Tour of the Val d'Hérens

🥾 In a nutshell

⏱ Duration: 3 days
📏 Length: 73 km
⛰ Elevation gain: 3,900 meters
💪 Difficulty: difficult
🌤 Season: June to September

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🙋 Who is this trek for?

This circuit in the Val d'Hérens is aimed at experienced hikers, who are used to walking for around fifteen kilometres, with an elevation gain of around 700 metres. However, one stage is much more demanding, with nearly 1,600 meters of elevation over 10 kilometers.

🚆 Getting there

This trek is ideal to be reached by public transport. The starting point is in Thyon, which is located one hour by bus from Sion station. The point of arrival is located in Nax, which a bus connects to Sion station in about twenty minutes.

For those preferring the car, a large car park is located near the starting point of the trek in Thyon. But the tour of Val d'Hérens ending in Nax, it will be necessary either to extend the walk to Thyon, or to use public transport to get back to the car.

🛌 Sleep and eat

This 5-day trek includes 4 nights in various establishments. Hotels, lodgings, refuges, campsites, are located on the way, and are indicated within each stage.

Similarly, establishments where it is possible to eat are located at the end of each stage, which allows you to travel lighter.

🎒 Equipment

Like any trek, this one requires a minimum of preparation. To manage it like a pro, please consult our dedicated guide: What to bring on a trek.

🥾 Day 1: above the Hérémence valley

This first stage of the tour of the Val d'Hérens begins in Thyon, a village located near Sion. The path runs along the Hérémence valley and immediately climbs to the foot of Mont Rouge, near the Essertze gouilles. These peaceful ponds alternate with peat bogs over 13,000 years old, and are an ideal place for a short break.

The path then continues towards the Lac des Dix and the Grande Dixence dam, a building of superlatives. It is the highest gravity dam in the world, the most massive in Europe, and it generates the electrical equivalent of two nuclear power stations!

The path passes close to the lake, then descends to the foot of the dam to complete the stage.

From Thyon to Grande Dixence

16km • Hard •

🥾 Day 2: along the Lac des Dix

After a night spent at the foot of the Grande Dixence dam, you first need to climb to get back to the level of Lac des Dix. You can then take a balcony path for about 7 kilometers, flat and overlooking the lake. The views are grandiose, on what is the most imposing artificial reservoir in Switzerland.

After this respite, the route climbs again over more than 500 meters to reach the Col de Riedmatten (2,919 m), which allows you to get a little closer to Mont Blanc de Cheilon.

Finally, the path gradually descends towards Arolla to close this second stage.

From Grande Dixence to Arolla

18km • Hard •

🥾 Day 3: in the cultural heart of the Val d'Hérens

This new stage contrasts greatly with the two previous ones. No more heights, make way for valleys and charming historic villages.

The path begins by leaving Arolla and following the valley of the same name, where it is possible to make a detour to see the very beautiful Lac Bleu.

The rest of the day is dedicated to crossing several villages that form the cultural heart of the Val d'Hérens: Les Haudères, La Forclaz, La Sage, then Evolène. Old houses, flower meadows, and local products, give an authentic charm to this little corner of paradise.

From Arolla to Évolène

17km • Medium •

🥾 Day4: closer to the peaks

After the respite of the day before, this stage offers a short but intense itinerary! Indeed, the elevation gain of 1,600 meters is exceptional, and it will be advisable to distribute your efforts well over the 10 kilometers of walking.

The path crosses forests and mountain pastures, before joining the Pas de Lona, then the Becs de Bosson hut (2,985 m). The view is then superb on the summits of the Valais, and extending to Mont-Blanc.

From Évolène to Cabane des Becs de Bosson

11km • Hard •

🥾 Day 5: descent through the Vallon de Réchy

This fifth and final stage leaves the Becs de Bosson hut and descends into the Vallon de Réchy, which is as wild as it is magnificent. The path continues at the foot of Mont Noble, in the heart of the alpine pastures, then in the forest to Nax.

Located on a rocky promontory, the village of Nax offers a pretty panorama of the Rhône valley. It is possible to take a bus there to reach Sion station.

From Cabane des Becs de Bosson to Nax

13km • Medium •

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