Swiss Itinerary and Passes

It sounds like you have an amazing vacation planned!

I'm leaning towards Stoos Ridge walk so far

Just a heads up—the Stoos Ridge Hike is not just a walk, but it’s actually a somewhat strenuous hike through mountain terrain. You can see a detailed description of it here:

https://swissfamilyfun.com/stoos-ridgeline-hike/

Which travel pass should I buy? I was thinking a combination of Half Fare + BernerOberland 4 day might be good?

It’s a good idea to add up all the journeys you’re planning and see which pass, if any, offers savings. On the other hand, the BO Pass gives you the flexibility to change plans on the go and add extra journeys, which many people appreciate. In that case, what you propose is perfect!

Thanks @SwissNomad!
For Stoos ridge, i plan to take the lift up to Klingenstock, hike through the ridge and take the lift down from Fronaplstock. I thought this was an easier 4km stretch and only the last 100-200m was going to be difficult with an uphill climb? Is that not the case? We will be wearing hiking shoes but do not plan to carry poles.
We're early 30s, in okayish physical shape, not too great. I'm worried about the hike because this would be right after travel day (though we will rest well on first day), would it be too much with travel fatigue, jet lag and all?
Also, between Stoos ridge, mount rigi and mount pilatus, which would be the best option? I definitely want to do some easy hike (less than 5km) on this day to let the body get accustomed to hikes and long walks for the remainder of the trip.

For Zermatt, since I only have two days and not a lot of time to acclimatize, I wanted to understand how I can make the Glacier Paradise and Gornergrat trip easier? Would taking an hour long break between each gondola ride help? Should I carry medicines or take them in advance?
Also, this trip is in last week of September, where can I find the black nosed sheeps around that time?

According to the height profile, the last kilometer (1,000 meters or 0.62 miles) shows an elevation gain of about 200 meters (656 feet). This is where the real challenge begins, so, if you decide to hike it, take it slowly and rest as needed.

I am nearly twice your age, hike several times a week, and can easily* manage hikes of this difficulty level. However, I have never attempted this hike because I’m not comfortable with exposed ridges, and I’m still working on overcoming that fear.

A common test to gauge your comfort level with exposed ridges is to see how you feel walking out onto a mountain viewing platform with a metal grate for footing, where you can see all the way down. I have no issues with these platforms, nor do I have a general fear of heights, but for me, an exposed ridge is different and much more intimidating.

I hope that others will be able to chime in and answer your remaining questions. I did see someone post a link at one point showing how to find the live location of the black-nosed sheep.

Edit: Ok, I just re-read my answer and think should have said that I can manage hikes of this level...but maybe "easily" is a bit too generous :-)

Did someone say sheep? :-) Info. here:

https://www.gornergrat.ch/en/stories/meet-the-sheep

When I was in Zermatt in June, there were a whole bunch of the sheep on the mountain behind the train station. So, keep your eyes out for them everywhere.

I have a link to my photos in my trip report:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/solo-in-switzerland-june-2024-my-trip-report

ooh i don't know how exposed ridges would make me feel either, especially with an uphill climb, that's an important point to consider now. Thanks again, @SwissNomad!

@Carrie thanks for the link! It says that sheep will only be available till Sept. 8.
And then I found this link https://www.julen.ch/en/tradition-julen/black-nose-sheep/#:~:text=Between%20the%20sheepfold%20visit%20in,mountains%20without%20a%20GPS%20tracker which says the sheep are on a holiday till mid December. Where do they holiday? Do you know how/where I can find them during end of September?

This is probably the time off for these sheep. It does not look like you can visit them.

These sheep are in various locations in the canton of Wallis (or Valais). You can play around with various searches to see if you can find other options. Here is something I found in German:

https://www.wallis-aktiv.ch/ganzjaehrige-aktivitaeten

Under ‘year round activities’ you will see a box with their cute little faces and the text “Ein Besuch beim Walliser Schwarznasenschaf”

There is then an online form to fill out. Click on the red box with "Jetzt unverbindlich anfragen". You can just write your question in English, if you want to pursue this option.

When I was researching for my trip, all the websites said no sheep until mid-July. But yet I saw them in June. June 10 and 11 to be exact. That is why I suggest keeping an eye out for them when you are there. They might not be on the Gornergrat after Sept, 8, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be other places. It probably depends on the weather and when the farmers bring them back to the barn. Good luck!!!