Hiking from Chamonix to Zermatt with a light pack

Walking along the lake of Dix in the early morning, with Mont Blanc de Cheilon in the background, gives this day the feel of an expedition.

At the far end of the lake, the Pas du Chat (2,372 m) marks the entrance into a wilder, more mineral world. The ascent follows the moraine of the Cheilon glacier, both magnificent and intimidating.

We will reach the Riedmatten pass (2919m) via a final steep climb equipped with cables.

Then the descent begins, and it is a revelation: the Matterhorn finally shows its mythical silhouette on the horizon, the Tsijiorne Nouve glacier, Mont Collon imposes its presence.

The village of Arolla , nestled in its verdant setting, welcomes you for a well-deserved night!

After a short morning transfer, the climb towards the Col de Torrent (2,916 m) begins in a setting of rare beauty.

As you gain altitude, the landscape transforms into a true alpine postcard: high-altitude lakes, short grass, silence inhabited by the wind.

From the pass, the view plunges down to Lake Moiry and its unreal turquoise waters, one of those moments that you keep in your memory for a long time.

The descent follows the edge of this reservoir before crossing the vast alpine pastures of Torrent , where the Dent Blanche stands guard in the background. A picnic at Lac des Autannes , suspended between sky and mountain, is a moment of pure bliss. In the evening, Grimentz and its dark wooden chalets welcome you to one of the most beautiful villages in Valais .

From Saint-Luc , the trail quickly leaves the forest to reveal a distinctly alpine, open, and luminous landscape. The ascent to the Meidpass (2,766 m) unfolds amidst a scenery dotted with mountain lakes, each more beautiful than the last, a veritable string of natural wonders.

At the pass, the atmosphere changes. You enter another world, more intimate, greener. The descent towards Grüben plunges you into the Swiss alpine pastures at their most authentic: herds of animals, cowbells, isolated chalets. The tiny, unspoiled village of Grüben embodies the very soul of the Swiss mountains.

Overnight stay at the Hotel Schwarzhorn, a charming address in the heart of this exceptional environment.

This day is one of superlatives.

From the Taësch alpine pastures , the procession of giants begins: Weisshorn, Alphubel, Allalinhorn, Rimpfischhorn ...

The peaks follow one another in a continuous spectacle, as if the Alps had decided to give their all in a single day.

The climb to the Furggji Pass is demanding, but every effort is rewarded with ever more breathtaking views. The most adventurous can continue to the summit of the Utterothorn for an unforgettable 360° panorama.

The descent leads to the Fluhalp refuge , situated in an absolutely incredible location, facing the glaciers.

Tonight, no luggage, just the essentials, the starry sky, and the feeling of being at the heart of something great.

The last day is a reflection of the entire trip: majestic. The descent to Lake Grüen , then the climb to the Riffelberg plateau , offer a total immersion in the heart of the Monte Rosa massif .

And at the end of the road, the Gornergrat station , one of the most famous in the Alps, marks a triumphant arrival.

The cog railway takes you back down to the valley in a dreamlike panorama, before plunging into the lively streets of Zermatt .

Tradition and modernity coexist there under the watchful gaze of the Matterhorn , always there, always as impressive.

A final stroll through this legendary village, then the taxi takes you back to Chamonix, completing the loop between the two capitals of the Alps. The end of a journey that leaves you transformed.