Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn
Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn
Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn
15 Days Starting in Les Bossons and ending in Randa
Visiting: Les Bossons, Chamonix, Les Frasserands, Col de Balme, Switzerland, Fenetre d'Arpette, Champex, Verbier, Mont Blanc, Grand Combin, Matterhorn, Les Haudères, Grimentz, Gruben, Jungu, Saint Niklaus, Randa, Zermatt
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TWH
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 14
Physical rating:
Challenging
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
From:
$4425 (USD)Tour Overview
The Haute Route is one of Europe's best known long distance ski-touring routes; running roughly parallel is a spectacular summer trek from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn. Covering approximately 100 miles, it links the valleys of the Haute Savoie in France to the Swiss Valais. Following our guide (IML), our tour passes beneath ten of the twelve highest mountains in the Alps. Walking through a landscape scattered with glistening glacial lakes and lush, undulating valleys by day whilst sleeping in remote alpine huts and under canvas by night.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start At Les Bossons, Near Chamonix
Location: Les Bossons
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons
Meals Included: Dinner
Start at the campsite in Les Bossons. Wonderful views from the campsite of
Mont Blanc and the Bossons glacier, especially at sunset. In theafternoon
there is an introductory briefing by the trek crew.
Day 2 : Free Day In The Chamonix Valley
Location: Chamonix
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Camping Les Marmottes
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This is a limbering up day and there are several good walks nearby.
Alternatively, take the cable car (optional) to the Aiguille du Midi for
outstanding close-up views of Mont Blanc, the Chamonix Valley and the
surrounding peaks.
Day 3 : The Trail Contours High In The Valley Before Descending To Les Frasserands
Location: Les Frasserands
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Pierre Semard, Les Frasserands
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From Les Bossons (1012m – 3320ft) we have a short bus journey to Chamonix
from where we take a gondola to Plan Praz (2000m – 6560ft). The trail today
is named the 'Grand Balcon Sud' and is a must do trek for anyone visiting the
area. The trail contours on the opposite side of the valley from Mont Blanc
and has excellent views of the whole massif lying to the south. We walk from
Plan Praz to Flegere (1,900m – 6230ft) and onwards to Les Frasserands
(1371m - 4500ft) where we finish our day. If timings allow we will climb to
the picturesque lac Blanc (2252m 7390ft).
8.5 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 565m – 1850ft up,
1015m –3350ft down
Day 4 : Cross Col De Balme To Switzerland.
Location: Col de Balme, Switzerland
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Camping Triet, Trient
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We begin by climbing steeply to the Aiguillette de Posettes (2201m/7200ft),
descend a little and then ascend towards the Col de Balme (2,191m/7190ft)
where we walk across the border from France to Switzerland. Excellent views
all morning of Aiguille d'Argentière and Aiguille du Tour and its glacier.
After lunch we descend to the small hamlet of Trient (1,296m/4250ft). Good
views of the Trient Glacier.Â
7.5 hours walking, 1120m/3670ft up, 710m/2330ft down
Day 5 : Over Fenetre D'arpette To Champex
Location: Fenetre d'Arpette, Champex
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Camping Les Rocailles, Champex Lac
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
In good weather we take the trail adjacent to the Trient Glacier to cross a
high, rocky pass known as Fenetre d'Arpette (2,665m/8740ft) before descending
steeply into the Arpette Valley (1,627m/5340ft) and down to our campsite in
Champex (1,486m/4880ft). In poor weather we would take the lower trail, which
climbs first to the Col de Forclaz (1527m/5010ft) from where we can look down
into the Rhone valley. The Swiss town of Martigny is in sight far below, as
we follow the 'Bovine route' to Champex-Lac.Â
9 hours walking, 1350m/4430ft up, 1200m/3950ft down
Day 6 : From Champex The Trail Leads To Verbier And On To Cabane Mont Fort
Location: Verbier
Accommodation: Mountain hut Cabane de Louvie
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From Champex we walk down to Sembrancher (717m/2350ft) then travel by train
and cable car to the ski resort of Verbier (1,490m/4880ft) and then onwards
to Ruinettes. (2200m/7260ft). Our afternoon walk starts on a broad easy trail
with views of the Grand Combin and of the Mont Blanc Massif in the
distance. The trail than narrows and steepens and we traverse around the
southern flank of the Bec des Rosses to Col Termin (2652m 8750ft) before
descending to Lac du Louvie and our overnight stay at the Cabane de Louvie
(2214m/7300ft)
The path today is quite committing and if the weather is poor, or there are
problems with the cables cars, or snow on the path we may need to take an
alternative route from Sembrancher. We travel by train and bus up valley to
Fionnay (1,495m/4880ft). From the here we ascend steeply through dramatic
open hillside to reach our first mountain hut, the Cabane de Louvie (2,242m
/7400ft) on the shores of the Lac de Louvie (a very scenic spot!) from where
we have great views of the Grand Combin .
Mountain huts have shared dormitory style accommodation with basic toilet and
washing facilities only. The support vehicle is unable to reach this hut so
we need to do some light backpacking until we re-join it in two days’
time.Â
8 hours walking, 550m/1800ft up, 1180m/3900ft down
Day 7 : Cross The Highest Pass Of The Route, Col Prafleuri (2965M). Views Of Rhone Valley, Mont Blanc, The Grand Combin And The Matterhorn
Location: Mont Blanc, Grand Combin, Matterhorn
Accommodation: Mountain hut Cabane Prafleuri, nr Lac Dix
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A dramatic day with two passes to cross. We start with scenic traverse around
the shores of lac de Louvie before a reasonably steep accent to our first
col, Col de Louvie (2921m/9580ft) and onwards towards the Grand Désert, a
rocky section of glacial moraine. If we're lucky we may spot herds of Ibex.
We pass by small tarns fed by the outflows of the glacier and ascend for our
second pass the Col Prafleuri (2987m – 9800ft) - the highest col on the
route - with views of the Rosablanche and Mont Blanc de Cheilon. It is then
only a short descent to the Cabane Prafleuri (2624m – 8600ft). Again the
support vehicle will be unable to reach us so we will be doing light
backpacking to this remote mountain hut.
8 hours walking, 1000m/3300ft up, 550m/1800ft down
*Mountain hut*: Cabane Prafleuri, nr Lac Dix
Day 8 : Long Walking Day With Two Passes To Cross; Overnight At Les Hauderes.
Location: Les Haudères
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Camping Molignon, Les Haudres
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our route today starts with a short climb to cross the Col de Roux
(2,804m/9200ft). We descend across large boulders to Lac Dix (2,364m/7750ft)
and walk around its shoreline before climbing again above the glacier Dix,
through meadows, which during the summer are quite often filled with
edelweiss, to make a steep ascent on loose scree to the Col du Reidmatten
(2,919m/9570ft), or more likely the ladders of Pas des Chèvre
(2855m/2920ft). The ladders have been recently renovated and now provide an
easier route over the ridge and consist of four sturdy near vertical ladders
divided by solid metal gantry’s. Technically it is not hard but it is
certainly airy and not suitable for vertigo suffers. Excellent views of the
Pigne d'Arolla, Mont Collon and possibly the Matterhorn in the distance.
Finally, a long descent brings us to the small and charming village of Arolla
(1,998m/6550ft), from where we catch a bus to Les Haudères (1,436m/4710ft).
Here we are met by the support vehicle.Â
9 hours walking, 675m/2215ft up, 1330m/4360ft down
Day 9 : Rest Day
Location: Les Haudères
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Camping Molignon, Les Hauders
Meals Included: Breakfast
A free day to relax. The twin villages of Les Haudères and Evolene lie in
the most picturesque part of the Val de Hérens and there are many day walks
in the area if you feel the need for a little more exercise. Alternatively
the scenic town of Sion with its medieval quarter and many cafes and
restaurants is an easy bus ride away.
Day 10 : Past Lac Moiry To The Picture-Postcard Village Of Grimentz
Location: Grimentz
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Wild Camping, Grimentz
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we have a big climb to reach our col where we’ll be rewarded with
stunning views. We climb first to Villa (1,730m/5675ft) then on to cross the
Col Torrent (2,919m/9575ft) and enjoy vast mountain views; the Pigne
d'Arolla, the Grand Combin, the Weisshorn, and make a long descent past Lac
de Moiry (2,249m/7380ft) to the woods above the picture postcard village of
Grimentz (1,572m/5150ft).Â
9 hours walking, 1510m/4950ft up, 1290m/4230ft down
Day 11 : Longest Walking Day With Excellent Views Of The Weisshorn
Location: Gruben
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Schwarzhorn (basic hotel), Gruben
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A long day that starts with a gentle walk through woods to reach the valley
bottom at Mottec (1,556m/5100ft). From here there is a short but steep climb
to join the main trail at a higher level with fine views of the Matterhorn
and Ober Gabelhorn. The climb continues to today's col, the Forcletta
(2,874m/9426ft) where we enter German-speaking Switzerland. We have views
back to Grand Combin and possibly Mont Blanc as well. Descend, with views of
the Weisshorn to the southeast, to the Turtman Valley and Gruben
(1,822m/5975ft). This is the longest walking day. As there is no campsite in
the Gruben valley we stay in dormitories in a local auberge and our bags are
brought up by the support vehicle.
9 hours walking, 1345m/4420ft up, 1035m/3400ft down
Day 12 : Join Zermatt Valley; Descend To Jungu And St Niklaus, Short Transfer To Randa.
Location: Jungu, Saint Niklaus, Randa
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Camping Attermenzen, Randa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We climb again to cross the Augstbord pass (2,894m/9490ft) with good views of
the Weisshorn and the 'Dom' and join the main Zermatt Valley high on its
western side. We descend to cross the Emdbach and soon after get our first
views of the Zermatt Valley plus the Weisshorn, Kleine Matterhorn and
Taschorn. Descend to Jungu (1,955m/6410ft) and on to St. Niklaus
(1,127m/3700ft) either by walking or by an optional cable car, from where we
travel by train or taxi to our last camp at Randa (1,439m/4720ft).Â
8 hours walking, 1070m – 3500ft up, 1790m – 5870ft down (less 830m –
2710ft descent if taking optional Jungu cable car)
Day 13 : Follow A High-Level Balcony Path That Contours Along The Valley Towards Zermatt.
Location: Zermatt
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Camping Attermenzen, Randa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
For our final day of trekking we walk directly from the campsite to the
village of Täsch before ascending up to the Europaweg, a wonderful
contouring path with spectacular views of the Matterhorn. Rising above the
treeline and into a wild rocky landscape we pass by Stellisee (a mountain
lake and prefect spot to snap reflected views of the Matterhorn) and onwards
to the mountain hut Fluhalp 2606m. From here we have a long decent to Zermatt
passing through old mountain hamlets with more stunning photo opportunities
of the Matterhorn.
8 hours walking, 1300m/4270ft up, 1010m/3310ft down
Day 14 : Optional Trip To Zermatt
Location: Zermatt
Meals Included: breakfast
From our camp near Randa it is a short train or minibus trip to Zermatt.
Zermatt is an ideal place for a free day with lots of opportunities for short
or long walks or one can simply relax in town. There are also many excursions
such as the mountain cog railway to Gornergrat for spectacular views of the
Gorner Glacier and Monte Rosa or perhaps the most spectacular the cable car
ascent to Kleine Matterhorn.
*Campsite:* Camping Attermenzen, Randa
Day 15 : End Randa
Location: Randa
Meals Included: Breakfast
End at the Campsite near Randa. At the end of your holiday the
group departure transfer will arrive at Geneva Airport at approx. 11.00.
The earliest a train could arrive is approximately 10.00 (although timings
can change) and this would also mean very early start and a short taxi ride
to the train station. Taxis directly to Geneva airport are very expensive.
Please ensure that your return flight is late enough in the day to allow
yourself time to arrive at the airport.
What's Included
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Meals
14 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 12 dinners.
* All breakfasts, 10 picnic lunches, 12 dinners
* All accommodationÂ
* All transport and listed activities
* Tour leader throughout
* Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
* Outbound Geneva airport - Les Bossons bus transfer (for flight inc
passengers only)
What's Not Included
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Single accommodation (available on request - tent nights only)
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Visas or vaccinations
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Return airport transfer - this can be arranged/paid for locally, the leader will help with this - see 'Extra Expenses' section below for further information
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Travel insurance
Food
All breakfasts, 10 picnic lunches and 12 dinners are included in this trip.
On eight nights we take our evening meal in camp and on four nights we take
our evening meal in a nearby local restaurant or it is prepared for us by the
hut or inn. The restaurant and hut/inn meals, which are prepared for us, are
usually arranged as a 'menu' for the whole group and as they are based on
special negotiations made by us represent better value than eating
independently. On free days 9 and 14 dinner is not included and needs to be
bought locally. Please note that should the times of flights change to arrive
earlier, or depart later, additional meals will not be included. Please also
note that no refund will be given for meals not taken or taken other than
where designated.
*Typical Meals *
Breakfast: Will usually consist of coffee, tea, cereal, yoghurt, fresh fruit,
bread, jam when in camp or in mountain huts; and coffee, tea, or hot
chocolate, bread and jam when in mountain inns.
Lunch: Will normally include bread, cold meat, cheese, sometimes boiled eggs
or tinned fish, fresh salad vegetables and fresh fruit.
Evening meal:Â Generally consists of a first course of soup or salad or other
savoury dish, a main course of meat or fish with one or two vegetables or
rice or pasta, a dessert course. Although tasty and nutritious the style of
menu in restaurants in this part of Europe often lack in variety or quantity
of accompanying fresh vegetables compared to menus we may be used to in the
UK. The meals are prepared as a set menu for the whole group. Unfortunately
there is limited flexibility to change the menu for individuals.Â
Drinks are not included in the price of evening meals.
Vegetarians: We happily cater for vegetarians but please inform us at the
time of booking.
If you have a vegan diet we recommend that you bring supplementary food and
should expect that the variety of food may be limited whilst on this trip. As
this kind of diet is relatively uncommon in this region it is difficult for
our camping staff to get suitable produce, as well as being restricted to the
number of different dietary requirements they can cater for.
If you take a vegan diet you should expect that variety of food may be
limited whilst on this trip. As this kind of diet is relatively uncommon in
this region we cannot guarantee that the hotels and restaurants will provide
meals that have the necessary variety to be considered satisfying when on a
more restricted diet.
Accommodation
There are 11 nights’ camping, two nights in mountain huts and one night in a village inn.
The campsites are mainly comfortable and modern with hot showers and electricity. Many have a bar and wifi and a lounge or sitting area. We provide a large communal tent (if we do not use the campsite communal area) where we eat at tables with benches and have an unlimited tea and coffee station, plus a camp bar. The campsites are in stunning settings and sharing an after-trek drink with newly made friends as the sun sets over a glaciated mountain is the perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors.
Accompanying you throughout the trek is a dedicated camp support leader who takes care of the logistics and catering. Your tent will be put up for you each night. In the morning, you will be asked to take your own tent down, put your bag in the back of the van and wash your own breakfast dish. On four nights out of 14, you will be asked to join a washing team and help with the dishes that night. A 20-minute job. Otherwise, you are free to relax and your time is your own.
You spend 11 nights camping in roomy three-person tents, but with a maximum of two people per tent. We use modern dome tents incorporating an 82in x 82in (210cm x 210cm) inner tent with a sewn-in ground sheet and a supplementary 90in x 27in (230cm x 70cm) covered porch that is an ideal place to leave your walking boots and poles etc. The tents are completely waterproof and packing them away should take no more than three to four minutes each morning. Single tents are available for a small additional cost as are camping mats and sleeping bags with liner and pillow. Our camping mats are the full-length, air and foam-filled variety, which are comfortable to sleep on and provide excellent insulation from the ground. Our sleeping bags have a synthetic filling, as opposed to feathers, with a three-quarter-length zip and are rated for good warmth.
All our equipment is bought with both comfort and practicality in mind and we hope represents a higher quality than most individuals would buy for themselves.
Two remote campsites are a little more basic than average and do not have showers.
Thermal mattress hire: £36 – please request in advance with your sales representative.
Sleeping bag hire, pillow and liner: £73 –please request in advance with your sales representative.
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
comfortable and modern
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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What is the maximum group size?
14
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Outbound Geneva airport - Les Bossons bus transfer (for flight inc passengers only)
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
18+ age people can go on this tour.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
Dates & Availability
Saturday - Saturday
Jul 06, 2024 - Jul 20, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 07, 2024 - Sep 21, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jul 19, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.