Matterhorn Circular Trek
Matterhorn Circular Trek

Matterhorn Circular Trek

8 days

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An unforgettable adventure circling the Matterhorn with stunning alpine landscapes.

The Matterhorn Circular Trek is an incredible high-altitude loop, surrounded by towering peaks ranging from 3000 to 4000 meters. Explore picturesque valleys, where vibrant green forests contrast beautifully with the sparkling glaciers and rugged terrain of the Collon and Theodul passes. Take a break in Zermatt, a charming, car-free Swiss village located at the foot of the Matterhorn. This incredible journey will have you circumnavigating the famous Matterhorn, or "Cervino" in Italian, offering an authentic Alpine adventure.

Highlights of the Matterhorn Circular Trek

Enjoy awe-inspiring views of glaciers descending from the north and south faces of the Matterhorn.
Gain your first high-altitude experience by crossing two glacial passes (Collon and Theodul) with a high-mountain guide.
Embark on a journey near some of the most stunning 4000-meter peaks in the Alps.
Dive deep into the local mountain cultures of the Valais and Aosta valleys.

Prices

From $1,950USD
8 days
Difficulty
Self-Guided
Hotels, dormitories and shared rooms
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Matterhorn Circular Trek

Matterhorn Circular Trek Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Zermatt

Arriving in Zermatt, a charming mountain town, is easy, whether by train, taxi, or shuttle bus. Once there, check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely walk through the pedestrian streets, lined with traditional chalets that create a peaceful and inviting atmosphere. Take in the magnificent views of the Matterhorn and breathe in the fresh Alpine air. This is the perfect time to unwind and enjoy the tranquil vibe of Zermatt before your upcoming hiking adventure through breathtaking landscapes.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Zermatt
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Zermatt to Grüben via Jungu and Augstbord Pass

Begin your journey with a scenic train ride from Zermatt to Saint Nicholas, followed by a gondola ride to Jungu (1,955 m), a picturesque mountain village set against the backdrop of Mischabel's towering summit. From here, hike through fragrant coniferous forests, gradually making your way towards the alpine meadows and rugged terrain of Augstbord Pass. At an elevation of 2,894 meters, enjoy stunning views before descending through Arolla pine groves to the valley floor. Your day concludes in the charming mountain hamlets of Meiden and Gruben, nestled at 1,825 meters.
Overnight Location: Mountain hotel in Grüben
Distance: 15 km, 950 m of ascent, 1050 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 Ascend the Forlcetta Pass and Discover Zinal

Your hike begins in the picturesque Turtmann Valley, where you'll embark on a steady climb towards Forlcetta Pass at 2,874 meters. From the pass, take in the breathtaking views of Dent Blanche and Mont Blanc, with the majestic "Imperial Crown" range of peaks rising around you, including Bishorn, Weisshorn, Zinalrothorn, Obergabelhorn, and Dent Blanche. These towering 4000-meter peaks encircle the valley, giving you the sensation that they’re within arm’s reach.

After soaking in the scenery, continue your descent to the charming village of Zinal, situated at 1,675 meters. Here, you can gather supplies for the next day's journey or unwind with a glass of wine, and craft beer enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby microbrewery at Hôtel le Besso.
Overnight Location: Mountain hotel in Zinal
Distance: 7 hours, 19 km, 1050 m of ascent, 1200 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 Scenic hike to Col de Torrent

Begin the day with a bus ride to the charming village of Grimentz before continuing to Moiry Lake (2,250 m). From there, embark on a hike through lush alpine meadows, gradually ascending towards Col de Torrent Pass (2,918 m). At the top, enjoy stunning views of the Dent Blanche and Grand Cornier, while the glacier-covered horizon stretches from east to west.

Descend through picturesque alpine landscapes towards Mayens de Cotters (2,057 m) and La Sage (1,644 m). Finally, take a scenic bus ride through the quaint Haudères Valley to reach the village of Arolla.
Overnight Location: Mountain hotel in Arolla
Distance: 7 hours, 11.5 to 23 km, 700 m of ascent, 1300 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 Arolla Glacier and Col du Collon Crossing

Begin your day early at the foot of the Arolla Glacier, a breathtaking expanse of ice that offers a smooth hiking route. Surrounded by towering peaks and the Col du Collon Pass, this day promises incredible high-mountain scenery. With the guidance of a professional UIAGM guide, this strategic crossing point between Italy and Switzerland has historically been used by shepherds and their herds.

As you descend, enjoy the dramatic change in landscape, from glaciers to alpine meadows and dense forests. Your evening concludes with a stay in the Prarayer Hut, nestled at 2,005 m in the valley below, where you’ll have a peaceful night without a luggage transfer.
Overnight Location: Prarayer Refugio
Distance: 8 hours, 18 km, 1000 m of ascent, 1100 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 Valcounera Pass and the Matterhorn's Italian Side

Today’s hike begins on a restored historic trail that leads you towards the next valley, featuring some steep, exposed sections. As you approach Valcounera Pass at 3,072 meters, the sounds of your steps echo through the rugged landscape of rocks, boulders, and cliffs. After crossing the pass, descend swiftly to the Perucca-Vuillermoz Hut at 2,909 meters, a stunning spot surrounded by lakes and waterfalls. From here, the Matterhorn's impressive Italian face finally comes into view, towering over the landscape as you reach the Fenêtre de Tsignanaz notch. After taking in the views, continue your descent to Les Perrères, followed by a transfer by bus to the mountain resort of Breuil-Cervinia.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Breuil-Cervinia
Distance: 7 hours, 14.5 km, 1200 m of ascent, 1200 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 Theodul Glacier and Views of the Matterhorn

Begin your day with a gondola and lift ride to the top of Testa Grigia at 3,480 m, immersing yourself in the stunning high-altitude environment. Accompanied by your Italian mountain guide, traverse the Rosa Plateau and the Theodul Glacier, which marks your return to the Swiss side of the border. As you cross the glacier, get up close to the iconic Matterhorn, with its imposing presence towering above.

Continue to Trockener Steg at 2,939 m and on to Schwarzee at 2,583 m, where you’ll experience breathtaking views of the mountain’s most photographed face. As you leave the glaciers behind, the trail leads you through flower-filled alpine meadows, eventually bringing you back to Zermatt, surrounded by lush green pastures.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Zermatt
Distance: 6 hours, 12 km, 150 m of ascent, 1550 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Departure day

Enjoy a relaxed final breakfast in Zermatt before checking out of your hotel. Take some time to explore the charming town one last time.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast

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Matterhorn Circular Trek Price and Dates

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Accommodation on the Matterhorn Circular Trek

This tour is based in hotels, dormitories, or shared rooms. Please note that double rooms may be available for an additional supplement in some cases. These rooms are in high demand and tend to book up quickly, so please contact us for pricing and availability.

Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Single rooms are not available on this tour, as some nights are spent in mountain huts where you will share rooms or dormitories.

Hotels on Standard Tour

Night 1

Hotel in Zermatt ★★★

You’ll stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel in the pretty village of Zermatt, with a private bathroom.

Night 2

Mountain hotel in Grüben

Stay in charming mountain hotels, ideally located in the heart of Grüben, offering comfort for hikers after a day of adventure.

Night 3

Mountain hotel in Zinal

Stay in charming mountain hotels, ideally located in the heart of Zinal, offering comfort for hikers after a day of adventure.

Night 4

Mountain hotel in Arolla

Stay in charming mountain hotels, ideally located in the heart of Arolla, offering comfort for hikers after a day of adventure.

Prarayer Refugio

Enjoy a warm welcome in a wonderful spot right next to Lac Place Moulin. Features bunk beds, 4 double rooms, and a relaxing sauna.

Night 6

Hotel in Breuil-Cervinia

You'll stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Breuil-Cervinia, with a private bathroom.

Night 7

Hotel in Zermatt ★★★

You’ll stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel in the pretty village of Zermatt, with a private bathroom.

What’s Included in the Matterhorn Circular Trek?

Meals

7 breakfasts and 5 dinners are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 7 nights are included.

Transportation during the Tour

Luggage transfer is included, so you only carry what you need for the day's hike. Your bags are transported to Grüben, Zinal, Arolla, and Zermatt. On days 5, 6, and 7 in Italy, you'll carry your own luggage as there’s no transfer service during this part of the tour.

Also included

  • Excursions mentioned in the itinerary
  • IFMGA mountain guide services for Collon Pass crossing on day 5, and Theodul Glacier crossing on day 7
  • The roadbook (as well as a map and reservation vouchers) for a 2-to-4-person group
  • Access to GPS navigation app
  • 24/7 emergency support in English

Not included

  • Transportation to and from Zermatt
  • Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
  • Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
  • The optional "climbing the Breithorn (4164m)" on day 7
  • Travel insurance
  • Public transportation and chairlifts/gondolas during the tour
  • The transfer by train from Zermatt to Saint-Niklaus
  • The lift ticket from Saint Niklaus to Jungu
  • The transfer from Mayens de Cotter to Arolla via Les Haudères
  • The lift ticket for the Breuil-Cervina / Testa Grigia aerial tram
  • The lift ticket for the Trockener Steg / Schwarzee aerial tram
  • Fees if a hut charges for showers
  • Admission to any monuments or sites of interest
  • Drinks and tips
  • For reservations made less than 15 days before the start, all additional fees for priority processing
  • Anything that is not specified in the "included in the price" list

Optional Extras

  • Additional nights before or after the tour
  • Optional activities or excursions

Frequently Asked Questions about Matterhorn Circular Trek

Allibert Trekking is a Tour Operator based in the French Alps, specializing in incredible trips for the active outdoor enthusiast. They cater to your specific wants to create an unforgettable adventure.

Allibert Trekking specializes in mountain sports adventures throughout the European Alps (France, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria). From the Dolomites to the Mediterranean coast, they create and organize hiking, mountaineering, ski touring, snowshoeing, and multi-sport trips throughout the Alps.

With 45 years of experience, Allibert offers both exceptional “ready-made” trip itineraries and customizable plans to make sure your experience is everything you want it to be.

Allibert places great importance on sustainable travel. Because of this, they focus on creating trips that make as little an impact as possible on the natural environment. Ethics, respect, and responsibility represent the cornerstones of their commitment to responsible tourism.

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Is this tour for me?

We rate this tour as a 4/5. This trek is physically demanding, with 6 to 8 hours of hiking per day and significant elevation changes (700m-1200m). The route includes rocky terrain, steep ascents, and descents, as well as high-altitude conditions. While no technical climbing skills are required, it's best suited for experienced hikers comfortable with long mountain days and varying weather.

Local Guide

Julien, Allibert Trekking
Julien
Chamonix, France

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