Have you always dreamed of completing the Haute Route trek with the reassurance of having an experienced guide leading the way? This 11-day Chamonix to Zermatt hike is exactly what you’re looking for! The Haute Route trek is one of the world’s great multi-day adventures, so it's no surprise that it’s on the bucket lists of adventurers worldwide. This renowned route connects two of the most famous alpine mountains — Mont Blanc in France and the Matterhorn in Switzerland — so it’s a challenge all ardent trekkers should complete at least once!
Ready to start planning your Haute Route hiking tour? Scroll down to find out more about this one-of-a-kind experience. If you have any pre-booking queries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Adventure Base team.
This Mont Blanc to Matterhorn hike is just one of our guided treks in the Alps, so browse our full range if you’re still looking for more trip inspiration.
Possible only in July, August, and early September each year, the Haute Route trek is one of the world’s great multi-day treks. The route links two world-famous 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 into the mountains, travel through picturesque valleys and traverse some high alpine passes.
The route follows a network of well-marked and signposted trails that stay below 3000m and take 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 very good physical condition.
Not sure whether you're ready to tackle this Haute Route guided tour? No problem, take our Haute Route 'Readiness' test below.
Enter your details to download the Haute Route Trek Guided 11 Days brochure
Your Haute Route Trek Starts Here
Who is This Haute Route Guided Tour For?
The summer haute route trek is recommended for hill walkers and trekkers with a very high level of fitness who are keen to tackle a challenge in the mountains and experience one of the world's great treks. You should be capable of carrying a rucksack (~10kg) for six to eight hours a day for 11 days in a row. You will be crossing high passes on most days and traversing valleys with sometimes uneven hiking terrain.
Not sure whether you're ready? No sweat! Take our Haute Route Trek 'Readiness' test or simply get in touch and we'll be happy to talk it through with you.
Haute Route Trek 'Readiness' test
Adventure Overview
Duration
11 Days
Start Location
Chamonix, France
Date(s)
July - September
Guide Ratio
1:10
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.
Kit and Equipment Required for This Haute Route Trek
Please note this is a guide only 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 drop offs if you would like your main luggage back to be delivered to your accommodation each night (excluding mountain huts). One luggage transfer from Chamonix to Zermatt is included as part of your package.
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
"Excellent Haute Route trip. Logistics were seamless, and we were always kept up to date with information both before and during the trip. Thanks Olly and Charlie for organising a great week, and thanks to our amazing guide Pablo for such a fun and challenging adventure."
Olivia S
Haute Route
"Haute Route what an epic experience...Adventure Base were excellent in providing us all the information we need prior to arrival in Chamonix. On arrival we met our guide Pablo who was absolutely amazing the whole trip. His communication between the 6 members of our group was excellent and he guided our mixed abilities to the finish with composure and skill! We look forward to booking our next trip with Adventure Base."
Andrew W
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
"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
FINER DETAILS
YOUR ADVENTURE PACKAGE
The trek starts from the Chamonix Valley and ends in Zermatt, Switzerland.
What's Included?
12 nights accommodation
12 breakfasts
12 picnic lunches
12 dinners
Accommodation in Chamonix the night before the trek
Accommodation in Zermatt the night after the trek
Fully qualified trekking guide
Luggage transferred from Chamonix to Zermatt
All planning and logistics
What's not Included?
Flights
Airport transfers
Personal drinks and snacks
Travel insurance
Luggage transfers between stops (pre-book with us in advance)
We know the importance of having comfortable accommodation on a challenging trip of this length. After a long day of trekking, it's vital to have a comfortable bed to sleep in and good food to enjoy. We've handpicked hotels and mountain refuges along this Mont Blanc to Matterhorn hike 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 6 nights in hotels, 3 nights in auberges, and 3 nights in refuges. All of the accommodation is chosen with comfort in mind as well as convenience for you to complete the trek as best as possible.
Duration
9 Nights
Internet
Wifi included
Beds
Twin / triple / quad / dorm rooms
Food
Half board
VIEW GALLERY
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Mountain Huts
During this trek you will typically spend 3 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 are provided.
Duration
3 Nights
Internet
Not included
Beds
Dormitory beds
Food
Half board
WHAT TO EXPECT
Haute Route Guided Trek Itinerary
Whilst we do everything we can to stick to the tried and tested itinerary below, the mountain and the weather sometimes have other ideas. We will always remain as flexible as possible to make any changes necessary.
Day 0:
Arrive in Chamonix
We highly recommend planning your inbound travel so that you arrive in Chamonix by early afternoon. This is especially important if you need to buy any last minute trekking equipment from any local shops. You’ll need time to collect this before the evening briefing, which is essential for a smooth start to your adventure. There is limited time the following morning to buy any items as you will be departing for the mountains straight after breakfast.
You will meet with your guide for a briefing in the evening at approximately 18:00 to go through the plan for the week as well as the current weather and mountain conditions. Here you will have a chance to go through your kit under the experienced eye of your guide and can ask any questions that you may have. There is a group dinner included which will follow the briefing and then it's time for a good night sleep!
Day 1:
Chamonix to Trient
Leaving Chamonix behind on the Mont Blanc Express train, we ride up the valley to Montroc on a beautiful 20 minute journey. We then begin the 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 we 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 we 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 we have the choice either to take another cable up to Les Ruinettes or hike up along the trails. A little further and we 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 us to 2987m. Not too far down below is the Cabane de Prafleuri (2624m), where we spend another peaceful evening in the mountains. Staying up at high altitude provides us 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. We 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. 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. We 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 will start nice and early and ascend to the Col de Torrent at 2912m. The subsequent descent takes us 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 we will give ourselves plenty of time. From the high point we 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 us 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 we can relax on the gentle ascent and look out for nutcracker birds which are found in these woods. Upon gaining the summer alpine meadows we traverse the mountainside on a nice undulating trail until reaching the junction of the path for two Cols; the Col de la Forcletta (2874m) and the Meidpass (2790m). Normally, we will 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 the guide on the day and depends on conditions. We 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 we take on your final high pass, the Augstbordpass at 2894m. Behind the pass is a descent into a bowl where we follow a rocky trail which clings to the mountainside. We will stop at the Twära viewpoint for a magnificent view into the Mattertal (although the Matterhorn mountain remains elusive until we reach Zermatt!). We then begin the 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 we take a short bus 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 we begin the 'Europaweg' a famous 2 day section between Grachen and Zermatt. After leaving Grachen behind, we 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
Our final day of the full trek as well as the finale of the short 'Europaweg' section. Today we 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 again we can take a cable car down from Sunnegga to save around 700m of descent. This signals the end of the trek as you are reunited with your luggage bag from Chamonix. Overnight in charming Hotel in Zermatt, where you can have your final celebration and dinner included in the hotel before your departure tomorrow.
21km / 955m up / 1568m down / 8-9 hours trekking
Day 12
Departure Day
After one more hearty breakfast, it's time to depart. Check out is 10am.
Frequently asked questions about this adventure
Haute Route Trek: FAQ's
If you are interested and would like to see all the FAQ's and information on this adventure please click here Read more
If you are interested and would like to see all the FAQ’s and information on this adventure please click here to see here
Sole is a cheerful individual who finds joy in smiling and connecting with others. Originally from Argentina, she arrived in Chamonix for a winter season in 2016 and has remained there ever since. Her passion lies in the mountains, where she engages in activities like climbing, paragliding, and hiking, often with friends.
As a guide, Sole treasures the opportunity to forge deep personal connections through shared mountain experiences. She values the intense bonds that form when people journey together in these natural settings. In her leisure time in Chamonix, she enjoys various hobbies, with yoga being a favorite. Sole finds fulfillment in sharing yoga sessions with her groups, not only for its physical benefits but also for the enjoyment it brings to everyone involved.
Marta
IML (International Mountain Leader)
Marta was born and raised in Benasque, a town in the Spanish Pyrenees. Surrounded by mountains all her life, she developed a love for skiing, hiking, and climbing from a young age, which eventually took her to many places around the world. She previously worked as a ski patrol in the Pyrenees during the winters and spent her summers in the French Alps. Since 2015, Marta and her family have been living in Chamonix, France, where she began guiding groups in the area and its surroundings. She knows these mountains well and finds great joy in rediscovering their beauty through the eyes of the people she guides. Sharing stories, offering insights into the natural world, and helping others understand the changes happening in this wild environment is one of her true passions.
Arantxa
IML (International Mountain Leader)
Originally from Spain, Arantxa is a certified UIMLA Trekking Guide and Ski Instructor with over 15 years of professional experience in the outdoors. She has guided and instructed throughout the Alps and Mont Blanc, as well as in Iceland, Greenland, Spain, and Morocco. Arantxa’s passion for the outdoors shines through in everything she does, and she loves sharing her expertise and enthusiasm with others, helping them connect with nature and enjoy unforgettable adventures.
Alistair
Mountain Leader
As well as being a fully qualified UIMLA International Mountain Leader/Guide, Alistair is also a qualified Wilderness Medical First Responder (WEMSI), and spent 15 years working as a ski instructor. His passion for the outdoors has made him realise we all have a personal responsibility to lessen our impact on the planet. He eats a plant-based diet, has not owned a car for over 7 years and has gone from a career of travelling the world incessantly to staying in one place and connecting with nature that can be accessed from his home in the Alps. Alistair brings a well of life experience to our trips and is a joy to share the trails with. He believes it is his duty to share his passion for the mountains and a simple life and to encourage people to reconnect with nature and all that this brings in the way of health benefits both mentally and physically - working as a hiking guide provides a perfect outlet for this.
Are you ready?
Our adventures are attributed a difficulty level from A to E. This Haute Route Trek Guided 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.
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