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Walker's Haute Route (Guided)
Arrival day: Arrive in Chamonix
Your trip starts on arriving at your hotel in Chamonix. This is a bustling Alpine centre as trekkers, mountaineers and tourists pass through. Enjoy dining out in the town centre.
Hotel in Chamonix (breakfast)
Your trip starts on arriving at your hotel in Chamonix. This is a bustling Alpine centre as trekkers, mountaineers and tourists pass through. Enjoy dining out in the town centre.
Hotel in Chamonix (breakfast)
Stage 1: Chamonix to Argentiere
Red 4 (grade) 17.8km with 1340m ascent, 1120m descent
Our aim is Argentiere higher up the Chamonix valley, and to reach it we take in one of the area's most impressive spots: the high mountain lake of Lac Blanc.
Hotel in Argentiere (breakfast)
Red 4 (grade) 17.8km with 1340m ascent, 1120m descent
Our aim is Argentiere higher up the Chamonix valley, and to reach it we take in one of the area's most impressive spots: the high mountain lake of Lac Blanc.
Hotel in Argentiere (breakfast)
Stage 2: Argentiere to Trient
Red 4 (grade) 15.6km with 1160m ascent, 1110m descent
Climb the first pass of the route, Col de Balme, via the ridge of the Aiguillette des Possettes. The col is one of the easier ones on the Haute Route and is the border with Switzerland. We are now in Switzerland for the rest of the trek.
Auberge in Trient (dinner and breakfast)
Red 4 (grade) 15.6km with 1160m ascent, 1110m descent
Climb the first pass of the route, Col de Balme, via the ridge of the Aiguillette des Possettes. The col is one of the easier ones on the Haute Route and is the border with Switzerland. We are now in Switzerland for the rest of the trek.
Auberge in Trient (dinner and breakfast)
Stage 3: Trient to Champex
Red 3 (grade) 15.7km with 920m ascent, 730m descent
This is an interesting stage giving far-off views of the Rhône valley. We climb up to our high point of the day at Bovine Alp where a jolly cafe awaits. Follow a traversing path which crosses a few streams and then descend for a night in the pretty lakeside resort of Champex.
Hotel in Champex (dinner and breakfast)
Red 3 (grade) 15.7km with 920m ascent, 730m descent
This is an interesting stage giving far-off views of the Rhône valley. We climb up to our high point of the day at Bovine Alp where a jolly cafe awaits. Follow a traversing path which crosses a few streams and then descend for a night in the pretty lakeside resort of Champex.
Hotel in Champex (dinner and breakfast)
Stage 4: Champex to Verbier
Blue 4 (grade) 22.2km with 1130m ascent, 1090m descent
We start the stage with an easy-going walk through quaint Swiss countryside to Le Châble. From Le Châble, there is the choice to take the cable car up to Verbier, or start the ascent of the day by following the zigzagging tracks up the Verbier. The terrain is not unduly difficult being on farming paths and tracks, but the ascent is unrelenting. If you decide to take the cable car, the stage becomes 14.3km, 240m of ascent and 900m of descent (Blue2). Verbier is a delightful resort town with lots of options for dinner and coffee.
Hotel in Verbier (breakfast)
Blue 4 (grade) 22.2km with 1130m ascent, 1090m descent
We start the stage with an easy-going walk through quaint Swiss countryside to Le Châble. From Le Châble, there is the choice to take the cable car up to Verbier, or start the ascent of the day by following the zigzagging tracks up the Verbier. The terrain is not unduly difficult being on farming paths and tracks, but the ascent is unrelenting. If you decide to take the cable car, the stage becomes 14.3km, 240m of ascent and 900m of descent (Blue2). Verbier is a delightful resort town with lots of options for dinner and coffee.
Hotel in Verbier (breakfast)
Stage 5: Verbier to Cabane de Louvie
Black 3 (grade) 13.4km with 1250m ascent, 530m descent
From Verbier, we head East towards Cabane de Louvie. This higher route has us leaving through the ski resort and continues onwards via the sentiers des Chamois. The second half of the day has a more remote feeling to it as we head up and over the Col Termin (2648m). Once over the col, the path drops for a night at our first mountain hut: Cabane de Louvie by its lake.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Black 3 (grade) 13.4km with 1250m ascent, 530m descent
From Verbier, we head East towards Cabane de Louvie. This higher route has us leaving through the ski resort and continues onwards via the sentiers des Chamois. The second half of the day has a more remote feeling to it as we head up and over the Col Termin (2648m). Once over the col, the path drops for a night at our first mountain hut: Cabane de Louvie by its lake.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Stage 6: Cabane de Louvie to Cabane de Prafleuri
Black 2 (grade) 11.3km with 940m ascent, 520m descent
This stage may appear to be short, but it's remote, tricky and rocky meaning it'll be a challenge for everyone taking part. Boulder-hopping and the need for close navigation are consistent almost from start to finish through this spectacular landscape. Cross Col de Louvie, the Grand Desert and Col de Prafleuri, at 2,987m the highest point on the Haute Route, to arrive at the Cabane de Prafleuri.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Black 2 (grade) 11.3km with 940m ascent, 520m descent
This stage may appear to be short, but it's remote, tricky and rocky meaning it'll be a challenge for everyone taking part. Boulder-hopping and the need for close navigation are consistent almost from start to finish through this spectacular landscape. Cross Col de Louvie, the Grand Desert and Col de Prafleuri, at 2,987m the highest point on the Haute Route, to arrive at the Cabane de Prafleuri.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Stage 7: Cabane de Prafleuri to Arolla
Black 3 (grade) 18.3km with 740m ascent, 1390m descent
Perhaps the most consistently awe-inspiring and exhilarating stage of the whole journey, today we walk along Lac des Dix, climb up the lateral moraine, cross underneath Glacier de Cheilon and then cross the very steep Col de Riedmatten. There is a sense of being among high mountains. Dropping to Arolla seems simple after this, on solid paths, albeit at the end of a long day.
Hotel in Arolla (breakfast)
Black 3 (grade) 18.3km with 740m ascent, 1390m descent
Perhaps the most consistently awe-inspiring and exhilarating stage of the whole journey, today we walk along Lac des Dix, climb up the lateral moraine, cross underneath Glacier de Cheilon and then cross the very steep Col de Riedmatten. There is a sense of being among high mountains. Dropping to Arolla seems simple after this, on solid paths, albeit at the end of a long day.
Hotel in Arolla (breakfast)
Stage 8: Arolla to La Sage
Red 2 (grade) 11.1km with 360m ascent, 710m descent
This stage is a shorter day's walk which is a welcome interlude for many. We start by taking the higher route out of Arolla to see the beautiful Lac Bleu. The blue glacial waters are a scenic highlight of the Haute Route. From here, the descent begins as we take in the lush countryside between Arolla and Les Hauderes, typical Valaisian villages. From Les Hauderes, finish with a short uphill walk to the hamlet of La Sage.
Hotel in La Sage (dinner and breakfast)
Red 2 (grade) 11.1km with 360m ascent, 710m descent
This stage is a shorter day's walk which is a welcome interlude for many. We start by taking the higher route out of Arolla to see the beautiful Lac Bleu. The blue glacial waters are a scenic highlight of the Haute Route. From here, the descent begins as we take in the lush countryside between Arolla and Les Hauderes, typical Valaisian villages. From Les Hauderes, finish with a short uphill walk to the hamlet of La Sage.
Hotel in La Sage (dinner and breakfast)
Stage 9: La Sage to Cabane de Moiry
Purple 4 (grade) 12km with 1690m ascent, 530m descent
This is a stage of three sections: up, down and up again to Cabane de Moiry. The pass is the Col du Tsate, followed by a long drop to the foot of Glacier de Moiry. At that point we are in the basin near the Lac du Moiry, often a turquise blue in the sun. Our final climb is beside the glacier to Cabane de Moiry, perhaps the best-sited of all our Haute Route huts. Its modern extension offers tall windows over the glacier.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Purple 4 (grade) 12km with 1690m ascent, 530m descent
This is a stage of three sections: up, down and up again to Cabane de Moiry. The pass is the Col du Tsate, followed by a long drop to the foot of Glacier de Moiry. At that point we are in the basin near the Lac du Moiry, often a turquise blue in the sun. Our final climb is beside the glacier to Cabane de Moiry, perhaps the best-sited of all our Haute Route huts. Its modern extension offers tall windows over the glacier.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Stage 10: Cabane de Moiry to Zinal
Purple 3 (grade) 15.8km with 670m ascent, 1820m descent
A traverse and a relatively short climb lead to Col de Sorebois. This is a grassy col overlooking the two upper sections of the Val d'Anniviers. Then we descend, steeply at the end but with a cable car option, to Zinal. Zinal is a village at the head of the valley and has good options for dinner.
Hotel in Zinal (breakfast)
Purple 3 (grade) 15.8km with 670m ascent, 1820m descent
A traverse and a relatively short climb lead to Col de Sorebois. This is a grassy col overlooking the two upper sections of the Val d'Anniviers. Then we descend, steeply at the end but with a cable car option, to Zinal. Zinal is a village at the head of the valley and has good options for dinner.
Hotel in Zinal (breakfast)
Stage 11: Zinal to Gruben
Red 4 (grade) 17.7km with 1220m ascent, 1080m descent
A traversing path gains height from Zinal with long views back to the head of the valley. Higher up, reach the Forcletta pass. We now enter the German-speaking part of the Valais. Gruben is a small village in the quiet Turtmanntal valley.
Auberge in Gruben (dinner and breakfast)
Red 4 (grade) 17.7km with 1220m ascent, 1080m descent
A traversing path gains height from Zinal with long views back to the head of the valley. Higher up, reach the Forcletta pass. We now enter the German-speaking part of the Valais. Gruben is a small village in the quiet Turtmanntal valley.
Auberge in Gruben (dinner and breakfast)
Stage 12: Gruben to St Niklaus
Purple 4 (grade) 17.5km with 1090m ascent, 1790m descent
The Augstbordpass at 2,893m is the last pass before the valley of Zermatt is reached: the Mattertal. The ascent should feel very manageable, being well-angled and full of interest. Drop to Jungen above the Mattertal valley and with views into its upper reaches but not yet to Zermatt or the Matterhorn themselves. A last descent in woods and you arrive in the valley at St Niklaus.
Hotel in St Niklaus (breakfast)
Purple 4 (grade) 17.5km with 1090m ascent, 1790m descent
The Augstbordpass at 2,893m is the last pass before the valley of Zermatt is reached: the Mattertal. The ascent should feel very manageable, being well-angled and full of interest. Drop to Jungen above the Mattertal valley and with views into its upper reaches but not yet to Zermatt or the Matterhorn themselves. A last descent in woods and you arrive in the valley at St Niklaus.
Hotel in St Niklaus (breakfast)
Stage 13: St Niklaus to Europahutte
Black 3 (grade) 12km with 1410m ascent, 250m descent
Today marks the first of 2 days along the famous Europaweg trail, a high traverse above the Mattertal into Zermatt. Our main route follows the valley from St Niklaus to Herbriggen, joining the Europaweg here for an exciting climb to the friendly, well-situated Europahutte.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Black 3 (grade) 12km with 1410m ascent, 250m descent
Today marks the first of 2 days along the famous Europaweg trail, a high traverse above the Mattertal into Zermatt. Our main route follows the valley from St Niklaus to Herbriggen, joining the Europaweg here for an exciting climb to the friendly, well-situated Europahutte.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Stage 14: Europahutte to Randa. Taxi to Taschalp. Walk to Zermatt
Purple 4 (grade) 17.5km with 330m ascent, 1710m descent
Leaving the Europahutte, cross the famous 500m suspension bridge before making your way down to Randa. From here, we will book a taxi to take you to Taschalp. This is due to part of the Europaweg being closed following rockfall in 2025. From Taschalp, you'll follow the rest of the Europaweg along a high traverse to Sunegga, just above Zermatt in full view of the Matterhorn. From here you drop steeply via the hamlet of Findeln. This last section is a fitting finale to the Haute Route. Dinner in Zermatt - always bustling - will feel so well earnt.
Hotel in Zermatt (breakfast)
Purple 4 (grade) 17.5km with 330m ascent, 1710m descent
Leaving the Europahutte, cross the famous 500m suspension bridge before making your way down to Randa. From here, we will book a taxi to take you to Taschalp. This is due to part of the Europaweg being closed following rockfall in 2025. From Taschalp, you'll follow the rest of the Europaweg along a high traverse to Sunegga, just above Zermatt in full view of the Matterhorn. From here you drop steeply via the hamlet of Findeln. This last section is a fitting finale to the Haute Route. Dinner in Zermatt - always bustling - will feel so well earnt.
Hotel in Zermatt (breakfast)
Departure day: Depart from Zermatt
Breakfast in Zermatt is a treat. Afterwards, take the train out of the valley and connect to the Swiss network for Zurich or Geneva airports. Congratulations on the completing the Walker's Haute Route!
Breakfast in Zermatt is a treat. Afterwards, take the train out of the valley and connect to the Swiss network for Zurich or Geneva airports. Congratulations on the completing the Walker's Haute Route!
Dates
Please join one of our guided Walker's Haute Route trips:
HRTg1 25 Jul to 9 Aug 2026
Scheduled Guided Trips
The maximum group number on our guided trips is 8 clients to 1 Alpine Exploratory International Mountain Leader.
Although the start and end dates on our scheduled guided trips are fixed, we'd be very happy to book extra nights in Chamonix or Zermatt before or after your trip for you to explore the areas a little more. Please do just ask for more details.
Private Guided
We would be delighted to plan a privately guided trip for your family or group of friends at any time within our walking season. We will find you a guide and book your accommodation on the dates your choose. You will have full flexibility over the length of your trip, your choice of accommodation and your dates. 
Prices
|
Walker's Haute Route Guided |
|||
| Hutty | Classic | Comfy | |
|
14 stages (15 nights) Full Route |
Private trips only |
GBP 3,860 Singles 680 Main Trip |
Private trips only |
Accommodation
Where we stay
Our Classic mix of accommodation aims to give a broad taste of trekking in the French and Swiss Alps. We mix comfortable family-run hotels in the towns and villages with the local auberges and mountain huts that fit the route. This includes 5 nights in total in dormitory accommodation: 4 nights in mountain huts and 1 night at the Trient auberge. The remaining nights are spent in comfortable private rooms at the hotels and the guesthouse in Gruben.
Hut accommodation options
On our scheduled guided trips, we book places in dormitories at all of the 4 huts, shared with your fellow walkers. These are the huts of Cabane de Louvie, Cabane de Prafleuri, Cabane de Moiry and the Europahutte. The huts are an important part of the route and offer splendid views from remote locations along the trail which more than make up for their basic room types and bathrooms.
Single Room Supplement
If you would like to stay in single rooms rather than sharing a double, twin or triple room we add our single room supplement. This covers the additional cost of booking single occupancy rooms. The single supplement is only applied to nights where single rooms are available, and is not applied to hut nights which do not offer single rooms. In the auberges, we may be able to book single rooms or if not, we will book the smallest room available.
Route
Our guided Walker’s Haute Route gives a complete journey on foot from Chamonix to Zermatt (Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn), walking every step of the way.
Following severe rockfall in 2023 part of the trail on stage 7 between Prafleuri and Arolla was destroyed. This has led to the official closure of the route via the ladders over the Pas de Chevres. As with all of our Haute Route trips, you will be following our route over the Col de Riedmatten instead.
The traditional end to the Haute Route is a 2-day hike along the Europaweg high level trail. However, since our first Haute Route season in 2009, the solidity of the first day on the Europaweg has reduced and the risk of rockfall has increased. As such, there are a couple of diversions in place on this section of the trail, notably between Gasenried and Herbriggen as well as between the suspension bridge and Taschalphutte. For all guided trips, our route on the final stage into Zermatt will go as follows: walk to Randa, taxi to Taschalphutte, and walk into Zermatt to complete the trek.
The Terrain
It's worth noting that, unusually even for an Alpine trek at this level, some of the mountain passes on this trip are particularly steep, loose and rocky, calling for good prior mountain experience and steady balance. There are also a number of very exposed sections with steep drops to the side of the trail, often with chains or handrails to aid progress. This is particularly the case on the stages between Cabane de Louvie and Arolla, as well as the Europaweg at the end of the trip.
The terrain on the Haute Route is more technical than on any other route we offer and, as such, we wouldn't normally suggest it as a first multi-day hike. If you're new to trekking, please just ask us what we'd recommend instead!
In general, the Walker's Haute Route's terrain comprises of a mixture of mud packed paths, wide tracks and mostly rocky mountain paths. A standard day would see you climb from the valley bottom up to a mountain pass before dropping down to the next valley in the afternoon.
Is it for me?
This trip would be manageable for fit mountain walkers who are confident walking 14 days in a row without a rest day. The more majority of the walking stages on the trip takes around 7 to 9 hours to complete each day. The stage between Champex and Le Chable on stage 4 is a nice respite from the more challenging days, as you can take the cable car up to Verbier rather than walking up. If you choose to take the cable car, it takes around 5 hours to complete. Previous walking experience in the mountains is essential for this trek as some sections are incredibly steep and rocky.
Difficulty
The Walker's Haute Route is first and foremost a walk, but it is essential to note that it is graded a Black 4 and is at the very top end of difficulty in terms of Alpine trekking. The difficulty of the terrain is often underestimated and previous hiking experience in mountainous regions is essential. The Eastern section is generally considered as being a little easier than the Western section with slgihtly shorter days and a little less rocky underfoot but the whole trip is still seen as challenging. There is no glacier walking and there is no rock climbing. Your guide will of course be on hand to help and provide advice and assistance at all times.
Unusually even for an Alpine trek at this level, some of the mountain passes are particularly steep, loose and rocky, calling for good experience and steady balance. Your guide will be on hand to provide advice and to manage the navigational challenges of the route.
Walking Guide to the Walker's Haute Route - our detailed read
How to get there
For a finish in Zermatt, both Zurich or Geneva airports are easily accessible by train from Zermatt.
Travel to and from the trip is not included in the holiday price. We take care to give the most useful notes possible about all the travel options. We supply these both on booking and in your info pack, and we offer personalised tips at any point.
Included
- Bespoke accommodation itinerary - tailored to suit your particular requirements
- An Alpine Exploratory International Mountain Leader
- Breakfast every morning
- Dinner at your accommodations on 11 nights (except for in Chamonix, Verbier and Zermatt)
- Expert advice and local information
- A comprehensive 'Season Update' following our pre-season recce
- Full support during your trip from the Alpine Exploratory team (9am until 9pm in the Alps)
- Baggage transfers to all stops except for the 4 mountain huts (this is limited to 1 bag per person)
Not included
- Travel to and from your trip
- Local transport whilst on the trip unless specified
- Travel insurance
- Lunches, snacks and drinks
- some evening meals in the towns when specified
Questions about the Guided Walker's Haute Route?
Feel free to ask any questions about your planning. Ben, Eve, Ione, Katy, Lucy, Rob, Simon, Skylar or Steph will reply with expert advice. We spend a lot of time hiking our routes (and trails around the world) so please ask us anything.
 
Enquiry Form
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If you prefer, please feel welcome to email or call us. Thanks!
| Contact Alpine Exploratory | |
| info@alpineexploratory.com | |
| Phone | +44 (0)131 214 1144 |
| Our times |
9am to 5pm UK time, Monday to Friday |
| Our national-rate numbers. Please use for a cheaper call to our Edinburgh office |
From the USA: 646-757-1102 From Canada: 416-628-3473 From Australia: 02 8319 2266 From New Zealand: 04 889 4515 |
Open to the world
Since Alpine Exploratory started in 2005 we have loved getting to know our clients from around the world. Our best-represented countries are the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
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