From Chamonix to Zermatt, with Two Alpine Hike-In Lodges
Ultimate Haute Route
{"trip":{"TripID":10314,"Trip_Code":"HAUTERTE","Trip_Name":"Ultimate Haute Route","TripYear":"2024","BrandName":"Wilderness Travel","BrandID":1,"Trip_Tag_Line":"see custom fields","Start_Location":"Chamonix, France","End_Location":"Zermatt, Switzerland","Number_Days":12,"Number_Nights":11,"DisplayOnWeb":true,"Book_On_Web":true,"Featured":false,"SpecialEvent":false,"BestSeller":false,"Short_Description":"<p>A legendary trail traces the highest French and Swiss mountains between Chamonix and Zermatt by way of gleaming glaciers, cool mountain tarns, and meadows bright with wildflowers. It's the Haute Route, pioneered in the mid-19th century by the British Alpine Club and today one of Europe's favorite long-distance hikes. Our “ultimate” version of this journey, with 11 hiking days, features two overnights in remote hike-in lodges so we can savor alpenglow on the high peaks and enjoy alpine camaraderie with fellow hikers. We'll also explore two of the great mountaineering centers in the world—Chamonix, above which towers the highest massif in Western Europe, and Zermatt, dominated by the crooked spire of the Matterhorn.<\/p>","Long_Description":"<p><\/p>","ActivityHighlight":"A mix of easy to moderate walks and hikes, 2-4 hours a day, van support (for luggage or if you wish to skip a day's hike). This is a strenuous hiking trip, read “What the Trip is Like” for more details.","TripType":"Small Group Adventure","HeaderImage":"","HeaderImageAltTag":"","ThumbnailImage":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/thumb-HAUTERTE-high-alps-haute-route-traverse-trek-summit-zermatt-matterhorn.jpg","MapImage":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/hauterte-map.jpg","MapImageAltTag":"","FloatingImage":"","VideoLink":"","GroupSize":"","tripURL":"www.wildernesstravel.com\/trip\/\/Switzerland\/haute-route-hiking","ThisYear_Year":"2023","ThisYear_PriceDetails":"<p>$6,695 (11-14 members)<br>$7,295 (4-10 members)<\/p>","ThisYear_PriceDetails2":"<p>Single supplement: $510<br \/>Single and double rooms are offered when possible, but both couples and those who pay the Single Supplement will have to share dormitory style accommodations for the two nights at the alpine lodges.<\/p>","Price":"6695","SingleSupplementPrice1":"0","SingleSupplementPrice2":"0","SingleSupplementPrice1Caption":"","SingleSupplementPrice2Caption":"","AirPrice":"0","AirPriceCaption":"","FeePrice1":"0","FeePrice2":"0","FeePrice3":"0","FeeName1":"","FeeName2":"","FeeName3":"","ShowNextYearsPrice":true,"NextYear_Year":"2024","NextYear_PriceDetails":"<p>$6,995 (11-14 members)<br>$7,595 (4-10 members)<\/p>","NextYear_PriceDetails2":"<p>Single supplement: $860<br \/>Single and double rooms are offered when possible, but both couples and those who pay the Single Supplement will have to share dormitory style accommodations for the two nights at the alpine lodges.<\/p>","PriceNextYear":"6995","SingleSupplementPrice1NextYear":"0","SingleSupplementPrice2NextYear":"0","NextYearSingleSupplementPrice1Caption":"","NextYearSingleSupplementPrice2Caption":"","NextYearAirPriceCaption":"","AirPriceNextYear":"0","NextYearFeePrice1":"0","NextYearFeePrice2":"0","NextYearFeePrice3":"0","NextYearFeeName1":"","NextYearFeeName2":"","NextYearFeeName3":"","TripSavings":false,"TripSavingsDescription":"<p><\/p>","VariablePricing":false,"PricingNoteTitle":"<p><\/p>","PricingNotes":"<p><\/p>","NewTrip":false,"MinAge":0,"TripRatingID":14,"TripRatingName":"5+","TravelFromDate":"2022-01-01","TravelToDate":"2050-12-31","BookFromDate":"2022-01-01","BookToDate":"2050-12-31","EventID":21,"EventName":"","AccountingGroup":"Europe","DepositRule":2,"DepositAmt":"600","FinalDays":90,"AutoConfirm":false,"AutoConfirmAmount":"0","PrivateAvailable":true,"OperationMonths":"","AccmRating":""},"itinerary":[{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":1,"Headline":"Chamonix \/ Warm-Up Hike","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Chamonix, a charming old mountain town, sits right at the foot of Mont Blanc (15,770'), the highest mountain in western Europe. A climbing and skiing center for over a hundred years and the mountaineering “capital” of Europe, Chamonix has a wonderful atmosphere and a well preserved Old Town with cobbled streets full of lively sidewalk cafes. From near the center of town, the famous Aiguille du Midi cable car whisks visitors to 12,000 feet for stunning views of the Mont Blanc range. We meet early at the hotel in Chamonix for a trip orientation, then head out for a 5-hour round-trip “warm-up” hike up to the Aiguilles Rouges (“Red Peaks”) across the valley from Mont Blanc. Spectacular views on today's hike include the Aiguille Verte, all the “needles” (spire-like peaks) of the Chamonix Valley, and the incredible Mer de Glace, a curving glacier almost four miles long. We return by cable car from La Flegere, or have an option to continue hiking along the Grand Balcon to the cable car station at Planpraz. Overnight in Chamonix.\r\nHiking Details: 6 miles, 4-5 hours, 1,700 feet ascent\/descent\r\n\r\nNote: We suggest you arrive in Chamonix at least one day in advance of the trip start. We will be happy to book this hotel night for you. Most people fly to Geneva, Switzerland, and then transfer to Chamonix. We offer a complimentary van transfer from the Geneva airport directly to our hotel in the center of Chamonix; a booking form is enclosed with your confirmation packet.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":2,"DayTo":2,"Headline":"Argentiere \/ Col de Balme \/ Col de la Forclaz","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Driving past Argentiere, with superb views of Mont Blanc, the Aiguille Verte, and the Chamonix granite needles, we continue to our trailhead to begin the Haute Route hike. We ascend through meadows where dairy cows graze and hike up through woodlands to cross the Col de Balme (7,230'), which marks the French-Swiss frontier. With wonderful vistas of Mont Blanc along the way, we descend into Col de la Forclaz, located right on the mountain pass where the road leads west to France or east to Switzerland. Overnight at a hotel in the Trient\/Martigny region.\r\nHiking Details: 9 miles, 6-7 hours, 3,000 feet ascent, 3,050 feet descent\r\n\r\nThe Haute Route: The magnificent high traverse from Chamonix, France, to Zermatt, Switzerland, explores the terrain where alpinism and the sport of mountaineering were born in the 19th century. The original High Level Route was developed more than 100 years ago, primarily for ski-mountaineering expeditions. Over the years, another Haute Route evolved, a walking route that has become the quintessential walking experience across the European Alps—it ascends to nearly 10,000 feet yet requires no technical mountaineering skills, and rewards the walker with some of the most spectacular high mountain views in the Alps. There are constantly changing panoramas of high peaks, alpine meadows alive with wildflowers, picturesque old farms, and beautiful lakes.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":3,"Headline":"Alpine Hike \/ Champex","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We have two hiking options today depending on weather and trail conditions. The first hike is at lower elevation. From Col de la Forclaz (5,026'), a wonderful forested trail used by shepherds for centuries to bring their cattle to mountain pastures leads up the mountain and opens to an alpine meadow at 6,690 feet. We'll stop at a charming refuge and farm that's still in use today. From here, we'll descend through a forest and take in sweeping views of the Rhone Valley with the river slicing through valley pastures and villages and distant views of the peaks of the Bernese Oberland. The trail then descends steeply into the Swiss hamlets of Champex-d'en Haut and Champex-d'en Bas. A five-minute drive brings us to Champex (or you can walk the additional distance).\r\n\r\nThe second option (if weather allows) is one of the most strenuous of the Haute Route as we ascend a steep footpath alongside the magnificent Trient Glacier to the rocky Fenêtre d'Arpette (8,750') before descending into the narrow glacial Val d'Arpette. The ascent begins gradually, but as we approach the top, the trail is quite steep and then disappears into a jumble of huge boulders. We'll scramble over and between the boulders to reach the summit, with its panoramic views of peaks and the glacier. This is not technically difficult, but it is strenuous as it comes at the end of a long ascent. The descent to the valley is also quite steep and challenging, yet rewards us with an abundance of wildflowers, sparkling streams, and marmots with their shrill calls. Overnight at a hotel at the charming lakeside resort of Champex (private rooms with attached bath).\r\nHiking Details: (Option 1) 7 miles, 6-7 hours, 1,700 feet ascent, and 2,300 feet descent\r\n(Option 2): 8.5 miles, 7-8 hours, 4,300 feet ascent, 3,300 feet descent","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":4,"DayTo":4,"Headline":"Verbier \/ Refuge de Mont Fort","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We hike from Champex to Sembrancher through lovely hamlets, enjoy a picnic lunch, then drive to the village of Verbier. In this famous ski resort, we restock with lunch foods for the next couple of days when the vehicle cannot reach us. Another cable car takes us to Les Ruinettes and then to our trail to Mont Fort Refuge (shared rooms and baths). This refuge at 8,060 feet has good views of the complete Mont Blanc Massif.\r\nHiking Details: 5.5 miles, 4 hours, 1,600 feet ascent, 1,500 feet descent","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":5,"DayTo":5,"Headline":"Grand Desert \/ Refuge Prafleuri","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Today is a wild, rugged cross-country hike in one of the most remote areas of the Alps, following a little-used trail that stays high in the mountains above 8,000 feet and crosses three alpine passes and the “grand desert,” an alpine valley left behind by a retreating glacier. Along the way we skirt the glaciers and lakes of the Mont Fort and the beautiful Rosablanche mountains. Ibex and chamois are often seen near the remote Prafleuri Refuge (8,660'), where we spend the night (shared rooms and baths). Today's hike may be modified depending on snow cover.\r\nHiking Details: 10 miles, 9-10 hours, 3,050 feet ascent, 2,400 feet descent\r\n\r\nNote: Today and tomorrow are our other really tough hiking days, due to the length of the hikes, the multiple steep ascents and descents, and the rough terrain. On most days of the trip, we hike up and over one mountain pass, but on these two days we cross over two mountain passes on each day. On this part of the Haute Route, we will encounter more sections of glacial snow, loose scree, boulder fields, and trail exposure than we see on most other days of the trip. We will also occasionally need to use our hands to scramble over and between a jumble of boulders. Though these are some of the toughest hiking days, they are also often a highlight for trip members. After finishing these two days, we are rewarded with a well-deserved rest day in Arolla!","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":6,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Col des Roux \/ Col de Riedmatten \/ Arolla","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"From the Prafleuri Refuge, we attack the short but steep Col des Roux (9,197'), where ibex may be seen. Below the pass, we descend to the still waters of Lac des Dix, near which is a labyrinth of marmot dens. We hike along the lakeshore before ascending the Col de Riedmatten (9,577'), which may provide a brief glimpse of the Matterhorn. We also have stunning views across the Arolla Valley to Pigne D'Arolla, Mont Collon, and Mont Blanc de Cheilon, three mountains with remarkable glaciers dominating our route. Descend to Arolla, a tiny village in the Val d'Arolla at the foot of several glaciers. The next day is free in Arolla, with a chance to rest after the first week of hiking, or venture out on one of many optional day hikes. Overnights at hotel (private rooms with attached baths). on Day 6; BD on Day 7\r\nHiking Details on Day 6: 10 miles, 7-8 hours, 2,500 feet ascent, 4,300 feet descent","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":8,"Headline":"Col du Torrent \/ Lac de Moiry \/ Grimentz","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"??Driving to the villages of Les Hauderes and Villa, we pass through a very traditional region of the Valais Canton, where some locals still wear traditional Valais dress while working in the hay meadows. Our hike brings us up to the Col de Torrent (9,570') with stunning views up the Moiry Glacier to the peaks of Grand Cornier and Dent Blanche (14,290')—one of the most outstanding vistas in the Alps. We meet up with our waiting vehicle and head to our hotel in the charming Valais village of Grimentz.\r\nHiking Details: 6 miles, 4-5 hours, 2,800 feet ascent, 2,200 feet descent\r\nDriving Time: 1.5 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":9,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"Meidpass \/ Gruben","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"From the nearby village of St. Luc, we have a choice of routes on which to cross the Meidpass (9,154'), with superb views of the Schwartzhorn, Gletschorn, and Weisshorn peaks. This brings us to the German-speaking area of the Canton of Valais, and after lunch by the Meidsee Lake, we make our descent to the remote hamlet of Gruben and our comfortable inn (private rooms, shared baths).\r\nHiking Details: 7 miles, 4-5 hours, 2,050 feet ascent, 3,200 feet descent","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":10,"DayTo":10,"Headline":"Augstbordpass \/ St. Niklaus \/ Zermatt","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A long and gradual climb to the Augstbordpass (9,495') offers superb views eastward over the Mischabel Range—a 14,000-foot-high mountain range between Saas Fee and Zermatt. We descend on a contouring trail to the charming hamlet of Jungu, where a cable car takes us down to St. Niklaus. We then connect with the private cog railway to Zermatt and our hotel.\r\nHiking Details: 8 miles, 6-7 hours, 3,500 feet ascent, 3,000 feet descent","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":11,"DayTo":11,"Headline":"Zermatt","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We have the day free to explore the most famous of all alpine centers, Zermatt, the terminus for the Haute Route from Chamonix. This unique mountain village, surrounded by glaciers and a dozen 13,000-foot peaks, is steeped in the lore of alpinism and dominated by the crooked pyramid of the Matterhorn. Automobiles are not allowed in town; access is only by train and on foot. For those feeling energetic, one of the Trip Leaders will be available to lead a local hike or help you with the many options that Zermatt offers, including a hike up to the Hornli Hut, starting point for ascents of the Matterhorn (14,684'), or an exciting cable car ride to the top of the Klein Matterhorn (12,533'). We gather for a Farewell Dinner in the evening. Overnight in hotel.\r\nHiking Details: 5 miles, 4 hours, 2,350 feet ascent\/descent","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":12,"DayTo":12,"Headline":"Zermatt \/ Depart","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Our trip ends after breakfast in our Zermatt hotel. Most trip members transfer to Geneva on their own by train, or depart for other destinations in Europe.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":3,"Headline":"Chamonix, France \/ Champex, Switzerland","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Departing Chamonix, we hike across the Col de Balme and descend through pine forests to the Col de la Forclaz, which leads into France. As we follow a forested trail once used by shepherds and smugglers, we take in sweeping views of the Rhône Valley on our descent to Champex, a village in the French-speaking Swiss canton of Valais.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":4,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Cabane Mont Fort \/ Val d'Arolla","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"From a legendary mountain refuge with panoramas of the enormous face of the Mont Blanc massif, we take a “secret” trail past lakes and glaciers and cross three alpine passes en route to the remote Prafleuri Refuge. An ascent of the Col de Riedmatten (9,577'), with its dazzling mountain-and-glacier vistas, brings us down to Arolla, an ideal spot for an invaluable rest day (or optional hikes!).","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"Grimentz \/ Gruben","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Our trail leads through a traditional area of the Valais and across two passes, both of which bring tremendous views of icy peaks, including the pyramid of the Dent Blanche (14,290')—it's one of the most famous vistas in the Alps.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":10,"DayTo":12,"Headline":"Zermatt","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A climb to the Augstbordpass (9,495') brings superb views of the 14,000-foot-high peaks of the Mischabel Range. We then head to Zermatt, a town surrounded by glaciers and a dozen 13,000-foot peaks, including the mighty Matterhorn. One option on Day 11 is a hike to the Hörnli Hut, where climbers set out to scale the Matterhorn. Depart on Day 12.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true}],"itinpdf":[{"ItinYear":"2023","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/ultimate-haute-route-itinerary-2023.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"2024","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/ultimate-haute-route-itinerary-2024.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"","docType":"2","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/itins\/ultimate-haute-route-predeparture.pdf"}],"whattoexpect":[{}],"highlights":[{"DisplayOrder":1,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Experience one of the planet's great mountain hikes—with 11 amazing hiking days","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":25265,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":2,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Enjoy two overnights in classic hike-in lodges for alpenglow over the high peaks and mountain camaraderie","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":25265,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":3,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Hike with a team of experienced and knowledgeable Trip Leaders who know the Alps as home","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":25265,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":4,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Explore Chamonix and Zermatt, two of the most famous mountain towns in the 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Trekking","Primary":0}],"guides":[{"GuideID":850616,"First_Name":"Mike","Last_Name":"Browder","BioShort":"Mike Browder has worked in outdoor settings all his life, directing parks and recreation programs, coaching ski teams, and mountain climbing in North America and Asia, including a 2003 ascent of Mt. Everest. He joined our Europe team in 1999 and settled in the heart of the Alpine action in Chamonix, France, with his British wife, Gill, in 2001. Mike brings knowledge, professionalism, and genuine excitement to every trip, whether an alpine adventure, a voyage through glacier-carved fjords or a Mediterranean island ramble. “I want our trip members to appreciate the special nature of these areas, not only the mountains, but also the people and their way of life, which is changing in many ways,” he says. When not guiding for WT, Mike is a Nordic ski instructor and high mountain guide for mountain, rock, and ice climbing expeditions in Europe, Alaska, Asia, and beyond. ","BioLong":"Mike Browder has worked in outdoor settings all his life, directing parks and recreation programs, coaching ski teams, and mountain climbing in North America and Asia, including a 2003 ascent of Mt. Everest. He joined our Europe team in 1999 and settled in the heart of the Alpine action in Chamonix, France, with his British wife, Gill, in 2001. Mike brings knowledge, professionalism, and genuine excitement to every trip, whether an alpine adventure, a voyage through glacier-carved fjords or a Mediterranean island ramble. “I want our trip members to appreciate the special nature of these areas, not only the mountains, but also the people and their way of life, which is changing in many ways,” he says. When not guiding for WT, Mike is a Nordic ski instructor and high mountain guide for mountain, rock, and ice climbing expeditions in Europe, Alaska, Asia, and beyond. "},{"GuideID":851140,"First_Name":"Killian","Last_Name":"Buckley","BioShort":"Killian Buckley grew up in Killarney, Ireland. His parents, a harpist and a poet, instilled in him a great appreciation for the beautiful things in life, and once he found the mountains, it didn't take long for him to become addicted to the wild beauty he found there. He began hiking and climbing regularly, and what began as a hobby soon became a way of life that led him on extraordinary adventures, including climbing some of the Alps' famous north faces and an ascent, with fellow WT guide Naoise O Muiraheartaigh, of Yosemite's El Capitan. In 2021, on his birthday, Killian and his partner Maggie welcomed their first daughter Henia into the world. The three of them live in Chamonix, France. Currently, he is adjusting to fatherhood and figuring out how much risk he is willing to take in the high mountains, but still enormously passionate about sharing his love and knowledge of the Earth's wildest reaches.","BioLong":"Killian Buckley grew up in Killarney, Ireland. His parents, a harpist and a poet, instilled in him a great appreciation for the beautiful things in life, and once he found the mountains, it didn't take long for him to become addicted to the wild beauty he found there. He began hiking and climbing regularly, and what began as a hobby soon became a way of life that led him on extraordinary adventures, including climbing some of the Alps' famous north faces and an ascent, with fellow WT guide Naoise O Muiraheartaigh, of Yosemite's El Capitan. In 2021, on his birthday, Killian and his partner Maggie welcomed their first daughter Henia into the world. The three of them live in Chamonix, France. Currently, he is adjusting to fatherhood and figuring out how much risk he is willing to take in the high mountains, but still enormously passionate about sharing his love and knowledge of the Earth's wildest reaches."},{"GuideID":850643,"First_Name":"Tim","Last_Name":"Burford","BioShort":"Tim Burford's jovial persistence to explore the ends of the world, which led him to write hiking guidebooks for such destinations as Chile and Alaska, is only matched by his contagious passion to lead hiking adventures closer to his native England. “I love going to other parts of the world, but one can never really be bored in Europe, it's just packed with beauty and variety.” Tim holds a master's in French literature from Oxford, and lives in Cambridge. When not writing or leading our hiking adventures, he enjoys sailing and cycling.","BioLong":"Tim Burford's goal to explore the world led him to write nine hiking guidebooks for destinations from Latin America to central Europe, including the definitive Travel Guide to Georgia (the former Soviet Union). With hiking poles in hand, he has been leading Wilderness Travel trips all across Europe for over 20 years. Tim studied French language and literature at Oxford University, lives in Cambridge, England, and when not writing or leading our hiking adventures, enjoys sailing and cycling."},{"GuideID":851192,"First_Name":"Peter","Last_Name":"Hallewell","BioShort":"Heather Florence was raised in the north of England and developed her love of the mountains early while on family hiking trips in North Wales and the Lake District. The lure of the mountains eventually led her to Chamonix, France, where she has lived for the last 10 years. When not leading trips, Heather travels around the world visiting the most spectacular places to go rock climbing. She's climbed El Capitan in Yosemite, the Totem pole in Tasmania, and desert towers in Jordan. Closer to home she has climbed many local mountains and is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in psychology. ","BioLong":"Heather Florence was raised in the north of England and developed her love of the mountains early while on family hiking trips in North Wales and the Lake District. The lure of the mountains eventually led her to Chamonix, France, where she has lived for the last 10 years. When not leading trips, Heather travels around the world visiting the most spectacular places to go rock climbing. She's climbed El Capitan in Yosemite, the Totem pole in Tasmania, and desert towers in Jordan. Closer to home she has climbed many local mountains and is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in psychology. "},{"GuideID":851077,"First_Name":"Jonny","Last_Name":"Kaye","BioShort":"From the peaks of the French Alps to Italy's Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales in England, Jonny Kaye has crossed countless mountain ranges, guiding groups of intrepid hikers along the way with his wealth of experience as a mountaineer and his easygoing way. His climbing adventures have taken him from Scotland to the Caucasus Mountains and the Arctic. Originally from Yorkshire in England, he lives in France's Tarentaise Valley with his wife and two children. When not leading trips, Jonny enjoys time with his family, cycling and birding, and in winter, he runs a ski chalet near his home.","BioLong":"From the peaks of the French Alps to Italy's Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales in England, Jonny Kaye has crossed countless mountain ranges, guiding groups of intrepid hikers along the way with his wealth of experience as a mountaineer and his easygoing way. His climbing adventures have taken him from Scotland to the Caucasus Mountains and the Arctic. Originally from Yorkshire in England, he lives in France's Tarentaise Valley with his wife and two children. When not leading trips, Jonny enjoys time with his family, cycling and birding, and in winter, he runs a ski chalet near his home."},{"GuideID":851270,"First_Name":"Katie","Last_Name":"L'Herpiniere","BioShort":"Katie-Jane L'Herpiniere, from Devon, England, has been an adventurer for 18 years, completing her own human-powered expeditions from the Sahara to the Himalayas, the Andes, and places in between. She holds an International Mountain Leader guiding qualification as well as a Masters Degree in Rural Tourism. When not guiding, Katie is an avid cyclist, competing around the world in Unsupported Ultra-Distance bike races, both on-road and off-road. She's a strong advocate for getting outdoors to watch the sunrise, breathe the mountain air, and notice the natural wonders around us. Katie says “It's a tremendous privilege to be able to lead guests through some of the world's most beautiful places.”","BioLong":"Katie-Jane L'Herpiniere, from Devon, England, has been an adventurer for 18 years, completing her own human-powered expeditions from the Sahara to the Himalayas, the Andes, and places in between. She holds an International Mountain Leader guiding qualification as well as a Masters Degree in Rural Tourism. When not guiding, Katie is an avid cyclist, competing around the world in Unsupported Ultra-Distance bike races, both on-road and off-road. She's a strong advocate for getting outdoors to watch the sunrise, breathe the mountain air, and notice the natural wonders around us. Katie says “It's a tremendous privilege to be able to lead guests through some of the world's most beautiful places.”"},{"GuideID":850408,"First_Name":"Hashmat","Last_Name":"Singh","BioShort":"Hashmat Singh has led over 150 journeys on three continents for us since 1990. He holds a BA in History from Delhi University and is a noted photographer. His book, Trekking in the Himalaya (Roli Books), features photographic essays from Ladakh to Bhutan. Born an army brat, Hashmat traveled extensively as his father was posted in various remote regions of India. His first big Himalayan trek was at age 12, with his school group, and during college, he headed into the Himalaya to take mountaineering courses. A passionate traveler, Hashmat has been instrumental in designing new adventures for us throughout Asia. The profession of Trip Leader combines several of his interests—hiking, exploring the mountains, photography, and meeting new people. He's a favorite of WT travelers—as one of them put it, “Hashmat is a longstanding member of the guiding hall of fame.” He lives in Delhi with his wife and two children.","BioLong":"Hashmat Singh has led over 180 journeys on three continents for us since 1990. He holds a BA in History from Delhi University and is a noted photographer. His book, Trekking in the Himalaya (Roli Books), features photographic essays from Ladakh to Bhutan. Born an army brat, Hashmat traveled extensively as his father was posted in various remote regions of India. His first big Himalayan trek was at age 12, with his school group, and during college, he headed into the Himalaya to take mountaineering courses. “Big mountains of the world, whether they are in the Himalaya, Alps, or the Andes, hold a special fascination for me, as do the people living amongst them, holding on to their ancient cultures in a world where everything is rapidly changing.” A passionate traveler, Hashmat has been instrumental in designing and leading adventures for us throughout Asia, and in summer, he joins our team of Trip Leaders leading hikes in the Alps. The profession of Trip Leader combines several of his interests—hiking, exploring the mountains, photography, and meeting new people. He's a favorite of WT travelers—as one of them put it, “Hashmat is a longstanding member of the guiding hall of fame.” He lives in Delhi with his wife and two children."},{"GuideID":851082,"First_Name":"Mark","Last_Name":"Tennent","BioShort":"A native of Bath, England, Mark Tennent quickly learned his calling was in the mountains. He completed a specialist Outdoor Education degree at Bangor Normal College in North Wales, subsequently instructed at various outdoor centers in the UK, then graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and was commissioned into the British Army, which he left as a Captain. A recipient of several mountaineering and leadership certificates, Mark has worked in various parts of the world including Afghanistan, Macedonia, Kosovo, Kenya, Sudan, and India. Since 2005, he has lived in the Savoie department of the French Alps, near Albertville, where he shares his passion for the outdoors, French food, and the local culture. He's a member of the French Syndicat Interprofessionnel de la Montagne, bringing together mountain guides, climbing instructors, and mountain leaders. When not guiding, he can be found ski-mountaineering, rock climbing, and cycling.","BioLong":"A native of Bath, England, Mark Tennent quickly learned his calling was in the mountains. He completed a specialist Outdoor Education degree at Bangor Normal College in North Wales, subsequently instructed at various outdoor centers in the UK, then graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and was commissioned into the British Army, which he left as a Captain. A recipient of several mountaineering and leadership certificates, Mark has worked in various parts of the world including Afghanistan, Macedonia, Kosovo, Kenya, Sudan, and India. Since 2005, he has lived in the Savoie department of the French Alps, near Albertville, where he shares his passion for the outdoors, French food, and the local culture. He's a member of the French Syndicat Interprofessionnel de la Montagne, bringing together mountain guides, climbing instructors, and mountain leaders. When not guiding, he can be found ski-mountaineering, rock climbing, and cycling."},{"GuideID":850725,"First_Name":"Daniel","Last_Name":"Windham","BioShort":"Daniel Windham, born in Georgia's foothills, discovered his passion for the mountains at an early age while backpacking on the Appalachian Trail. After moving to northern Italy, becoming a mountain guide, and running a mountain hut with his Italian wife, he returned (via a couple of years in Costa Rica) to his roots, enjoying the outdoor life with his family. Having climbed and guided on some of the highest peaks in the Himalayas and the Americas (notably Mt. Rainier), Dan continues to guide on Aconcagua (Argentina) and for Wilderness Travel in the Alps. He is also an Appalachian Trail Ambassador, which involves regularly running an 89-mile stretch of the trail, as well as community involvement. His goal is to \"give back to the wilderness a little of what it has given me.” Dan speaks English, Spanish, and Italian, and continues his interests in wilderness medicine and cooking.","BioLong":"Daniel Windham, born in Georgia's foothills, discovered his passion for the mountains at an early age while backpacking on the Appalachian Trail. After moving to northern Italy, becoming a mountain guide, and running a mountain hut with his Italian wife, he returned (via a couple of years in Costa Rica) to his roots, enjoying the outdoor life with his family. Having climbed and guided on some of the highest peaks in the Himalayas and the Americas (notably Mt. Rainier), Dan continues to guide on Aconcagua (Argentina) and for Wilderness Travel in the Alps. He is also an Appalachian Trail Ambassador, which involves regularly running an 89-mile stretch of the trail, as well as community involvement. His goal is to \"give back to the wilderness a little of what it has given me.” Dan speaks English, Spanish, and Italian, and continues his interests in wilderness medicine and cooking."},{"GuideID":850724,"First_Name":"Tanya","Last_Name":"Perret","BioShort":"Tanya Perret, originally from Bath, England, fell in love with the Alps and the Himalayas and since 1997 has led over 200 trips, mostly in the high mountains but also cultural experiences ranging from the shores of Lac Leman to the heart of the Tuscan countryside. Tanya has climbed both Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn in addition to a number of 6,000- and 8,000-meter giants of the Himalayas. Her guiding in Nepal has brought her to the Everest region as well as Annapurna, Langtang, Helembu, Lower Mustang, and Makalu. Tanya holds the International Mountain Leader guiding qualification as well as a post-graduate degree in Education and a Master's degree in Rural Development. Conversant in French and Nepalese, Tanya and her son have been renovating their beautiful old chalet in the French Alps that dates back to 1746. ","BioLong":"Tanya Perret, originally from Bath, England, fell in love with the Alps and the Himalayas and since 1997 has led over 200 trips, mostly in the high mountains but also cultural experiences ranging from the shores of Lac Leman to the heart of the Tuscan countryside. Tanya has climbed both Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn in addition to a number of 6,000- and 8,000-meter giants of the Himalayas. Her guiding in Nepal has brought her to the Everest region as well as Annapurna, Langtang, Helembu, Lower Mustang, and Makalu. Tanya holds the International Mountain Leader guiding qualification as well as a post-graduate degree in Education and a Master's degree in Rural Development. Conversant in French and Nepalese, Tanya and her son have been renovating their beautiful old chalet in the French Alps that dates back to 1746. "},{"GuideID":851139,"First_Name":"Peter","Last_Name":"Hallewell","BioShort":"Peter Hallewell loves to explore the great outdoors: walking, hiking, climbing mountains on skis or on foot, and snowshoeing. His passion for the outdoors first developed on family holidays to the English Lake District, and he has lived part-time for the last 30 years in Les Gets in the French Alps, progressively scaling almost all the peaks in the area. Qualified as an International Mountain Leader, he knows the mountains of Europe well and loves to introduce fellow hikers to the joys of the trail.","BioLong":"Peter Hallewell loves to explore the great outdoors: walking, hiking, climbing mountains on skis or on foot, and snowshoeing. His passion for the outdoors first developed on family holidays to the English Lake District, and he has lived part-time for the last 30 years in Les Gets in the French Alps, progressively scaling almost all the peaks in the area. Qualified as an International Mountain Leader, he knows the mountains of Europe well and loves to introduce fellow hikers to the joys of the trail."}],"guestreviews":[{"GuestNames":"Anne W.","GuestLocation":"Boulder, CO","GuestReview":"Everything clicked smoothly to make this the best vacation I've ever had. This was my first trip of this kind and I could tell early on that WT is a well-oiled wheel—a very smooth operation."},{"GuestNames":"Anthony D.","GuestLocation":"Pollock Pines, CA","GuestReview":"Excellent group and guides, fantastic trip. It ended too soon!"},{"GuestNames":"Audrey van C.","GuestLocation":"Cowies Hill, South Africa","GuestReview":"Five stars for trip design and quality of Trip Leaders. So fantastic I doubt that any other trip could match it. Every day was special—even the rest days!"},{"GuestNames":"Deborah T.","GuestLocation":"Napa, CA","GuestReview":"Excellent trip, thanks to the outstanding guides and the stunning hikes."},{"GuestNames":"Denise E.","GuestLocation":"Weston, CT","GuestReview":"Fabulous! My husband and I have lots of climbing and trekking experience, and we were both very impressed with the helpful, enthusiastic guides and magnificent itinerary of this trip!"},{"GuestNames":"Elizabeth W.","GuestLocation":"Chagrin Falls, OH","GuestReview":"The Haute Route had been on my husband's bucket list for years. The hikes were perfect, a great mix of mountains and meadows and beautiful scenery."},{"GuestNames":"Inge K.","GuestLocation":"Concord, MA","GuestReview":"This was an absolutely fabulous, memorable trip. The guides had clearly honed the itinerary to incorporate the best parts of the Haute Route for us, with a tremendous variety of scenery and spectacular hikes. I've been recommending this trip to all my friends. Well done everyone!"},{"GuestNames":"Irene R.","GuestLocation":"Steilacoom, WA","GuestReview":"This was an amazing trip, and exceeded my expectations at every level. Well organized, well planned, well executed—and the scenery was amazing. Thank you!"},{"GuestNames":"Jeanna F.","GuestLocation":"Paradise Valley, AZ","GuestReview":"The three leaders were a magical combination—a great mix of personalities and interests. They not only made the trip a seamless, perfect experience for us but they also added humor and joy to the experience. What a great trip!"},{"GuestNames":"Jodi and Tim L.","GuestLocation":"Honolulu, HI","GuestReview":"The most beautiful scenery we have seen on a multi day trek. Every day just kept getting better. Challenging, but fun hikes. A great adventure."},{"GuestNames":"Joel L.","GuestLocation":"Piedmont, CA","GuestReview":"We had a wonderful time. Everything about the trip (weather, leadership, group dynamics) could not possibly have gone any better. Fabulous!"},{"GuestNames":"Jon Van C.","GuestLocation":"Cowies Hill, South Africa","GuestReview":"This was an experience of a lifetime. The scenery is mind-blowing. Outstanding Trip Leaders, hard-working, meticulous, good fun."},{"GuestNames":"Lisa B.","GuestLocation":"South Dartmouth, MA","GuestReview":"Outstanding all around! Well-paced itinerary and an incredible experience. Especially loved our group's overnights in the huts, the classic alpine views, and the friendly, upbeat and knowledgable guides, who worked together wonderfully as a team. Would recommend this trip to any qualified friend seeking the perfect Alps experience."},{"GuestNames":"Lorraine B.","GuestLocation":"Sydney, Australia","GuestReview":"We enjoyed our experience immensely and have taken away many fabulous memories. One of the highlights of the trip for us was the fabulous group of people -- and the many laughs we had along the way."},{"GuestNames":"Maryann M.","GuestLocation":"Los Angeles, CA","GuestReview":"I love the hiking and the scenery, but I particularly appreciate the feeling on WT trips that I am traveling with friends—both the Trip Leaders whom I have now known for years in some cases, and the new friends I’ve made along the way."},{"GuestNames":"Michael M.","GuestLocation":"Madison, NJ","GuestReview":"The hiking was outstanding and all I hoped it to be! Really enjoyed the guides we had on this trip—their expertise, local knowledge, and passion for what they do really made the trip a blast! I would hike with any of them again anywhere."},{"GuestNames":"Robin F.","GuestLocation":"Bellingham, WA","GuestReview":"Superbly organized and flawlessly delivered. Our guides were very experienced and went way out of their way to ensure this was a 'best ever' experience. Can't praise WT or our guides enough. We loved the entire experience. Thank you so much!"},{"GuestNames":"Robyn F.","GuestLocation":"Epping, Australia","GuestReview":"A wonderful trip... Spectacular scenery! I enjoyed the small group of 6 as it made it more personable and flexible."},{"GuestNames":"Roger W.","GuestLocation":"San Francisco, CA","GuestReview":"Flawlessly operated and run. This trip is obviously very well thought out."},{"GuestNames":"Stephen F.","GuestLocation":"San Diego, CA","GuestReview":"This was my first Wilderness Travel adventure and I thought it was fantastic. It clearly met and exceeded my expectations!"}],"Extensions":[{}],"SimilarTrips":[{"TripID":10314,"SimilarTripID":10311,"Trip_Code":"DOLOCORT","Trip_Name":"Hiking in the Cortina Dolomites"},{"TripID":10314,"SimilarTripID":10365,"Trip_Code":"VIALPINA","Trip_Name":"Hiking Switzerland's Via Alpina"},{"TripID":10314,"SimilarTripID":10406,"Trip_Code":"HTESHORT","Trip_Name":"Hiking the Haute Route"},{"TripID":10314,"SimilarTripID":10341,"Trip_Code":"TMB","Trip_Name":"Tour du Mont Blanc"}],"Specialists":[{}],"TripSegments":[{"VendorID":71012,"ProductID":84797,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Extra Hotel Night","Vendor":"Grand Hotel des Alpes","Address1":"75, Rue du Dr Paccard","Address2":"","City":"Chamonix","State":"","Postal":"74400","Product":"Pre-Trip Extra Services: Grand Hotel des Alpes (DATES, 1 night)","Day":0,"Sequence":20,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"<p>A truly wonderful hotel that WT groups have enjoyed for years, the elegant Grand Hotel des Alpes is right in the center of Chamonix, set back on a lovely plaza facing a pedestrians-only street. 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Once you receive your physician's approval, please upload the signed form to your Portal (directions on how to do this can be found in your Portal).<\/p>","Custom_Trip_Name_Addendum":"Hiking Adventure","Custom_Welcome_Letter_Addendum":"","Custom_Welcome_Email_Send_List":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-13T06:39:32 --><p>Extra Service Request Form<br \/>Medical Practitioner Form<\/p>","Custom_Welcome_Insurance_Intro":"We recommend you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect your travel investment against the unexpected. ","Custom_FI_Optional_Donation_Text":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Trip_Sales_Points":"<body>I also encourage you to check out this <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/o47DLV0LPC4\">trip video<\/a>, which will give you a great sense of the adventure ahead!<\/body><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n","Custom_Sales_Email_-_TP_Trip_Sales_Points":"<body>I also encourage you to check out this <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/o47DLV0LPC4\">trip video<\/a>, which will give you a great sense of the adventure ahead!<\/body><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Payment_Terms":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>In order to confirm your space on this trip, we require a first deposit of $600 per person, which is fully refundable up to 91 days prior to departure.<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>Alps Hiking<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Hiking_Poles":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-01T00:02:28 --><p><strong>HIKING POLES:<\/strong> If you choose to bring hiking poles, they must be packed in your checked luggage as they are not permitted in carry-on bags.<\/p>","Custom_Daypack":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-26T13:45:17 --><p><strong>DAYPACK:<\/strong> Daypack (20-30 liters), large enough for a jacket or rain gear, water bottle, camera, snacks, and other items you want on the trail. Very few daypacks are waterproof, so if you do not have a waterproof cover, any items that you need to keep dry should be put in a waterproof stuff sack inside your pack. <\/p>","Custom_Vaccination_Card":"","Custom_FB_Packing_Reminders_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_1":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-26T13:46:13 --><p><strong>NOTE ON ACCOMMODATIONS:<\/strong> Our trip takes us through some of the finest scenery in the Alps. You will be staying in small inns and hotels. We have done our best to arrange accommodation as equitably as possible, however please keep in mind that the rooms in Europe's small inns and hotels may not be as large as you are accustomed to in American hotels. If you have signed up for a single supplement, please note that on two nights you may still have shared accommodations.<\/p>","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Arrival":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-26T13:47:02 --><p><strong>ARRIVING IN CHAMONIX <\/strong><br \/>Wilderness Travel provides a complimentary transfer between the Geneva Airport and our hotel in Chamonix, France. Please note this is a public van transfer service and it is likely other passengers may join the same transfer. There will likely be a waiting period between your arrival and the shuttle's departure as the other travelers scheduled for your transfer arrive. Upon arrival, a driver holding a sign with your name on it will meet you by the entrance of the Montreux Jazz Cafe, situated to the far right hand side of the Geneva Arrivals Hall - Swiss Sector. The journey from the Geneva Airport to Chamonix is roughly 1.5 hours.<\/p><p>If you have booked our complimentary transfer service, your reservation confirmation has already been emailed to you by Chamonix Valley Transfers. Please check this email to ensure that they have correctly noted your arrival information. You will also receive an email the night before your arrival to confirm the exact time of pickup as well as your driver's name and phone number. You can show either of these confirmation emails to your driver either printed or on your cell phone. If you have any problems (i.e. lost luggage), please contact your driver using the information provided in your final transfer confirmation, or alternatively contact the local office for Chamonix Valley Transfers at (+33) 485-800-132<\/p><p> <\/p><p><strong>MEETING PLACE<\/strong><br \/>On Day 1 at 8:30 am, please meet your Trip Leaders in the lobby of the Grand Hotel des Alpes in Chamonix. Please come to the meeting place dressed and ready to hike as you will head out on our first hike following a brief orientation meeting.<br \/><\/p>","Custom_Arrival-_Meeting_Place":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-01T00:18:03 --><p><strong>Grand Hôtel des Alpes<\/strong><br \/>75 Rue du Dr Paccard<br \/>74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France<br \/>+33 4 50 55 37 80<\/p>","Custom_Arrival_Transfer":"","Custom_Departure":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-26T13:48:29 --><p><strong>DEPARTING ZERMATT <\/strong><br \/>The trip ends in Zermatt after breakfast on Day 12. Trains to Geneva (about 4 hours) or Zurich (about 3 \u00bd hours) depart hourly starting at around 5:30 am. Reservations are generally not needed and tickets can be purchased on the day of departure. Your Trip Leaders can assist you with this upon arrival in Zermatt. However, for peace of mind, you may decide to purchase your ticket in advance at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.raileurope.com\/\">www.raileurope.com<\/a>. <\/p><p> <\/p>","Custom_Extra_Services":"","Custom_Contact_Information_for_Friends_and_Family":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-26T13:48:44 --><p>If friends or family wish to contact you during the trip, we encourage them to call, text, or email you directly. Another option is to reach you by calling the hotel (please see the enclosed Hotel List). If they are unable to reach you directly, please instruct them to call our office in Berkeley, California, and we will get a message to you as soon as possible. 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Overview
A legendary trail traces the highest French and Swiss mountains between Chamonix and Zermatt by way of gleaming glaciers, cool mountain tarns, and meadows bright with wildflowers. It's the Haute Route, pioneered in the mid-19th century by the British Alpine Club and today one of Europe's favorite long-distance hikes. Our “ultimate” version of this journey, with 11 hiking days, features two overnights in remote hike-in lodges so we can savor alpenglow on the high peaks and enjoy alpine camaraderie with fellow hikers. We'll also explore two of the great mountaineering centers in the world—Chamonix, above which towers the highest massif in Western Europe, and Zermatt, dominated by the crooked spire of the Matterhorn.
Arrive: Chamonix, France
Depart: Zermatt, Switzerland
Highlights
- Experience one of the planet's great mountain hikes—with 11 amazing hiking days
- Enjoy two overnights in classic hike-in lodges for alpenglow over the high peaks and mountain camaraderie
- Hike with a team of experienced and knowledgeable Trip Leaders who know the Alps as home
- Explore Chamonix and Zermatt, two of the most famous mountain towns in the world
Itinerary
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Departing Chamonix, we hike across the Col de Balme and descend through pine forests to the Col de la Forclaz, which leads into France. As we follow a forested trail once used by shepherds and smugglers, we take in sweeping views of the Rhône Valley on our descent to Champex, a village in the French-speaking Swiss canton of Valais.
From a legendary mountain refuge with panoramas of the enormous face of the Mont Blanc massif, we take a “secret” trail past lakes and glaciers and cross three alpine passes en route to the remote Prafleuri Refuge. An ascent of the Col de Riedmatten (9,577'), with its dazzling mountain-and-glacier vistas, brings us down to Arolla, an ideal spot for an invaluable rest day (or optional hikes!).
Our trail leads through a traditional area of the Valais and across two passes, both of which bring tremendous views of icy peaks, including the pyramid of the Dent Blanche (14,290')—it's one of the most famous vistas in the Alps.
A climb to the Augstbordpass (9,495') brings superb views of the 14,000-foot-high peaks of the Mischabel Range. We then head to Zermatt, a town surrounded by glaciers and a dozen 13,000-foot peaks, including the mighty Matterhorn. One option on Day 11 is a hike to the Hörnli Hut, where climbers set out to scale the Matterhorn. Depart on Day 12.
Dates & Pricing
Payment & Cancel Schedule
$600 due at time of reservation
90 days prior to departure: Balance
Cancellation & Transfer Schedule
Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge!
61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
45 days or less: 100% of trip cost
Included
- Expert leadership of two Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders
- Accommodations in hotels, inns, and refuges
- All meals included except 2 lunches and 1 dinner as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
- A glass of wine or beer with dinner
- All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
- All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
Not Included
- Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
- Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
- Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
- Optional travel insurance
- Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)
Accommodations
Listed below are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
Grand Hotel des Alpes
Day 1 (1 night)
A truly wonderful hotel that WT groups have enjoyed for years, the elegant Grand Hotel des Alpes is right in the center of Chamonix, set back on a lovely plaza facing a pedestrians-only street. A historic property newly rebuilt from stem to stern, it is Italian-owned and run with superb taste and great service. The quiet garden terrace along the river is a great place for a drink in the evening or a breakfast buffet in the morning. There's also a pool, steam room, and Jacuzzi. Without a doubt, this is the best place to stay in Chamonix!
Alternate Hotels: Le Hameau Albert 1er
Hotel du Col de la Forclaz
Day 2 (1 night)
Sitting right on the mountain pass where the road leads west to France or east to Switzerland, this is a mountain accommodation with simple rooms and shared toilets/showers. The food is hearty and home-cooked and there's a nice patio where we can relax and enjoy the views. Depending on availability, trip members may have to share rooms on this night.Alternate Hotel: Martigny Boutique Hotel
Hotel du Glacier
Day 3 (1 night)
The comfortable Hotel du Glacier sits on the main and only street of the pretty little village of Champex. The same lovely couple has owned it for many years and they also run the restaurant, which has great food and a relaxed atmosphere. The hotel is steps away from a picturesque mountain lake.
Cabane Mont Fort
Day 4 (1 night)
Sensational views are all around us at Cabane Mont Fort, a superbly located mountain refuge at 8,000 feet owned by the Swiss Alpine Club. The old stone building sits at the top of a plateau above the famed Swiss ski resort of Verbier. It has simple multi-bedded dorm rooms with shared toilets/showers. The whole of the Mont Blanc massif is in view here—the setting is truly dramatic and it's a treat to savor the views from the beautiful sun deck.
Prafleuri Hut
Day 5 (1 night)
Set in an isolated spot at 8,600 feet between Verbier and Arolla, the Prafleuri Hut (or Cabane de Prafleuri in French) allows us to sleep high on the Haute Route rather than descending to the valley floor for the night. We sleep in multi-bedded dorm-style rooms with shared toilets/showers. Local ski guides Babeth and Paul are our welcoming hosts here.
Grand Hotel Kurhaus
Days 6-7 (2 nights)
This historic Victorian stone hotel at 6,000 feet on the Haute Route trail sits apart from the little village of Arolla in a forest clearing. Built in 1896 and loaded with charm and character, it has been beautifully renovated with all the modern comforts. There's a great downstairs bar with a crackling fireplace, an ancient wood-paneled salon, antique skis on the wall, and a wonderful terrace garden in front for enjoying a beer and views of Mont-Collon, Pigne d'Arolla, and other peaks we've been viewing from the trail.
Hotel Alpina
Day 8 (1 night)
The Alpina is a modern chalet-style hotel with wonderful flower-box-filled balconies attached to all the guest rooms. The hotel blends in well with its surroundings on the edge of the historic part of Grimentz, an ancient and undiscovered Swiss hamlet of tiny cobbled streets and classic wooden chalets. The dining/breakfast room has great mountain views.
Hotel Schwarzhorn
Day 9 (1 night)
In Gruben, a classic stop on the hikers' Haute Route, the stone-built Hotel Schwarzhorn is the only accommodation in this tiny mountain hamlet. Nestled in the remote Turtmanntal Valley, it has basic rooms with in-room sinks and shared toilets/showers across the hall. We hike the Haute Route trail right to this hotel in the afternoon, and hike out the next morning, no van transfer required!
BEAUSiTE Zermatt
Days 10-11 (2 nights)
The BEAUSiTE, built in 1907, is Zermatt's Grand Dame, now upgraded to the 20th century with elegant rooms, multiple dining options, and an indulgent spa that includes a sauna and indoor and outdoor pools. The Matterhorn view from the hotel's terrace is mesmerizing and the hotel is a 10-minute walk to the center of this historic, car-free town.
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Trip Leaders
Mike Browder
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Killian Buckley
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Tim Burford
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Heather Florence
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Jonny Kaye
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Katie L'Herpiniere
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Hashmat Singh
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Mark Tennent
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Daniel Windham
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Tanya Perret
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Peter Hallewell
View ProfileWhat the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 5+, Strenuous, according to our trip grading system. You will need to be comfortable hiking 10 miles a day for several days in a row, being on your feet for up to 8 hours a day, and hiking on uneven surfaces with long descents that can be hard on the knees. While no climbing or mountaineering experience is necessary, all trip members should have ample hiking experience and be able to keep up with the group as there are no alternative hiking options available. Trail conditions, weather, and the group's level of fitness can affect hiking times and pacing.
Average Hiking Day
Review Trip Level Details
- 7-8 miles
- 5-6 hours
- 2,500-3,000 feet gain/loss
- Altitudes range from 6,000-9,000 feet
- Day 5: 10 miles, 8 hours, 3,050 feet gain, and 2,400 feet loss; includes sections scrambling over large boulders and three passes
- Day 6: 10 miles, 8 hours, 2,500 feet gain, and 4,300 feet loss; includes ladders needed to get over a pass
At lower elevations, the trails are usually packed dirt, but at higher elevations they are often much rockier, with occasional sections of glacial snow, loose scree, and large boulders. On some days, you will encounter sections of narrow, exposed trails. You will also occasionally need to use your hands to scramble over and between a jumble of boulders. Your experienced mountain guides are there to assist you if needed.
The months we visit the Alps are the optimal ones, but mountain weather can be fickle. Temperatures are likely to reach the 60s°F and 70s°F during the day, with cool breezes and occasional rain. At night, the temperature will drop quite a bit, depending on the altitude. The early-season departure could encounter snow on the trails. We are likely to experience a full range of weather conditions, making rain gear and warm garments necessary items to carry with you on every hike.
Accommodations are in small, comfortable hotels and inns that can be busy during the summer hiking season. While not luxurious, they are clean and well located. Please note these are hikers' hotels, not five-star resorts. The rooms are clean and comfortable, but are not always of uniform size or amenities. Our leaders do their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole. In a few of the hotels, there are shared bathrooms. During two trip nights, we stay in huts where only dormitory-style shared bedrooms are available. Single rooms are offered when possible, but those who pay the Single Supplement may have to share a room for up to four nights during the trip.
Lunch will usually be either in a mountain lodge or at a picnic spot amidst the beauty of the surrounding mountains. Most evening meals will be taken at our hotels and will be hearty, nourishing mountain fare, often with the cuisine the region is noted for. Please note that in Europe, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 7:30 pm.
Our van will transport the group's luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack for items you need during the day (rain gear, sweater, camera, water bottle, etc.). Trip members are always free to skip a day's hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle (or remain at the hotel if we are not transferring that day). There is an exception on two nights of the trip where we stay in a mountain refuge with no road access. During this three-day, two-night stretch, it is impossible for our support vehicle to reach our mountain refuges at night. For this period, you must carry a daypack with the clothing and toiletries you will need for those three days. Most medium-sized daypacks have enough room for extra belongings (a toothbrush, soap, small towel, and a fresh t-shirt will suffice for most people).
Client Testimonials
"Everything clicked smoothly to make this the best vacation I've ever had. This was my first trip of this kind and I could tell early on that WT is a well-oiled wheel—a very smooth operation."
Anne W.
Boulder, CO
"Excellent group and guides, fantastic trip. It ended too soon!"
Anthony D.
Pollock Pines, CA
"Five stars for trip design and quality of Trip Leaders. So fantastic I doubt that any other trip could match it. Every day was special—even the rest days!"
Audrey van C.
Cowies Hill, South Africa
"Excellent trip, thanks to the outstanding guides and the stunning hikes."
Deborah T.
Napa, CA
"Fabulous! My husband and I have lots of climbing and trekking experience, and we were both very impressed with the helpful, enthusiastic guides and magnificent itinerary of this trip!"
Denise E.
Weston, CT
"The Haute Route had been on my husband's bucket list for years. The hikes were perfect, a great mix of mountains and meadows and beautiful scenery."
Elizabeth W.
Chagrin Falls, OH
"This was an absolutely fabulous, memorable trip. The guides had clearly honed the itinerary to incorporate the best parts of the Haute Route for us, with a tremendous variety of scenery and spectacular hikes. I've been recommending this trip to all my friends. Well done everyone!"
Inge K.
Concord, MA
"This was an amazing trip, and exceeded my expectations at every level. Well organized, well planned, well executed—and the scenery was amazing. Thank you!"
Irene R.
Steilacoom, WA
"The three leaders were a magical combination—a great mix of personalities and interests. They not only made the trip a seamless, perfect experience for us but they also added humor and joy to the experience. What a great trip!"
Jeanna F.
Paradise Valley, AZ
"The most beautiful scenery we have seen on a multi day trek. Every day just kept getting better. Challenging, but fun hikes. A great adventure."
Jodi and Tim L.
Honolulu, HI
"We had a wonderful time. Everything about the trip (weather, leadership, group dynamics) could not possibly have gone any better. Fabulous!"
Joel L.
Piedmont, CA
"This was an experience of a lifetime. The scenery is mind-blowing. Outstanding Trip Leaders, hard-working, meticulous, good fun."
Jon Van C.
Cowies Hill, South Africa
"Outstanding all around! Well-paced itinerary and an incredible experience. Especially loved our group's overnights in the huts, the classic alpine views, and the friendly, upbeat and knowledgable guides, who worked together wonderfully as a team. Would recommend this trip to any qualified friend seeking the perfect Alps experience."
Lisa B.
South Dartmouth, MA
"We enjoyed our experience immensely and have taken away many fabulous memories. One of the highlights of the trip for us was the fabulous group of people -- and the many laughs we had along the way."
Lorraine B.
Sydney, Australia
"I love the hiking and the scenery, but I particularly appreciate the feeling on WT trips that I am traveling with friends—both the Trip Leaders whom I have now known for years in some cases, and the new friends I’ve made along the way."
Maryann M.
Los Angeles, CA
"The hiking was outstanding and all I hoped it to be! Really enjoyed the guides we had on this trip—their expertise, local knowledge, and passion for what they do really made the trip a blast! I would hike with any of them again anywhere."
Michael M.
Madison, NJ
"Superbly organized and flawlessly delivered. Our guides were very experienced and went way out of their way to ensure this was a 'best ever' experience. Can't praise WT or our guides enough. We loved the entire experience. Thank you so much!"
Robin F.
Bellingham, WA
"A wonderful trip... Spectacular scenery! I enjoyed the small group of 6 as it made it more personable and flexible."
Robyn F.
Epping, Australia
"Flawlessly operated and run. This trip is obviously very well thought out."
Roger W.
San Francisco, CA
"This was my first Wilderness Travel adventure and I thought it was fantastic. It clearly met and exceeded my expectations!"
Stephen F.
San Diego, CA
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Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.
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A climbing and skiing center for over a hundred years and the mountaineering “capital” of Europe, Chamonix has a wonderful atmosphere and a well preserved Old Town with cobbled streets full of lively sidewalk cafes. From near the center of town, the famous Aiguille du Midi cable car whisks visitors to 12,000 feet for stunning views of the Mont Blanc range. We meet early at the hotel in Chamonix for a trip orientation, then head out for a 5-hour round-trip “warm-up” hike up to the Aiguilles Rouges (“Red Peaks”) across the valley from Mont Blanc. Spectacular views on today's hike include the Aiguille Verte, all the “needles” (spire-like peaks) of the Chamonix Valley, and the incredible Mer de Glace, a curving glacier almost four miles long. We return by cable car from La Flegere, or have an option to continue hiking along the Grand Balcon to the cable car station at Planpraz. Overnight in Chamonix.\r\nHiking Details: 6 miles, 4-5 hours, 1,700 feet ascent\/descent\r\n\r\nNote: We suggest you arrive in Chamonix at least one day in advance of the trip start. We will be happy to book this hotel night for you. Most people fly to Geneva, Switzerland, and then transfer to Chamonix. We offer a complimentary van transfer from the Geneva airport directly to our hotel in the center of Chamonix; a booking form is enclosed with your confirmation packet.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":2,"DayTo":2,"Headline":"Argentiere \/ Col de Balme \/ Col de la Forclaz","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Driving past Argentiere, with superb views of Mont Blanc, the Aiguille Verte, and the Chamonix granite needles, we continue to our trailhead to begin the Haute Route hike. We ascend through meadows where dairy cows graze and hike up through woodlands to cross the Col de Balme (7,230'), which marks the French-Swiss frontier. With wonderful vistas of Mont Blanc along the way, we descend into Col de la Forclaz, located right on the mountain pass where the road leads west to France or east to Switzerland. Overnight at a hotel in the Trient\/Martigny region.\r\nHiking Details: 9 miles, 6-7 hours, 3,000 feet ascent, 3,050 feet descent\r\n\r\nThe Haute Route: The magnificent high traverse from Chamonix, France, to Zermatt, Switzerland, explores the terrain where alpinism and the sport of mountaineering were born in the 19th century. The original High Level Route was developed more than 100 years ago, primarily for ski-mountaineering expeditions. Over the years, another Haute Route evolved, a walking route that has become the quintessential walking experience across the European Alps—it ascends to nearly 10,000 feet yet requires no technical mountaineering skills, and rewards the walker with some of the most spectacular high mountain views in the Alps. There are constantly changing panoramas of high peaks, alpine meadows alive with wildflowers, picturesque old farms, and beautiful lakes.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":3,"Headline":"Alpine Hike \/ Champex","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We have two hiking options today depending on weather and trail conditions. The first hike is at lower elevation. From Col de la Forclaz (5,026'), a wonderful forested trail used by shepherds for centuries to bring their cattle to mountain pastures leads up the mountain and opens to an alpine meadow at 6,690 feet. We'll stop at a charming refuge and farm that's still in use today. From here, we'll descend through a forest and take in sweeping views of the Rhone Valley with the river slicing through valley pastures and villages and distant views of the peaks of the Bernese Oberland. The trail then descends steeply into the Swiss hamlets of Champex-d'en Haut and Champex-d'en Bas. A five-minute drive brings us to Champex (or you can walk the additional distance).\r\n\r\nThe second option (if weather allows) is one of the most strenuous of the Haute Route as we ascend a steep footpath alongside the magnificent Trient Glacier to the rocky Fenêtre d'Arpette (8,750') before descending into the narrow glacial Val d'Arpette. The ascent begins gradually, but as we approach the top, the trail is quite steep and then disappears into a jumble of huge boulders. We'll scramble over and between the boulders to reach the summit, with its panoramic views of peaks and the glacier. This is not technically difficult, but it is strenuous as it comes at the end of a long ascent. The descent to the valley is also quite steep and challenging, yet rewards us with an abundance of wildflowers, sparkling streams, and marmots with their shrill calls. Overnight at a hotel at the charming lakeside resort of Champex (private rooms with attached bath).\r\nHiking Details: (Option 1) 7 miles, 6-7 hours, 1,700 feet ascent, and 2,300 feet descent\r\n(Option 2): 8.5 miles, 7-8 hours, 4,300 feet ascent, 3,300 feet descent","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":4,"DayTo":4,"Headline":"Verbier \/ Refuge de Mont Fort","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We hike from Champex to Sembrancher through lovely hamlets, enjoy a picnic lunch, then drive to the village of Verbier. In this famous ski resort, we restock with lunch foods for the next couple of days when the vehicle cannot reach us. Another cable car takes us to Les Ruinettes and then to our trail to Mont Fort Refuge (shared rooms and baths). This refuge at 8,060 feet has good views of the complete Mont Blanc Massif.\r\nHiking Details: 5.5 miles, 4 hours, 1,600 feet ascent, 1,500 feet descent","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":5,"DayTo":5,"Headline":"Grand Desert \/ Refuge Prafleuri","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Today is a wild, rugged cross-country hike in one of the most remote areas of the Alps, following a little-used trail that stays high in the mountains above 8,000 feet and crosses three alpine passes and the “grand desert,” an alpine valley left behind by a retreating glacier. Along the way we skirt the glaciers and lakes of the Mont Fort and the beautiful Rosablanche mountains. Ibex and chamois are often seen near the remote Prafleuri Refuge (8,660'), where we spend the night (shared rooms and baths). Today's hike may be modified depending on snow cover.\r\nHiking Details: 10 miles, 9-10 hours, 3,050 feet ascent, 2,400 feet descent\r\n\r\nNote: Today and tomorrow are our other really tough hiking days, due to the length of the hikes, the multiple steep ascents and descents, and the rough terrain. On most days of the trip, we hike up and over one mountain pass, but on these two days we cross over two mountain passes on each day. On this part of the Haute Route, we will encounter more sections of glacial snow, loose scree, boulder fields, and trail exposure than we see on most other days of the trip. We will also occasionally need to use our hands to scramble over and between a jumble of boulders. Though these are some of the toughest hiking days, they are also often a highlight for trip members. After finishing these two days, we are rewarded with a well-deserved rest day in Arolla!","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":6,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Col des Roux \/ Col de Riedmatten \/ Arolla","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"From the Prafleuri Refuge, we attack the short but steep Col des Roux (9,197'), where ibex may be seen. Below the pass, we descend to the still waters of Lac des Dix, near which is a labyrinth of marmot dens. We hike along the lakeshore before ascending the Col de Riedmatten (9,577'), which may provide a brief glimpse of the Matterhorn. We also have stunning views across the Arolla Valley to Pigne D'Arolla, Mont Collon, and Mont Blanc de Cheilon, three mountains with remarkable glaciers dominating our route. Descend to Arolla, a tiny village in the Val d'Arolla at the foot of several glaciers. The next day is free in Arolla, with a chance to rest after the first week of hiking, or venture out on one of many optional day hikes. Overnights at hotel (private rooms with attached baths). on Day 6; BD on Day 7\r\nHiking Details on Day 6: 10 miles, 7-8 hours, 2,500 feet ascent, 4,300 feet descent","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":8,"Headline":"Col du Torrent \/ Lac de Moiry \/ Grimentz","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"??Driving to the villages of Les Hauderes and Villa, we pass through a very traditional region of the Valais Canton, where some locals still wear traditional Valais dress while working in the hay meadows. Our hike brings us up to the Col de Torrent (9,570') with stunning views up the Moiry Glacier to the peaks of Grand Cornier and Dent Blanche (14,290')—one of the most outstanding vistas in the Alps. We meet up with our waiting vehicle and head to our hotel in the charming Valais village of Grimentz.\r\nHiking Details: 6 miles, 4-5 hours, 2,800 feet ascent, 2,200 feet descent\r\nDriving Time: 1.5 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":9,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"Meidpass \/ Gruben","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"From the nearby village of St. Luc, we have a choice of routes on which to cross the Meidpass (9,154'), with superb views of the Schwartzhorn, Gletschorn, and Weisshorn peaks. This brings us to the German-speaking area of the Canton of Valais, and after lunch by the Meidsee Lake, we make our descent to the remote hamlet of Gruben and our comfortable inn (private rooms, shared baths).\r\nHiking Details: 7 miles, 4-5 hours, 2,050 feet ascent, 3,200 feet descent","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":10,"DayTo":10,"Headline":"Augstbordpass \/ St. Niklaus \/ Zermatt","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A long and gradual climb to the Augstbordpass (9,495') offers superb views eastward over the Mischabel Range—a 14,000-foot-high mountain range between Saas Fee and Zermatt. We descend on a contouring trail to the charming hamlet of Jungu, where a cable car takes us down to St. Niklaus. We then connect with the private cog railway to Zermatt and our hotel.\r\nHiking Details: 8 miles, 6-7 hours, 3,500 feet ascent, 3,000 feet descent","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":11,"DayTo":11,"Headline":"Zermatt","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We have the day free to explore the most famous of all alpine centers, Zermatt, the terminus for the Haute Route from Chamonix. This unique mountain village, surrounded by glaciers and a dozen 13,000-foot peaks, is steeped in the lore of alpinism and dominated by the crooked pyramid of the Matterhorn. Automobiles are not allowed in town; access is only by train and on foot. For those feeling energetic, one of the Trip Leaders will be available to lead a local hike or help you with the many options that Zermatt offers, including a hike up to the Hornli Hut, starting point for ascents of the Matterhorn (14,684'), or an exciting cable car ride to the top of the Klein Matterhorn (12,533'). We gather for a Farewell Dinner in the evening. Overnight in hotel.\r\nHiking Details: 5 miles, 4 hours, 2,350 feet ascent\/descent","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":12,"DayTo":12,"Headline":"Zermatt \/ Depart","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Our trip ends after breakfast in our Zermatt hotel. Most trip members transfer to Geneva on their own by train, or depart for other destinations in Europe.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":3,"Headline":"Chamonix, France \/ Champex, Switzerland","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Departing Chamonix, we hike across the Col de Balme and descend through pine forests to the Col de la Forclaz, which leads into France. As we follow a forested trail once used by shepherds and smugglers, we take in sweeping views of the Rhône Valley on our descent to Champex, a village in the French-speaking Swiss canton of Valais.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":4,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Cabane Mont Fort \/ Val d'Arolla","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"From a legendary mountain refuge with panoramas of the enormous face of the Mont Blanc massif, we take a “secret” trail past lakes and glaciers and cross three alpine passes en route to the remote Prafleuri Refuge. An ascent of the Col de Riedmatten (9,577'), with its dazzling mountain-and-glacier vistas, brings us down to Arolla, an ideal spot for an invaluable rest day (or optional hikes!).","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"Grimentz \/ Gruben","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Our trail leads through a traditional area of the Valais and across two passes, both of which bring tremendous views of icy peaks, including the pyramid of the Dent Blanche (14,290')—it's one of the most famous vistas in the Alps.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":10,"DayTo":12,"Headline":"Zermatt","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A climb to the Augstbordpass (9,495') brings superb views of the 14,000-foot-high peaks of the Mischabel Range. We then head to Zermatt, a town surrounded by glaciers and a dozen 13,000-foot peaks, including the mighty Matterhorn. One option on Day 11 is a hike to the Hörnli Hut, where climbers set out to scale the Matterhorn. Depart on Day 12.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true}],"itinpdf":[{"ItinYear":"2023","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/ultimate-haute-route-itinerary-2023.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"2024","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/ultimate-haute-route-itinerary-2024.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"","docType":"2","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/itins\/ultimate-haute-route-predeparture.pdf"}],"whattoexpect":[{}],"highlights":[{"DisplayOrder":1,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Experience one of the planet's great mountain hikes—with 11 amazing hiking days","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":25265,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":2,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Enjoy two overnights in classic hike-in lodges for 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Trekking","Primary":0}],"guides":[{"GuideID":850616,"First_Name":"Mike","Last_Name":"Browder","BioShort":"Mike Browder has worked in outdoor settings all his life, directing parks and recreation programs, coaching ski teams, and mountain climbing in North America and Asia, including a 2003 ascent of Mt. Everest. He joined our Europe team in 1999 and settled in the heart of the Alpine action in Chamonix, France, with his British wife, Gill, in 2001. Mike brings knowledge, professionalism, and genuine excitement to every trip, whether an alpine adventure, a voyage through glacier-carved fjords or a Mediterranean island ramble. “I want our trip members to appreciate the special nature of these areas, not only the mountains, but also the people and their way of life, which is changing in many ways,” he says. When not guiding for WT, Mike is a Nordic ski instructor and high mountain guide for mountain, rock, and ice climbing expeditions in Europe, Alaska, Asia, and beyond. ","BioLong":"Mike Browder has worked in outdoor settings all his life, directing parks and recreation programs, coaching ski teams, and mountain climbing in North America and Asia, including a 2003 ascent of Mt. Everest. He joined our Europe team in 1999 and settled in the heart of the Alpine action in Chamonix, France, with his British wife, Gill, in 2001. Mike brings knowledge, professionalism, and genuine excitement to every trip, whether an alpine adventure, a voyage through glacier-carved fjords or a Mediterranean island ramble. “I want our trip members to appreciate the special nature of these areas, not only the mountains, but also the people and their way of life, which is changing in many ways,” he says. When not guiding for WT, Mike is a Nordic ski instructor and high mountain guide for mountain, rock, and ice climbing expeditions in Europe, Alaska, Asia, and beyond. "},{"GuideID":851140,"First_Name":"Killian","Last_Name":"Buckley","BioShort":"Killian Buckley grew up in Killarney, Ireland. His parents, a harpist and a poet, instilled in him a great appreciation for the beautiful things in life, and once he found the mountains, it didn't take long for him to become addicted to the wild beauty he found there. He began hiking and climbing regularly, and what began as a hobby soon became a way of life that led him on extraordinary adventures, including climbing some of the Alps' famous north faces and an ascent, with fellow WT guide Naoise O Muiraheartaigh, of Yosemite's El Capitan. In 2021, on his birthday, Killian and his partner Maggie welcomed their first daughter Henia into the world. The three of them live in Chamonix, France. Currently, he is adjusting to fatherhood and figuring out how much risk he is willing to take in the high mountains, but still enormously passionate about sharing his love and knowledge of the Earth's wildest reaches.","BioLong":"Killian Buckley grew up in Killarney, Ireland. His parents, a harpist and a poet, instilled in him a great appreciation for the beautiful things in life, and once he found the mountains, it didn't take long for him to become addicted to the wild beauty he found there. He began hiking and climbing regularly, and what began as a hobby soon became a way of life that led him on extraordinary adventures, including climbing some of the Alps' famous north faces and an ascent, with fellow WT guide Naoise O Muiraheartaigh, of Yosemite's El Capitan. In 2021, on his birthday, Killian and his partner Maggie welcomed their first daughter Henia into the world. The three of them live in Chamonix, France. Currently, he is adjusting to fatherhood and figuring out how much risk he is willing to take in the high mountains, but still enormously passionate about sharing his love and knowledge of the Earth's wildest reaches."},{"GuideID":850643,"First_Name":"Tim","Last_Name":"Burford","BioShort":"Tim Burford's jovial persistence to explore the ends of the world, which led him to write hiking guidebooks for such destinations as Chile and Alaska, is only matched by his contagious passion to lead hiking adventures closer to his native England. “I love going to other parts of the world, but one can never really be bored in Europe, it's just packed with beauty and variety.” Tim holds a master's in French literature from Oxford, and lives in Cambridge. When not writing or leading our hiking adventures, he enjoys sailing and cycling.","BioLong":"Tim Burford's goal to explore the world led him to write nine hiking guidebooks for destinations from Latin America to central Europe, including the definitive Travel Guide to Georgia (the former Soviet Union). With hiking poles in hand, he has been leading Wilderness Travel trips all across Europe for over 20 years. Tim studied French language and literature at Oxford University, lives in Cambridge, England, and when not writing or leading our hiking adventures, enjoys sailing and cycling."},{"GuideID":851192,"First_Name":"Peter","Last_Name":"Hallewell","BioShort":"Heather Florence was raised in the north of England and developed her love of the mountains early while on family hiking trips in North Wales and the Lake District. The lure of the mountains eventually led her to Chamonix, France, where she has lived for the last 10 years. When not leading trips, Heather travels around the world visiting the most spectacular places to go rock climbing. She's climbed El Capitan in Yosemite, the Totem pole in Tasmania, and desert towers in Jordan. Closer to home she has climbed many local mountains and is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in psychology. ","BioLong":"Heather Florence was raised in the north of England and developed her love of the mountains early while on family hiking trips in North Wales and the Lake District. The lure of the mountains eventually led her to Chamonix, France, where she has lived for the last 10 years. When not leading trips, Heather travels around the world visiting the most spectacular places to go rock climbing. She's climbed El Capitan in Yosemite, the Totem pole in Tasmania, and desert towers in Jordan. Closer to home she has climbed many local mountains and is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in psychology. "},{"GuideID":851077,"First_Name":"Jonny","Last_Name":"Kaye","BioShort":"From the peaks of the French Alps to Italy's Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales in England, Jonny Kaye has crossed countless mountain ranges, guiding groups of intrepid hikers along the way with his wealth of experience as a mountaineer and his easygoing way. His climbing adventures have taken him from Scotland to the Caucasus Mountains and the Arctic. Originally from Yorkshire in England, he lives in France's Tarentaise Valley with his wife and two children. When not leading trips, Jonny enjoys time with his family, cycling and birding, and in winter, he runs a ski chalet near his home.","BioLong":"From the peaks of the French Alps to Italy's Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales in England, Jonny Kaye has crossed countless mountain ranges, guiding groups of intrepid hikers along the way with his wealth of experience as a mountaineer and his easygoing way. His climbing adventures have taken him from Scotland to the Caucasus Mountains and the Arctic. Originally from Yorkshire in England, he lives in France's Tarentaise Valley with his wife and two children. When not leading trips, Jonny enjoys time with his family, cycling and birding, and in winter, he runs a ski chalet near his home."},{"GuideID":851270,"First_Name":"Katie","Last_Name":"L'Herpiniere","BioShort":"Katie-Jane L'Herpiniere, from Devon, England, has been an adventurer for 18 years, completing her own human-powered expeditions from the Sahara to the Himalayas, the Andes, and places in between. She holds an International Mountain Leader guiding qualification as well as a Masters Degree in Rural Tourism. When not guiding, Katie is an avid cyclist, competing around the world in Unsupported Ultra-Distance bike races, both on-road and off-road. She's a strong advocate for getting outdoors to watch the sunrise, breathe the mountain air, and notice the natural wonders around us. Katie says “It's a tremendous privilege to be able to lead guests through some of the world's most beautiful places.”","BioLong":"Katie-Jane L'Herpiniere, from Devon, England, has been an adventurer for 18 years, completing her own human-powered expeditions from the Sahara to the Himalayas, the Andes, and places in between. She holds an International Mountain Leader guiding qualification as well as a Masters Degree in Rural Tourism. When not guiding, Katie is an avid cyclist, competing around the world in Unsupported Ultra-Distance bike races, both on-road and off-road. She's a strong advocate for getting outdoors to watch the sunrise, breathe the mountain air, and notice the natural wonders around us. Katie says “It's a tremendous privilege to be able to lead guests through some of the world's most beautiful places.”"},{"GuideID":850408,"First_Name":"Hashmat","Last_Name":"Singh","BioShort":"Hashmat Singh has led over 150 journeys on three continents for us since 1990. He holds a BA in History from Delhi University and is a noted photographer. His book, Trekking in the Himalaya (Roli Books), features photographic essays from Ladakh to Bhutan. Born an army brat, Hashmat traveled extensively as his father was posted in various remote regions of India. His first big Himalayan trek was at age 12, with his school group, and during college, he headed into the Himalaya to take mountaineering courses. A passionate traveler, Hashmat has been instrumental in designing new adventures for us throughout Asia. The profession of Trip Leader combines several of his interests—hiking, exploring the mountains, photography, and meeting new people. He's a favorite of WT travelers—as one of them put it, “Hashmat is a longstanding member of the guiding hall of fame.” He lives in Delhi with his wife and two children.","BioLong":"Hashmat Singh has led over 180 journeys on three continents for us since 1990. He holds a BA in History from Delhi University and is a noted photographer. His book, Trekking in the Himalaya (Roli Books), features photographic essays from Ladakh to Bhutan. Born an army brat, Hashmat traveled extensively as his father was posted in various remote regions of India. His first big Himalayan trek was at age 12, with his school group, and during college, he headed into the Himalaya to take mountaineering courses. “Big mountains of the world, whether they are in the Himalaya, Alps, or the Andes, hold a special fascination for me, as do the people living amongst them, holding on to their ancient cultures in a world where everything is rapidly changing.” A passionate traveler, Hashmat has been instrumental in designing and leading adventures for us throughout Asia, and in summer, he joins our team of Trip Leaders leading hikes in the Alps. The profession of Trip Leader combines several of his interests—hiking, exploring the mountains, photography, and meeting new people. He's a favorite of WT travelers—as one of them put it, “Hashmat is a longstanding member of the guiding hall of fame.” He lives in Delhi with his wife and two children."},{"GuideID":851082,"First_Name":"Mark","Last_Name":"Tennent","BioShort":"A native of Bath, England, Mark Tennent quickly learned his calling was in the mountains. He completed a specialist Outdoor Education degree at Bangor Normal College in North Wales, subsequently instructed at various outdoor centers in the UK, then graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and was commissioned into the British Army, which he left as a Captain. A recipient of several mountaineering and leadership certificates, Mark has worked in various parts of the world including Afghanistan, Macedonia, Kosovo, Kenya, Sudan, and India. Since 2005, he has lived in the Savoie department of the French Alps, near Albertville, where he shares his passion for the outdoors, French food, and the local culture. He's a member of the French Syndicat Interprofessionnel de la Montagne, bringing together mountain guides, climbing instructors, and mountain leaders. When not guiding, he can be found ski-mountaineering, rock climbing, and cycling.","BioLong":"A native of Bath, England, Mark Tennent quickly learned his calling was in the mountains. He completed a specialist Outdoor Education degree at Bangor Normal College in North Wales, subsequently instructed at various outdoor centers in the UK, then graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and was commissioned into the British Army, which he left as a Captain. A recipient of several mountaineering and leadership certificates, Mark has worked in various parts of the world including Afghanistan, Macedonia, Kosovo, Kenya, Sudan, and India. Since 2005, he has lived in the Savoie department of the French Alps, near Albertville, where he shares his passion for the outdoors, French food, and the local culture. He's a member of the French Syndicat Interprofessionnel de la Montagne, bringing together mountain guides, climbing instructors, and mountain leaders. When not guiding, he can be found ski-mountaineering, rock climbing, and cycling."},{"GuideID":850725,"First_Name":"Daniel","Last_Name":"Windham","BioShort":"Daniel Windham, born in Georgia's foothills, discovered his passion for the mountains at an early age while backpacking on the Appalachian Trail. After moving to northern Italy, becoming a mountain guide, and running a mountain hut with his Italian wife, he returned (via a couple of years in Costa Rica) to his roots, enjoying the outdoor life with his family. Having climbed and guided on some of the highest peaks in the Himalayas and the Americas (notably Mt. Rainier), Dan continues to guide on Aconcagua (Argentina) and for Wilderness Travel in the Alps. He is also an Appalachian Trail Ambassador, which involves regularly running an 89-mile stretch of the trail, as well as community involvement. His goal is to \"give back to the wilderness a little of what it has given me.” Dan speaks English, Spanish, and Italian, and continues his interests in wilderness medicine and cooking.","BioLong":"Daniel Windham, born in Georgia's foothills, discovered his passion for the mountains at an early age while backpacking on the Appalachian Trail. After moving to northern Italy, becoming a mountain guide, and running a mountain hut with his Italian wife, he returned (via a couple of years in Costa Rica) to his roots, enjoying the outdoor life with his family. Having climbed and guided on some of the highest peaks in the Himalayas and the Americas (notably Mt. Rainier), Dan continues to guide on Aconcagua (Argentina) and for Wilderness Travel in the Alps. He is also an Appalachian Trail Ambassador, which involves regularly running an 89-mile stretch of the trail, as well as community involvement. His goal is to \"give back to the wilderness a little of what it has given me.” Dan speaks English, Spanish, and Italian, and continues his interests in wilderness medicine and cooking."},{"GuideID":850724,"First_Name":"Tanya","Last_Name":"Perret","BioShort":"Tanya Perret, originally from Bath, England, fell in love with the Alps and the Himalayas and since 1997 has led over 200 trips, mostly in the high mountains but also cultural experiences ranging from the shores of Lac Leman to the heart of the Tuscan countryside. Tanya has climbed both Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn in addition to a number of 6,000- and 8,000-meter giants of the Himalayas. Her guiding in Nepal has brought her to the Everest region as well as Annapurna, Langtang, Helembu, Lower Mustang, and Makalu. Tanya holds the International Mountain Leader guiding qualification as well as a post-graduate degree in Education and a Master's degree in Rural Development. Conversant in French and Nepalese, Tanya and her son have been renovating their beautiful old chalet in the French Alps that dates back to 1746. ","BioLong":"Tanya Perret, originally from Bath, England, fell in love with the Alps and the Himalayas and since 1997 has led over 200 trips, mostly in the high mountains but also cultural experiences ranging from the shores of Lac Leman to the heart of the Tuscan countryside. Tanya has climbed both Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn in addition to a number of 6,000- and 8,000-meter giants of the Himalayas. Her guiding in Nepal has brought her to the Everest region as well as Annapurna, Langtang, Helembu, Lower Mustang, and Makalu. Tanya holds the International Mountain Leader guiding qualification as well as a post-graduate degree in Education and a Master's degree in Rural Development. Conversant in French and Nepalese, Tanya and her son have been renovating their beautiful old chalet in the French Alps that dates back to 1746. "},{"GuideID":851139,"First_Name":"Peter","Last_Name":"Hallewell","BioShort":"Peter Hallewell loves to explore the great outdoors: walking, hiking, climbing mountains on skis or on foot, and snowshoeing. His passion for the outdoors first developed on family holidays to the English Lake District, and he has lived part-time for the last 30 years in Les Gets in the French Alps, progressively scaling almost all the peaks in the area. Qualified as an International Mountain Leader, he knows the mountains of Europe well and loves to introduce fellow hikers to the joys of the trail.","BioLong":"Peter Hallewell loves to explore the great outdoors: walking, hiking, climbing mountains on skis or on foot, and snowshoeing. His passion for the outdoors first developed on family holidays to the English Lake District, and he has lived part-time for the last 30 years in Les Gets in the French Alps, progressively scaling almost all the peaks in the area. Qualified as an International Mountain Leader, he knows the mountains of Europe well and loves to introduce fellow hikers to the joys of the trail."}],"guestreviews":[{"GuestNames":"Anne W.","GuestLocation":"Boulder, CO","GuestReview":"Everything clicked smoothly to make this the best vacation I've ever had. This was my first trip of this kind and I could tell early on that WT is a well-oiled wheel—a very smooth operation."},{"GuestNames":"Anthony D.","GuestLocation":"Pollock Pines, CA","GuestReview":"Excellent group and guides, fantastic trip. It ended too soon!"},{"GuestNames":"Audrey van C.","GuestLocation":"Cowies Hill, South Africa","GuestReview":"Five stars for trip design and quality of Trip Leaders. So fantastic I doubt that any other trip could match it. Every day was special—even the rest days!"},{"GuestNames":"Deborah T.","GuestLocation":"Napa, CA","GuestReview":"Excellent trip, thanks to the outstanding guides and the stunning hikes."},{"GuestNames":"Denise E.","GuestLocation":"Weston, CT","GuestReview":"Fabulous! My husband and I have lots of climbing and trekking experience, and we were both very impressed with the helpful, enthusiastic guides and magnificent itinerary of this trip!"},{"GuestNames":"Elizabeth W.","GuestLocation":"Chagrin Falls, OH","GuestReview":"The Haute Route had been on my husband's bucket list for years. The hikes were perfect, a great mix of mountains and meadows and beautiful scenery."},{"GuestNames":"Inge K.","GuestLocation":"Concord, MA","GuestReview":"This was an absolutely fabulous, memorable trip. The guides had clearly honed the itinerary to incorporate the best parts of the Haute Route for us, with a tremendous variety of scenery and spectacular hikes. I've been recommending this trip to all my friends. Well done everyone!"},{"GuestNames":"Irene R.","GuestLocation":"Steilacoom, WA","GuestReview":"This was an amazing trip, and exceeded my expectations at every level. Well organized, well planned, well executed—and the scenery was amazing. Thank you!"},{"GuestNames":"Jeanna F.","GuestLocation":"Paradise Valley, AZ","GuestReview":"The three leaders were a magical combination—a great mix of personalities and interests. They not only made the trip a seamless, perfect experience for us but they also added humor and joy to the experience. What a great trip!"},{"GuestNames":"Jodi and Tim L.","GuestLocation":"Honolulu, HI","GuestReview":"The most beautiful scenery we have seen on a multi day trek. Every day just kept getting better. Challenging, but fun hikes. A great adventure."},{"GuestNames":"Joel L.","GuestLocation":"Piedmont, CA","GuestReview":"We had a wonderful time. Everything about the trip (weather, leadership, group dynamics) could not possibly have gone any better. Fabulous!"},{"GuestNames":"Jon Van C.","GuestLocation":"Cowies Hill, South Africa","GuestReview":"This was an experience of a lifetime. The scenery is mind-blowing. Outstanding Trip Leaders, hard-working, meticulous, good fun."},{"GuestNames":"Lisa B.","GuestLocation":"South Dartmouth, MA","GuestReview":"Outstanding all around! Well-paced itinerary and an incredible experience. Especially loved our group's overnights in the huts, the classic alpine views, and the friendly, upbeat and knowledgable guides, who worked together wonderfully as a team. Would recommend this trip to any qualified friend seeking the perfect Alps experience."},{"GuestNames":"Lorraine B.","GuestLocation":"Sydney, Australia","GuestReview":"We enjoyed our experience immensely and have taken away many fabulous memories. One of the highlights of the trip for us was the fabulous group of people -- and the many laughs we had along the way."},{"GuestNames":"Maryann M.","GuestLocation":"Los Angeles, CA","GuestReview":"I love the hiking and the scenery, but I particularly appreciate the feeling on WT trips that I am traveling with friends—both the Trip Leaders whom I have now known for years in some cases, and the new friends I’ve made along the way."},{"GuestNames":"Michael M.","GuestLocation":"Madison, NJ","GuestReview":"The hiking was outstanding and all I hoped it to be! Really enjoyed the guides we had on this trip—their expertise, local knowledge, and passion for what they do really made the trip a blast! I would hike with any of them again anywhere."},{"GuestNames":"Robin F.","GuestLocation":"Bellingham, WA","GuestReview":"Superbly organized and flawlessly delivered. Our guides were very experienced and went way out of their way to ensure this was a 'best ever' experience. Can't praise WT or our guides enough. We loved the entire experience. Thank you so much!"},{"GuestNames":"Robyn F.","GuestLocation":"Epping, Australia","GuestReview":"A wonderful trip... Spectacular scenery! I enjoyed the small group of 6 as it made it more personable and flexible."},{"GuestNames":"Roger W.","GuestLocation":"San Francisco, CA","GuestReview":"Flawlessly operated and run. This trip is obviously very well thought out."},{"GuestNames":"Stephen F.","GuestLocation":"San Diego, CA","GuestReview":"This was my first Wilderness Travel adventure and I thought it was fantastic. It clearly met and exceeded my expectations!"}],"Extensions":[{}],"SimilarTrips":[{"TripID":10314,"SimilarTripID":10311,"Trip_Code":"DOLOCORT","Trip_Name":"Hiking in the Cortina Dolomites"},{"TripID":10314,"SimilarTripID":10365,"Trip_Code":"VIALPINA","Trip_Name":"Hiking Switzerland's Via Alpina"},{"TripID":10314,"SimilarTripID":10406,"Trip_Code":"HTESHORT","Trip_Name":"Hiking the Haute Route"},{"TripID":10314,"SimilarTripID":10341,"Trip_Code":"TMB","Trip_Name":"Tour du Mont Blanc"}],"Specialists":[{}],"TripSegments":[{"VendorID":71012,"ProductID":84797,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Extra Hotel Night","Vendor":"Grand Hotel des Alpes","Address1":"75, Rue du Dr Paccard","Address2":"","City":"Chamonix","State":"","Postal":"74400","Product":"Pre-Trip Extra Services: Grand Hotel des Alpes (DATES, 1 night)","Day":0,"Sequence":20,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"<p>A truly wonderful hotel that WT groups have enjoyed for years, the elegant Grand Hotel des Alpes is right in the center of Chamonix, set back on a lovely plaza facing a pedestrians-only street. 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Once you receive your physician's approval, please upload the signed form to your Portal (directions on how to do this can be found in your Portal).<\/p>","Custom_Trip_Name_Addendum":"Hiking Adventure","Custom_Welcome_Letter_Addendum":"","Custom_Welcome_Email_Send_List":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-13T06:39:32 --><p>Extra Service Request Form<br \/>Medical Practitioner Form<\/p>","Custom_Welcome_Insurance_Intro":"We recommend you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect your travel investment against the unexpected. ","Custom_FI_Optional_Donation_Text":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Trip_Sales_Points":"<body>I also encourage you to check out this <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/o47DLV0LPC4\">trip video<\/a>, which will give you a great sense of the adventure ahead!<\/body><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n","Custom_Sales_Email_-_TP_Trip_Sales_Points":"<body>I also encourage you to check out this <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/o47DLV0LPC4\">trip video<\/a>, which will give you a great sense of the adventure ahead!<\/body><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Payment_Terms":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>In order to confirm your space on this trip, we require a first deposit of $600 per person, which is fully refundable up to 91 days prior to departure.<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>Alps Hiking<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Hiking_Poles":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-01T00:02:28 --><p><strong>HIKING POLES:<\/strong> If you choose to bring hiking poles, they must be packed in your checked luggage as they are not permitted in carry-on bags.<\/p>","Custom_Daypack":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-26T13:45:17 --><p><strong>DAYPACK:<\/strong> Daypack (20-30 liters), large enough for a jacket or rain gear, water bottle, camera, snacks, and other items you want on the trail. Very few daypacks are waterproof, so if you do not have a waterproof cover, any items that you need to keep dry should be put in a waterproof stuff sack inside your pack. <\/p>","Custom_Vaccination_Card":"","Custom_FB_Packing_Reminders_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_1":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-26T13:46:13 --><p><strong>NOTE ON ACCOMMODATIONS:<\/strong> Our trip takes us through some of the finest scenery in the Alps. You will be staying in small inns and hotels. We have done our best to arrange accommodation as equitably as possible, however please keep in mind that the rooms in Europe's small inns and hotels may not be as large as you are accustomed to in American hotels. If you have signed up for a single supplement, please note that on two nights you may still have shared accommodations.<\/p>","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Arrival":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-26T13:47:02 --><p><strong>ARRIVING IN CHAMONIX <\/strong><br \/>Wilderness Travel provides a complimentary transfer between the Geneva Airport and our hotel in Chamonix, France. Please note this is a public van transfer service and it is likely other passengers may join the same transfer. There will likely be a waiting period between your arrival and the shuttle's departure as the other travelers scheduled for your transfer arrive. Upon arrival, a driver holding a sign with your name on it will meet you by the entrance of the Montreux Jazz Cafe, situated to the far right hand side of the Geneva Arrivals Hall - Swiss Sector. The journey from the Geneva Airport to Chamonix is roughly 1.5 hours.<\/p><p>If you have booked our complimentary transfer service, your reservation confirmation has already been emailed to you by Chamonix Valley Transfers. Please check this email to ensure that they have correctly noted your arrival information. You will also receive an email the night before your arrival to confirm the exact time of pickup as well as your driver's name and phone number. You can show either of these confirmation emails to your driver either printed or on your cell phone. If you have any problems (i.e. lost luggage), please contact your driver using the information provided in your final transfer confirmation, or alternatively contact the local office for Chamonix Valley Transfers at (+33) 485-800-132<\/p><p> <\/p><p><strong>MEETING PLACE<\/strong><br \/>On Day 1 at 8:30 am, please meet your Trip Leaders in the lobby of the Grand Hotel des Alpes in Chamonix. Please come to the meeting place dressed and ready to hike as you will head out on our first hike following a brief orientation meeting.<br \/><\/p>","Custom_Arrival-_Meeting_Place":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-01T00:18:03 --><p><strong>Grand Hôtel des Alpes<\/strong><br \/>75 Rue du Dr Paccard<br \/>74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France<br \/>+33 4 50 55 37 80<\/p>","Custom_Arrival_Transfer":"","Custom_Departure":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-26T13:48:29 --><p><strong>DEPARTING ZERMATT <\/strong><br \/>The trip ends in Zermatt after breakfast on Day 12. Trains to Geneva (about 4 hours) or Zurich (about 3 \u00bd hours) depart hourly starting at around 5:30 am. Reservations are generally not needed and tickets can be purchased on the day of departure. Your Trip Leaders can assist you with this upon arrival in Zermatt. However, for peace of mind, you may decide to purchase your ticket in advance at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.raileurope.com\/\">www.raileurope.com<\/a>. <\/p><p> <\/p>","Custom_Extra_Services":"","Custom_Contact_Information_for_Friends_and_Family":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-26T13:48:44 --><p>If friends or family wish to contact you during the trip, we encourage them to call, text, or email you directly. Another option is to reach you by calling the hotel (please see the enclosed Hotel List). If they are unable to reach you directly, please instruct them to call our office in Berkeley, California, and we will get a message to you as soon as possible. If they need to reach you outside of our office hours, we ask that they reach out to your Trip Leaders (contact information is listed below) and also leave a message with our Berkeley office, so that we can follow up with our team on the ground.<\/p>","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Left":"","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Right":"","Custom_Valid_Passport_Alternative":"","Custom_Visa":"","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Luggage_Requirements":"","Custom_Carry-On":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-26T13:45:33 --><p><strong>CARRY-ON: <\/strong>Valuable or essential items, such as well broken-in hiking boots, camera equipment, binoculars, prescription medications, and any paperwork required to enter Switzerland, should be hand carried on your flights to avoid loss or damage. <\/p>","Custom_name_slug":"ultimate-haute-route-hiking-trek","Custom_Meta_Description":"Enjoy one of the world's greatest hikes, the classic Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt, on trails beneath Western Europe's highest peaks.","Custom_List_Description":"Enjoy one of the world's greatest hikes, the classic Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt, on trails beneath Western Europe's highest peaks.","Custom_Redirect":"","Custom_PJ_-_Best_Months":"","Custom_After_Dates":"","Custom_Trip_Web_Note":"","Custom_Title_Tag":"Ultimate Haute Route Trek | 12-Days Hiking Chamonix to Zermatt","Custom_Before_Days":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_2":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_2":"","Custom_Choosing_Right_Trip_Office_Contact":"","Custom_About_WT_Expeditions":"","Custom_Arrival_-_Sales":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2022-11-30T17:05:20 --><p><strong>Suggested Airport: <\/strong>Geneva Airport (GVA)<br \/><strong>Suggested Date & Time:<\/strong> Anytime prior to Day 1<br \/><br \/><strong>Meeting Place:<\/strong> You will meet your Trip Leader in the lobby of Grand Hotel des Alpes in Chamonix at 8:30 am on Day 1.<br \/><\/p><p>The transfer from Geneva Airport to our hotel in Chamonix is included in the cost of the trip. It is a van service that will meet you at your requested flight -- even if you arrive a few days ahead of the actual trip start date. <br \/><br \/>Please note this is a public van transfer service and it is likely that other passengers may join the same transfer. The journey from the Geneva Airport to Chamonix is roughly 1.5 hours with this service. Please let us know if you would like to reserve this transfer by filling out our Extra Services Request Form.<\/p>","Custom_Departure_-_Sales":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2022-11-30T17:07:16 --><p><strong>Suggested Airport: <\/strong>Geneva Airport (GVA)<br \/><strong>Suggested Date & Time:<\/strong> Day 12, after 12:00 pm<br \/><br \/>The trip ends in Zermatt after breakfast on Day 12. If you are returning to the Geneva Airport, this requires a 4-hour train ride. Your Trip Leaders will assist you with information on return transportation to Geneva. Zermatt has excellent transportation services to Geneva City and Geneva Airport by train, with one connection in Visp. The first train to depart Zermatt arrives in Geneva at approximately 9:45 am. Reservations are not needed and tickets can be purchased on the day of departure. You can check online at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sbb.ch\/en\">www.sbb.ch\/en<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.raileurope.com\/\">www.raileurope.com<\/a> for the most current information on fares and train schedules.<\/p>","Custom_International_Air_Travel":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2022-11-30T17:09:13 --><p>You are responsible for making your own arrangements for flights to and from Europe.<br \/><br \/>There are many online consolidators for booking travel, but for more personal help arranging air transport, you can contact Exito Travel at 1-800-655-4053 in the US or 1-800-670-2605 in Canada. They are very adept at putting flight itineraries together, to even the most far-flung places. More information can be found at <a href=\"https:\/\/exitotravel.com\/\">www.exitotravel.com<\/a>.<br \/><br \/>Depending on your routing, it is necessary to depart from the US one or possibly two days prior to Day 1 of the trip itinerary. The name on your airline ticket must match the name on your passport exactly, and your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of return to the US. <br \/><br \/><strong>Please do not purchase your tickets until you are confirmed on the trip. <\/strong>Once tickets are purchased, please forward a copy of your email flight confirmation from the airline. It is your responsibility toensure your flight times coordinate with the arrival and departure logistics for this trip.<\/p>","Custom_Extra_Hotel_Nights":"","Custom_Recommended_Hotels":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_2":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_5":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_5":"","Custom_When_to_Go":"","Custom_Children":"","Custom_Tag_Line":"From Chamonix to Zermatt, with Two Alpine Hike-In Lodges","Custom_Lodging":"9 nights hotels or country inns, 2 nights small hike-in lodges","Custom_Meals":"All meals included except 1 dinner and 2 lunches","Custom_Activity":"","Custom_Difficulty":"11 hiking days on moderate to steep trails, 5-8 hours a day, altitudes between 6,000-9,600 feet, van support (for luggage or if you wish to skip a day's hike)","Custom_Currency_Exchange_Rate":"","Custom_Fuel_Surcharge":"","Custom_Signing_Up_For_a_Trip_-_Email":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_This_Year":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_Next_Year":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like":"<p>This trip is rated <strong>Level 5+, Strenuous,<\/strong> according to our trip grading system. You will need to be comfortable hiking 10 miles a day for several days in a row, being on your feet for up to 8 hours a day, and hiking on uneven surfaces with long descents that can be hard on the knees. While no climbing or mountaineering experience is necessary, all trip members should have ample hiking experience and be able to keep up with the group as there are no alternative hiking options available. Trail conditions, weather, and the group's level of fitness can affect hiking times and pacing.<div><br><\/div><div><strong>Average Hiking Day<\/strong><ul><li>7-8 miles<\/li><li>5-6 hours<\/li><li>2,500-3,000 feet gain\/loss<\/li><li>Altitudes range from 6,000-9,000 feet<\/li><\/ul><strong>Challenge Days<\/strong> <ul><li>Day 5: 10 miles, 8 hours, 3,050 feet gain, and 2,400 feet loss; includes sections scrambling over large boulders and three passes<\/li><li>Day 6: 10 miles, 8 hours, 2,500 feet gain, and 4,300 feet loss; includes ladders needed to get over a pass<\/li><\/ul><\/p>","Custom_Terrain":"At lower elevations, the trails are usually packed dirt, but at higher elevations they are often much rockier, with occasional sections of glacial snow, loose scree, and large boulders. On some days, you will encounter sections of narrow, exposed trails. You will also occasionally need to use your hands to scramble over and between a jumble of boulders. Your experienced mountain guides are there to assist you if needed.","Custom_Getting_in_Shape":"","Custom_Weather":"The months we visit the Alps are the optimal ones, but mountain weather can be fickle. Temperatures are likely to reach the 60s\u00b0F and 70s\u00b0F during the day, with cool breezes and occasional rain. At night, the temperature will drop quite a bit, depending on the altitude. The early-season departure could encounter snow on the trails. We are likely to experience a full range of weather conditions, making rain gear and warm garments necessary items to carry with you on every hike.","Custom_Accommodations":"Accommodations are in small, comfortable hotels and inns that can be busy during the summer hiking season. While not luxurious, they are clean and well located. Please note these are hikers' hotels, not five-star resorts. The rooms are clean and comfortable, but are not always of uniform size or amenities. Our leaders do their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole. In a few of the hotels, there are shared bathrooms. During two trip nights, we stay in huts where only dormitory-style shared bedrooms are available. Single rooms are offered when possible, but those who pay the Single Supplement may have to share a room for up to four nights during the trip.","Custom_Cuisine":"Lunch will usually be either in a mountain lodge or at a picnic spot amidst the beauty of the surrounding mountains. Most evening meals will be taken at our hotels and will be hearty, nourishing mountain fare, often with the cuisine the region is noted for. Please note that in Europe, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 7:30 pm.","Custom_Transportation":"Our van will transport the group's luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack for items you need during the day (rain gear, sweater, camera, water bottle, etc.). Trip members are always free to skip a day's hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle (or remain at the hotel if we are not transferring that day). There is an exception on two nights of the trip where we stay in a mountain refuge with no road access. During this three-day, two-night stretch, it is impossible for our support vehicle to reach our mountain refuges at night. For this period, you must carry a daypack with the clothing and toiletries you will need for those three days. Most medium-sized daypacks have enough room for extra belongings (a toothbrush, soap, small towel, and a fresh t-shirt will suffice for most people).","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_1":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_1":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_2":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_2":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_1":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_2":"","System_Choosing_the_Right_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:50:16 --><p>Adventure travel often involves exotic destinations, unusual loris of physical exertion, or activities you ma not have participated in previously. We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please call Wilderness Travel at 1-800-368-2794 and ask for the<\/p>","System_References":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:50:51 --><p>We'd be happy to put you in touch with a past client that has traveled with us on this trip.<\/p>","System_Visit_Our_Website":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:51:32 --><p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\">www.wildernesstravel.com<\/a>, you can find out about added departures, last-minute deals, and special WT Expeditions that aren't listed in our catalog. You can also access a complete library of our detailed itineraries and browse the customized reading guides for each of our adventures.<\/p>","System_Helpful_Links":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:52:03 --><p>Wilderness Travel has compiled a list of useful websites for travelers. Find the Toucan Club tab on the home page of our website and choose Helpful Links: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links<\/a>.<\/p>","System_About_Private_Journeys":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-17T11:00:24 --><p>Wilderness Travel Private Journeys are designed for people who want to travel with their own small private group, but who still want to experience the same superb itinerary design, great accommodations, and signature quality of Wilderness Travel's escorted group trips. These Private Journeys allow you to choose your own dates and your traveling companions -- even if it's just the two of you -- yet still enjoy a guided adventure.<\/p>","System_About_New_Trips":"","System_Social_Media":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:33:43 --><p><strong>SOCIAL MEDIA:<\/strong> We invite you to share your adventure with us on social media. Tag @wildernesstravel and we may even feature your content on our pages!<\/p>","System_If_You_Miss_Your_Flight":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:34:09 --><p><strong>IF YOU MISS YOUR FLIGHT<\/strong><br \/>If you miss your flight or are otherwise delayed, contact our Wilderness Travel office as well as our local partners, with your new flight information. Refer to the Emergency Contact Information listed in this Final Bulletin.<\/p>","System_Valid_Passport":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-16T10:26:21 --><p><strong>VALID PASSPORT:<\/strong> Check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the last day of your trip, and that you have at least two blank pages for any necessary visa or entry and exit stamps.<\/p>","System_Insurance_Policy":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:36:23 --><p><strong>INSURANCE POLICY:<\/strong> If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan, you should have received an email confirmation of your policy. Please bring a digital or printed copy of this policy with you. If you cannot find your email confirmation, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travclcxinsurancc.com. If you have not purchased Travelex insurance already, you have the option to do so up to 24 hours prior to your departure.<\/p>","System_Covid-19_Travel_Requirements":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-19T13:27:44 --><p><strong>COVID-19 TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:<\/strong> Please double-check COVID-19 entry requirements for any countries you may be traveling to or transiting through, on this website: <a href=\"apply.joinsherpa.com\/travel-restrictions\">apply.joinsherpa.com\/travel-restrictions<\/a><\/p>","System_Pre-Trip_Safety":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:37:06 --><p><strong>PRE-TRIP SAFETY:<\/strong> In the next weeks, we encourage you to do everything possible to stay healthy. Please practice social distancing, steer clear of potential COVID-19 exposure, and take an at-home antigen or lab based PCR test before you depart.<\/p>","System_Wilderness_Travel_Office":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:07 --><p>Our office in Berkeley, California can be reached at 510-558-2488, or by email at info@wildernesstravel.com. We are available during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30 am-5:00 pm, PST). <\/p>","System_ECI_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:31 --><p>If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan through Wilderness Travel, please remember to bring your Confirmation of Coverages (COC) with you on the trip, including your Plan Number and important emergency contact information.<\/p><p>If you've purchased a travel protection plan on your own, we recommend that you bring a copy of your policy, including all coverages, with you on your trip.<\/p>","System_Face_Masks_and_Hand_Sanitizer":"","System_DidNotPurchase_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-28T12:27:44 --><p>Travel Insurance: We recommend that you purchase travel insurance for this trip. For your convenience, we offer Travelex travel protection. Please let us know if you would like us to add the Travelex Travel Protection Plan to this final invoice. You can learn more about the policy on our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/toucan\/travel-insurance\">website<\/a>.<\/p>","System_Purchased_Insurance":"","System_Questions?":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T13:47:31 --><p>Our Area Specialists are you single point of contact and would be happy to answer any questions about yout trip!<br \/>800.368.2794 | 510.558.2488<\/p>","System_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:58:05 --><p>We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance. You can take advantage of a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan designed for Wilderness Travel by Travelex, or purchase other insurance on your own. See our website for details: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance<\/a><\/p>","System_Make_it_Your_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:18 --><p>The prices above are for the ready-to-book adventure outlined in this Detailed Itinerary, a popular option that has been handcrafted by our Area Specialists to include the best of every destination. While many travelers choose to book this tour as is, our Area Specialists are also happy to work with you to customize this Private Journey to suit your specific interests and style of travel. We can arrange for longer or shorter stays, offer hotel upgrades (see below for sample costs), or add an extension to additional places of interest. We can even add special activities or customize excursions depending on your interests. We invite you to contact us to discuss your options!<\/p>","System_Signing_up_for_a_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:42 --><p>Early reservations are recommended since accommodations often sell out far in advance. Please call 1-800-368-2794 and ask for our [Africa Manager] or email us at [africa@ wildernesstravel.com] with any questions that you may have about this trip. To reserve your Private Journey, we will need to know your preferred dates of travel. We will then check availability and send you a proposed itinerary with exact pricing for your adventure. We can typically hold a provisional booking for one week. At that time, we must collect your initial deposit or accommodations will be released. We accept Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will send you a Welcome Packet that includes a letter of confirmation, Detailed Itinerary, Trip Application, Medical Form, and Pre-Departure Information Booklet with information to help you prepare for your adventure. Please see our Cancellations and Transfer Fee Schedule for specific payment information.<\/p>","System_Trip_Leaders":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-13T09:24:57 --><p>Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. The Trip Leader for each departure is listed on the "Dates & Prices" tab on our Pilgrim's Way webpage:<\/p>"},"terms":{"PaymentSchedule":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body><p>$600 due at time of reservation <br \/>90 days prior to departure: Balance<\/p><\/body>","CancelSchedule":"<p>Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge!<br>61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost<br>46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost<br>45 days or less: 100% of trip cost<br><\/p>"}}