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SWITZERLAND: Hiking the Haute Route The Alps have long been considered the outdoor playground of Europe, with their network of fine hiking trails and jaw-dropping mountain scenery. And the Haute Route, a demanding high-level traverse between the mountain towns of Chamonix, France, and Zermatt, Switzerland, just might be "the best of the best," revealing a realm of princely summits with every step you take. Our carefully crafted shorter version is entirely within Switzerland, a seven-day hike across no fewer than eight passes (no mean feat, that) and through the heart of the Alps. The awesome scenery includes some of the highest mountains in western Europe - the legendary Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, and the Dent Blanche, and many other peaks topping 14,000 feet. Hemingway called Switzerland "much more up and down than sideways." We say Amen to that. TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
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 Itinerary: Hiking the Haute Route
Day 1 - Meet in Geneva, Switzerland, and transfer to the ski resort town of Verbier (4,950'). Day 2 - Hike the “Sentier des Chamois” to the Col Termin (8,740'). Descend steeply to the lovely environs of the Lac de Louvie (7,300'). Days 3-4 - Hike across rocky, glacial terrain and scree and boulder fields to Arolla (6,600'), crossing four passes en route (the highest is at 9,785').Day 5 - From Villa (5,705'), cross the Col de Torrent (9,577'), enjoying the spectacular backdrop of a range of mountains called the Dent Blanche and many turquoise lakes. Descend to the picturesque village of Day 6 - From Zinal (5,494'), hike steeply through forests of thick larch trees, heather, and blueberries to the Forcletta Pass (9,480') with views of the famed Matterhorn (14,782'). Continue to the summer hamlet of Gruben (5,976').
Day 7 - Cross the Augstbordpass (9,492'), last major pass of the trek, with its panorama of 14,000-foot peaks. Steep 3,000-foot descent to the cable car station, where you’ll catch a ride to St. Niklaus (3,696'). Transfer to Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn. Day 8 - Hike above Zermatt for views of the Matterhorn, storied icon for mountaineering aficionados. Day 9 - Transfer to Geneva and depart. |