Embark on a trek along the Walker's Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt, which is frequently ranked as one of the world's top hikes. The journey from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn is characterized by awe-inspiring Two of the most famous mountains on Earth. Eleven high alpine passes. One unforgettable walk between them. The Walker's Haute Route links Chamonix and Zermatt, the two great capitals of mountaineering, on a high-level journey from the foot of Mont Blanc to the foot of the Matterhorn. It's one of the most beautiful long-distance treks in the Alps, and it's quieter, wilder and higher than the Tour du Mont Blanc.

You'll start with Lac Blanc and the balcony trails above Chamonix, cross into Switzerland at Col de Balme, and walk over the Corbassière suspension bridge in front of the Grand Combin. Beyond it lies a lunar world of high passes: Col de Prafleuri, the highest point of the trek at nearly 9,800 ft, the turquoise Lac des Dix, and the flower-filled villages of Arolla, Zinal and Gruben. The finale is the legendary Europaweg, a high balcony trail where the Matterhorn fills the horizon all the way into Zermatt.

You'll stay in a mix of classic Swiss hotels, mountain inns and three high mountain huts, with breakfast and most dinners included. Add the luggage transfer and your bags are waiting for you on all but three nights. You hike at your own pace with a GPS app, a detailed roadbook and 24/7 support, starting any day from July to mid-September.

If you've done the Tour du Mont Blanc and want a bigger, bolder adventure, or you simply want to walk from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn, this is the trek.

Trip Highlights

• Walk from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn, linking Chamonix and Zermatt on one of the great treks of the Alps.
• Cross 11 high alpine passes, topping out at Col de Prafleuri (9,800 ft / 2,987 m).
• Cross the Corbassière suspension bridge, high above a glacial torrent in front of the Grand Combin (14,154 ft / 4,314 m).
• Hike the Europaweg, a high balcony trail with the Matterhorn in view all the way to Zermatt.
• Discover Swiss valleys few hikers reach, from Arolla and Zinal to the quiet Turtmanntal at Gruben.
• Walk past Lac Blanc, Lac des Dix and Lake Moiry, three of the most beautiful lakes in the Alps.
• Sleep in classic hotels, inns and high mountain huts, with breakfast and most dinners included.
• Finish in Zermatt with a bonus hike to the old hamlet of Zmutt beneath the Matterhorn.

Overview

• Duration: 13 days / 12 nights
• Daily Hiking: 3.5–7.5 hours / up to 4,593 ft (1,400 m) ascent / 5–11.5 miles (8.5–18.5 km)
• Total: About 104 miles (167 km) and 37,549 ft (11,445 m) of climbing
• Highest Point: Col de Prafleuri, 9,800 ft (2,987 m)
• Accommodation: Hotels and mountain inns (private double or triple rooms) and 3 nights in mountain huts (dormitories)
• Meals: 12 breakfasts and 10 dinners
• Luggage Transfers: Optional, every night except the 3 hut nights
• Navigation: GPS hiking app, roadbook and maps, with 24/7 support
• Group Size: Minimum 2 hikers
• Start / End: Chamonix, France / Zermatt, Switzerland
• Nearest Airports: Geneva (GVA) at the start, Geneva or Zurich at the end
• Departures: Any day, July 7 to September 15, 2027

Is This Walker's Haute Route Trek Right for You?

This trek is for fit, experienced hikers. Expect 5.5–7.5 hours on the trail on most days, with up to 4,593 ft (1,400 m) of climbing and long descents, for 12 days in a row. You'll cross high passes near 9,800 ft, and some sections are steep, rocky or exposed. If you've hiked the Tour du Mont Blanc comfortably, you're ready.

Because it's self-guided, you need to be confident following a map and the GPS app in high mountain terrain. Three nights are in mountain-hut dormitories, where the luggage service doesn't run, so you'll carry a small overnight pack.

Snow lingers on the high passes into early summer, which is why departures start in July.

A good fit if you want: a bigger challenge than the TMB, high passes and wild valleys away from the crowds, and the thrill of arriving on foot beneath the Matterhorn.