In some cases, you may need to reroute to avoid unsafe areas. Thank goodness for trekking poles (and improvised sun protection)! For budget travelers, it is possible to self-cater and keep your food and drink costs quite reasonable. The route traverses over 200 km and crosses 11 mountain passes on its journey from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn. Price: 8.70 CHF per person + 7.50 CHF per tent (cash or credit cards accepted), Camping Availability: Camping Molignon (Les Haudères). For one thing, it is a very strenuous endeavor. On the other end, Zermatt is easily accessed by train from Geneva and many other Swiss cities. The Walker’s Haute Route Highlights. We’re often asked what the best options are for condensing or shortening the Chamonix-Zermatt Hiker’s or Walker’s Haute Route.Rather than following step-by-step the 15-day version outlined in Kev Ryynold’s Chamonix-Zermatt the Walker’s Haute Route, is there a way to do a shorter “Best of the Haute Route”? But u can have a nice cold bath in the stream beside the Camping. This campground will be closer to get to after a long day of hiking from Gruben and balance the remainder of the hike so your next day isn’t ridiculously short. Trekkers typically take 14 days to complete the trek, give or take a day or two. They recommended me just to stay with my tent on the big green field behind the little village. We camped nearly every night on the Haute Route, but we made exceptions on three occasions. I intend on hiking the Walker's Haute Route when lockdown finish and due to not knowing how fast I will want to hike, I are considering not booking accommodation in advance at the mountain huts. We reserved beds ahead of time at Cabane du Mont Fort and Cabane du Moiry, due to the difficulty of camping on these stages and the rave reviews about these huts. There are very long, steep descents on nearly every stage of the Haute Route, and these can create problems and irritate chronic injuries for those with sensitive knees. If you’re worried about getting a good pitch, try to get to the campground before 5:00pm and you should be just fine. Each section provides in-depth information and resources, including:. There are 4 camping options on the Haute Route; Wild camping. Be sure to stock up at the shop in Zinal unless you want to buy some very expensive meals at the Hotel Schwarzhorn. Campgrounds without showers. The Walker’s Haute Route is an absolutely stunning trail that offers what I would consider to be the classic Alps experience: beautiful mountain hamlets, green flower-rich valleys, gorgeous snow-capped peaks and almost constant access to great food and drink. While it is quite noisy, a bit cramped, and the showers aren’t the warmest, this campground has a lot of redeeming qualities, too. Nearby: Besides the hotel and restaurant, there’s not much in Gruben. Regardless of the option you choose, here’s a bit about the Camping Ilôt Bosquet: Nearby: Bus stop, tourist office, restaurants, bank, post office, shops. It typically takes walkers between 10-14 days to complete the Walker’s Haute Route. Expect to get service in all of the larger towns, but less so as you go further from civilization. However, you’ll pay for that convenient location in the form of frequent noise from the road and railroad tracks. Services: Toilets (TP and hand soap), several covered sinks for washing up, potable water (hot and cold), showers, outlets, restaurant, small shop selling snacks and essential items, pool, hot tub, ping pong, playground, recycling, and trash (bag purchase required). Prepare for each day on the trail with water refill, toilet, food/supermarkets and laundry locations. If you’re blister prone, consider trying sock liners. If you would prefer to (legally) camp on this stage, your best bet is to continue hiking past the Barrage de Moiry and onwards for about two more hours to the town of Grimentz. … If you choose the less steep variant (which follows a gravel road), the trail ends immediately next to the campground. Services: Toilets (TP and soap), drying room, complimentary tea and coffee served in the afternoon and complimentary fruit tea in the morning, option for self-catering, restaurant/bar, sleep sheets available for rent (5 CHF), showers (5 CHF for 5 minutes), foosball, picnic tables, sinks but NO potable water (we recommend bringing a lightweight filter instead of buying the overpriced plastic bottles at the hut). Wild Camping on the Walker’s Haute Route. Hi Mario, Alternative Option #2: Gruben to Randa or Täsch, then Randa /Täsch  to Zermatt. Nearby: There aren’t any services in Champsec, but there is a grocery store (closed on Sundays), bakery, restaurants, bus/train/gondola connections, and an ATM in Le Châble. If you’ve read our Guide above, you’re well on your way to having an incredible experience camping on the Walker’s Haute Route Trail. We think that camping is the best way to do the Haute Route, not only for the money-saving aspects, but because it allows you to more fully immerse yourself in the natural surroundings you’re there to experience and to meet some really cool fellow campers along the way. Who we recommend it for: This trail is for everybody (with some caveats)! It presents some serious physical challenges, but your exertions are guaranteed to be rewarded royally with some of the world’s most beautiful and varied scenery. If you arrive in the afternoon, don’t be surprised to find the campground’s restaurant positively buzzing with families and hikers stopping by for a drink or some ice cream. The type of pack you’ll need for the Haute Route will depend on your individual itinerary. Starting at the Chamonix train station, the Walker’s Haute Route winds its way all the way to Zermatt. For a complete packing list, check out this article. Those who are vegan, gluten-free, or have a specialized diet will have a harder time finding suitable meals. Steve Priestley ist bei Facebook. This campground is a great budget option if you’re just staying one night in Zermatt before traveling onwards. Then down to St Nicklaus and finally up into Jungen. The stages of the traditional Walker’s Haute Route are as follows: Stage 1: Chamonix to Trient. This is especially true for campers, as you’ll have a more extensive packing list and the stakes are a bit higher if you neglect to bring something essential. Travelling from Chamonix in France to Zermatt in Switzerland, you will start at Mont Blanc and finish at the Matterhorn. Not a bad place to pitch a tent at Camping Molignon. 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