As its name suggests, the Haute Route is a journey, not a region. Encompassing a series of trails linking Chamonix to Zermatt, the Haute Route features high, steep passes and stunning mountain scenery. It definitely qualifies as one of the world’s great hikes. The Haute Route is also a very strenuous tour, with many high passes to cross. Unlike many other areas in the Alps, these trails offer very few easy options for shorter days or bad weather. It’s a commitment, but one that repays you with quiet trails and remote, rugged scenery. You can choose to start at either Chamonix or Zermatt, with shorter options starting in Verbier.

The Hiker’s Haute Route is the signature tour tracing the route from Chamonix to Zermatt.