Walker's Haute Route (East)

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.

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!

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

Long-Distance Trails, Alpine Walking

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.