The Best Long Trek To Do In October - The Haute Route Trek

You'll find the most important details you need to know about this trek here, ranging from average cost to the nearest airport, aswell as a brief description of what you should expect on this trek.

FYI - This is part of a series of blogs that describe and detail the best short and long treks around the world per month. The trek per month is not random, I chose the best treks with the best climate conditions per month. Type in November in the search bar of my blog section and find out what the best treks to take are in November.

Name of the Trek: The Haute Route Trek

Location: France and Switzerland

Nearest Airport: Geneva Airport

Average Trekking Duration: 12 to 14 days

Distance: 200 km approximately

Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Highest Altitude: 2,987 m

Best Month To Go: October

Average Temperature: As cold as -10 degrees C

Average Cost: It is possible to trek solo or go on the luxury mode or even go on a shoestring budget. Breakfast and lunch would be at approximately USD $6 to USD $12. A lavish three-course dinner could cost about USD $30. If you hire a tour operator, the cost would be between USD $1270 and USD $2040 on an average, including baggage transfer and driving up and down the airport or the main towns of Chamonix or Zermatt.

The Haute Route is a glorious trek traversing through the Pennine Alps. The trek can begin from Chamonix and end at Zermatt. The trek route is tedious at some points and not much at other points. You will be passing through several passes on the way and even get a glimpse of many glaciers and peaks. The trek will begin from Chamonix to Argentiere, to La Forclaz, to Champex, Le Chable, Zinal, and finally to Europahutte and ending at Zermatt. Zermatt is a village in the foothills of Matterhorn.

What to Expect?

The trek route is long, and there are options of staying in one of the alpine huts at specific points. There are shared dorms, double private rooms, and more. The alpine huts come with basic amenities. For some trekkers having budget options for the way, get food and dry snacks from the stores and markets at the beginning of a trek. If they stay in accommodation providing food too, the choices are limited. Those preferring to stay at a proper hotel can do so in Chamonix or even in Zermatt.

The trekking route is quite safe, but it is still advisable to join a tour operator. Though you need not be a mountaineering expert, you will at least need to be physically fit. There is a need to walk at least 6 to 8 hours daily for 14 days and go for elevation gain and loss throughout. Carrying warm clothes is a benefit, and usually, the tour operators carry all the safety equipments too. The only negative aspect is expensive accommodation. Thus, if you prefer to camp in your own tent, you can save money on the trek.