Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Alps Haute Route Trekking
Day 1 Arrive in Geneva & Head to Chamonix
1.5-hour private van transfer
Arrive at the airport in Geneva, Switzerland and get picked up at 2pm for a group transfer to the famous mountain-ringed resort town of Chamonix, France. Once at the hotel, enjoy time to rest or explore this charming town before meeting the guides and the rest of the group for a welcome dinner and orientation at 6:30pm.
Accommodation: Lykke Hotel and Spa Chamonix
(D)
Day 2 Warm-Up Hike in Chamonix
Funicular ride
6 hours/7 miles hiking with 2,150' elevation gain & 2,500' elevation loss
From the hotel, take a funicular to Planpraz (6,600'). From this panoramic viewpoint take in your first complete vantage point of the Mont Blanc massif. The hike will lead to the Col Cornu (7,919') and then to the Black Lakes (8,530'). There are a number of options for the descent; the guides will select the one that best suits the group. Dinner tonight is on your own to explore the many fine dining options of Chamonix.
Accommodation: Lykke Hotel and Spa Chamonix
(B, L)
Day 3 Ascend to Col de Balme
1.5-hour private van transfer
7 hours/11 miles hiking with 3,300' elevation gain & 2,900' elevation loss
Step aboard the sleek red cars of the "Mont-Blanc Express" this morning for a 20-minute scenic train transfer, passing through forest and over bridges below the Mont Blanc massif to the village of Montroc, at the head of the Chamonix valley. Walk up through alpine pastures to the Col de Balme (6,999'), and hike into Switzerland. After traversing above the tree line with dramatic views of the valley below, descend along the great Trient Glacier to the Col de la Forclaz (5,035'). Transfer by private bus to the little ski resort of Siviez.
Accommodation: Martigny Boutique Hotel
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Siviez—Grande Dixence
8 hours/13 miles hiking with 3,700' elevation gain & 3,400' elevation loss
Today is a long but beautiful day of hiking. From the village, pass by the dam of Cleuson, then climb 2,700-feet to the lunar landscapes of Le Grand Desert (the "big desert"), a glacial area rich in minerals. Scramble through boulder fields and scree slopes to the Col de Prafleuri (9,785'), where there are very good odds of seeing edelweiss and ibex. Then descend from the pass to our hotel, located at the foot of Le Grande Dixence: Europe's highest dam, at 7,065 feet.
Accommodation: Hotel du Barrage
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Grande Dixence—Arolla
8 hours/13 miles hiking with 2,720' elevation gain & 2,800' elevation loss
From the hotel, hike above the dam and then continue around the lake, before our start up toward the Pas du Chat (7,800'). The terrain is rocky and you'll cross a glacier moraine before hiking over boulders and large flat rocks to the Pas de la Chevre (9,785' "pass of the goat"). Then climb two sets of new ladders, before descending to Arolla (6,660'). This stage of the journey is considered true alpine, with rich mineral rock and a backdrop of the legendary summits of Pigne d'Arolla, Mont-Blanc de Cheilon, and Mont-Collomb. End the day with a short walk through the beautiful Arolla pine forest, and to the typical charming Swiss hamlet of Arolla with its wooden chalets and flower-filled window boxes.
Accommodation: Hotel du Glacier
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Arolla & Hike to Grimentz
30-minute private bus transfer
7 hours/11 miles hiking with 4,180' elevation gain & 3,468' elevation loss
Start the day with a 30-minute transfer by private bus to Cotter (5,790') where you begin the ascent to Col de Torrent (9,630'), paired with majestic views of Mont Blanc and other peaks of the Dent Blanche range (14,380'). From the pass, weather permitting, take in 360-degree vistas of snowcapped mountains and turquoise glacial lakes. Head down through cow-filled meadows to the picturesque Swiss village of Grimentz (5,300'), possibly seeing marmots and eagles along the way. Have a stroll around this old village with its vanishing way of life.
Accommodation: Hotel Cristal
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Hike from Grimentz Via Zinal Pass to the Hamlet of Gruben
15-minute private bus transfer
8 hours/13 miles hiking with 4,180' elevation gain & 3,468' elevation loss
Today move from the French-speaking to German-speaking Switzerland; this is the bilingual canton of Valais. After a short transfer by private bus to Zinal (5,500'), the hike begins with a steep climb through a forest of larch trees, heather, and blueberries. Then make a long "balcony" traverse with views of the Matterhorn, before beginning another steep ascent toward the Col de Forcletta (9,480'). Descend through beautiful green hills with large mossy rocks and babbling brooks to the summer hamlet of Gruben (6,012'), home for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel Schwarzhorn
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Gruben & Descend to St. Niklaus
7.5 hours/12 miles hiking with 3,538' elevation gain & 5,900' elevation loss
Today's first challenge is the Augstbordpass (9,550'), the last major pass on the trek, which leads into the Mattervispa valley. From the top, make a long 5,900-foot descent with fairly steep exposure. The views are superb, of the Weishorn, Breithorn, and Mischabel, all topping 14,000 feet, and green hills dotted with slate-roofed wooden houses. Hike down into the picturesque Mattertal valley and discover the charming village of St. Niklaus (3,630'), renowned for the stunning onion-domed steeple of its church. Enjoy an overnight stay in this quaint alpine retreat.
Accommodation: Hotel Heimatlodge
(B, L, D)
Day 9 Tasch to Zermatt
15-minute private bus transfer
6.5 hours/8 miles hiking with 2,600' elevation gain & 2,100' elevation loss
Begin the day with a private transfer to the Valais village of Tasch at the foot of the famed Matterhorn. From the village, a path climbs through the forest to Taschalp (6,600'), a hamlet located on the famous Europaweg, a long-distance trail between Grächen and Zermatt considered by many to be one of the most beautiful hikes in the Alps. From this splendid balcony above the Mattervispa, admire the Matterhorn situated like a crown in this valley. Continuing above the valley, follow the trail to Zermatt. Just as the pioneers of alpinism did, arrive in Zermatt by foot. Dinner tonight is on your own to explore the many fine dining options of Zermatt.
Accommodation: Hotel Butterfly
(B, L)
Day 10 Zermatt
4 hours/3 miles hiking with 1,000' elevation gain & 1,000' elevation loss
Enjoy a full day in one of the most iconic Alpine towns in the world. There are many options today — a full day of hiking, a half day of hiking, or no hiking at all. Your guides will offer to lead you on trails above the town for great views of the Matterhorn with charming village visits. In the evening, meet with the group and trip leaders for a farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Butterfly
(B, D)
Day 11 Depart from Geneva or Zermatt
3.5-hour private bus transfer
After breakfast, transfer 3.5 hours to Geneva airport, or take the train from Zermatt to other destinations in Europe on your own. (Please do not schedule your outgoing flight to depart until after 2pm).
(B)
