8-Day Matterhorn Trekking Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in St Niklaus and trek to Gruben

After arriving in St Niklaus, a traditional cable car will take you up to the start of the walk in Jungu. Enjoy views of Monte Rosa in the background on this beautiful traverse to the foot of the first pass, the Augstbordpass at 2,900 m (9,515 ft). From here, a pleasant descent through Alpine meadows and larch forests will lead you to the charming village of Gruben, where you will spend the night.
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 6.5h, 1000m elevation gain
Meals: Lunch, dinner

Day 2 Climb the Col de Forclettaz or Meidpass

Day 2 will present you with several options that depend on how your group feels, as well as the current weather conditions. You can choose to either climb up to the Col de Forclettaz at 2,874 m (9,430 ft) via the Chalte Berg or to the Meidpass at 2,790 m (9,155 ft). After, the beautifully scenic Nava and Barneuza Alpine pastures welcome you to Val d’Annivier, where you will make a quick transfer to your accommodations.
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 6.5h, 1150m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3 Visit the Moiry Dam and Arolla Valley

Today you will have the possibility of taking a short transfer to the Moiry dam, where you can walk along the top of the photogenic dam before climbing further up above it. The reward for your ascent is the Col du Tsaté, where you will enjoy scenic views overlooking the Arolla Valley below. You will reach the bottom of the valley by means of a short transfer.
Overnight Location: Inn in the Arolla Valley
Distance: 6.5h, 500m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4 Arolla Glacier to the Prarayer Refuge

Day 4 of your trekking tour will be a beautiful day in the Alps, as you will pass through an easy section of trail on the high Arolla Glacier, eventually climbing up to the Col Collon at over 3,000 m (9,845 ft).

The Prarayer refuge, which is situated ideally on the edge of the lake, awaits at the end of a long and scenic descent.
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 6.5h, 1200m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5 Ascent of Col de Valcournera

Today will begin with a long ascent through the alpine landscape to the Col de Valcournera at over 3,000 m (9,845 ft). A few cabled – but not difficult – sections will lead you up to the final major ascent.

From the col, the cabled path will provide you with an easy route to the Perucca Vuillermoz refuge, which is perched on the rocky, glacial landscape. Another brief push is required to reach your accommodation in Valtournenche.
Overnight Location: Inn in Valtournenche
Distance: 6.5h, 1350m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6 Traverse the Theodul Pass to Zermatt

After a short transfer to the ski resort of Breuil Cervinia, you will hike up to the Theodul Pass at an altitude of 3,349 m (10,990 ft). Here, you will rope up in order to cross the glacier to Trockener Stegg.

Afterwards, you will make your descent to Zermatt through serene Alpine pastures and charming villages.
Overnight Location: Inn in Zermatt
Distance: 6h, 800m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7 Trek from Zermatt to the Topali Hut

Day 7 of the tour will begin with a short transfer to Randa, before making an ascent along a beautiful Alpine path that follows the left bank of the Matter Valley to the Topali hut. This little-used route offers beautiful views of the Täschhorn and makes for an incredibly scenic part of the journey.
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 7.5h, 1520m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8 Return to St Niklaus and Departure

The final day of your alpine trekking tour will once again provide you with a few different options to explore. Depending on how the group feels and current conditions, you will either take a lovely Alpine path to the Wasulicke pass at 3,114 m (10,215 ft) before taking the cable car down to St Niklaus or you will walk straight down to St Niklaus via a varied path.

Either way, you will arrive back in St Niklaus by 4pm, where you will make your individual departure.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 6.5h, 440m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch