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Special Highlights
Trip Highlights
Matterhorn - One of the most beautiful and iconic mountains in the world.
Gentle Walks and Quaint Hamlets - Amongst spectacular scenery.
Overnight Trek - To a mountain hut to experience true Swiss hospitality.
Zermatt - Fabulous bars, restaurants & shops.
Trip Summary
Standing high above Zermatt, the classic view of the Matterhorn dominates the skyline. Arguably the most photographed mountain on earth, it is impressive from any angle. Its long sweeping ridges, famous mountaineering routes and imposing North Face lie in stark contrast to the relative calm of the town and surrounding villages. The Matterhorn, however, is not the only attraction. Zermatt has the highest concentration of 4000 metre peaks in the Alps: many of the fairy-tale peaks have evocative names such as the Ober Gabelhorn and Rimpfishorn. We trek by rivers and waterfalls, admire massive glaciers and high peaks and watch out for glimpses of marmot, chamois and ibex. The Alpine flowers are abundant and spectacular with Edelweiss, Gentians and Orchids often seen. There are quaint hamlets tucked under the hillsides and Zermatt has lots of good restaurants, bars and shops. All of the walks are optional and follow wellmaintained trails into the mountains. None of the walks are too tough or have any great ascents or descents and will appeal to the occasional walker or those who prefer to travel at a slower pace. The overnight 2-day trek allows us to ‘get away from civilisation’ staying at a simple mountain refuge where bedding is provided in a mix of twin and dormitory rooms. There are two ‘free’ days for further exploration of the mountains or recommended journeys on a cog railway or to local thermal baths.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:
Join tour Geneva Airport.
Arriving at Geneva Airport we transfer to Zermatt (1600m) in 2.5 hours. The hotel is well located for the restaurants and shops.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Day 2:
Hike along the ‘Europaweg’ with great views of Zermatt and the surrounding peaks.
We take a short minibus ride to TaschAlp (2200m), a quiet valley where we begin our walk. Contouring the land along the Europaweg - part of the famous walk between Grächen and Zermatt - the route undulates through larch forests and open countryside littered with Alpine flowers. The walk is relatively easy, allowing us to find our rhythm and admire the Matterhorn, Ober Gabelhorn and Weisshorn. The afternoon walk takes us through Findeln – a quaint hamlet with a pretty church – and down to Zermatt.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3:
The Glacier Garden and Zmutt
A short climb above Zermatt brings us to Winkelmatten – an outlying village of Zermatt away from the bustle of the main town. From here, we climb gently towards the snout of the great Gornergletscher – a huge glacier with numerous other glaciers feeding into it from the Monte Rosa massif and the Liskam- Breithorn ridge. We then traverse above Furi and on to Zmutt (1936m) – a beautiful hamlet tucked under the great North Face of the Matterhorn. This is a lovely spot to take a drink and admire the mountain close up. There are a number of different paths to descend to Zermatt.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4:
Gornergrat historic cog railway and Brigabad thermal baths
Today is free for optional activities in Zermatt or visit a local spa. The Gornergrat railway was completed in 1898 and enabled tourists the see unrivalled views of the peaks: there are 29 peaks over 4000m in the Zermatt area and most can be seen from the highest station at 3090m. From the top station there are various walks and spectacular views from above the Gornergletscher: the glacier has small lakes and long moraines backed by the impressive 12km chain from the Monte Rosa massif (4634m, second highest peak in Europe) to the Breithorn. An alternative daytrip is to the thermal baths at Brigabad and the historic castle in the town. The train journey takes 1 hour in each direction with no changes.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 5:
Overnight trek to Trift mountain refuge
We take a stiff walk out of Zermatt (1600m) through Alpine pastures and then follow a crashing river as we gain altitude. We pass through thick larch forests and on to a steepsided valley where the Alpine flowers are varied and bright. We take our time as we ascend to admire the views and enjoy this spectacular and varied walk. We reach our destination - Trift Hut (2337m) - in time for lunch. Famed for its iced tea and generous hospitality, it is a wonderful place to spend the night. There are a variety of twin and dormitory rooms and bedding is provided. There is cold water in the bathrooms and a flush toilet. In the afternoon, there is an optional walk to climb a peak for 360° views. Please note that if you do not wish to make the overnight trip to the hut, you can stay at the hotel in Zermatt.
Overnight Mountain Refuge (H)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6:
A spectacular high-level traverse under the North Face of the Matterhorn
From Trift, we have a small climb to Hohbalmen (2700m) where we are rewarded with the finest up-close views of the Matterhorn. The North Face and all the main ridges can be closely observed as we continue along the path. This is wild country with high cliffs inhabited only by mountain sheep and marmots. Our descent route depends on the ability and wishes of the group and takes us back to the hotel for a well-deserved shower.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7:
An optional walk to the Hornli Hut, base camp for climbers attempting the Matterhorn
Taking the cable car from Zermatt to Schwarze (2583m) gives us a good head start to make the climb to the Hornli Hut (3260m). The route travels through barren land and gets increasingly wild as we climb. As the path zig-zags up the foot of the mountain we will pass mountaineers on their way to make the ascent. Slightly breathless from the altitude, we should reach the hut in less than 3 hours to enjoy the most spectacular views of the great Hornli Ridge – first climbed by Edward Whymper when he made his historic first ascent in 1865. The Hornli Hut (3260m) is a buzzing place and a great spot to watch climbers coming down the mountain. We return to Zermatt via the same route and take the 10 minute cable car to the valley floor. Those not wishing to take part in today’s walk can make the excursion to Brigabad, take the Gornergrat cog railway, take the cable car to the Klein Matterhorn for views of the whole of the Alps or visit the Alpine museum. There is also the opportunity for a gorge adventure on ropes and via ferrata.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 8:
Transfer to Geneva Airport
Tour ends.
Included meals: Breakfast
