Valais: 5-Day Trekking Itinerary on the Rive Droite
Article updated on 20.04.26
Looking for a multi-day trek in Valais? The right bank of the Rhône offers an ideal route for a self-supported adventure between Martigny and Crans-Montana.
Over 5 days of hiking, this route crosses alpine passes, high-altitude lakes, mountain huts, and wild landscapes, covering more than 70 km and 5,000 m of elevation gain.
A complete itinerary to discover Valais from a different perspective, away from the most crowded trails, gradually gaining altitude with each stage.
One of the main advantages of this trek is its flexibility: you can adapt it to your level, shorten certain stages, or stay in huts to lighten your pack.
Day 1 : Champex-d’Alesse → Ovronnaz
🥾 12 km | ⛰️ +1600 m / -720 m
🚩 Start: Champex-d’Alesse
⛺️ Overnight: Ovronnaz
🛏️ Hut options: Demècre & Fenestral
The route starts in Champex-d’Alesse, accessible by bus from Martigny and then by cable car from Dorénaz (around CHF 6.40 with a half-fare card).
Right after the cable car, the first climb sets the tone: about 6 km and +1300 m elevation gain up to Cabane de Demècre, a solid warm-up to kick off the trek.
A break is possible at the hut, whether for a meal or an overnight stay. The trail then continues toward the Fenestral Pass.
After Demècre, there’s a short descent of about 1.5 km (-250 m) down to the Lac Supérieur de Fully, followed by a final climb of 330 m over 2 km up to Cabane du Fenestral.
Here again, you can stop to eat or stay overnight depending on your energy level.
The last part of the day is a long descent down to Ovronnaz, where you’ll need to find a flat spot for bivouac, ideally near a water source.
In our case, we pitched our tent at Grands Prés : see location on Google Maps. Conditions were very dry that week, with no risk of rain, which made bivouacking easier.
A demanding first day, especially with a full backpack, but perfect to get into the rhythm.
Champex-d’Alesse to Ovronnaz on Swisstopo
Find the route on Swisstopo below.
If you are using a mobile device, you can open it directly in the Swisstopo app by clicking here.
Day 2 : Ovronnaz → Derborence
🥾 14.5 km | ⛰️ +1180 m / -1160 m
🚩 Start: Ovronnaz
⛺️ Overnight: before the Derborence nature reserve
🛏️ Hut options: Rambert & Dorbon
The day starts gently, crossing the Ovronnaz ski area before heading up towards Cabane Rambert (approx. 4.5 km and +700 m elevation gain). The ascent is gradual, with several sections along the river where you can take a break.
Cabane Rambert is a great option to stop for food or an overnight stay.
For this itinerary, continue towards the Col de la Forcle.
It is recommended to refill your water at Lac de la Forcle, as some lower sources may be dry depending on the season.
The descent then leads towards Derborence. Be aware that the lake area is part of a protected nature reserve, where bivouacking is not allowed. It is therefore important to plan your overnight spot in advance.
An alternative is to stay at the Dorbon alpine lodge, where you can eat and spend the night.
Ovronnaz to Derborence on Swisstopo
Find the route on Swisstopo below.
If you are using a mobile device, you can open it directly in the Swisstopo app by clicking here.
Day 3 : Derborence → Sanetsch
🥾 13.3 km | ⛰️ +1100 m / -700 m
🚩 Start: Derborence
⛺️ Overnight: Sanetsch Pass
🛏️ Hut options: Prarochet & Hotel du Sanetsch
The day begins with a short walk to Lac de Derborence, a great spot for a breakfast break by the water.
The route then continues on a fairly flat trail to Lac de Godey, before reaching the Poteu du Bois section.
This is one of the key moments of the stage: about 1 km and +420 m elevation gain, with a steep climb and some equipped sections (ladders and narrow passages). With a heavy backpack, it requires extra attention, especially if you’re sensitive to heights.
After this climb, the trail becomes more enjoyable, with flatter sections and streams where you can cool off. The landscape gradually turns more mineral as you approach Sanetsch.
At the top, there are many possible bivouac spots (see location on Google Maps).
It is also possible to stay overnight in a hut, such as Cabane de Prarochet or Hotel du Sanetsch.
Derborence to Sanetsch on Swisstopo
Find the route on Swisstopo below.
If you are using a mobile device, you can open it directly in the Swisstopo app by clicking here.
Day 4 : Sanetsch → Tseuzier
🥾 17 km | ⛰️ +1390 m / -1276 m
🚩 Start: Sanetsch
🛏️ Hut option: Audannes
This is the longest and most demanding stage of the trek.
Right from the start, the trail climbs along the Arpille ridge (2.5 km and +435 m elevation gain), setting the pace for the day.
A short descent leads to the Grandes Gouilles area, a quieter section and a great place to take a break, especially near the river.
The climb to the Col des Audannes is one of the most intense parts: around 1.7 km and +440 m, with technical sections (ropes, ladders, exposed passages). This section can feel quite impressive and requires attention, especially if you’re sensitive to heights.
From the pass, the descent to Cabane des Audannes is more relaxed. You can stop there to eat or stay overnight.
For a full traverse, the route continues towards Lac des Audannes, then climbs one last time to the Col des Eaux Froides (1.3 km and +190 m).
The final part is a descent, first along a river, then through rocky terrain shaped by glacial erosion.
Arriving above Lac de Tseuzier is a rewarding moment after such a long day. A possible bivouac spot can be found here (see Google Maps).
If there are few water sources nearby, make sure to refill beforehand.
With a bit of luck, you might spot ibex in the area (without approaching or feeding them).
Sanetsch to Tseuzier on Swisstopo
Find the route on Swisstopo below.
If you are using a mobile device, you can open it directly in the Swisstopo app by clicking here.
Day 5 : Tseuzier → Crans-Montana
🥾 14.3 km | ⛰️ +480 m / -1150 m
🚩 Start: Tseuzier
The final day is more accessible, mostly downhill.
The trail quickly reaches Lac de Tseuzier, then follows its shores before continuing towards the Bisse du Ro. This section is particularly impressive, with paths carved into the rock and open views over the valley.
Arriving in Crans-Montana marks the end of the trek and a gradual return to a more urban environment.
Tseuzier to Crans-Montana on Swisstopo
Find the route on Swisstopo below.
If you are using a mobile device, you can open it directly in the Swisstopo app by clicking here.
A 5-Day Trek in Valais on the Rive Droite
This itinerary allows you to cross a large part of the right bank of the Rhône, between Martigny and Crans-Montana, through very diverse landscapes: alpine pastures, mineral terrain, mountain passes, and high-altitude lakes.
The 5-day format is well balanced, with stages that vary both in terrain and atmosphere.
Note: on a self-supported trek like this, time management quickly becomes essential. Between breaks, cooking, water management, and recovery, the days go by fast.
A complete itinerary to discover Valais in a different way, with a true immersion in the mountains.
The Rive Droite on Swisstopo
Find the route on Swisstopo below.
If you are using a mobile device, you can open it directly in the Swisstopo app by clicking here.
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