to hike on your own, but without the time-consuming hassles of booking accommodation in two different languages and planning your route.
We do the heavy lifting so that you can focus on hiking and have the trek of your life.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Upon receiving your booking we need to organize all your accommodation. This can take 2 weeks as we need to contact each place separately by phone or email. I.e. there is no central booking system where we can check to see how much space is available. We’ll notify you by email when all your accommodation has been confirmed. Please do not book your flights or make other travel arrangements until we’ve confirmed all your accommodation.What Our Past Tour du Mont Blanc Clients Say
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