After 2 days of shopping and sightseeing at Chamonix (http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2011/08/france-chamonix-8-to1082011.html), the day arrived for us to embark on our quest to trek from Chamonix in France to Zermatt in Switzerland in 10 days. The 180km route famously dubbed as the Walkers' Haute Route is reported as a spectacular & demanding trek traversing below the summits of 10 out of the 12 of the highest peaks in the Alps, and crossing several high passes. It is supposed to be a trek of contrasts between flowers covered meadow and glaciers as well as snow-capped peaks. The route meanders through French and Swiss Alps: two distinct cultural regions with different languages and architecture.
Our team comprising 8 Malaysians, 2 French, 3 Portuguese and a Swiss signed up the 10-day package costing €899 per person with Cairn Bureau de Guides based in Les Carroz, Haute Savoie, Mont Blanc, France. The package included guiding, food and lodging. An English speaking Swiss guide named Sonia was allocated to our team by Cairn.
There are many routes one can take from Chamonix to Zermatt. Few routes are weather dependent. The following are 3 pictorial albums with short notes on the route taken by our group.
Part A: 11.08.11 to 13.08.11
WHR Day 1: Chamonix to Trient (Up750m and Down 930m)
Moderate uphill trek over flower covered pasture from Chalet du Tour (1453m) @ Le Tour to Col de Balme (2204m) with a net gain in elevation of 750m. This pass marks the border between France and Switzerland. Thereafter, it was an easy trek through a zig-zag trail down into Swiss territory, to Relais du Mont Blanc @ Trient (1279m) with a net loss in elevation of 900m. The trek took about 6.5 hours including idle time. The trek offered a great view of Mont Blanc (4808m) and glaciers.
WHR Day 2: Trient to Champex (Up1390m and Down1030m)
Given the good weather, we opted for a more scenic trail, involving a strenuous climb of 1400m to the Col of Fenetre d’Arpette (2665m) and a steep descent of 1000m down to Relais d’Arpette @ Champex (1630m). The trek covering substantial rocky and steep terrain took us about 10.5 hours. The trek was worthwhile in return for a fantastic view of the beautiful Glacier du Trient.
WHR Day 3: Champex to Cabane de Mille (Up840m)
From Champex, we bused to Hotel Bivouac Napoleon @ Bourg-Saint-Pierre (1630m) where we started our hike to Cabane de Mille (2473m). The trail winded through lovely alpine habitat for cows, sheep and horses. At Le Couer (2233m), we were briefed on the traditional style of cheese making. Throughout the trek, we had unhindered panoramic view of the whole Mont Blanc range. This super long trail which netted us only an elevation gain of 840m took us 7 hours. It was a respite from the demanding trek, the day before.
For the photographs, please refer to: http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/11188.
For Part B: 14.08.11 to 16.08.11, please refer to http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2011/09/walker-haute-route-part-b-14-to-1682011.html.
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