The Haute Route
9 Days Starting in Arolla, Switzerland and ending in Zermatt, Switzerland
Visiting: Arolla, Grimentz, Gruben, Zermatt
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JHR
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Group size:
1 - 20
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on "The Haute Route," a challenging Swiss hiking holiday designed for experienced walkers. Traverse the stunning Valais canton, following sections of the renowned Haute Route, and explore remote, little-visited districts. This classic itinerary offers a mix of high mountain and low valley accommodations, with stays in 2-3 star hotels, a mountain hotel, and a mountain refuge. Enjoy breathtaking views, diverse alpine flora and fauna, and the opportunity to discover the famous peaks of Pigne d’Arolla, Mont Colon, and Aiguille de la Tsa. With luggage transfers, route notes, maps, and an emergency hotline included, this hotel-based Swiss Alps adventure promises an unforgettable experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Arolla
Location: Arolla
Accommodation Name: Hotel du Glacier
Make your own way to the famous climbing village of Arolla (1998m). It is a tiny place with a small supermarket, a post office and a couple of hotels. At this altitude, you are already almost up among the glaciers and if there is time you could walk up the valley for a bit from the hotel towards the glaciers of Mount Colon.
Accommodation: Hotel du Glacier is a 2* hotel in Arolla and is located on the edge of this small village. It offers wonderful views from its terrace.
Day 2 : Arolla (1998M) To Les Haudères (1452M) 9.5 Km/6 Miles, 3-4 H
Location: Arolla
Accommodation Name: Hotel Melezes
The famous peaks of Pigne d’Arolla, Mont Colon and Aiguille de la Tsa dominate the morning views as you begin your walk from Arolla along the Val d’Arolla. You follow a contouring path just above the treeline to the beautiful Lac Bleu (2090m). From here you can decide whether you want to extend the route for another couple of hours or to descend through meadows and farmsteads to Les Hauderes and our hotel.
The higher option is possible from Lac Bleu which will take you high into the alpage under the peak of L’Etoile, before a steep descent into Les Hauderes. 15 km/9.3 miles, 7 h.
Ascend 150m / Descend 690m / Maximum height 2090m.
Accommodation: Hotel Melezes is our 3* hotel and is located at the entrance of the village and is close to all amenities.
Day 3 : Les Haudères (1452M) To Grimentz (1572M) 17.6 Km/11 Miles, 7-8 H
Location: Grimentz
Accommodation Name: Hotel de Moiry
A longer, but rewarding day takes you over the Col de Torrent (2918m).
Walk or bus up to the village of Villaz, then it is steep into the pastures where many bird species can be seen. From the pass you can see the interesting expanse of glacial water backed up by the Barrage de Moiry. You can also see a beautiful tarn called Lac des Autannes, which would be an ideal stop for lunch. Descend with views south of the Moiry glacier. From the dam you descend to the picture-postcard village of Grimentz below the Lac de Moiry.
Ascend 1475m / Descend 1357m / Maximum height 2918m.
Accommodation: The 3* Hotel de Moiry is our stop for the next two nights and is in the heart of the old village.
Day 4 : Grimentz (1572M): Free Day With Various Walking Routes
Location: Grimentz
Accommodation Name: Hotel de Moiry
Grimentz is an excellent base from which to explore the upper reaches of the Moiry valley, using the public bus to save time. The tumbling iceblocks of the Moiry glacier present a stunning spectacle from the terrace of the Cabane Moiry (2825m). Another equally impressive walk crosses the Col de Sorebois (2896m) to Zinal, with fine views of the Weisshorn and Zinal Rothorn. Return from Zinal to Grimentz by bus or walk along forest tracks.
There are other walks that you can take by taking the Gondola above the village.
Day 5 : Grimentz (1572M) To Hotel Weisshorn (2337M) 19.2 Km/12 Miles, 7 H
Location: Grimentz
Accommodation Name: Hotel Weisshorn
Contour through pleasant forest to Mottec (1556m) in the Zinal valley to begin your ascent to the Hotel Weisshorn (2337m).
Ascend 900m / Desend 100m / Maximum height 2430m.
Accommodation: The Hotel Weisshorn is in a prime position to offer stunning views. This Victorian hotel has a wonderful view from its restaurant. Its basic services are redeemed by superb views and excellent cuisine. Private rooms, some en-suite (if you request an upgrade) but most with shared facilities.
*Today your luggage will be send on to Gruben, so you'll need to carry what you require for 1 nights stay at Hotel de Weisshorn.
Day 6 : Hotel Weisshorn (2337M) To Gruben (1822M) 10.5 Km/6.5 Miles, 5-6 H
Location: Gruben
Accommodation Name: Schwarzhorn Mountain Hut
Walk over the Meidpass (2790m), enjoying marvelous views of the Schwarzhorn, Gletschhorn and the Weisshorn. At the col, enter German-speaking Switzerland. The shore of the lovely alpine Meidsee Lake makes an excellent lunch spot. A long descent brings you to Gruben (1822m) in the peaceful, unspoilt Turtmanntal.
Ascend 589m / Descend 1104m / Maximum height 2790m.
Accommodation: Schwarzhorn Mountain Hut - There are a few twin-bedded rooms. If these are not available, dormitory-style accommodation is the only alternative. Mattresses, blankets and pillows are provided but you should have a sleeping bag liner. We will always book the basic twin rooms when possible.
Day 7 : Gruben (1822M) To St Niklaus (1127M) 17.2 Km/10.6 Miles, 7-8 H, Train To Zermatt
Location: Zermatt
Accommodation Name: Hotel Capricorn
Take the track beside the hotel up to the Augstbordpass (2894m). It is a long path to the last col of the trek. The path from the pass contours along a rocky track with a further slight ascent and emerges above the Mittertal Valley to a viewpoint called Tara where one of the best panoramas in the Alps has been laid out. On a good day you can see as far as the Jungfrau to Lyskamm. The pleasant descent takes you down to Jungu, where the path turns the corner into the Mittertal valley.
From Jungu (1955m) you can either walk or take the cable car down to St Niklaus (1116m). It is too far to walk on from St Niklaus to Zermatt today, so take the hourly train service or bus.
Ascend 1072m / Descend 1767m / Maximum height 2894m.
Accommodation: Two nights at our 3* Hotel Capricorn in Zermatt. This is a typical Swiss chalet-type building. This hotel is very comfortable, informal and family run. It has a pleasant terrace garden and a sauna as well as spacious rooms with private facilities. The excellent restaurant has views out to the Matterhorn and a nice bar.
Day 8 : Zermatt: Free Day With Various Walking Options
Location: Zermatt
Accommodation Name: Hotel Capricorn
Various inspiring walks around Zermatt await you today, from easier to harder options and varying lengths taking in the classic sights of the valley from various vantage points. The only difficulty is deciding which to choose. Zermatt is electric vehicles only and is dominated by the imposing, distinctive shape of the Matterhorn. All around Zermatt there is a wonderful panorama of mountain peaks.
For a less energetic day, you can take the exciting cable car ride to the top of the Kleine Matterhorn (3820m). This is one of the highest cable cars in the Alps.
There are many more walks and activities to choose from in Zermatt to fill your day(s) and of cours , you can extend your stay there.
Day 9 : Arrangements End After Breakfast
Location: Zermatt
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart from Zermatt after breakfast.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
6 nights in 2-3 * hotels -
8 breakfasts, 5 dinners
Enjoy 8 breakfasts and 5 dinners during your stay.
-
6 nights accommodation in 2-3 * hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities, 1 night in a mountain hotel and 1 night in mountain refuge
Stay in 2-3 star hotels for 6 nights, 1 night in a mountain hotel, and 1 night in a mountain refuge.
-
Luggage transfer (1 bag per person not weighing anymore than 20kg) except night 5
Luggage transfer service for 1 bag per person (up to 20kg) except on night 5.
-
Information pack including route notes & maps (1 pack per room booked)
Receive an information pack with route notes and maps (one pack per room booked).
-
Emergency hotline
Access to an emergency hotline for assistance.
-
GPX Files
GPX files for navigation.
What's Not Included
-
3 dinners, all lunches & beverages
3 dinners, all lunches, and beverages are not included.
-
Luggage transfer on night 5 where you carry overnight items
No luggage transfer on night 5; you will need to carry your overnight items.
-
Train and bus transfers (see Swiss Card), allow approx 200 CHF for these (assuming you don’t have a Swiss Card)
Train and bus transfers are not included; allow approximately 200 CHF for these if you don’t have a Swiss Card.
-
Entry fees
Entry fees to attractions are not included.
-
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
-
Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls are not included.
-
Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
Unscheduled transfers required during the trip are not included.
-
Excess Luggage
Excess luggage beyond the allowed limit is not included.
Accommodation
6 nights in 2-3 * hotels. The hotels described are our usual choice of accommodation, however if these are not available then alternatives are used and if these are of a different standard you will be informed at the time of booking. Baths/showers: Many rooms with ensuite/private facilities have a shower rather than a bath, usually because of limited space. Some hotels/guesthouses may however have a separate room in the house where a bath is available to guests. Accommodation is in double/twin rooms except on some occasions at the Schwarzhorn which is a mountain hut and has just a few twin-bedded rooms. If these are not available dormitory-style accommodation is the only alternative. If necessary we will discuss this with you before accepting and confirming your booking to make sure that dormitory accommodation is acceptable. At The Schwarzhorn mattresses, blankets and pillows are provided but you should have a sleeping bag liner. We will book the basic twin rooms when possible. Book early if this is important to you. A twin room in Switzerland often means two mattresses together within one wooden frame having two separate duvets or one large mattress with two separate duvets. You may wish to request two single rooms if you are friends traveling together.
Grading
This trip is ‘Challenging’, and is a trek, which involves much daily uphill and downhill walking. It is only suitable for fit walkers who can readily manage days with more than 1000m/3300 feet ascent and descent in a day. Those in good physical condition, who take regular exercise and who have recent hill-walking experience, will find this a trip whose exciting challenges are equally matched by its rewards. You will not be with your main luggage on Nights 5, you will therefore need to carry enough clothing for this night. On other days only a daypack need be carried. The highest point on this tour is the Col de Torrent (2918m) on Day 4. Almost as high is the Augstbordpass (2894m) on Day 7. General mountain walking skills are required; the route is not generally vertiginous, although there is a slightly exposed sections on Days 2 towards Lac Bleu and 7 heading on the trail around to a viewpoint called Twara.
Mode of Transport
Train and bus transfers (see Swiss Card), allow approx 200 CHF for these (assuming you don’t have a Swiss Card).
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in 2-3 star hotels for 6 nights, with a mix of high mountain and low valley accommodations. One night will be spent in a mountain hotel and another in a mountain refuge. Most rooms have ensuite/private facilities, but some may have shared facilities, especially in the Schwarzhorn mountain hut.
-
Will I need to carry my luggage during the hikes?
Luggage transfer is provided for most of the tour, with the exception of night 5. On that night, you will need to carry what you require for an overnight stay at Hotel Weisshorn.
-
What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 8 breakfasts and 5 dinners. You will need to arrange your own lunches and beverages.
-
What should I bring for the night at the Schwarzhorn mountain hut?
At the Schwarzhorn mountain hut, mattresses, blankets, and pillows are provided, but you should bring a sleeping bag liner. If twin-bedded rooms are not available, dormitory-style accommodation will be the alternative.
-
What kind of physical condition do I need to be in for this tour?
This tour is classified as 'Challenging' and is suitable for fit walkers who can manage days with more than 1000m/3300 feet ascent and descent. Regular exercise and recent hill-walking experience are recommended.
-
Are there any exposed sections on the hiking routes?
Yes, there are slightly exposed sections on Day 2 towards Lac Bleu and on Day 7 heading on the trail around to a viewpoint called Twara.
-
What is the highest point on this tour?
The highest point on this tour is the Col de Torrent at 2918m, which you will reach on Day 4. Another high point is the Augstbordpass at 2894m on Day 7.
-
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?
You can expect to see a variety of alpine flowers and animals during the tour, especially in the pastures and meadows.
-
What are the options for extending the hike on Day 2?
On Day 2, from Lac Bleu, you can extend the route for another couple of hours by taking a higher option that will take you high into the alpage under the peak of L’Etoile before a steep descent into Les Hauderes.
-
What are the options for the free day in Grimentz?
On the free day in Grimentz, you can explore the upper reaches of the Moiry valley, visit the Cabane Moiry for stunning glacier views, or cross the Col de Sorebois to Zinal. You can also take the Gondola above the village for other walking routes.
-
What are the options for the free day in Zermatt?
In Zermatt, you have various walking options ranging from easier to harder routes, taking in classic sights of the valley. You can also take the cable car ride to the top of the Kleine Matterhorn, one of the highest cable cars in the Alps.
-
Self-guided holidays - inclusions
We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
-
Trip Grading & Preparation
Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.
-
Route notes
While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.
-
How our self-guided holidays work
Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
Friday - Saturday
Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025Sunday - Monday
Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 21, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Jul 14, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Jul 15, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025Wednesday - Thursday
Jul 16, 2025 - Jul 24, 2025Thursday - Friday
Jul 17, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025Friday - Saturday
Jul 18, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025Sunday - Monday
Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 28, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Jul 21, 2025 - Jul 29, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Jul 22, 2025 - Jul 30, 2025Wednesday - Thursday
Jul 23, 2025 - Jul 31, 2025Thursday - Friday
Jul 24, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025Friday - Saturday
Jul 25, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025Sunday - Monday
Jul 27, 2025 - Aug 04, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Jul 28, 2025 - Aug 05, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Jul 29, 2025 - Aug 06, 2025Wednesday - Thursday
Jul 30, 2025 - Aug 07, 2025Thursday - Friday
Jul 31, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025Friday - Saturday
Aug 01, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025Sunday - Monday
Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 11, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Aug 04, 2025 - Aug 12, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Aug 05, 2025 - Aug 13, 2025Wednesday - Thursday
Aug 06, 2025 - Aug 14, 2025Thursday - Friday
Aug 07, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025Friday - Saturday
Aug 08, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025Sunday - Monday
Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 18, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Aug 11, 2025 - Aug 19, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Aug 12, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025Wednesday - Thursday
Aug 13, 2025 - Aug 21, 2025Thursday - Friday
Aug 14, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025Friday - Saturday
Aug 15, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 24, 2025Sunday - Monday
Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 25, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Aug 18, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Aug 19, 2025 - Aug 27, 2025Wednesday - Thursday
Aug 20, 2025 - Aug 28, 2025Thursday - Friday
Aug 21, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025Friday - Saturday
Aug 22, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025Sunday - Monday
Aug 24, 2025 - Sep 01, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Aug 25, 2025 - Sep 02, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Aug 26, 2025 - Sep 03, 2025Wednesday - Thursday
Aug 27, 2025 - Sep 04, 2025Thursday - Friday
Aug 28, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025Friday - Saturday
Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025Sunday - Monday
Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 08, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 09, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Sep 02, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025Wednesday - Thursday
Sep 03, 2025 - Sep 11, 2025Thursday - Friday
Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025Friday - Saturday
Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025Sunday - Monday
Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 15, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025Wednesday - Thursday
Sep 10, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025Thursday - Friday
Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025Friday - Saturday
Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Walkers' Britain requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of walkers' britain charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.