> Cross 11 mountain passes, cover 200 kilometers of trails
> Spend the nights in Mountain Huts and local Hotels
> Start in Chamonix, end in Zermatt
The Walkers Haute Route connects two of the most well-known mountain towns in the Alps - Chamonix, France, and Zermatt, Switzerland. Typically starting from Mont Blanc and finishing at Matterhorn, it crosses 11 mountain passes, covering about 200 kilometers - offering a multitude of variations and route options. Chamonix is also known as a starting point for the Tour du Mont Blanc. Unlike the Tour du Mont Blanc, the Walker's Haute Route doesn't go round. It does feature a part of the route of the TMB. Up until Swiss Champex and via Trient, the route follows some stages of the Tour du Mont Blanc.
This 12-day route then continues further into Switzerland, via Le Châble, Mont Fort, Prafleuri, Arolla, and La Sage. Along the way, the trek offers an unprecedented world of contrasts. Glaciers and snow-capped peaks are guaranteed, but you can also expect beautifully lush green valleys, alpine meadows, and the most picturesque Alpine villages. Cross the Rösti curtain, the symbolic border between French and German-speaking Switzerland between Zinal and Gruben. The final stages via St. Niklaus and the Europa Hütte bring you to one of the most iconic peaks of the Alps, the Matterhorn, and to that other mountaineering capital: Zermatt.
The day begins with a gentle walk along the shores of Lac de Champex, a peaceful start with reflections of the surrounding peaks in the water. From here, the trail begins to descend.
You’ll follow a panoramic gravel path with wide mountain views as you make your way down to the village of Sembrancher. After reaching Sembrancher, continue along the final stretch beside the Dranse river until you arrive in Le Châble, your destination for the day.
The final stage of the Walker's Haute Route will take you across the world's longest suspension bridge, the famed and stunning Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge. While this is undoubtedly the highlight of the journey, don't forget to take in the breathtaking vistas of the Matterhorn as you make your way to Zermatt. As you near the end of the trip, you'll find yourself among Zermatt's many ski slopes and the increasing number of tourists who come there. Enjoy a final descent before congratulating yourself on an amazing accomplishment in Zermatt!
Note: A short section of the Europaweg trail has been rerouted due to previous trail maintenance work. The detour is well-marked, keeps the route safe, and allows continued access to the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge. Please note that this variation makes the stage slightly longer.
