This guided Tour of Monte Rosa follows a circular route around the Monte Rosa

massif on the Alpine Italian/Swiss border. Monta Rosa is located due south of 

the town of Zermatt, in Switzerland or due north from Pont Saint Martin on the 

border between the two regions of Val D'Aosta and Piedmont, in Italy

 

It offers the chance to take in such dramattic sights as the Matterhorn and Breithorn

as well as the Dufourspitz, the mightiest of the 10 peaks that  exceed the 4,000 metre mark

within this massif.

 

Following this high level walking route you will be able to enjoy such highlights as:

 

• exceeding the 3,000 metre contour line

• make a crossing of  the Oberere Theodule Glacier

• experience brerath taking scenery on route

• enjoy the hospitality of Swiss, Italian and Walser hospitality, culture and customs

 

About the journey

 

The Tour of Monte Rosa has gown out of the high alpine transhumance and trade trails used by many

cultures for over 1,000 years. It is believed the Romans used routes accross this range, in warmer times

when crossing the high passes was for periods at less risk from the natural threats of snow and Ice.

The Walsers, origionally believed to be of Germanic origon made the journey south across Switzerland

and after arriving in the feudal regions of what is now Italy, were allowed to settle in the higher valleys

that were not used by the occupying populus living further down towards the Val D'Aosta. These trails

have been used for those fleeing religious persecution as well as those seking to reach freedom during

the Second World War.

 

This dramatic Alpine journey is 12 days long and one rest day is included on route, in Zermatt. There are no

planned uses of public transport and you can complete this journey knowing that you have walked all the

way without missing out some sections to economise on time. Many others do but they have chosen to

miss the experience of seeing Alpine meadows in their summer glory!

 

No day is planned to take more than 8 hours including breaks. Starting in Saas Fee also allows a few days of acclimatisation before climbing to the 3,000 metre mark where we will overnigh in one of the comfortable alpine huts.

 

The Wildlife 

 

There is a good chance that you will be able to see Ibex grazing or Marmots whistling to warn of our presence near their burrows, above the treeline. Overhead you may even see the Lammergeyer (Bearded Vulture) gliding high above the peaks. Nearby the huts in the evening stoats can sometimes be seen darting between the rocks.

 

 

Accommodation

 

Your overnight stays on route will be in a mixture of basic hotels and huts. There are a total of 7 nights in hotels and 6 nights in mountain huts. Hotels are based on twin rooms, unless you request an pay the single suppliment rate. Mountain refuge accommdation is usually in bunk style dormitories.

 

Meals

 

The trip is organised on a half board basis so you only have to purchase and carry your lunh each day. These can usually be purchased at your overnight accommodation each night and on some of the days there will be opportunities to stop at other huts on route to obtain snacks and cooked lunches.

 

How fit do I need to be?

 

If you are a regular walker and/or undertake regular Cardio vascular exercise for at least 45 minutes, 3 times a week, you should be fit enough to undertake this journey. It is an unassisted journey but your rucsack should not be larger than 35 litres and weigh more than 10-12 kg. Full details of what to wear and bring with you will be sent out with your booking confirmation. You will be expected to wear walking boots with good ankle support and carry waterproof trousers and Jacket, fleece, hat and gloves.

 

 

Dates and Cost

 

Dates:  Thursday 16th July to Tuesday 28th July 2015

 

Price £1,945 per person (land based)

 

Maximum group size: 12 people

 

What's included?

 

All accommodation (12 nights) from arrival in Saas Fee on the Saturday, until departure on the last morning from Sass Fee.

 

Breakfast and evening meals throughout the tour (but not drinks).

 

Guided services througout the trek from a qualified International Mountain Leader with prior knowledge and experience of the route.

 

Full itinerary details, personal kit list,  information about accommodation and how to arrive at Saas Fee will be sent out upon receipt of booking.

 

Not included?

 

Travel to/from hotel in Saas Fee

 

Lunches every day - these can be purchased at each nights hotel/hut

 

 

How to book

 

Click on the button to enquire:

 

 

 

Itinerary notes

 

A more detailed itinerary will be sent out with booking confirmation. The notes below reflect the distance, time and height gain/ loss for each day as well as accommodation type each evening.

 

Day 1: Arrive Saas Fee, Switzerland

Day 2: Saas Fee to Grachen - Distance 16 km,  height gain 700 metres, height loss 900m . Journey time  7 hrs. Overnight in hotel.

Day 3: Grachen to Europahutte - 14 km, height gain 980 m/ height loss 400m . Journey time 7 hrs. Overnight in Mountain hut.

Day 4: Europahutte to Zermatt - 17km, height gain 220m/ height loss 720m, journey time 6 hrs. Overnight in hotel.

Day 5: Rest day in Zermatt

Day 6: Zermatt to Theodulpass - 11 km, height gain 1701m/height loss 0. Journey time 7 hrs. Overnight in mountain hut

Day 7: Theodulpass to St Jacques - 15 km, height gain/height loss 1,612m. Journey time 6 hrs. Overnight in hotel.

Day 8: St Jacques to Col d'Olen - 15 km, 1,858 m height gain/height loss 850m. Journey time 8 hrs. Overnight in mountain hut.

Day 9: Col d'Olen to Pastore Mountain hut - 13 km, height gain 450m/height loss 1800m. Journey time 7 hrs. Overnight at Pastore Mountain hut

Day 10: Pastore to Macugnaga Village - 16km, height gain 1170m/ height loss 1430m. Journey time 8 hrs. Overnight in hotel.

Day 11: Macugnaga to summit of Mont Moro and the mountain hut - 6.5km, height gain 1665m, height loss 0. Journey time 4.5 hours (option to continue to nearby summits after arriving at hut). Overnight in hut.

Day 12: Mont Moro to Saas Fee - 13.5km, height gain 130m/ height loss 1315m. Journey time 6 hrs. Finish at hotel.

Day 13: Departure.