Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn

15 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
The Haute Route is one of the best-known long-distance ski-touring routes in Europe; running roughly parallel is a spectacular summer trek from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn. Covering approximately 100mi (160km), it links the valleys of the Haute-Savoie in France to the Swiss Valais. Following our guide, a qualified International Mountain Leader, we pass benea...
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$5,751
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Enjoy spectacular mountain scenery and some of the best walking in the Alps
    • Challenge yourself among the highest concentration of 4,000m peaks in the Alps
    • Visit the exciting Alpine towns of Chamonix and Zermatt

What's this trip about?

    The Haute Route is one of the best-known long-distance ski-touring routes in Europe; running roughly parallel is a spectacular summer trek from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn. Covering approximately 100mi (160km), it links the valleys of the Haute-Savoie in France to the Swiss Valais. Following our guide, a qualified International Mountain Leader, we pass beneath 10 of the 12 highest mountains in the Alps. Walk through a landscape scattered with glistening glacial lakes and lush, undulating valleys by day and sleep in remote Alpine huts and under canvas by night.Hike a spectacular Alpine trail from Chamonix to Zermatt

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age range18 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityLes Bossons
End CityRanda

Travel Themes

  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Switzerland
  • France

Attractions

  • Chamonix
  • Matterhorn
  • Zermatt

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Trekking

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, 10 picnic lunches, 12 dinners
    • All accommodation
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout
    • Arrival transfer from Geneva airport to Les Bossons available

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start at Les Bossons, near Chamonix

We begin our adventure at the campsite in Les Bossons, which has wonderful views of Mont Blanc and the Bossons Glacier, especially at sunset. In the afternoon, there is an introductory briefing by the trek crew. Campsite: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons

Day 2 Free day in the Chamonix Valley

This is a limbering up day and there are several good walks nearby. Alternatively, take the cable car (optional) to Aiguille du Midi for outstanding close-up views of Mont Blanc, the Chamonix Valley and the surrounding peaks. Campsite: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons

Day 3 Walk the Grand Balcon Sud from Chamonix to Les Frasserands

From Les Bossons (3,320ft/1,012m), we have a short bus journey to Chamonix where we walk to Les Praz and take the cable car to La Flégère (6,100ft/1,860m). The trail today is named the Grand Balcon and is on the opposite side of the valley from Mont Blanc, affording e...

Day 4 Cross Col de Balme to Switzerland

After a scenic train ride up the valley to Les Frasserands, we begin by climbing steeply to the Aiguillette de Posettes (7,200ft/2,201m), descend a little and then ascend towards the Col de Balme (7,190ft/2,191m) where we follow one of the paths across the border from...

Day 5 Over Fenêtre d'Arpette to Champex

In good weather, we take the trail adjacent to the Trient Glacier to cross a high, rocky pass known as Fenêtre d'Arpette (8,740ft/2,665m) before descending steeply into the Arpette Valley (5,340ft/1,627m) and down to our campsite in Champex (4,880ft/1,486m). In poor w...

Day 6 From Champex, the trail leads to Verbier and to Cabane de Louvie

From Champex, we walk down to Sembrancher (2,350ft/717m) then travel by train and cable car to the ski resort of Verbier (4,880ft/1,490m) and then to Ruinettes (7,260ft/2,200m). Our afternoon walk starts on a broad easy trail with views of the Grand Combin and the Mon...

Day 7 Cross the highest pass of the route, Col Prafleuri. Views of Rhone valley, Mont Blanc, the Grand Combin and the Matterhorn

A dramatic day with two passes to cross. We start with a scenic traverse around the shores of Lac de Louvie before a reasonably steep accent to our first col, Col de Louvie (9,580ft/2,921m), and onwards towards the Grand Désert, a rocky section of glacial moraine. If ...

Day 8 Long walking day with two passes to cross; overnight at Les Haudères

Our route today starts with a short climb to cross the Col de Roux (9,200ft/2,804m). We descend across large boulders to Lac Dix (7,750ft/2,364m) and walk around its shoreline before climbing again above the glacier Dix, through meadows often filled with edelweiss dur...

Day 9 Rest day

Enjoy a free day to relax. The twin villages of Les Haudères and Evolène lie in the most picturesque part of the Val de Hérens and there are many walks in the area if you feel the need for a little more exercise. Alternatively, the scenic town of Sion, with its medieval quarter and many cafes and restaurants, is an easy bus ride away. Campsite: Camping Molignon, Les Haudères

Day 10 Past Lac Moiry to the picture-postcard village of Grimentz

Today, we have a big climb to reach our col where we are rewarded with stunning views. We climb first to Villa (5,675ft/1,730m) then on to cross the Col Torrent (9,575ft/2,919m) and enjoy vast mountain views (Pigne d'Arolla, Grand Combin and the Weisshorn) and make a ...

Day 11 Longest walking day with excellent views of the Weisshorn

A long day that starts with a gentle walk through woodlands to reach the valley bottom at Mottec (5,100ft/1,556m). From here, there is a short but steep climb to join the main trail with fine views of the Matterhorn and Ober Gabelhorn. The climb continues to today's c...

Day 12 Join Zermatt Valley; descend to Jungu and St Niklaus, short transfer to Randa

We climb again to cross the Augstbord pass (9,490ft/2,894m) with good views of the Weisshorn and the 'Dom' and join the main Zermatt Valley high on its western side. We descend to cross the Emdbach and, soon after, get our first views of the Zermatt Valley plus the We...

Day 13 Follow a high-level balcony path that contours along the valley towards Zermatt

For our final day of trekking, we walk directly from the campsite to the village of Täsch before ascending up to the Europaweg, a wonderful contouring path with spectacular views of the Matterhorn. Rising above the treeline and into a wild, rocky landscape, we pass by...

Day 14 Optional trip to Zermatt

From our camp near Randa, it is a short train or minibus trip to Zermatt, an ideal place for a free day with lots of opportunities for short or long walks or to relax in town. There are also many excursions, such as the mountain cog railway to Gornergrat for spectacul...

Day 15 End Randa

Our adventure ends at the campsite near Randa. Your tour leader will help you book a train ticket (or other transport) for your return to Geneva Airport – please see the Joining Instructions section of the Trip Notes for further information. Please note, the earliest...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,260
Price per day$284
Last Updated: 5/22/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
05 Jul 2025
19 Jul 2025
$4,725
$4,965
19 Jul 2025
02 Aug 2025
$4,725
$4,965
02 Aug 2025
16 Aug 2025
$4,725
$4,965
06 Sep 2025
20 Sep 2025
$4,725
$4,965

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,151
Great
3,276
Average
615
Disappointing
145
Terrible
186
A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Excellent tour of the Alpine highlights

A thiroughly enjoyable, challenging and stunningly beautiful trip across the French and Swiss Alps. It’s hard to distill all the best bits of the trip into one, bu...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Brilliant Trip

This was a trek that was harder than I expected for the walking, but there are no altitude issues at all. It was professionally led by John Briggs and coked for b...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

TWH: 827 Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn

A Memorable Trek This trip had everything, meadows, mountains, snow, rock and the thrill of the great outdoors. However, the trip wasn't just about the wonderful sc...

A

Anonymous

Mar 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn 505A

A great walk with fabulous scenery. The group was very supportive and friendly and this added to the enjoyment of the holiday. The food was amazing, delicious and f...

A

Anonymous

Mar 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Two wonderful weeks of high cols

My second Exodus trek in the Alps, and the Haute Route deserves the challenging grade, definitely tougher than TMB. Very well organised by Exodus, excellent leader...

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Other Exodus Travels Reviews

R

Ruth Long

Aug 2024

Written on

great activities perfectly planned

great activities perfectly planned, good support and guiding.

C

Catherine Newbold

Aug 2024

Written on

Very easy process.

Very easy process.

A

Annabel Church Smith

Aug 2024

Written on

Helpful alternative choice

We had to cancel our trip to Jordon due to the troubles in the Middle East. The person at Exodus was very helpful in suggesting an alternative holiday for us. Howeve...

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Departure transfer - this can be arranged/paid for locally, the leader will help with this - see 'Extra Expenses' and 'Transfers' sections for further information
    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request - tent nights only)
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

11 nights camping, mostly in good campsites with hot showers; occasional wild camps; 2 mountain huts; 1 village inn (dormitory style) 10 days point-to-point walking; 3 days light backpacking Vehicle support throughout Altitude maximum 2965m, average 1525m,The accommodation on this walking trip in the Alps includes 11 nights of camping, two nights in mountain huts and one night in a village inn. Camp nights Stunning mountain settings, communal living and a chance to switch off. For many, our camp nights are a highlight of the trip − sharing an after-trek drink with newly made friends as the sun sets over a glaciated mountain is the perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors, after all. Most of the campsites we use are modern with hot showers and electricity. Many have a bar and wifi, plus a lounge or sitting area. We provide a large communal tent (if we do not use the campsite communal area), where we eat at tables with benches and have an unlimited tea and coffee station, plus a camp bar. Accompanying you throughout the trek is a dedicated camp support leader who takes care of the logistics and catering. Your tent is put up for you each night; in the morning, you should take it down, put your bag in the back of the van and wash your own breakfast dish. On four nights out of 14, you will also be asked to join a washing team and help with the dishes that night. A 20-minute job. Otherwise, you are free to relax and take in the beauty of the Alps. Camping equipment All our equipment is bought with comfort and practicality in mind, and we hope it represents a higher quality than most individuals would buy for themselves. Tents: Spend 11 nights camping in roomy three-person tents, but with a maximum of two people per tent. We use waterproof dome tents incorporating an 82in x 82in (210cm x 210cm) inner tent with a sewn-in ground sheet and a supplementary 90in x 27in (230cm x 70cm) covered porch that is an ideal place to leave your walking boots and poles etc. Packing them away should take no more than five minutes. Single tents are available for a small additional cost as are camping mats and sleeping bags with liner and pillow. Camp mats: Our air-and-foam camping mats are full-length, comfortable to sleep on and provide excellent insulation from the ground. Sleeping bags: These have a synthetic filling, as opposed to feathers, with a three-quarter-length zip and are rated for good warmth. Worth knowing Two remote campsites are a little more basic than average and do not have showers. Thermal mattress hire: £36 – please request in advance with your sales representative. Sleeping bag hire, pillow and liner: £73 – please request in advance with your sales representative.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts, 10 picnic lunches and 12 dinners are included in this trip. On eight nights, we take our evening meal in camp; on four nights, we take our evening meal in a nearby local restaurant or it is prepared for us by the hut or inn. The restaurant and hut/inn meals, which are prepared for us, are usually arranged as a ‘menu’ for the whole group and, as they are based on special negotiations made by us, represent better value than eating independently. On free days 9 and 14, dinner is not included and needs to be bought locally. Please note, should flight times change to arrive earlier, or depart later, additional meals will not be included. Please also note that no refund will be given for meals not taken or taken other than where designated. Typical meals Breakfast: Usually consists of coffee, tea, cereal, yoghurt, fresh fruit, bread and conserves. Lunch: Picnic-style lunches will normally include bread, cold meat, cheese, sometimes boiled eggs or tinned fish, fresh salad and fresh fruit. You may wish to bring (or purchase locally) snack bars for an extra energy boost during the day. Evening meal: Whether in camp or in a nearby restaurant, we endeavour to make dinner something to look forward to. Each day there will be a freshly prepared menu for the whole group consisting of: A soup, salad or similar A main course of meat, fish or vegetarian option served with a selection of vegetables and carbohydrates A dessert Beer, wine, bottled water, coffee, tea or other drinks are not included in the price of evening meals taken in restaurants. Coffee and tea are included with the evening meal when we eat in camp, and beer and wine are also available for purchase at a modest cost. Vegetarians: We happily cater for vegetarians – please inform us at the time of booking. Vegans: If you adhere to a vegan diet, you may find the variety of food offered to be limited, since veganism is relatively uncommon in this region. The feedback we receive for the food we serve is great but please be aware that facilities and practicality forces us, and the restaurants we use, to put our efforts into making one excellent group meal with a vegetarian option. Of course, any allergies will be respected.
Age Requirements
18 years and up
Additional Information
  • 11 nights of comfortable camping, mostly in campsites with hot showers, occasional wild camps; two mountain huts; one village inn (dormitory style)
  • 10 days point-to-point walking; three days of light backpacking
  • Vehicle support and dedicated camp support leader throughout
  • Altitude maximum: 9,730ft (2,965m); average: 5,000ft (1,525m)
  • Option to travel by train to your adventure
Trip ID
exodus-TWH

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