The Haute Route trek is one of the world’s great multi-day treks. The route links two world famous alpine mountains, Mont Blanc in France and the Matterhorn in Switzerland.
The Haute Route self guided trek is one of the world’s great multi-day treks and is possible only in July, August and September each year. The route links two renowned alpine mountaineering centres, Chamonix in France, home to Mont Blanc and Zermatt in Switzerland, home to the Matterhorn. The trail passes through breathtaking alpine scenery and you will enjoy stunning mountain panoramas every step of the journey.
Spectacular views are standard on this trek and it is a great challenge for trekkers to experience the High Alps and its glaciers. The summer haute route trek is for hill walkers and trekkers keen to get stuck in to the the mountains, travel through some picturesque valleys and go over some high alpine passes.
The route follows a network of well-marked and signposted trails that stays below 3000m and takes advantage of the popular mountain huts and small inns and hotels in the charming villages along the way. In the summer the route is non-technical and while being a challenging experience because of its daily elevation gains and distances, it is achievable by any hiker in good physical condition.
Not sure whether you're ready to tackle the Haute Route Trek? No problem, take our Haute Route 'Readiness' test.
Enter your details to download the Haute Route Self Guided Trek 11 Days brochure
YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
WHO IS THIS FOR?
The summer haute route trek self-guided is recommended for hill walkers and trekkers with a good level of fitness who are keen to get stuck in to the mountains and experience one of worlds great treks. You should be capable of carrying a rucksack (~10kg) for 6-8 hours a day for 11 days in a row. You will be crossing high passes on most of the days and traversing valleys with sometimes fairly uneven hiking terrain.
Not sure whether you're ready? No sweat! Get in touch and we'll be happy to talk it through with you. Not sure whether you're ready to tackle the Haute Route Trek? No problem, take our Haute Route 'Readiness' test.
Haute Route Trek 'Readiness' test
Adventure Overview
Duration
11 Days
Start Location
Chamonix, France
Date(s)
July - September
Ability
Level C
Level C
You have a fair amount of experience climbing, hiking or skiing more technical terrain. You’re comfortable on sustained adventures and you call yourself a ‘hardened’ adventurer. You're not quite George Mallory but you subscribe to his 'because it there' attitude.
Olly and Charlie discuss what a self guided trip looks like.
Trekking in the Alps - People
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Kit & equipment required for this adventure
Please note this is a guide and you may be required to rent or purchase last minute equipment on arrival dependent on the weather and changes in itinerary. You can pre-book luggage transfers if you would like your main luggage back to be delivered to your accommodation each night (excluding mountain huts)
For the full downloadable Haute Route Trek kit list please click here.
Sturdy hiking boots
Solid hiking boots ideally B1 rated
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof pants
Side-leg zippers are helpful
Softshell Jacket
Light technical jacket, ideally with a hood.
Lightweight fleece
Something light and thin.
Thermal Tops
Keep them light and thin.
FULL KIT LIST
More info
Click the link in the text above to find the full kit list
"I’d recommend Adventure Base 100%. I want to be an Adventure Base guide!"
Sir Richard Branson
Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, Tour du Mont Blanc, Haute Route
"The route was stunning and the guides were great. Logistics were really seamless which makes a huge difference. All this contributes to a stunning experience for the participants."
Virgin Strive Challenge
Mont Blanc Trek & Summit, Haute Route
FINER DETAILS
YOUR ADVENTURE PACKAGE
The trek starts from the Chamonix Valley and ends in Zermatt, Switzerland. If you would like to book pre and post trek accommodation with us please let us know.
What's Included?
10 nights accommodation
10 Breakfasts
10 Dinners
Planning and reservations
Detailed itinerary and GPX tracks
24/7 Support communication with our team in Chamonix
What's not Included?
Flights
Airport transfers (approx €50pp each way)
In-resort travel (bus / lifts / trains)
Lunches, snacks and drinks (approx €15 a day)
Luggage transfers (approx €35 a day)
Additional nights before, during and after trip (can be added on request)
Travel insurance (required)
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE ACCOMMODATION
We know the importance of having comfortable accommodation on this trip. After long days trekking it's vital to have a comfortable bed and good food to enjoy. We've handpicked hotels and other mountain accommodation along the way that we're sure you're going to love.
VIEW GALLERY
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Hotels and Auberges
During this trek you will typically spend 5 nights in hotels and 2 nights in auberges (with the remaining three nights in mountain refuges - see below). All of the accommodation is chosen with comfort in mind as well as practicability for you to complete the trek as best as possible.
Duration
7 Nights
Internet
Not included
Beds
Hotel: Private rooms Other: Dormitory
Food
Half board
VIEW GALLERY
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Mountain Huts
You will typically spend 3 out of the 10 nights in mountain huts, all of which are beautifully located up in the mountains. The mountain huts are run by full time staff who cook, clean and manage guests during the summer months. Blankets or duvets provided.
Duration
3 Nights
Internet
Not included
Beds
Dormitory beds
Food
Half board
WHAT TO EXPECT
HERE'S YOUR ITINERARY
Whilst you will try and stick to the tried and tested itinerary below, availability in some of the locations may not always be available. In this instance we will provide a suitable alternative and make sure you're aware of any changes.
Day 1:
Chamonix to Trient
Leaving Chamonix behind on the Mont Blanc Express train, you ride up the valley to Montroc on a beautiful 20 minute journey. You then begin your hike by ascending to the Aiguillette des Posettes which provides stunning panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix valley. After descending a little to the Col des Posettes you traverse along the Le Tour ski area and head over the Col de Balme and down to Trient, having officially crossed over into Switzerland at the Col de Balme. There is a lovely refuge on the Col de Balme which makes a great lunch or coffee and cake stop, or both!
14km / 1058m up / 1157m down / 5-6 hours trekking
Day 2:
Trient to Champex
The trek begins with a short but steep climb up to the Col de la Forclaz, famous for being on the Tour de France. From here you steadily climb the ‘Bovine Trail’ to the traditional summer retreat of the ‘Alpage’ which makes a great lunch, coffee or cake stop. Next up is a descent through the gorge to a rustic cafe at Plan de L’Au and a final descent down to the lakeside town of Champex-le-lac.
14.7km / 980m up / 813m down / 4-5 hours trekking
Day 3:
Champex to Cabane Mont Fort
Today is more of a relaxed day as you wonder down through the forests to Sembrancher. Onwards along the river towards Le Chable and then up to Verbier by cable car. From Verbier you have the choice either to take another cable up to Les Ruinettes or hike up along the trails. A little further and you arrive at Cabane du Mont Fort, a wonderfully located mountain hut with views spreading out across the Swiss / French peaks.
21km / 1213m up / 934m down / 7-8 hours trekking
Day 4:
Cabane Mont Fort to Cabane Prafleuri
The Col de Prafleuri is the main goal for today, taking you to 2987m. Not too far down below is the Cabane de Prafleuri (2624m), where you spend another peaceful evening in the mountains. Staying up at high altitude provides you the best chance to see families of ibex ('bouquetins' in French) grazing. The mountain hut is once again beautifully located and will provide a warm, heart evening meal before you slip of to bed tired and content.
11km / 1013m up / 819m down / 4-5 hours trekking
Day 5:
Cabane Prafleuri - Arolla
Today once again starts with a climb to gain the the next col, the Col de Roux. You will be rewarded with views of the Pigne D’Arolla and Mont Blanc de Cheilon, before descending gently to follow the lake to its end, usually passing a few whistling marmots on our way. An exciting part of the trek is up next, with a steep ascent to the Col de Riedmatten or the ‘Pas de Chevre’ (translating to Goats’ Path) and its brand new ladders, which having been replaced in 2015, make for a much easier crossing than in previous years. The rest of the day is all downhill to the alpine village of Arolla.
17km / 753m up / 1375m down / 5-6 hours trekking
Day 6:
Arolla - La Sage
Today is a shorter day to allow you to rest your legs from the previous challenges. Head up to the beautiful Lac Bleu above Arolla, before wondering down the valley through the forest to Les Hauderes. From here its a short climb up to La Sage where you roll into the hotel for the night.
11km / 463m up / 849m down / 4-5 hours trekking
Day 7:
La Sage to Zinal
This day involves crossing two high cols so we recommend you start nice and early and ascend to the Col de Torrent at 2912m. The subsequent descent takes you to the green waters of the Lac de Moiry, where there is a café at the dam (hurrah!). Now you can see some of the giant peaks of the Pennine Alps, including the magnificent Dent Blanche (aptly named white-tooth). The demanding Col de Sorebois is up next – slightly shorter than the Col de Torrent so it shouldn’t present any difficulties but not to be underestimated so give yourself plenty of time. From your high point you are rewarded with fabulous vistas across to the Weisshorn, the Dent Blanche and the Zinalrothorn before descending to Zinal. There is usually a cable car option to take ride down to Zinal from the mid-station, during peak dates which saves you 700m of descent.
21km / 1876m up / 1890m down / 8-9 hours trekking
Day 8:
Zinal to Gruben
With just one col on the itinerary today you can relax on the gentle ascent and look out for nutcracker birds which are found in these woods. Upon gaining the summer alpine meadows you traverse the mountainside on a nice undulating trail until you reach the junction of the path for two Cols; the Col de la Forcletta (2874m) and the Meidpass (2790m). Normally, we recommend to take the Forcletta as it offers great views of the glaciers and peaks of the Turtmann valley as well as being a little more direct; however the decision lies with you and depends on conditions on the day. You usually arrive at the col around lunchtime just in time for a welcome picnic. On the descent to Gruben there is often an opportunity to see the increasingly rare edelweiss flower.
17km / 1267m up / 1106m down / 6-7 hours trekking
Day 9:
Gruben to Grachen
Today you take on your final high pass, the Augstbordpass at 2894m. Behind the pass is a descent into a bowl where you follow a rocky trail which clings to the mountainside. We recommend you stop at the Twära viewpoint for a magnificent view into the Mattertal (although the Matterhorn mountain remains elusive until reaching Zermatt!). You then begin your descent to the pretty hamlet of Jungu, followed by a final steep section to the town of St. Niklaus. There is an option to save your knees and take the “characterful” cable car down from Jungu which eliminates the final 1000 metres of descent. From St Niklaus you take a short bus or taxi ride up to Grachen where you'll find a quiet, charming village overlooking the Weisshorn on the other side of the valley.
17km / 1124m up / 1821m down / 7-8 hours trekking
Day 10:
Grachen to Europahutte
On this penultimate day of the trek you begin the 'Europaweg' a famous 2 day section between Grachen and Zermatt. After leaving Grachen behind, you traverse alpine meadows and deep gorges along the mountainside to the Europahütte, a beautifully located mountain hut which towers high above the valley. This is your final night in the mountains so make the most of it!
15.7km / 1244m up / 597m down / 5-6 hours trekking
Day 11:
Europahutte to Zermatt
Your final day of the full trek as well as the finale of the short 'Europaweg' section. Today you cross the impressive Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge which scales over a gorge for a whopping 494 metres! Known as the longest suspension bridge in the Alps this will certainly get your heart racing and what a way to finish your trek. Onwards to Zermatt, where you can take a cable car down from Sunnegga to save yourself 700m of descent.
21km / 955m up / 1568m down / 8-9 hours trekking
Frequently asked questions about this adventure
What are the mountain huts like?
We stay 2 nights in mountain huts on this trip. They are fairly basic but comfortable. You will sleep in dormitories Read more
We stay 2 nights in mountain huts on this trip. They are fairly basic but comfortable. You will sleep in dormitories on a shared basis, sometimes up to 6-8 per room. The lodges offer breakfast and dinner as well as a few snacks.
You need to be able to hike for 6-8 hours at a moderate pace. Trekking is all about having good Read more
You need to be able to hike for 6-8 hours at a moderate pace. Trekking is all about having good cardiovascular endurance to be able to continue being active for long periods.
You will need comfortable, durable trekking boots. Something like the Salomon X Ultra Mid 2 Gore-Tex boot. Gore-tex will ensure your Read more
You will need comfortable, durable trekking boots. Something like the Salomon X Ultra Mid 2 Gore-Tex boot. Gore-tex will ensure your feet stay dry and warm. Trail shoes are also OK, although make sure they fit well and are durable.
This depends on a few factors and how bad the weather is. We’ll always aim to continue the trek Read more
This depends on a few factors and how bad the weather is. We’ll always aim to continue the trek even if it’s raining/snowing as long as it is safe to do so. The weather in Summer is generally very reliable with clear skies and dry conditions following the monsoons. If the weather is truly terrible for a day or two we will rest in the lodge until it passes or use our vehicle to move you along to the next stop.
In short, no. Whilst we will always strive to get you along the trek safely, sometimes the weather or other Read more
In short, no. Whilst we will always strive to get you along the trek safely, sometimes the weather or other factors like your personal fitness will prevent you from completing the trek. The lead guide will always conduct a meeting with the clients and other guides each evening to check how everyone is doing and to field any questions or concerns. All decisions will have client wellbeing as a top priority. But in 99 out of 100 cases you’ll make it! We will always provide vehicle support if necessary.
We recommend a backpack between 30-35 litres but it all depends on how you like to pack and what you Read more
We recommend a backpack between 30-35 litres but it all depends on how you like to pack and what you like to bring. It should be large enough to carry all your equipment but light enough to keep the weight down. The backpack should have a waist strap and ideally come with a rain cover for those soggy days.
Our adventures are attributed a difficulty level from A to E. This Haute Route Self Guided Trek 11 Days trip is rated Level C, for accomplished adventurers We recommend you only book a trip that reflects your ability.
Level A
For beginners and newcomers
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We hope this page has described all the information you need, but don't hesitate to ask us if you require a little more. If you're ready to book, follow the link below.
Self Guided Treks: Walkers Haute Route
Self Guided Treks: Walkers Haute Route
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