Countries Visited: France, Switzerland
Essential Information
Trip Profile
10 days point-to-point walking with vehicle support (inc. 3 days light backpacking). Altitude maximum 2965m, average 1525m.
Accommodation
11 nights camping, mostly in good campsites with hot showers; occasional rough camps; 2 mountain huts; 1 village inn (dormitory style).
Food
All breakfasts, 10 picnic lunches and 12 dinners included.
Reality Check
Grade: C - 10 days walking; maximum altitude 2,965 m, average 1,525m.
Our route contains ten days of walking and a three static days to rest, relax and enjoy the mountain scenery. For much of the route we are travelling across the grain of the country. The Rhone parallels our route for much of the time, and in each valley that we come to there is a tributary making its way down to join the great river. Many of the passes involve climbs of 1,000m or more - and similar descents! On some days there is little or no marked trail and the terrain is rugged underfoot.
The two days trekking between the mountain huts is strenuous and involves boulders, scree and snow patches. The views are outstanding as the trek starts virtually in the shadow of Mont Blanc and passes beneath many of the more famous alpine peaks. In fact, along this route are ten of the twelve highest peaks in the Alps, including Mont Fort, Grand Combin, Dent Blanche, Monte Rosa and of course the Matterhorn. But it's not just high peaks which make up the fascination of this trip: there are green valleys, high meadows filled with flowers, blue lakes and charming Swiss villages with farms and buildings that have scarcely changed in a century.
This trek is based on the 'supported camping' concept, with a vehicle doing all the hard work of transporting luggage, equipment and supplies. In order to stay high and enjoy the mountains to the full there are two occasions when we make rough camps with very limited facilities as well as staying 3 nights in mountain huts or small village pensions with dormitory style accommodation. Sometimes the vehicle cannot reach us so 3 days light backpacking is necessary.
Group size and age
Min. 8, max. 16, plus leader. Minimum age 18.
Icons explained
The vast majority of Exodus adventures are adult group holidays. Groups are always small in size. We strongly believe that this adherence to small groups means a better experience for all; more time with your guide, less waiting around and a reduced impact on the communities and environments visited.
Each group is generally made up of like-minded travellers - with singles, couples and friends all joining in together.
All these trips are suitable for single travellers, but if you prefer to travel with clients booking individually, please
see our Solo Departures page.
Fitness is important and you may have to improve yours before departure. Most treks at this grade compare to extended walking in mountainous terrain such as the Lakes of Snowdonia, but usually at significantly higher altitudes; climate and remoteness can also play a part. Previous trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident of your physical condition.
Walking & Trekking: Trips are wholly trekking-focused or simply include a significant number of walking days during the itinerary.
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