Hiker’s Haute Route
Hike the highest mountains in the Alps between Chamonix, France and Zermatt, Switzerland.
The Hiker’s Haute Route (HHR) goes by many names. British mountaineers and explorers first named it the High Level Route in the mid-19th century. Since then it’s been called the Walker’s Haute Route, the Hiker’s Haute Route, the High Route, the Chamonix-to-Zermatt Haute Route, and finally, just the Haute Route. No matter what you call it, this strenuous inn-to-inn hike from Chamonix to Zermatt is legendary, and it crosses the highest mountain range in Europe, the Pennine Alps. The traditional Hiker’s Haute Route begins in Chamonix, France at the base of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe. During the course of 10-12 days, hikers cross lofty mountain passes, descend pastoral valleys, and bed down in country hamlets and villages as they walk the trail to Zermatt, Switzerland, perched beneath the iconic Matterhorn. The Hiker’s Haute Route offers many variants. The very first High Level Route involved a lot of crevasse-filled glacier crossings. Today’s Hiker’s (Walker’s) Haute Route crosses drier passes and offers spectacular views of the glaciers without the need for crampons, ropes, or skis. The Hiker’s Haute Route itinerary can be amended virtually anywhere with plenty of options to shorten the hike using public or private transport to skip remote stages and rest in comfortable hotels. It’s also possible to spend more time in remote huts and simple hikers’ hostelries. For our Hiker’s Haute Route, we’ve combined a nice mix of cozy hotels, scenic mountain huts, and welcoming country inns. Luggage is transported, except in the most remote locations, and each night, a hearty meal with lots of alpine coziness and cocktails awaits.
Activity
Inn-to-inn hiking and trekking.
Countries Visited
France & Switzerland.
Duration
10 nights / 11 days
Season
This trip is currently unavailable.
Cost
This trip is currently unavailable.
This Hiking Tour Includes
Double accommodation for 10 nights in charming hotels, country inns and mountain refuges.
All breakfasts and dinners.
Private luggage transport between villages.
Geneva airport transfers.
A comprehensive travel package including custom travel itineraries, hike descriptions, hiking maps, notes on food and drink, tips on cultural norms, insider secrets, and everything else you’ll need to conduct the trip. Most self guided packages contain 100+ pages of expert advice and tips. It’s a custom book made just for you!
Phenomenal hiking in the French and Swiss Alps.
Note: Private guided trips include guiding and more services than are listed here. This trip may be customized to add/omit days and/or upgrade accommodations to the highest level where available. Just ask!
Hotels and services are subject to availability at the time of booking. Rates are based on double occupancy and are subject to change due to currency fluctuation and other factors affecting the price.
