The 4-day Kesch Trek is a Swiss classic and one of the most beautiful treks in the region of Graubünden. On this 4-day trek in the Alps you will cross the Flüela and the Albula Passes and you will spend your nights in cozy mountain huts. On your last day, you will visit Lai da Palpuogna, described by the locals as the most beautiful lake in Switzerland.
Kathmandu / Pokhara / Switzerland
Kesch Trek in Graubünden
At a Glance
Duration
4 Days
Trip Grade
EASY
Group Size
12
Start
Kathmandu
End
Kathmandu
Max Altitude
4400
Accommodations
Tea Houses, Hotels, etc.
Transportation
Bus, Private Car, Helicopter.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Best Seasons
Summer & Winter
Locations
Kathmandu, Pokhara, Switzerland
> Complete the full Kesch Trek
> Cross the Flüela and the Albula Passes
> Don't worry about booking the huts, we got that covered!
The 4-day Kesch Trek is a Swiss classic and one of the most beautiful treks in the region of Graubünden. On this trek, you will cross the Flüela and the Albula Passes and you will spend your nights in cozy mountain huts. On your last day, you will visit Lai da Palpuogna, described by the locals as the most beautiful lake in Switzerland.
The Kesch Trek is very diverse and guides its visitors through wide valleys, glaciers, steep rock formations, and emerald blue lakes. Get your hiking boots ready and discover this Swiss gem in the canton of the Grisons!
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1
Davos to Grialetsch Hut
Duration:03:00hrDistance:3.42kmAscent:440mDescent:280mMeals:Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerStay:Stay in Hotel in Kathmandu
Your trek begins at the Flüela Pass, which is over 2,300 metres high. You will be immediately rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding area. From here, you will steadily gain altitude along a clearly marked mountain path as you make your way towards Fuorcla Radönt, the highest point of the day at 2,786 metres. This mountain saddle marks the transition between the rugged Schwarzhorn–Radönt ridgeline and the vast, open expanse of the Val Grialetsch. Watch out for marmots, which can often be spotted here!
If you choose to climb the Schwarzhorn, a marked detour leads you to the summit at 3,147 metres. From the top, you are rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views over the Graubünden Alps before retracing your steps to rejoin the main route at Fuorcla Radönt.
Later on, you will reach a clear alpine lake, nestled amongst rugged rock and boulder fields. The final 1.5 km of the route includes T3 terrain, which will put your alpine experience to the test. Finally, you will reach your mountain hut, nestled in a remote high valley and boasting incredible views.
Day 2
Grialetsch Hütte - Kesch Hütte
Duration:05:5hDistance:13kmAscent:600mDescent:530mMeals:Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerStay:Local Homsted
Today's route takes you over the Scaletta Pass, following part of the famous Swiss Alpine Marathon route along the Panorama Road. This scenic trail offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, making for an enjoyable and rewarding hike.
Your destination is the Kesch Hut, a modern and eco-friendly mountain refuge, newly built in 2001 and recognized for its sustainable energy concept. The hut has been awarded the European Union eco-label and is a winner of the Swiss Solar Award, making it a model for responsible tourism in the Alps. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in this exceptional mountain retreat.
What's included
Full travel guide
You’ll receive access to our trekking app, which serves as your complete digital travel guide for the Kesch Trek. Inside, you’ll find everything you need for your trek: route descriptions, hiking maps, navigation support, payment information, and all the key details specific to your journey.
Accommodation
During your Kesch Trek, you will spend your nights in mountain huts. We normally book dormitories, but private rooms are available upon request and cost €75 extra per room per night. If no private rooms are available, we will automatically book a bed in a dormitory.
Half-board in Huts
Accommodation at the huts includes dinner and breakfast. We will arrange this for you as well. This allows you to travel lighter and have one less thing to worry about. Bear in mind that lunch is not included, but it can be purchased at the huts. Here you can also buy an array of snacks and bottled water.
Navigation support
Our trekking app also includes built-in navigation support. With GPS-based maps and offline access, you can follow the trail confidently and stay on route even without mobile signal.
What's excluded
Traveling to and from
You have to make your own way to the starting point. The total amount does not include personal transport.
Transfers
Should you need any form of (public) transport on location, this is not part of the trekking package. This includes the use of taxi, bus, cable cars, gondolas, ferries, etc.
Lunch
Half-board is included in the price of this trek. Lunch, however, is not. Many huts offer packed lunches, which can usually be requested the night before. Alternatively, you can stop for lunch at mountain huts along the way.
Travel Insurance
Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.
Personal expenses
Personal expenses on such as souvenirs, drinks, and other similar expenses are for your own account.
More Information
Availability
There are two possible outcomes:
√ There is availability: we will send you an official confirmation and your personal hiking guide.
X There is no availability: in consultation with you we will look for other start dates or another trek. Is there nothing for you? We will refund your 30% deposit.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
The Grisons (Graubünden) region is known for its enchanting winter season: romantic snow-covered mountains, chic ski chalets and adventurous slopes. However, few people know the charm of the region in spring and summer. From June to October, the thick snow melts and beautiful hut tours, including the famous Kesch Trek, emerge. The huts on the Kesch Trek are open from mid-June to the end of September and welcome visitors with delicious local food.
If you are hiking at the beginning of the season (late June), some sections of the trail may still be covered in snow. Depending on the conditions, microspikes may be needed to safely cross these areas. If you are a beginner or prefer to avoid the possibility of hiking on snow, we recommend choosing a departure date later in the season.
July and August are the most popular months for this region. Make sure you pack well; it can be warm during the day, but temperatures in the mountains usually drop significantly after sunset.
Gallery
Photos from the trail
