| Summer 2010 > Randonnée & Trekking >> Oberland : |  |
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THE BERNESE OBERLANDNothing can compare to the splendour of these gigantic rock faces towering above the green alpine meadows.The summits of the Bernese Oberland are numerous and varied.The culminating point is the Finsteraarhorn (4273m) with its harmonious lines at the summit; however, the most elegant summit in the Oberland is without doubt the Jungfrau (4158m) which along with the Mönch (4099m) and the Eiger (3970m), makes up one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Alps. The Bernese Oberland is separated from the Valaisannes Alps by the Rhone valley. Entirely situated in Switzerland, between Aar in the north and the Rhone to the south, this impressive mountain range counts no less than nine summits of over 4000 meters. We also find the Aletsch glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps, and the most difficult rock face: the Eigerwand or the north face of the Eiger or the Ogre. This well-named summit has become the pride of all who live in the region.Technical Ability : Six days hiking with stages of 5 ½ to 7 hours per day on footpaths and trails of varied terrain (stones, scree…). Average of 1000m acclivity/declivity per day. |
Oberland glaciers |
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ITINERARY : DAY 1 : CHAMONIX to LAKE TZEURIER to SIMMENFALLE From Chamonix, we head in the direction of Cran Montana (approx. 1 ½ journey). Our trek starts at Lake Tzeurier crossing the alpine meadows of Lourantse and Armeillon on a rocky trail as far as the Plan des Roses where we head up a gentle slope to the Rawill pass and a beautiful panorama of the Bernese Oberland. The trail then descends towards Iffigenalp and threads its way through the limestone cliffs. Transfer to Simmenfalle. Up : 750m. / Down : 900m. / Around : 4,5 hours DAY 2 : SIMMENFÄLLE to ENGSTLIGENALP From Simmenfälle, following the torrents and cascades, we start a long trek up towards the Ammerten pass. The grandiose views of the Wildstrubel massif offer a surprising contrast with the flat green plains of the Engstlingenalp meadows where we will spend the night. Up : 1338m. / Down : 479m. / Around : 6 hours DAY 3 : ENGSTLIGENALP to KANDERSTEG An early start as we trek up towards the Tschingelhortighorn with its characteristic summit which we skirt around. An exposed ridge leads us to Chindbettipass with glacial lakes below, and cliffs and green plains all around us: the scenery is fabulous during the descent towards Kansersteg. Up : 695m. / Down : 1485m. / Around : 7 hours. DAY 4 : KANDERSTEG – KIENTAL A long ascent punctuated by some of nature’s little gems: on departing, the Lake Oeschinen; the meadows where it’s well worth a stop; then the impressive tongues of the Blümlisalpgletscher glacier; then the Hohtürli pass with its circular view over the Kandertal and Kiental. A steep and continuous descent at first into the Kiental meadows. Night in a farmhouse-mountain auberge in Bundalp. Up : 1119m. / Down : 938m. / Around : 7 hours. DAY 5 : KIENTAL to MURREN The short descent to the Bundstag Bridge allows us to rejoin the Sefinenfurgge route. From the mountain pass surges the Jungfrau, the Mönch and the Eiger. The décor is simply majestic. A long descent takes us towards the Rotstock meadows and the Mürren heights. From here we have only 1 ½ hours more to walk, on the famous ‘North Face Trail’ in order to join the upper part of the village where we find our auberge for the night. Cloud cover permitting, the setting sun will enchant us all. Up : 120m. / Down : 800m. / Around : 7,5 hours. DAY 6 : MURREN to WENGEN to LAUTERBRUNNEN We leave the heights of Mürren and descend by cable car into the Lauterbrunnen valley. On following the course of the Weisse Lütschine water, in the hollow of this beautiful valley, as far as Sandbach, we can embark on the beautiful ascent along the Trummel gorges. Above the forest, we will be at the foot of the Jungfrau, the Mönch and the Eiger. And how could we possibly finish our voyage in Switzerland without taking one of their typical small trains? Descent into Lauterbrunnen by the only method of local transport. End of the trek. Up : 840m. / Down : 490m. / Around : 6,5 hours. |
NB : THE MOUNTAIN OR TREKKING GUIDE MAY HAVE TO MODIFY THE PROGRAMME DEPENDING ON CONDITIONS LODGING / COMFORT : 5 nights dormitory accommodation in gîtes or mountain huts. Light backpack (the day’s clothing and equipment + picnic). Your baggage will be transported by minibus to each mountain hut throughout the duration of the tour. THE MEALS : The evening meal will be taken in the mountain huts or hotels. The trekking guide will take care of preparing the picnics. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any medical restrictions. The water in all the mountain huts is fit to drink, however, please check with your trekking guide before drinking water from other sources in the mountains. FORMALITIES : Passport of valid ID card MISCELLANEOUS : Bring cash money (Swiss Francs) for personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks...) MEETING POINT : . 9h30 AM at the Chamonix guides company. . At 6PM the day before, information meeting with your trek leader, at the Chamonix guides company, located Place de l’église. THE SUPERVISION : The groups will have between six and 12 participants maximum per trekking guide, all State qualified, in order to guarantee maximum security and comfort, as well as better dialogue and transmission of information. PRICE FOR SUMMER 2010 : 765 € per person (6 persons minimum). Price includes: - The supervision of a trekking guide - Half-board auberge dormitory accommodation - The picnics - Lift passes - Transportation, from Chamonix - Transportation of baggage throughout the tour This price does not include: - Drinks and personal expenditure Suggested dates (summer 2010) : 18th July - 15th August. We ask the hereunder deposit payment at the reservation. The remaining has to be paid 21 days before the beginning of the course. |
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