Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Alps Eiger to Matterhorn Trekking
Day 1 Arrive in Grindelwald in the Shadow of the Eiger
3-hour private transfer
Arrive at Geneva International Airport and transfer by private van to Grindelwald (3,392') in Switzerland's Bernese Alps. This postcard-perfect alpine village is a popular outdoor destination year-round. Dominated by the northern face of the Eiger in the backdrop, Grindelwald is the perfect entry point to the ultimate Alps adventure. Check into the hotel and enjoy some down time or explore the area before the welcome dinner.
Accommodation: First Lodge
(D)
Day 2 A First Look at the Eiger Massif
5-8 hours/5 miles hiking with an elevation gain of 3,100' and elevation loss of 3,100'
Begin your first day with a gondola ride up to Bort (4,700'). Pause to enjoy breathtaking views of the Eiger and Wetterhorn massif. Hike into mountain pastures as you acclimatize on your way to serene Bachalp Lake (7,550') and Hagel Lake (7,800'). There are several options for the descent and your expert guides will select the one that best suits the group.
Accommodation: First Lodge
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Trek to Murren via Kleine Scheidegg Pass & Lauterbrunnen
7-8 hours/9 miles hiking with an elevation gain of 2,985' and elevation loss of 2,700'
Start the day with a train ride to the trailhead in Alpiglen. Then follow the trails through picturesque forests and meadows, guided by the majestic view of the Eiger Nordwand, the infamous north face inaccessible until 1930. Start your descent from the Alpine pass of Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen. From here, a second train transfer will make the long descent into the Lauterbrunnen valley easier. A cable car will take you up to Grutschalp, then you will continue the stage on foot to your hotel in the pretty car-free village of Murren.
Accommodation: Hotel Jungfrau
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Soar Among the Bernese Alps on a Hike from Murren to Bundalp
9–10 hours/12 miles hiking with an elevation gain of 3,910' and an elevation loss of 3,000'
From Murren, embark on the North Face Trail of the famous Alpine Pass Route that spans Switzerland. Take in glorious views of the Bernese Alps, lush green meadows and meandering streams, then hike up a steep path to the dazzling Sefienenfurka ridge at 8,568 feet. Descend over a steep and rocky trail to the remote Bundalp village at 6,036 feet, marveling along the way at strange rock formations, sparkling glaciers, and plunging ravines. Stay at a working farm in Bundalp, right in the verdant Kiental Valley.
Accommodation: Mountain Inn Bundalp
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Climb Barren Hohturli Pass & Descend to Kandersteg
7-8 hours/8 miles hiking with an elevation gain of 3,260' and loss of 3,690'
Continue along the Alpine Pass Route over the rocky Hohturli Pass at 8,869 feet, down to the quiet Kandersteg by the Kander River. This is the most challenging hike of the trip, with trails that are barren and steep, yet replete with mesmerizing views of the stark, high, and wild sceneries. Hiking down, admire the turquoise Oeschinen Lake that sparkles among rocky cliffs. Descend by gondola to Kandersteg at 3,560 feet, one of the most idyllic hamlets in Switzerland towered over by the Blumisalp massif.
Accommodation: Hotel Victoria
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Journey to the Pennine Alps
5 hours/10 miles hiking with an elevation gain of 1,700' and an elevation loss of 3,470'
Take a gondola to Sunnbuel and start walking along the serene Daubensee Lake towards the 7,616-foot Gemmi Pass, believed to have been in use as a route since the Bronze Age. Enjoy the first glances of the Valais Alps (Pennines) and the glittering peaks of the Dom, the Matterhorn, the Weisshorn, and the Dent Blanche. Hike down on an impressive path carved into the cliffs, overlooking the town of Leukerbad at the head of the lovely Dala valley. Wave goodbye to the Bernese Alps and stay in the canton of Valais.
Accommodation: Hotel Dala
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Discover the Europaweg Trail
40-minute private bus ride
5 hours/7.5 miles hiking with an elevation gain of 3,000' and an elevation loss of 2,800'
Cross the Rhone River Valley by bus to arrive at the trailhead in the village of Randa, perched at 4,245 feet. Through the forests, ascend to the well-known Europaweg trail that connects Grachen and Zermatt; it is considered one of the most beautiful hikes in the Alps. Soak up the scenic panoramas and cross the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the Alps, 1,640 feet long and hanging nearly 280 feet above the chasm below. From Tasch, take a 10-minute train ride to Zermatt. Tonight dinner is on your own to explore Zermatt's many gastronomic options.
Accommodation: Hotel Butterfly
(B, L)
Day 8 Admire Sky-High Peaks on Your Way to Zermatt
3.5-hour private transfer
6.5 hours/8 miles hiking with an elevation gain of 3,100' and an elevation loss of 3,100'
For this last day, Zermatt offers a multitude of hikes to admire the surrounding peaks. Take a beautiful climb through the enchanting forest above the village of Zermatt. Following the beautiful five lakes route, reach the Fluhalp refuge (8,500 feet) in time for lunch. Head back down to Zermatt along the path to the hotel, where a farewell dinner will conclude your journey.
Accommodation: Hotel Butterfly
(B, L, D)
Day 9 Transfer to Geneva & Depart
3.5-hour private transfer
After breakfast, hop on a private minibus and transfer to Geneva International Airport. Alternatively, take a train from Zermatt to other destinations in Switzerland or Europe on your own. Flights departing from Geneva this day should be scheduled after 2:00 pm.
(B)
