Walker's Haute Route (East)

9 Days & 8 Nights 4.9 Read 10 reviews
  • Spot the Matterhorn coming into view as you reach Zermatt
  • Enjoy classic Swiss Alpine mountain scenery
  • Savour a relaxed picnic lunch in a wildflower filled meadow
  • Be part of the camaraderie on the Walker’s Haute Route
  • Wander through the greatest collection of 4000m peaks in the Alps
Take on the iconic Eastern section of the Walker’s Haute Route from Arolla to Zermatt. Six days of sublime mountain walking culminating at the foot of the Matterhorn in Zermatt. The Walker’s Haute Route is one of the World’s great treks and the eastern section from Arolla to Zermatt is filled with superlatives from start to finish. You can look forward to the best mountain hiking in Switzerland. Walking through alpine pastures filled with the sound of cow bells your journey takes you from the quiet town of Les Haudères through increasingly remote and beautiful mountain landscapes across famous Augustbordpass to St Niklaus. The final two days lead you to Zermatt, where the Matterhorn signals your journey’s end.
The eastern section of the Walker’s Haute Route is a tough but fine walk through some of Switzerland’s finest scenery. You do need to be physically fit and as this is a strenuous high mountain trek you should be happy navigating in poor conditions and have a head for heights.

Tour Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Long-Distance Trails, Alpine Walking

Navigation

The Walker’s Haute Route follows well-marked trails, although generally it is not marked as the WHR but rather to the next destination. The trail marking in Switzerland is particularly good. We supply you with detailed 1:50 000 Swiss Topo maps, a comprehensive guidebook and route suggestions for each day.

You will need to use your own experience to decide which route to choose each day and navigate the route from one overnight stop to the next. The Walker’s Haute Route does cross high mountain passes, snow can lie on the ground late into the summer and the weather can change quickly, with snow possible at any time of year. You should be able to navigate with a map and compass in poor visibility and be experienced in the mountains.

Experience & Fitness

The Walker’s Haute Route is a tough trek with considerable ascent and descent on each day. We have rated this tour strenuous. This is a challenging high mountain trek and the weather can be poor so you should have previous high mountain experience and good navigation and mountain skills. As this is a self-guided trek you will be responsible for navigation, decision making and safety during your trip. You must have an excellent level of walking fitness and can negotiate challenging terrain. The route can be affected by large snowfields on the highest passes early and late season.

The terrain is mountainous, exposed, rocky and rough underfoot. There are several sections that include the use of fixed ropes and handrails to aid ascent/descent over, particularly tricky sections.

Accommodations

5 nights accommodation in 2 and 3-star hotels,1 night in an auberge (private rooms/shared bath) and 1 night in a mountain hut (in a mixed-sex dorm) If you choose the variation via Cabane de Moiry you will spend another night in a mountain refuge in a shared dormitory.

We carefully select small friendly establishments that offer great value, food and welcomes. The accommodation we normally use is detailed on our website, but we may use alternative accommodation of the same or better standard depending on availability.

Solo Walkers & Single Rooms

This trip is not available to solo walkers. Single rooms are available on 7 nights if you require single rooms in your party.

Meals

8 Breakfasts and 7 three-course dinners are included (not Zermatt). Packed lunches are available from your accommodation (order the night before) or you can stop on the way. Allow about 10 - 15 CHF per day for lunch. Drinks are not included but available at all overnight accommodation.

Included
  • 5 Nights in a combination of 2 and 3 star hotels (in twin/double room with private bathrooms)
  • 2 Night in an auberge (private twin/double room but shared bathrooms)
  • 1 Night in a mixed sex dorm in a mountain hut
  • 8 Breakfasts
  • 7 Dinners (Zermatt not included
  • Detailed maps, information pack, route notes and guidebook
  • Organisational assistance and backup
Excluded
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Travel to start/from finish point
  • Luggage transfers
  • Lunches (allow 10 to 15 CHF per day)
  • Local transfers and ski lifts
  • Drinks and snacks
  • Personal equipment
  • Mountain rescue/emergency assistance
Extras
  • Additional nights before, during or after the walk

When To Go

You can start your Walker’s Haute Route anytime between mid-July and the beginning of September. This short season is due to the weather and potential snow being on the trail. The is a chance of snow patches remaining into early July across the higher passes, and the chance of the weather deteriorating into late September.

Getting to the Start

By Air: Geneva is the best airport for getting to Arolla. Regular trains continue to Sion from where you can catch a connecting bus to Arolla. For more information, please refer to www.sbb.ch 

Optional ski-lifts and transfers during the walk

You can use ski-lifts/cable cars to skip several of big ascents/descents during the trip. These sections are as follows: Le Châble to Les Ruinettes, above Zinal to Zinal village, and Jungen to St Nicklaus. If you wish to skip a stage completely it may be possible to do so using public transport or taxis. We provide you with a detailed transport guide including alternative transport options and timetables for each section. Ski lifts and optional transfers are not included in the package price.

Getting from the End

From Zermatt regular trains connect to Zurich Airport (3h30) or Geneva Airport (4h00).

Luggage Transfer

Due to the remoteness of many of the overnight stops, bag transfer is not available. You will, therefore, need to carry your kit with you each day. You will need to bring a sleeping bag liner for when staying in dormitory-style accommodation. Bedlinen is provided when staying in private rooms. If you have excess baggage with you, it is possible to send this from Geneva ahead of you to Zermatt by train. For more information, please have a look here.

General Information

Solo Walkers & Single Rooms

This trip is not available to solo walkers. Single rooms are available on 11 nights if you require single rooms in your party but there is a supplement payable. 

Meals

14 breakfasts and 11 dinners are included ( Chamonix, Prafleuri & Zermatt not included). Packed lunches are available from your accommodation (order the night before) or you can stop on the way. Allow about 10 - 15 CHF per day for lunch. Drinks are not included but available at all overnight accommodation.

Baggage Transfer

Due to the remoteness of many of the overnight stops, bag transfer is not available. You will, therefore, need to carry your kit with you each day. You will need to bring a sleeping bag liner for when staying in dormitory-style accommodation. Bedlinen is provided when staying in private rooms. If you have excess baggage with you, it is possible to send this from Geneva ahead of you to Zermatt by train. For more information, please have a look here.
 

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.

Equipment

Our pre-departure information pack (and the supplied guidebook) have detailed advice and a kit list on what to take on the Walker’s Haute Route. This includes warm and waterproof gear, hats and gloves, a sleeping sheet and lots of other useful bits and bobs. Walking poles are recommended as the WHR is tough on the knees.

How fit do I need to be?
Which is the best airport to fly to?
How far in advance do I need to book?
What personal equipment do I need?
When is the best time of year?

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Arolla and overnight Day 2 Arolla to La Sage 6.5 miles / 10 km Day 3 La Sage to Barrage de Moiry/Grimentz 11 miles / 18 km Day 4 Barrage de Moiry/Grimentz to Zinal 6.5 miles / 10 km Day 5 Zinal to Gruben 10.5 miles / 17 km Day 6 Gruben to St Niklaus 11 miles / 17.5 km Day 7 Gasenreid to Europa Hut 7.5 miles / 12.5 km Day 8 Europa Hut to Zermatt 12 miles / 19 km Day 9 Onward Travel

You May Also Like

  • Classic Routes
    Type Classic Routes
    6 Days 5 Nights

    0 Reviews
    Tour of the Matterhorn South
    Enjoy a tough trek with unrivalled views of the iconic pyramidal peak of the Matterhorn
    Highlights
    • Walk the southern loop of the Tour the Matterhorn
    • Embark on two glacier crossings
    • Visit iconic mountain villages and huts
    Activity
    Level
    Accommodations
    Level
    From $1,640.00
  • Classic Routes
    Type Classic Routes
    8 Days 7 Nights
    Walking in the Dolomites of Alta Badia
    Combine high-level mountainous hiking with picturesque villages on this hiking tour of Alta Badia
    Highlights
    • Alpine meadows, wildflowers and rocky peaks
    • Enjoy high-level hiking in comfort
    • Impressive views of the Dolomite peaks
    Activity
    Level
    Accommodations
    Level
    From $1,930.00

Blog Articles

The Macs Way

  • Tried & Tested Adventures Tried & Tested Adventures
  • Freedom Freedom
  • Book with Confidence Book with Confidence
  • Expertise Expertise
  • Positive Impact Positive Impact
Built with our expert knowledge, to suit you.
  • Knowledgeable and helpful specialist trip planners
  • Wide variety of tours to suit all interests and experience levels
  • Start on any date that suits you
  • Choose your ideal trip length and difficulty
  • Range of accommodation comfort levels
  • Choice of trip styles
Authentic adventure travel experiences on your own terms
  • Choose your own travel companions
  • Walk, cycle and explore at your own pace
  • Make your own decisions
  • Choose your own path
  • Indulge your passions
Feel secure in making the right choice for your precious adventure time
  • 18,000+ unbiased trip & service reviews
  • Feefo Platinum Award 2023
  • 25,000+ travelers trust us each year
  • As featured in the Guardian, Times, Nat Geo Traveler
  • Founder owned & operated since 2003
  • 100+ passionate team members across the US, UK & Europe
You can be confident that every detail of your journey has been expertly planned
  • Carefully planned adventures
  • Quality, hand-picked accommodations
  • Seamless and reliable arrangements
  • Comprehensive trip information & insider tips
  • Detailed maps, route notes and mobile GPS app
  • Helpful 24/7 support should you need it
Travel the right way and make a positive impact
  • Travel responsibly
  • Explore off the beaten track
  • Support locally owned businesses
  • Engage with local communities
  • Minimize your impact
  • Maximize the benefit of your travel
  • Challenge yourself & grow
Currency:
$ - USD - US Dollar
Country/Region name:
USAUSA