Meeting point
Zinal centre bus station
Route des cinque 4000, 3961 Anniviers
Bishorn
2 days
Four-thousander with hut overnight stay
Impressive glacier expanses
Total 2,500 meters of elevation gain
Season:
June September
Departure Times
09:43
Zinal
Key info
Experienced mountain hiker
No technical climbing skills required
Surefootedness
At least 10 hours of hiking with a backpack
Overview
Recommended for:
Anyone who trades comfort for the view.
A four-thousander under your own steam: The Bishorn is your gateway to the world of high peaks.
The Bishorn is the perfect introduction to the world of 4000-meter peaks. A long but technically easy ascent takes you from Zinal to the 4,153 m a.s.l. summit. Overnighting at the Cabane de Tracuit makes the tour an unforgettable experience. At the top, you're greeted with a stunning view of Weisshorn, Matterhorn, and more.
Itinerary
Meeting points Day1
Day 1: Ascent to Cabane de Tracuit
We start in Zinal, a charming mountain village at 1,650 m a.s.l. The path leads us through alpine meadows and past rugged rock formations. With each meter of elevation, the view opens up until we reach Col de Tracuit at 3,256 m a.s.l. The modern hut sits spectacularly on a rocky ridge. After arrival, we enjoy the terrace and pack our backpacks for the next day's summit attempt.
Distance
6 km
Ascent
+1600 m
Walking time
5-6 hrs
Day2
Day 2: Climbing the Bishorn 4,153 m a.s.l.
We set off before sunrise. Headlamps light the way across the flat glacier until the ascent to the northwest flank begins. The firn snow crunches under the crampons, and our breath forms small clouds in the cold morning air. A steeper section tests our last reserves – then we stand on the summit. Right in front of us: the Weisshorn, one of the most beautiful peaks in the Alps. After a long break, we descend back to the hut and continue down to Zinal.
Distance
13 km
Ascent
+950 m
Descent
-2550 m
Walking time
7-10 hrs
Whats included
Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
Expenses of the mountain guide
Overnight stay(s) with half-board for the mountain guide
Hut reservation
Summit Certificate
Not included
Costs for cable cars and travel expenses of the guest
Overnight stay(s) in bunk room with half-board for the guest
Snacks
Technical equipment
Costs for a taxi if needed (guests pay for the guide's share)
Pack list
Backpack
Backpack 25-30 l
Clothing
Warm, functional clothing
Rain jacket
Rain pants
Mountaineering or hiking pants
Sunhat
Gloves (ideally one thin and one thick pair)
Beanie or headband
Extra underwear and socks
Footwear
Crampon proof mountaineering boots
Technical Equipment
Crampons with anti-snow plates
Harness
Ice axe
Hiking pole
Basics
Sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
Sunscreen lotion and lip balm (minimum factor 30, 50 better)
Thermos flask, drink bottle
Headlamp
Silk sleeping bag liner
Toiletries
SAC/DAV permit (if you have one)
GA or Half Fare Travelcard (if you have)
Earplugs (optional)
Camera and binoculars (optional)
Snacks
Weather info
General weather info
Weather can influence any tour, and a clear decision is often only possible on the day itself. We review conditions carefully and remain within our safety limits, and bad weather alone does not mean we have to stop.
Make sure we can reach you with current contact information in case your booking changes. Silence from us means your tour is still planned or the final call is not yet made. If we need to cancel, you can rebook, choose another activity, or get a full refund.
For detailed advice on how to prepare for (and enjoy!) bad weather days in Interlaken, check out our weather blog
Meeting points
Meeting points
Activity location