| Cost From: | $4895 |
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| Length: | 13 days |
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| Activity: | Hiking / Trekking, Cultural Adventures |
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| Difficulty: |
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Flawlessly operated and run. This trip is obviously very well thought out.R. Williams—San Francisco CA
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On this high alpine adventure, we trek in the Tien Shan (“Celestial Mountains”), the highest mountain range in Central Asia, and discover the fascinating culture of traditional Kyrgyz nomads.
The fabled Haute Route is the high-level hiking traverse that follows glaciers, tarns, meadows, and craggy mountain passes from Chamonix, France, to Zermatt, Switzerland. The sport of mountaineering was born here in the 19th century and a look at the 360-degree panorama explains why: ten of the twelve highest peaks in the Alps, including Mont Blanc and the instantly recognizable spire of the Matterhorn, rise along this magnificent route. As we cross high trails from France to Switzerland, we stay in small hotels and two spectacularly situated hike-in lodges where we meet hikers and climbers from around the world. Most departures have up to three Trip Leaders, allowing for great camaraderie and an unparalleled level of service.
$4895 (12-14 guests)
$5295 (9-11 guests)
$5495 (6-8 guests)
Single supplement: $450
Prices are for 2009 dates
Jul 14-26, 2009 Richard Munro
James Fuss, Hashmat Singh
Aug 30-Sep 11, 2009 Nicos Caravellas
Santiago Bejarano, Clive Roberts
Jun 27-Jul 9, 2010
Jul 19-31, 2010
Aug 2-14, 2010
Aug 22-Sep 3, 2010
Sep 7-19, 2010
Note: There may be up to 3 leaders on any departure. Please call for details.
The US Dollar has strengthened against the Euro, and Wilderness Travel would like to pass the savings along to you! Here's how it works: we will purchase the Euros for your trip when you sign up, which lets us lock in the current exchange rate, and guarantee your savings. To receive the discount, the first deposit on the trip ($500 per person) is non-refundable. If you prefer to have your deposit be fully refundable up to 90 days before departure, you can sign up at the regular published rate for the trip.
To find out the current discount available at today’s rate, please call us at 1-800-368-2794 or send us an email.
Reading list, click here.
Set at the foot of Mont Blanc, Chamonix has been a climbing and skiing center for over 100 years. Our spectacular warm-up hike brings us beautiful views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Valley.
The Haute Route is the quintessential high Alps traverse. We climb no higher than about 9,600 feet, yet the mountain scenery is incredible. From Argentiere, we ascend through woodlands to the Col de Balme, crossing the border between France and Switzerland on foot. Hiking alongside the massive Trient Glacier, we ascend to the rocky notch of the Fenetre d’Arpette (8,800'). Our descent brings us into the wild and rugged Val d’Arpette.
We hike through green meadows to the magnificently situated Mont Fort Lodge. The next day, we head cross-country through one of the most remote areas in the Alps. We then follow a little-used trail above 8,000 feet, crossing three alpine passes and the glacial wilds known as the “grand desert” to reach the Prafleuri Lodge. Next we hike over the Col des Roux where we may see ibex, and at the Col de Reidmatten (9,577'), we get our first glimpse of the Matterhorn. We descend to Arolla, a tiny alpine village at the foot of a glacier.
Ascending flower-filled pastures, we cross the Col de Torrent (9,577'), with stunning views including the Dent Blanche. From the picture-postcard village of Grimentz, we hike in the shadow of peaks including the mighty Schwartzhorn, Gletschorn, and Weisshorn to Gruben in the German-speaking part of the Valais.
Our hike across the Augstbordpass (9,495') brings some of the best views in all Switzerland and a spectacular descent to Zermatt, below the crooked pyramid of the Matterhorn. Zermatt options include a hike to Hornli Hut, starting point for Matterhorn climbs. Depart on Day 13.
