Multistage tour
Tour Val d'Hérens
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/ Hikers on the Tour du Val d'HérensPhoto: Pascal Gertschen, CC BY-ND, Valais/Wallis Promotion
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/ Mountain lake "Lac du Louché" on the 5th stage of Tour du Val d'HérensPhoto: Pascal Gertschen, CC BY-ND, Valais/Wallis Promotion
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/ Lac du LouchéPhoto: Valais/Wallis Promotion
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/ Cabane des Becs de BossonPhoto: Pascal Gertschen, CC BY-ND, Valais/Wallis Promotion
5-day walk through a valley steeped in tradition, its authentic villages and lush alpine meadows, culminating at the mountain refuge of Cabane des Becs de Bossons at 2,985 m.
The first stage of the Val d‘Hérens Tour is a top-class panoramic hike against a dramatic backdrop of glaciated mountains. The route leads from Thyon past an idyllic high wetland, Les Gouilles d’Essertze, to Grande Dixence, the world’s tallest gravity dam. The second leg begins on the crest of the dam and follows the shores of the Lac des Dix before a steep climb to the legendary Col de Riedmatten and a descent to the village of Arolla. The third stage links the valley’s ancient villages, whose well-preserved hearts, full of historical charm, bear witness to traditional life in the Valais Alps. At Evolène, the fourth stage starts with a climb via alpine meadows and through forests to a high-altitude mountain refuge, the Cabane des Becs de Bosson: the highest point of the entire hike. After a night here, the final, fifth stage leads into the wild and pristine Vallon de Réchy and on to Nax, whose magnificent views have earned the village the nickname of “heaven’s balcony”.
Author’s recommendation
Stop to admire the Euseigne rock pyramids on your journey into the Val d’Hérens, find out about the Grande Dixence and its history at the visitor centre, and bring a pair of binoculars to observe the wildlife in the Vallon de Réchy.
Safety information
Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. Valais/Wallis Promotion accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of information on this website.
For all hikes:
- Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on “Print” icon, top right of this page.
- Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Close gates after passing through.
- Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals.
- Do not leave any waste in nature.
For mountain hikes:
- Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
- Plan hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season.
- Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.
For high-altitude hikes:
- Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone.
- Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
- Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels may rise rapidly without warning.
Equipment
We recommend:
- good footwear
- clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
- hat or cap
- sunscreen
- bottle for water
- picnic
- camera
- binoculars (optional)
- hiking poles (optional)
- printout of this hike (click “Print” icon, to download)
For certain walks:
- Swimwear
Tips, hints and links
More information about the destination:
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Discover the stages of Tour du Val d'Anniviers:
- 1st stage: Thyon – Grande Dixence
- 2nd stage: Grande Dixence – Arolla
- 3rd stage: Arolla – Evolène
- 4th stage: Evolène - Cabane des Becs de Bosson
- 5th stage: Cabane Becs de Bosson - Nax
Statistics
- 5 Stages
Tour du Val d’Hérens: Thyon – Grande Dixence (stage 1)
Tour du Val d’Hérens: Grande Dixence dam to Arolla (stage 2)
Tour du Val d’Hérens: Arolla to Evolène (stage 3)
Tour du Val d’Hérens: Cabane Becs de Bosson - Nax (stage 5)
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