Highlights along the Hikers Haute Route
The entire Hiker’s Haute Route takes nearly two weeks. This might be challenging for some of you in terms of time and physical endurance. For this journey, I’ve selected the 6 most beautiful stages of the Haute Route, with a rest day in the middle. On this ‘relaxed’ Haute Route, you’ll experience the same stunning views, with the Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn as the highlights. However, you’ll enjoy a comfortable hotel stay instead of a (sometimes noisy) mountain hut. Moreover, we won’t waste any time or energy on the less interesting or difficult stages, allowing us to make the most of our experience!
Below, you can find what to expect from each stage:
Day 1 – Chamonix
We start our Haute Route adventure with a nice and gentle walk along the Grand Balcon Sud, famous for its fabulous Mont Blanc views. This path leads us through the heart of the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve, so there is a good chance to encounter wildlife, like ibex, chamois and marmottes. Continuing onwards to the breathtaking Lac des Chéserys, from where we’ll hike down to our hotel for that night.
191 m ascent, 817 m descent, 7 km, 3 hours walking
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Day 2 – Col de la Forclaz -> Champex Lac
On the second day of our journey, the Haute Route unveils its breathtaking panoramas, encompassing lush forests and expansive alpine meadows. Our ascent to Alp Bovine treats us to stunning vistas overlooking the Rhone Valley. In the afternoon, we’ll bask in the charm of the lakeside resort of Champex, Switzerland. After a delicious dinner, we’ll enjoy private transportation to Le Châble.
765 m ascent, 824 m descent, 13 km, 5,5 hours walking
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Day 3 – Fionnay -> Lac de Louvie -> Verbier
Today we’ll start with a steep ascent to the Lac de Louvie with dramatic views of the Grand Combin. After a nice lunch break and eventually a dip in the lake, we’ll hike the so-called Sentier des Chamois while enjoying the beautiful views of the Bagnes valley below.
We’ll spend the afternoon and night in a cozy and luxurious hotel in Verbier, providing the ideal haven for a well-deserved rest day.
1220 m ascent, 525 m descent, 13 km, 6 hours walking
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Day 4 – Rest day in Verbier
Make the most of Verbier’s charm by indulging in the superb spa amenities at the hotel. Additionally, there are several shorter walks available for exploration today.
At the end of the day we’ll have a transfer to Evolène, a nearly untouched Swiss village nestled in the Val d’Hérens.
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Day 5 – Evolène- Lac de Moiry
We’ll savor a leisurely and gentle climb up to the Col de Torrent, treated to breathtaking views. With snow-capped peaks like Dent Blanche nearby, our descent leads us through a tapestry of wildflowers, finally reaching the enchanting Lac de Moiry. Then, a shuttle ride takes us to St. Luc.
1204 m ascent, 710 m descent, 11 km, 6 hours walking
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Day 6 – St. Luc– Gruben
We’ll make a speedy ascent above the treeline with the help of a funicular, passing the picturesque Lac de l’Armina, and continuing on to the Meidpass. This is the ‘border’ between the French-speaking and the German-speaking regions of Valais / Wallis.
Hiking along sparkling mountain streams we arrive in the serene village of Gruben.
735 m ascent, 1086 m descent, 12,5 km, 5,5 hours walking
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Day 7 – Zermatt
After a week on the Haute Route, we’ll reach our final and famous destination, Zermatt. Today we’ll take a train up to the Hornergrat and walk down while enjoying the view of the Matterhorn. It’s a nice and relaxing walk to finish this beautiful week. Back in Zermatt, we’ll raise a toast to an undoubtedly memorable journey and say goodbye to each other. If you have some extra time, I would definitely recommend extending your stay by a day (or two) before heading back home or continuing your travels…
62 m ascent, 1531 m descent, 11 km, 3,5 hours walking
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When?
From July till mid September
Price?
Upon request, as it depends on the time of year, the desired level of hotel luxury along the way, and the size of your group
Getting there?
To travel to Chamonix, most people fly into Geneva Airport and then take a shuttle to Chamonix. From Zermatt you can take the train back to Geneva.
