SELF-GUIDED HAUTE ROUTE HIKING TOUR OVERVIEW
 | From €1729 |  |
|
 | 7 or 10 Days |  | July 15 - Sept 1 |
 | Chamonix, France |  | Zermatt, Switzerland |
| Self-Guided Hiking | 
| Moderate to Strenous |
Our Best of the Haute Route trek links together two world mountain capitals and two of the most iconic mountains in the world – Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn.
Starting from Chamonix, France, you’ll hike past Mont Blanc and head for the Matterhorn in Zermatt, Switzerland.
If you’re seeking a challenging and wilder hike than the more famous Tour du Mont Blanc, with only a few other hardy hikers, you’ll love hiking the Haute Route.
You’ll cross mountain passes at altitudes of nearly 3000m and will pass near the bottom of glaciers. You’ll be in awe of the ever-changing scenery that includes everything from high mountain passes, green alpine pastures with happy cows, forests and quaint alpine villages in France and Switzerland.
Our Best of the Haute Route Self-Guided Hiking Tour isn’t for every hiker, though. It requires very good mountain experience in terms of self-knowledge about your abilities. You should also be able to read a topographical map and be able to follow GPS tracks, and assess weather changes. You should also be comfortable on technical trails. Your reward will be some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet!
You’ll get a real feel for mountain life in France and Switzerland. The summer route was first explored as early as the mid-19th century, so you’ll be following in the footsteps of intrepid early explorers and experiencing French and Swiss mountain culture.
Hiking the Haute Route is the trek of a lifetime for those ready to take on the challenge!
HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR SELF-GUIDED 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
✔ Trek one of the most iconic long-distance trails in the world.
✔ Pass through charming mountain villages in the Alps.
✔ Eat delicious meals with a regional flair from France and Switzerland.
✔ Hike dramatic mountain passes, meadows filled with wildflowers and gorgeous mountain lakes.
✔ Stay in a mountain refuge and simple hotels with astonishing views of the surrounding mountains.
7-DAY HAUTE ROUTE SELF-GUIDED TOUR INFO
On our Best of the Haute Route self-guided tour, you’ll hike the most incredible parts of the trail while skipping the parts that become problematic in case of unpredictable late or early-season snow or unpredictable weather changes.
This trip is only recommended for experienced hikers who’ve completed at least one shorter or equivalent trek before. We offer both dormitory accommodation or private double (minimum 2 people).
Day 1: Private Transfer From Chamonix | Verbier |Cabane de Louvie via the Sentier des Chamois
We’ll arrange a taxi transfer (included in your tour) from Chamonix to the hamlet of Le Châble, Verbier. From there, you’ll take the Ruinettes cable car, and from there, you’ll start your first day of hiking the Haute Route.
You’ll follow the Bisse du Levron irrigation channel up to La Chaux (2250m), where you’ll get a wonderful view of the Grand Combin, one of the highest peaks in the Alps at an impressive 4314 m, located in the canton of Valais.
But that’s not all; you’ll also get views of the impressive Corbassière Glacier, measuring 9.8 km long with an average width of slightly more than 1 km.
And you’re just getting started! This is where the Chamois trail begins, leading to the tête de Louvie via the Col Termin (2650m) without having to cross that pass. This trail doesn’t present any major difficulties, but the route requires does cross varied terrain, including rocky areas and crossing one or two aerial sections.
- Hiking Today: 11.3 km, 650 m ascent, 600 m descent
- Accommodation: Overnight at Cabane de Louvie, in a dormitory. Dinner included and breakfast the next day.
Day 2: Hike From Cabane de Louvie – La Grande Dixence Dam or Cabane de Prafleuri via Le Grand Désert
Today is an epic day on your Haute Route trek with not one but two mountain passes! You’ll first climb to the Louvie Pass (2921m), then to the Prafleuri Pass (2939m). But don’t worry; you’ll get a break in between with the Grand Desert.
Located between the two mountain passes, the Grand Desert is a vast plateau made up by moraines and rocks left by the glaciers. The landscape here is very rocky, punctuated by stunning mountain lakes, cairns and markers to guide your crossing up to Prafleuri Pass.
After soaking in the stunning views from the highest point of your trek at almost 3000m, the trail goes down to the eponymous Cabane de Prafleuri, where you’ll stay if you’re staying in dormitory accommodation and later to the Grande Dixence Dam if you’re staying in private accommodation, the world’s highest gravity dam at 2,365 m (7,759 ft).
- Hiking Today: 14.5 km, 1055 m ascent, 1140 m descent (private double accommodation at Grande Dixence Dam)
- Hiking Today: 11.5 km, 1060 m ascent, 645 m (dormitory at Cabane de Prafleuri Hut)
- Accommodation: Dormitory or private double: basic hotel in private accommodation, breakfast and dinner included.
Day 3: Hike From Cabane de Prafleuri Hut or La Grande Dixence Dam – Evolène via Col de la Meina
If you stayed in dormitory accommodation, you’ll hike to La Grande Dixence Dam.
Your trail leaves the Grande Dixence Dam and descends into the Hérémence Valley to the place called Motôt, a point at 1905m. The path crosses the Merdéré River and reaches the alpine pastures of Novèlé (2082m) later on.
You’ll then hike up to Meina Pass (2702m) and then continue on to the alpine valley of Val d’Hérens, formed by the Hérens glacier, which retreated at the end of the last ice age.
You’ll descend from the pass to reach the very pretty hamlet of La Meina. From here, you’ll take a chairlift for an enjoyable scenic descent to the village of Lannaz where you’ll spend the night.
You’ll avoid both Riedmatten Pass and the Pas de chèvres since both of these sections are technical and not good for hikers who are afraid of heights. Both can represent a major difficulty for those who are not sure of their footing on the unstable rocky terrain and/or fear the climbing of high vertical ladders. So leave your worries aside and get ready for another great day of hiking the Haute Route.
- Hiking Today: 15.2km, 1045 m Ascent, 1050 m Descent (private double accommodation)
- Hiking Today: 15.5km, 900 m ascent, 1420 descent (dormitory accommodation)
- Accommodation: Dormitory or private double: 1* hotel, breakfast and dinner included
Day 4: Hike From La Sage – Zinal via Col de Thorens, Lac de Moiry
From La Sage in the Val d’Hérens, you’ll make your way to the charming mountain village of Zinal. You’ll first hike up to the high mountain pass, the Col de Torrent (2918 m).
From here, you’ll get stunning views of the Moiry Lake Dam, a high-altitude reservoir bordered by mountains in the municipality of You will then get to the dam by crossing the Alpine pastures of Thorens, where you’ll see lots of happy Swiss cows and hear their charming bells.
From the Moiry Lake Dam, the local shuttle service will take you to the village of Zinal, where you’ll spend the night.
- Hiking Today: 11.1 km, 1205 m Ascent, 700 m Descent
- Accommodation: Dormitory or private double: 3* hotel, breakfast and dinner included
Day 5: Hike From Zinal – Gruben via Col de La Forcletta
Your fifth day of hiking the Haute Route starts with a long climb to the Col de La Forcletta (2874m), but fortunately, it’s varied to keep you entertained. A steep path in the forest leads to a long, pleasant balcony above the Val de Zinal, for incredible views and a great place to catch your breath before carrying on to a welcoming alpine pasture area on the final steep slope.
A dive into the Turtmanntal (Val Turtmann) is like a jump out of time. Inaccessible in winter, this is the wildest valley in the Swiss canton of Valais.
You’ll also get a glimpse of the Augstbord Pass, a mountain pass you’ll hike up to tomorrow, as well as the Turtmann Glacier, a 5 km long glacier situated in the Pennine Alps surrounded by the towering Bishorn Peak (4153m) on one side and the Weisshorn (4506 m)on the other.
- Hiking Today: 23.8 km, 1530 m Ascent, 1390 m Descent
- Accommodation: Dormitory, or private double: 1* hotel, breakfast and dinner included
Day 6: Hike From Gruben – St Niklaus – Zermatt
Today is your last day hiking the Haute Route before reaching the famous swiss alpine city of Zermatt. The hiking path reaches the mountain hamlet of Jungu. From here, you’ll take a small cable car down to St-Niklaus.
From there, you’ll take a train to Täsch and then another one to your final destination of Zermatt.
- Hiking Today: 13km, 1130 m Ascent, 970 m Descent
- Accommodation: Dormitory (breakfast and dinner not included), or private double: 3* hotel, breakfast included (dinner not included, but there are many options 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)
COST OF THE 7-DAY HAUTE ROUTE SELF-GUIDED HIKING TOUR
- €1729 per person (dormitory)
- €1789 per person based on double accommodation (private double w/ 1 night in dorm), minimum 2 people
- 30% is due at the time of booking.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Private double: 6 nights of accommodation: 1 night in a dorm, 1 night in a basic hotel, 2 nights in a 1-star hotel and 2 nights in a 3-star hotel
- Dormitory: 6 nights of dormitory accommodation
- 5 dinners (not included in Zermatt but there are plenty of restaurants nearby).
- 6 breakfasts (private double), 5 breakfasts (dormitory)
- Transfer on Day 1 from Chamonix to Le Châble (Verbier)
- Optional in-person pre-tour briefing in Chamonix
- Detailed route description, walking distances and GPX tracks
- Unlimited email support pre-tour
- Phone support while on your tour in case of emergency
- NEW: Personalized Training Plan for the Haute Route (valued at €300)
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Travel insurance is required. (We recommend HeyMondo)
- Transfers, ~ €70 pp. We provide you with the information, but they’re not included in the price.
- Lunches, snacks and personal items.
- Breakfast on Day 7 (dormitory option)
- Accommodation the night before your tour starts and on the last day of your trip.
- Anything not indicated in inclusions.
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 Haute Route trek 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. Hiking the Haute Route isn’t s technical, but it does require a good degree of fitness. There may be snow in some sections in July and September (but it’s possible at all times). 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.
HOW WE WORK:
Ready to hit the trails with confidence? 🥾 Book with us, your adventure matchmakers and secure a seamless adventure! Once you’ve completed your tour reservation through us, our trusted local partners take over, handling all your tour logistics, from accommodations to routes, so you can focus on enjoying your hike. We’ve curated the best experiences for a hassle-free trip. 🏞️ Your dream hike, made easy – let’s get you out there!
10-day itinerary – Dormitory-style accommodations:
Day 1: Hike From Montroc – Trient
Start the day with a train ride aboard the famous Mont-Banc express. From the hamlet of Montroc, your day begins with an ascent to the remarkable Aiguillette des Posettes. After walking along its edge, a mountainside path through alpine meadows leads to the Col de Balme, on the Franco-Swiss border.
Note that this area is one of the last still active alpine pastures in the Chamonix valley. Walk down towards Trient, where you’ll spend the night.
Approximate distance : 11,5km – Elevation gain: 1000 m / elevation loss: 1200 m
Day 2: Hike From Trient – Champex via Bovine Alpine Pastures
Leave Trient via the Col de la Forclaz. Heading east, you’ll reach the Alpages de Bovine, where you’ll find imposing Herens cows during the summer months. A long traverse downhill towards Champex offers views of the Rhone Valley and the Grand Combin.
Approximate distance : 15km – Elevation gain: 850 m / elevation loss: 1000 m
Day 3: Hike From Champex – Cabane de Mille
Leaving the Mont-Blanc massif behind, you will enter the Valais Alps. After a descent through the forest to Orsières, climb up the western side of the Val d’Entremont to reach the 360° view from the crests of Mont Brûlé. Enjoy views of the Mont-Blanc massif, just left, the Grands Combins massif and the western edge of the Bernese Alps.
Approximate distance : 13km – Elevation gain: 1700 m / elevation loss: 700 m
Day 4: Hike From Cabane de Mille – Cabane de Louvie
The ridges of the Valais offer a 360° panorama. At the beggining of the day you’ll overlook the Val d’Entremont, then the Combins massif and its 3 giants, Le Petit Combin (3668m), Combin de Corbassière (3716m) and finally Grand Combin (4314m).
Approximate distance : 18km – Elevation gain: 1200 m / elevation loss: 1400 m
Day 5: Hike From Cabane de Louvie – Cabane de Prafleuri
Today is an epic day on your Haute Route trek with not one but two mountain passes! You’ll first climb to the Louvie Pass (2921m), then to the Prafleuri Pass (2939m). But don’t worry; you’ll get a break in between with the Grand Desert.
Located between the two mountain passes, the Grand Desert is a vast plateau made up by moraines and rocks left by the glaciers. The landscape here is very rocky, punctuated by stunning mountain lakes, cairns and markers to guide your crossing up to Prafleuri Pass.
After soaking in the stunning views from the highest point of your trek at almost 3000m, the trail goes down to the eponymous hut and later to the Prafleuri Mountain Hut. Close by is the Grande Dixence Dam, the world’s highest gravity dam at 2,365 m (7,759 ft).
- Hiking Today: 11.5 km, Elevation gain: 1060 m ascent, 650 m descent
Day 6: Hike From Cabane de Prafleuri – Evolène / La Sage
You’ll avoid both Riedmatten Pass and the Pas de chèvres since both of these sections are technical and not good for hikers who are afraid of heights. Both can represent a major difficulty for those who are not sure of their footing on the unstable rocky terrain and/or fear the climbing of high vertical ladders. So leave your worries aside and get ready for another great day of hiking the Haute Route.
Your trail leaves the Grande Dixence Dam and descends into the Hérémence Valley to the place called Motôt, a point at 1905m. The path crosses the Merdéré River and reaches the alpine pastures of Novèlé (2082m) later on.
You’ll then hike up to Meina Pass (2702m) and then continue on to the alpine valley of Val d’Hérens, formed by the Hérens glacier, which retreated at the end of the last ice age.
You’ll descend from the pass to reach the very pretty hamlet of La Meina. From here, you’ll take a chairlift for an enjoyable scenic descent to the village of Lannaz where you’ll spend the night.
- Hiking Today: 15.5km, 900 m Ascent, 1420 m Descent
Day 7 : Hike From La Sage – Zinal
From La Sage in the Val d’Hérens, you’ll make your way to the charming mountain village of Zinal. You’ll first hike up to the high mountain pass, the Col de Torrent (2918 m).
From here, you’ll get stunning views of the Moiry Lake Dam, a high-altitude reservoir bordered by mountains in the municipality of You will then get to the dam by crossing the Alpine pastures of Thorens, where you’ll see lots of happy Swiss cows and hear their charming bells.
From the Moiry Lake Dam, the local shuttle service will take you to the village of Zinal, where you’ll spend the night.
- Hiking Today: 11.1 km, 1205 m Ascent, 700 m Descent
Day 8: Hike From Zinal – Grüben
This is your most difficult day of hiking the Haute Route. It starts with a long climb to the Col de La Forcletta (2874m), but fortunately, it’s varied to keep you entertained. A steep path in the forest leads to a long, pleasant balcony above the Val de Zinal, for incredible views and a great place to catch your breath before carrying om to a welcoming alpine pasture area on the final steep slope.
A dive into the Turtmanntal (Val Turtmann) is like a jump out of time. Inaccessible in winter, this is the wildest valley in the Swiss canton of Valais.
You’ll also get a glimpse of the Augstbord Pass, a mountain pass you’ll hike up to tomorrow, as well as the Turtmann Glacier, a 5 km long glacier situated in the Pennine Alps surrounded by the towering Bishorn Peak (4153m) on one side and the Weisshorn (4506 m)on the other.
- Hiking Today: 23.8 km, 1530 m Ascent, 1390 m Descent
Day 9: Hike From Grüben – Zermatt
Today is your last day hiking the Haute Route before reaching the famous swiss alpine city of Zermatt. The hiking path reaches the mountain hamlet of Jungu. From here, you’ll take a small cable car down to St-Niklaus.
From there, you’ll take a train to Täsch and then another one to your final destination of Zermatt.
- Hiking Today: 13km, 1130 m Ascent, 970 m Descent
Day 10: Optional hike in Zermatt (Zmutt)
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)
A loop that passes through Zmutt allows us to discover the heights of Zermatt peacefully. A striking scenery facing the spectacular North face of the Matterhorn and the Monte Rosa massif. This half-day hike will then allow you to stroll through the streets of Zermatt and soak up this microcosm.
Approximate distance: 9 km – Elevation gain: 500m / elevation loss: 500m
COST OF THE 10-DAY HAUTE ROUTE SELF-GUIDED HIKING TOUR:
- €1889 per person based on dormitory accommodation
- 30% is due at the time of booking.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- 9 nights of accommodation: 8 nights in a dorm and 1 night in a basic hotel
- 8 breakfasts and 7 dinners (not included in La Sage and Zermatt but there are plenty of restaurants nearby).
- In-person pre-tour briefing in Chamonix
- Detailed route description, walking distances and GPX tracks
- Unlimited email support pre-tour
- Phone support while on your tour in case of emergency
- NEW: Personalized Training Plan for the Haute Route (valued at €300)
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- We recommend HeyMondo.)
- Transfers, ~ €70 pp. We provide you with the information, but they’re not included in the price.
- Lunches, snacks and personal items.
- Dinner on Day 6 and 10
- Breakfast on Day 10 in Zermatt
- Accommodation the night before your tour starts and on the last day of your trip.
- Anything not indicated in inclusions.
THE HAUTE ROUTE SELF-GUIDED HIKING TOUR INFO
Availability
Our Best of the Haute Route Self-Guided Hiking Tour is available from July 14th to Aug 30th. However, we can book a Haute Route trip until the end of September but some of the lifts, buses, etc. don’t run anymore, meaning the stages are longer and/or the transportation is more complicated. This means that you should be in excellent shape. Contact us for further details.
How We Work
Ready to hit the French and Swiss Alps with confidence? 🥾 Book with us, your adventure matchmakers and secure a seamless Haute Route adventure! Once you’ve completed your tour reservation through us, our trusted local partners take over, handling all your tour logistics, from accommodations to routes, so you can focus on enjoying your Haute Route hike. We’ve curated the best experience for a hassle-free trip. 🏞️ Your dream hike, made easy – let’s get you out there!
Self-Guided Haute Route 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 two different countries in two different languages.
We’ll take care of booking your accommodation at our preferred providers, meet with you in person in Chamonix to answer any of your last-minute questions and provide you with the most up-to-date trail conditions. You’ll also receive GPS tracks and route information. And should you run into an emergency on your trip, we’re only a phone call away.
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
Luggage transfer is NOT available on our Haute Route self-guided tour as it is EXTREMELY expensive, so we don’t offer it as an option.
Many accommodations in Chamonix will store your luggage for you while you trek. Check with the hotel before you confirm your booking that they’ll do this.
Grade & Terrain and Required Fitness Level of the Haute Route
Grade 3 (middle). We recommend that you are in good 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 Haute Route trail to be consistent, but many hikers find it takes them longer than the times indicated.
The itineraries shown may change slightly based on the available accommodation for your Haute Route 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 since parts of the Haute Route trek are remote..
Travel insurance is required and not included. We recommend HeyMondo (get a 5% discount for being a Monkeys and Mountains reader) since it includes mountain rescue and repatriation insurance, which are required and not covered by all insurance policies.
Accommodation on the Haute Route
On the 7-day tour, you’ll be staying in a mix of: 1 night in a dorm in a mountain hut, 1 night in a basic hotel, 2 nights in a 1-star hotel and 2 nights in a 3-star hotel. On the 10-day tour, you’ll be staying in dormitory accommodation for 8 nights and a basic hotel on one hight.
In the mountain huts, you’ll be staying in a dormitory which includes 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.
Payment Schedule and Refunds
30% of the payment is due at the time of booking. As soon as we receive your deposit, we’ll start reserving your accommodations on your Haute Route Self-Guided tour. If, for some reason, we’re not able to find suitable accommodation for your tour, you’ll receive a full refund.
The remaining balance is due 40 days before the onset of the trip. If you’re booking within 40 days, payment will be charged as indicated above.
You can see the booking terms and conditions here.
BOOK YOUR HAUTE ROUTE: CHAMONIX TO ZERMATT SELF-GUIDED HIKING TOUR NOW
Book Your Haute Route Hiking Tour With Us & You’ll Get…
✅ Save time and skip the hassle of booking accommodations in Franc and Switzerland —our experts handle it for you, so you don’t have to deal with time-consuming calls and emails.
✅ Designed by hikers, for hikers – Our tours are crafted with insider knowledge and we’ve partnered with the best local experts in Chamonix, so you get an exceptional hiking experience.
✅ Hike on your own schedule – Explore at your own pace with the people you choose, giving you the freedom to craft your perfect adventure.
✅ Prime accommodations – We use our local knowledge to secure the best places for you, based on what matters most to you, whether it’s location or comfort.
✅ Unbeatable value with self-guided hiking – Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of a self-guided hike while saving on costs compared to guided tours, without sacrificing the quality of your adventure.
✅ In-person briefing – Meet with our local partner in Chamonix to get the latest trail conditions and have any last-minute questions answered before you hit the trail.
✅ We’re Just a Call Away – Need help during your trip? We’re always available by phone for any support you might need, ensuring peace of mind throughout your journey.
✅ NEW! Get your Own Personalized Fitness Plan Tailored Specifically for the Haute Route – valued at €300—FREE with Your Booking! This will prepare you for the challenge ahead. Tailored to your current fitness level and lifestyle, your custom training plan ensures you’re in peak condition when you set foot on the trail.
Related Reading: What To Do in Zermatt, Switzerland
PHOTOS OF THE HAUTE ROUTE TREK: CHAMONIX TO ZERMATT HIKING TOUR
