Highest mountains in western Europe, the Pennine Alps offer a sensational opportunity for hikers to explore a spectacular alpine environment. This itinerary finishes beneath the Matterhorn, the most iconic peak in the world. It also traverses beneath the MonteRosa, the Alps second highest peak. The Tour Monte Rosa has become a much sought after achievement in recent years and our itinerary follows much of the same route. In Macugnaga we are treated to perhaps the Alps’ most spectacular mountain view, the East Face of the Monte Rosa which is truly Himalayan in proportion at 10,000 vertical feet above the valley floor.
Ryder Walker offers the Matterhorn Trek from Aosta to Zermatt in an eight day trip. Along the way, we use the finest accommodations, all four star but one and some of which are truly exceptional. As with all of our treks, luggage is transported so you can go light and enjoy the mountains without the encumbrance of a heavy backpack. Hiking days are challenging, but the scenery is breathtaking, and at the end of the day a comfortable bed, hot shower, a good meal, a glass of local wine or beer and the company of other hikers awaits.
Tour Highlights:
- The walled Roman city of Aosta, one of the most beautiful towns in the Alps.
- The most notable mountains in history, including the Matterhorn and the Monte Rosa, all one package.
- Medieval hamlets with cobbled streets, authentic shops and delicious restaurants.
- Roman footpaths, quiet valleys and a Walser history, one of Europe's wildest ethnicities, dating back one thousand years.
Itinerary
Day 1 Transfer from Milan or Torino to Aosta. Geneva is a possible port of entry but is more complicated. Meet your guides and fellow guests in a welcoming four star hotel in this small walled Roman city.
Day 2 Our van will take us to the trailhead in the Valtournenche this morning. We will ascend to the Col de Nana beneath the Grand Tournalin and descend to the idyllic hamlet of St. Jacques. Continue on to Champoluc. Overnight in one of the finest hotels in the Alps.
Day 3 From Champoluc hike up to the herder’s settlement of Cuneaz and ascend from there to the Pentacol and the Col Pinter. Enter the Walser stronghold of the Val di Gressoney beneath the magnificent Lyskamm, one of the most powerful peaks in the Alps. Walk past ancient Walser farms into the medieval hamlet of Gressoney St. Jean and on to your excellent hotel just out of town.
Day 4 Ascend to the lake Gabiet and on to the Col d’Olen. At the pass we enter into the magical Val Sesia and look down to Alagna nearly 6000 feet below (don’t worry, there is a cable car to help us get there). Pass by ancient refuges (barracks in WWI and II ). Descend through meadows and ancient Walser villages and farms into this time forgotten place. Overnight in the finest hotel in town.
Day 5 Hike over the magnificent Turlo Pass, the scene of many a WWI skirmish. The Macugnaga side is descended on an incredible road originally built by the Romans and enhanced during wartime. Enter into this antique village nestled beneath the staggering 10,000 ft. East Face of the Monte Rosa. Overnight in a charming three star hotel in the center of the village.
Day 6 A cable car aids our ascent to a point near the Swiss border at the Monte Moro pass. Descend through glacier scoured field of granite with the occasional cable for help. Pass by the lovely Monte Moro lake. Continue on foot or by bus to Saas Almagell and then up on foot to Saas Fee. Tonight we are in an outstanding hotel in the center of this charming village.
Day 7 Exit Saas Fee to gain one of the great Hohenwegs (high level paths) of the Alps. Travel beneath cascading glaciers and remote, unihabited valleys as we make our way to Grachen, a sparkling village on a bench high above the Mattertal. Van transfer to Zermatt to celebrate our achievements in one of the town’s finest hotels.
Day 8 Depart.
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