The Discovery Trip - Swiss Alps

*This trip is guaranteed to depart with 4 people

ARRIVE IN ZERMATT

Zermatt lies at the foot of the Matterhorn. The town’s touristic development is closely linked to what is most probably the world’s most famous mountain. Zermatt is a car-free zone, has preserved its original character and offers almost unlimited possibilities as far as excursions are concerned. Today is arrival day, so there are no planned activities and you may arrive at any time throughout the day (please note that check-in at the hotel is usually around 2-3pm). Our hotel is located close to the train station and the centre of town. Meet your guide and fellow travelling companions at a short meeting at 5 pm in the hotel lounge. This evening we will have our first included dinner, where you can get to know your fellow trekkers and enjoy some excellent Swiss cuisine.

• Meals: D

ZERMATT TO THE GORNERGRAT AND THE FIVE LAKES HIKE FROM ZERMATT

Today’s hike combines the best of the mighty Gornergrat, which at 3000m has excellent views of the Matterhorn and the Monte Rosa, and the pretty Five Lakes walk. As we use the railways and cable cars, you have maximum flexibility to hike as much or as little as you like today. First we ascend by the Gornergrat railway to Riffelberg at 2582m, then we hike to the Riffelsee, where you can enjoy the views of the Matterhorn reflected in the lake. From here we continue to the Gornergrat summit for the unparalleled views of the Monte Rosa, before hopping on the train for the scenic descent to Riffelalp. Here, we start hiking again, on a spectacular contouring path across to the beautiful little Grunsee (“green lake”). We then continue across to our second lake, the wooded Grindjisee. From here you can if you wish return to Zermatt via Stellisee and the Blauherd cablecar; or you can continue on a looping track to the mountain refuge at Fluhalp and then a contouring mountain path down to Leisee and the Sunegga funicular railway to Zermatt. The timing and detail of today’s hikes may vary depending on the time of year, as we aim to take every advantage of the excellent railway/cable car network and give you the best opportunities to see the Matterhorn and the Alps at sunset and sunrise. Evening is at your leisure in Zermatt.

• Ascent 450–800m/Descent 200–500m  (between 4 and 6 hours hiking, as you choose)
• Meals: B L

ZERMATT TO THE TRIFT HUTTE

We ascend steeply from Zermatt to the stunningly-situated Edelweiss Mountain Hotel at 1961m. Then we follow an ever-steeper trail across narrow rocky patht until we reach the Trift Hutte at 2337m. This is a true mountain hut, accessible only by foot, and with stunning views. No less impressive is the apple tart, baked fresh and providing a welcome excuse for a stop! If you’re really lucky, you’ll hear the magical Swiss Horn being played, with the echoes from the nearby cliffs making this an unforgettable experience. Once we are refreshed and revived, we continue on our journey, ascending in zigzags until we turn a corner and at 2600m have a sudden splendid view of the Matterhorn. We descend steeply in zigzags until we reach a point when we can contour around to the traditional hamlet of Zmutt, where there is no car access and the village remains much as it was 100 years ago – but with the added advantage of a cafe where we can get refreshments! Then we descend on a gentle track to Zermatt.

Please note, it is possible to shorten this route and miss out on some of the ascent by taking another, easier, path from the Edelweiss Mountain hotel; if you do so, you will need to be prepared to make your own way down to Zermatt from here as the group will continue up.

• Ascent  1100m/Descent 1100m (8 hours walking)
• Meals: B L

ZERMATT TO ENGELBERG

Today we transfer from Zermatt to the smaller town of Engelberg. The journey takes approx. 4.5 hours, including a coffee stop at the magnificent Grimsel Pass en-route, and we aim to be in Engelberg by about 1pm, leaving you the afternoon free. There are many options for your free afternoon in Engelberg – you can choose to ascend Mount Titlis by cable car and enjoy the 3000m+ glacier walk and cable car ride on offer; you might wish to take a train to visit nearby Lucerne (45 minutes) with its historic medieval centre and covered bridges; or you could stay in Engelberg and visit the 900-year-old Benedictine monastery, and learn about the history of this fascinating town.

• Meals: B

 ENGELBERG VALLEY HIKE

Using the local lift system, we enjoy a full-day hike in the Engelberg valley, with magnificent views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. You will learn more about the traditional pastoral agriculture, and also have the opportunity to enjoy a coffee/rest break in a mountain refuge.

Dinner is on your own tonight and you can choose from a variety of restaurants in the village.

• Ascent 800m/Descent 500–800m (11–17km, 4–6 hours walking)
• Meals: B L

ENGELBERG TO ENGSTLENALP

Today feels like a genuine step into the reality of alpine trekking, as we set out on foot to ascend the Jochpass and cross over into the beautiful Engstlen valley. It’s hard work gaining the high point of the Jochpass, at over 2200m, but well worth it for the stunning views. We then descend to the beautiful blue waters of the lake at Engstlensee, and on to the tiny hamlet of Engstlenalp. Tonight we stay at a traditional hotel, with furnishings and fittings from 100 years ago, giving you a real feeling of the past. Although not ensuite, the rooms are full of charm, and we are sure you will love your stay here. Note that you will need to carry whatever personal effects you might need for an overnight stay up in the mountains. All bedding, linen and towels are provided, but you will need to carry your personal clothing and toiletries. Although today may feel a bit daunting, don’t worry – if you don’t feel up to the hiking, especially the big ascent to the Jochpass, there are cable cars available to assist you.

• Ascent 1250m/Descent 300m (6 hours walking)
• Meals: B L D

ENGSTLENALP TO ENGELBERG

Today we set off on a well-graded ascent to Tannalp. Our path is not too narrow or steep but is exposed; there are metal cables to assist as handholds but you do need to be OK with heights as there is quite a steep slope to the left. Then we take a delightful narrow path that ascends across rocky limestone terrain, with superb views to the glaciers ahead. This returns us to the Jochpass from where we descend to Engelberg.

• Ascent 600–900m/Descent 300–600m (6.5 hours walking)
• Meals: B L

DEPARTURE DAY

Today your journey ends after breakfast. If you have extra time, we recommend the following activities: the Mt Titlis Rotating Gondola, the Ice Cave and sculptures, the Mt Titlis cliff walk (if you are not frightened of heights), and a day trip to Lucerne (50 minutes by train). Accommodation in Lucerne is expensive, so we recommend staying in Engelberg.

• Meals: B

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Accommodation: The hotels used on this trip are comfortable 3-star family run hotels located close to the centre of Zermatt and Engelberg. The hotels in Zermatt and Engelberg have private facilities, although our hotel on night 6 does not.

Lift passes: We include lift passes on two days (Day 2 and Day 5). Lifts are available (at an extra cost) to assist you on Day 6 and Day 7 if you would like to reduce the hours that you hike. There are no lifts available on Day 3.

Terrain: Due to Switzerland’s rugged terrain, you can look forward to some exhilarating – but steep – climbs along rocky and sometimes uneven paths. There is no van support on this trip, so you should be comfortable with the Alpine elevation.