Matterhorn Circuit
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:
Tour code:
MAT
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
8 - 14
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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
Itinerary
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
-
Meals
5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners are included. 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.
-
Accommodation
5 nights accommodation in mountain refuges or gîte hostels on a dormitory share basis. There is an option to upgrade to 1 night in dorms and 4 nights in double rooms for an additional supplement.
-
Luggage Transfer
Luggage transfer is provided for 1 piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 15kg.
-
Experienced Mountain Guide
An experienced mountain guide will accompany the group.
-
Cable Car to Théodule Pass
The tour includes a cable car ride to Théodule pass.
-
Travel to St Niklaus and from Zermatt
Travel arrangements to St Niklaus and from Zermatt are included.
-
Storage of Excess Luggage
Storage of excess luggage is available. We can arrange to transfer your bag from St Niklaus to Zermatt at the end of the walk on a request basis.
-
Transfers by Taxi or Public Transport
Transfers by taxi or public transport are available if you need to skip a stage.
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
1 Select your preferred date
Monday - Saturday
Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025Monday - Saturday
Jul 14, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025Monday - Saturday
Jul 21, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025Monday - Saturday
Jul 28, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025Monday - Saturday
Aug 04, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025Monday - Saturday
Aug 11, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025Monday - Saturday
Aug 18, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025Monday - Saturday
Aug 25, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025Monday - Saturday
Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025Book 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.