The Walker's Haute Route - Part II

Day 1 Arrival via Sion to the back of the Val d'Hérens. The second part of the Walker's Haute Route starts leisurely. The route from the mountaineering village of Arolla out of the valley to Les Haudères is ideal as an entry tour and the route along the glacier river is beautiful. (Walking time without rests: 2.15 h, Distance: 8.1 km, Ascent/Descent: 135/690 meters)

Day 2 From La Forclaz the trail zigzags up, past the last alpine huts, further and further, more lonely, wilder until Col du Tsaté at 2867 m. The panorama is gigantic: Dent d'Hérens, Matterhorn, Dent Blanche, Zinalrothorn and Weisshorn. The 4000 m peaks are within reach! Far below, Lac de Moiry shimmers turquoise-blue. There the post bus is waiting and takes you in a short ride to Grimentz. (Walking time without rests: 5.15 h, distance: 11.8 km, ascent/descent: 1235/715 meters)

Day 3 The train eases the first ascent from St-Luc to Tignousa. On a beautiful panoramic path with views into the Val d'Anniviers and the 4000 m peaks is good to start. Then the path climbs over the hilly terrain to the Meidpass at 2800 m. Passing the crystal clear Meidsee, the route leads down to the Turtmann valley to Gruben. (Walking time without rests: 4.40 h, distance: 12.5 km, ascent/descent: 760/1110 meters)

Day 4 First through the sparse larch forest, then across alpine pastures until the trail finally leads through a bizarre rock and scree landscape to the Augstbord Pass at 2892 m. Now the view opens up into the Mattertal and the descent follows through the wild Augstbord to the sun terrace of Jungu. Treat yourself to a refreshing drink in one of the most beautiful mountain restaurants and enjoy the view of the Monte Rosa massif before the cable car takes you gently down to St. Niklaus. (Walking time without rests: 5.35 h, distance: 13.5 km, ascent/descent: 1225/1075 meters)

Day 5 The crowning glory comes at the end. From Täsch by bus to Täschalp and along the Europaweg towards Zermatt. The view of the Matterhorn could hardly be better. Then follows a gentle descent to the mountaineering metropolis of Zermatt. Congratulations on the Walker's Haute Route! (Walking time without rests: 3.15 h, Distance: 10.5 km, Ascent/Descent: 310/875 meters)