Matterhorn Circuit Hike

Matterhorn Circuit Hike

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6 Days From

$1504

Matterhorn Circuit Hike

6 Days Starting in St Niklaus, Switzerland and ending in Zermatt, Switzerland

Visiting: St Niklaus, Zinal, Les Haudères, Aosta Valley, Breuil-Cervinia, Zermatt

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

MAT

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

8 - 14

Physical rating:

challenging

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Mountain Biking

From: $1504

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an exhilarating adventure with the Matterhorn Circuit, a breathtaking trek through the European Alps, spanning Switzerland and Italy. This tour offers the unique experience of circumnavigating the iconic Matterhorn, traversing high mountain passes, and exploring charming alpine villages. Enjoy the stunning scenery of Moiry Lake, cross the Arolla Glacier, and reach the Valcournera Pass with its spectacular views. The journey concludes with a descent to the picturesque resort town of Zermatt. Along the way, savor local culinary delights like Raclette, and rest in comfortable mountain refuges. With an experienced mountain guide, luggage transfers, and included meals, this tour promises an unforgettable alpine adventure.

Highlights

  • Circumnavigating the Matterhorn

  • Experiencing the exhilaration of trekking in the European Alps

  • Traversing high passes and walking through typical villages

  • Enjoying the culinary specialties such as Raclette

  • Walking along the stunning Moiry lake

  • Crossing the Arolla Glacier

  • Reaching the pass of Valcournera with views of the Matterhorn

  • Descending to the resort town of Zermatt

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive St Niklaus, Walk To Grüben (6Hrs)

Location: St Niklaus

Accommodation Name: Grüben

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

This morning at 9am (time to be confirmed before departure) we rendezvous with the group at St Niklaus, and have a briefing with our guide before commencing the ‘Tour du Cervin’, the official name for our 6 day walk. The first day is tough as the route begins with an ascent across high mountain pastures with awesome views to 4000m peaks from the village of Saas-Fee. The ascent continues to the Augsbordpass pass (2894m/9495ft) and then down into the Turtmann Valley through the forest. Overnight Grüben.
Ascent +938m/3077ft, descent -1075m/3527ft

Day 2 : Cross The Forcletaz Pass (2874M) To Zinal At The Base Of Dent Blanche (6Hrs)

Location: Zinal

Accommodation Name: St Jean

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today's walk takes us to the chalets of the high mountain pasture of Chalteberg to take advantage of a magnificent view over the glacier of Turtmann. We walk via either Forcletaz Pass (2874m/9429ft) or Meidpass (2799m/983ft) for the highest point of the day, crossing the linguistic boundary between the German-speaking and French-speaking parts of Switzerland. We'll continue by the high mountain pastures of Nava and Barneuza and visit the villages of Zinal and Grimmentz in the Zinal Valley. Overnight in St Jean.
Ascent +1056m/3465ft, descent -1239m/4065ft

Day 3 : Via The Tsaté Pass (2868M) To Les Haudères / Arolla (6Hrs)

Location: Les Haudères

Accommodation Name: Les Haudères

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we walk along the stunning Moiry lake and continue to Tsaté Pass (2868m/9409ft). This long hike includes numerous ascents and descents to reach Haudères in the Val d'Hérens. During our walk through the flowered meadows we will be surrounded by the famous peaks of Zinalrothorn, Obergabelhorn, Weisshorn and Dent Blanche, all 4000m plus peaks.
Ascent +971m/3185ft, descent -1244m/4081ft

Day 4 : Ascend Glacier & The Col Collon (3074M), Descend To Prarayer (2005M) (7-8Hrs)

Location: Aosta Valley

Accommodation Name: Prarayer hut

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we walk to the Bertol hut then the Plan de Bertol, which opens up to the Arolla Glacier. We cross the glacier which has a small slope and doesn’t require technical equipment. This is the historic road that once connected two valleys, used by caravans between Switzerland and Italy by the Collon pass (3074m/10085ft) at the border. We enter the Aosta valley with a magical arrival into the Italian hamlet of Prarayer and the emerald lake of Place Moulin. Overnight Prarayer hut.
Ascent +1034m/3392ft, descent -1064m/3491ft

Day 5 : Via The Finestra Di Cignana To Breuil Cervinia (6-7Hrs)

Location: Breuil-Cervinia

Accommodation Name: Breuil Cervinia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is a wild and alpine stage, far from the modern world; it is the longest and the most technical stage of the tour. Thanks to metal ladders, we reach the pass of Valcournera (3066m/10,059ft). Having followed a magnificent waterfall and crossed the torrent of Cignana, we arrive at the 'Finestra di Cignana', where the Matterhorn appears in all its beauty. Tonight we sleep at the foot of the limestone pyramid.
Ascent +1062m/3484ft, descent -1133m/3717ft

Day 6 : Cable Car To Théodule Pass, Descend On Foot To Zermatt (6Hrs), Trip Concludes

Location: Zermatt

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we ascend by cable car to the Théodule pass, which brings us back into Switzerland. We have views of the Matterhorn all day as we descend using the most famous passage of the western Alps and arrive at the resort town of Zermatt (around 4pm), a highlight of the day. As Zermatt is a pedestrian zone, by taxi to Tasch just along the valley (to collect luggage).
Depending on your fitness and weather/mountain conditions, there may be an option to ascend the summit of Breithorn (4165m) today, one of the most climbed +4000m peaks in the western Alps. This involves some organisation on your guide's behalf in respect to engaging a UIAGM qualified mountain guide and climbing equipment. The additional cost is approximately EUR500 shared by groups of 1-5 people which includes the mountaineering guide, crampons, harness, group climbing equipment and one way cable car fare. This must be paid for in cash locally. There are some technical aspects to the climb requiring care and attention at all times. The decision not to ascend will be at your guide's discretion based on current conditions and your fitness. Those not ascending Breithorn will descend with your walking guide.
Descent -1645m/5397ft

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    5 nights in mountain refuges/gîte-hostels dormitory style

  • 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners (does not include drinks) – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. Lunch is picnic style - (Swiss cheese, cold cuts, vegetables and fresh fruit). Dinner will consis

  • 5 nights accommodation in mountain refuges / gîte hostels on a dormitory share basis (upgrade to 1 night dorms, 4 nights double rooms - supplement applies)

  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 15kg - Additional luggage storage/transfer available, fees apply, must be pre booked

  • Experienced mountain guide

  • Cable car to Théodulo pass

  • Travel to St Niklaus and from Zermatt

  • Drinks

  • Travel insurance - mandatory

  • Storage of excess luggage - we can arrange to transfer your bag from St Niklaus to Zermatt (with no access to it during the trip) at the end of the walk on a request basis, please contact your consultant - fees apply

  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage

show more

What's Not Included

  • Drinks

    Drinks are not included in the tour package.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is mandatory but not included in the tour package.

  • Items of a Personal Nature

    Items of a personal nature are not included in the tour package.

  • Transfers

    Transfers are not included in the tour package.

Accommodation

5 nights in mountain refuges/gîte-hostels dormitory style. Accommodation is dormitory style in mountain refuges or gîte hostels. There can be up to 40 people in one room in some refuges but less on most nights (around 10-12). Beds are often bunks but can also be one long platform with separate mattresses. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Swiss refuges tend to be surprisingly comfortable.

Grading

CHALLENGING – GRADE 5
The daily guided walks are around 5-8 hours. There are many challenging stages during the walk with steep uphills, descents, and sections of the trail which require care. Daily ascents are between 768 and 1062m whilst descents range up to 1645m. There is a non technical glacier crossing and some pass crossings using ladders and cables. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need an excellent level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced walkers only, with a strong walking pace. Early in the season (June) you may encounter snow on the passes which may be quite deep making the walk more difficult. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds. The route is subject to modification depending on the conditions.
As with all our challenging programs, we expect participants to be regular outdoors people, enjoying aerobic sport around four or five times a week over some period of time. Preferably this has been a long term interest but if not, you have set a program of fitness preparation with at least three months lead in time to your trip. The fitter you are for your trip, the more of a holiday it will be. Activities as close to the actual activity on your trip are the best training; in this instance walking with and without a pack. This builds leg strength, aerobic capacity and confidence in your ability to travel comfortably with a pack for extended periods. At the same time, you are also comfortable with the layers you like to wear and footwear. Important note: good quality walking boots with ankle support are a pre-requisite for your participation. Runners or shoes without ankle support are not suitable for the conditions encountered on this walk.

What You Carry

As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc

Mode of Transport

Travel to St Niklaus and from Zermatt is included. Transfers by taxi or public transport are available if you need to skip a stage. A cable car ride to Théodule pass is also part of the itinerary.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay in mountain refuges or gîte hostels in dormitory-style rooms. Some refuges can accommodate up to 40 people in one room, but typically there are around 10-12 people per room. Beds are often bunks or one long platform with separate mattresses, and bathrooms and toilets are shared. Swiss refuges tend to be surprisingly comfortable.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour includes 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners. Continental breakfasts usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea, and juices. Lunch is picnic style with Swiss cheese, cold cuts, vegetables, and fresh fruit. Dinner will be provided.

  • Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?

    Yes, luggage transfer is provided for one piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 15kg. Additionally, storage of excess luggage is available, and we can arrange to transfer your bag from St Niklaus to Zermatt at the end of the walk upon request.

  • What kind of physical fitness is required for this tour?

    You will need an excellent level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. The daily guided walks are around 5-8 hours with challenging stages, steep uphills, descents, and sections of the trail that require care. Daily ascents are between 768 and 1062m, while descents range up to 1645m. The tour is suitable for experienced walkers only, with a strong walking pace.

  • What should I carry in my daypack during the walks?

    As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements, including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, and phone.

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, depending on your fitness and weather/mountain conditions, there may be an option to ascend the summit of Breithorn (4165m) on the last day. This involves some organization on your guide's behalf and an additional cost of approximately EUR500, which includes the mountaineering guide, crampons, harness, group climbing equipment, and one-way cable car fare. This must be paid for in cash locally.

  • What kind of support will be provided during the tour?

    An experienced mountain guide will accompany the group throughout the tour. Additionally, transfers by taxi or public transport are available if you need to skip a stage.

  • What is the grading of this tour and what does it entail?

    The tour is graded as CHALLENGING – GRADE 5. It includes many challenging stages with steep uphills, descents, and sections of the trail that require care. There is a non-technical glacier crossing and some pass crossings using ladders and cables. You will need an excellent level of fitness and it is considered suitable for experienced walkers only.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews of this operator

Katharine McLennan (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks is awesome. My...

13-Jun-2024

UTracks is awesome. My Assisi trip was one of the most beautiful trips I have taken in my 56 years. I wanted to walk by myself, and Utracks teamed up with a local Italian travel company to do everything for me—book the hotels and move my bags from hotel to hotel as I walked the track. The app was AMAZING. It showed the daily itinerary, and the interactive map told me metre by metre where I needed to go and whether I was on track or not. It was far more accurate than Google Maps, and I loved all the commentary on what to look for and what not to. The places I stayed were known as "agriturismo places." They are hosted by families on working farms. Those gorgeous families had farms and accommodations that sometimes dated back to 800!!! But all of them had done a fantastic job updating them to be modern, beautiful rooms. I loved how warm the hosts were and how much they appreciated my stay. There were seldom more than 5 people staying each night. The walk was fabulous -- and incredibly well-researched and noted. I was often the only one on the trails, but I always felt safe and looked after by UTracks in their 24-hour cover. I never had to use it - but as a single woman walking on her own through the Italian hills -- it is great to know that people know where I am. The preparation pack sent to me was also incredibly organised with equipment lists, hotel directions-- with all the contacts, and the contacts of the lovely fellow who would be taking my bag from place to place. He was fantastic -- and I also felt supported by him if things were to go wrong. I will definitely be working with Utracks again and can't wait to plan my next adventure.

Kate (Google Reviewer)  

Wonderful experience in Turkey hiking...

31-Oct-2024

Wonderful experience in Turkey hiking the Lycian way. It was unhurried, with beautiful scenes and access to nature. The accommodation was excellent with (truly) amazing home cooked Turkish food throughout. We felt a lot calmer, fitter and healthier afterwards.

Addy K (Google Reviewer)  

Great hike to sample some...

04-Oct-2023

Great hike to sample some of the best locations along the Tour Du Mont Blanc. Our guide Sara was great at maintaining pace and knew the route very well. The scenery was amazing especially the tall mountains close to our accomodation. The accomodation provided great 3 course dinners, and we got to sample French, Swiss and Italian food. This is not an easy hike, but as long as you are able to do 1000 mtr elevation gain hikes, this is thoroughly enjoyable.

Mike Burke (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks did everything they promised,...

23-Oct-2024

UTracks did everything they promised, but it is what they did above & beyond that stands them apart. We were caught in the fires in Portugal & they arranged transport to get us out of danger, changed hotel bookings to accommodate the new circumstances & made us feel very safe. We were more than impressed with the level of communication & service. I won't be looking anywhere else when I book my next trip.

Lisa Kibeiks (Google Reviewer)  

Fantastic trip! Well organised and...

18-Oct-2024

Fantastic trip! Well organised and everything went smoothly. Would probably split the two big 30+ days if I were to have my time again. The heat adds another level of difficulty. Accommodations were all different but all clean and welcoming. Meals were varied as we walked into different regions the food changed to what was local. We never had a bad meal or a bad stay anywhere. Highly recommend this trip through France. A nice quiet Camino compared to the Frances but far more challenging. Very enjoyable.

Patrick Shum (Google Reviewer)  

Hassle free self guided tour...

26-Jul-2023

Hassle free self guided tour around the most scenic Austrian hills and lakes. All our heavy baggage taken care of from hotel to hotel. Hiking not difficult at all, instructions are v clear. I recommend use online GPS map. In case someone want to shorten the walking, various options (bus / boat) provided.

Amanda Liddell (Google Reviewer)  

300km in 12 days from...

15-Jun-2023

300km in 12 days from Porto to Santiago de Compostela where a Cathedral stands as the most beautiful ‘Welcome’ imaginable. The accomodation arranged by UTRACKS was consistently excellent & the ease of only having to worry about carrying your backpack and what you’ll have for lunch is perfect. Yes, most days at breakfast you can make up your own bread roll and filling. Notes and directions were included but once you arrive in Spain you just need to look for the ‘shell’ and ‘yellow arrow’ to find your ‘way’. I am 67 years old & consciously chose to walk alone however I met some fabulous people along the way and finally had hours on end with ‘no headchatter’. There’s healing which catches you unaware & makes every step very worthwhile.

Kerry Andersen (Google Reviewer)  

We used UTracks to organise...

13-Jul-2023

We used UTracks to organise our self guided Portugal Coastal Camino walk. We were very happy with information provided for our walk and accommodation picked.

Ian Freestone (Google Reviewer)  

Recently two trips with utracks....

26-Aug-2024

Recently two trips with utracks. Mont Blanc self-guided and Austrian hike-bike. In summary, the experience is only as good as the local partner. In Austria, Helmut was amazing! Met with us prior - went over every detail of the trip, answered his phone if we had a concern. Mont Blanc, the partner would only communicate by text, did not meet us on arrival, and would not return calls even when we had an emergency. Other concerns we raised with utracks staff were not responded to adequately leaving the feeling that they had our money, job done.

Amanda Fairley (Google Reviewer)  

Self-guided Hadrian’s Wall Walk. The local...

24-Sep-2024

Self-guided Hadrian’s Wall Walk. The local agent’s documentation needs immediate updating to include current accommodation used and their locations. I also had to uncover (it was not proactively disclosed to me) a double up in accommodation location booking (same town over two nights but different accommodation 160 metres apart) by the same local agent which resulted in me having to walk two days of distance in one day, back track for accommodation on the second night and be charged for a 160m bag transfer! UTracks did apologise and the local agent covered my dinner one night as compensation, but the situation would not have happened if either UTracks or their local agent had reviewed their itinerary which would have called out quite loudly to them the messy issue, before finalising it and providing it to me. I was later contacted by UTracks to acknowledge my post trip feedback, but stating that both UTracks and their local agent had been in contact with me THROUGHOUT my walk. To be clear - I had one phone call initiated by UTracks after I had identified the issues and emailed them, and the only contact with the local agent were two emails and one phone call that I initiated to inform them of the issues they created, that I had to uncover. I wouldn’t describe that as anyone from UTracks or their local agent being in contact with me throughout my trip. It is important to not over state the service or support that people provide to a client.

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.