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Duration
9 days
Activities
  • guided walk
Accommodation
  • hotel / mountain hut
Meals
  • 4 Dinners
  • 8 Breakfasts

Price

$2690USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: GR5

Trip highlights


  • Traversing the high alps from Mont Blanc to Briancon in the heart of the southern Alps
  • Appreciating the sweeping views from high mountain passes
  • Enjoying the camaraderie of a group of like minded walkers
  • Staying in mountain refuges and small hotels typical of the region

To the iconic Mont Blanc, Western Europe's highest massif, from Briancon, the capital of the southern French Alps, this challenging alpine walk takes in the highlights of the famous GTA or GR5 long-distance hiking trail. On this exclusive trek, you will experience some amazing and undiscovered parts of the French Alps, like Beaufortain, Vanoise, Thabor and a memorable side excursion to the "Vallée Étroite" (narrow valley) on the border of France and Italy. A mix of quality hotels sleeping a maximum of 2 to 3 people per room, and dorm-style accommodation in traditional mountain huts will offer you a comfortable experience and allow you to fully immerse yourself in mountain culture. During the trip, your main luggage will be transferred every day (except on day 4). Carrying only your day pack, you will be better able to appreciate the spectacular vistas unfolding around you.

Trip Grading

moderate to challenging

More info about grading system

Make your way to Briancon and the hotel. An arrival briefing will be held in the early evening with your guide. The group will likely head out for an optional dinner together (not included).

Meals:  Nil

We will firstly take a transfer (45mins)to the Clarée river region, or Nevache, a splendid, remote part of the Alps then climb to the Thures plateau (2100m) and onwards to the Aiguilles Rouge Peak (2545m) with amazing views of Ecrins National Park, Vanoise and Mont Blanc. Descend to the Vallée Etroite, stay in a multishare hut with dinner included. Distance 12km/7.5mi, +680m/1900ft, -870m/2850ft

Meals:  B,D

In the morning you will cross the Haute Maurienne border at the “Vallée Etroite” pass (2434 m) and leave the Hautes Alpes county to join Savoie area. Distance 16km/9.9mi +670m/2200, -860m/2820ft

Meals:  B,D

After a 1 hour transfer to Bellecombe car park, you will enter the Vanoise National park, the first national park created in the French Alps. You will get spectacular views of the Vanoise glaciers and the south face of La Grande casse (3855 m) and stay in the La Leisse (2487m) with delicious food for the night (shared accommodation). Please note that luggage is not delivered to tonight's accommodation - you must pack your overnight gear in your daypack. Distance 12km/7.5mi, +470m/1540ft, -330m/920ft

Meals:  B,D

This stage will offer probably the most dramatic views and best alpine ambiance of the whole trip. You will leave the hut this morning and walk at the foot of the huge “Grande Casse” mountain. After some time you enter the Vanoise National Park where we hope to spot some wildlife such as the Alpine ibex and marmots . Descend to the ski resort of Tignes for your overnight hotel. Distance 18km/11mi, +650m/2130ft -1080m/3540ft,

Meals:  B

From Tignes this morning we hike to the Palet pass (2653 m). (The road here is classified as one of the worlds most dangerous roads due to its steepness in sections). We will then follow the long and captivating valley of Plan des Eaux where you will walk at the foot of the “Dome de la Sache” and the giant “Mont Pourri”. Overnight at your hotel in Peisey Nancroix. Distance 20km/12.5mi, +600m/1970ft, -1380m/4500ft

Meals:  B

Transfer from your hotel to the village of Valezan. From there you will walk along the valley of Ormettes to begin your climb up to the Bresson pass (2469 m), this is at the foot of a huge iconic rocky mountain called the “Pierra Menta”. You will then follow a balcony pass above Roseland Lake where you will stay in a gite or hut in shared accommodation for the night. Distance 22km/13.6mi +1670m/5500ft, -890m/2900ft

Meals:  B,D

For your last day, you will will discover the incredible mountain trail along Gittes Ridge which was set up by the Alpine troops at the beginning of last century. Following this, walk up to Croix du Bonhomme pass (2510m) on the classic TMB trail. Complete your hike with a descent to Notre Dame de la Gorge and transfer to your hotel in Saint Gervais les Bains. Distance 16km/9.9mi +780m/2560ft, -1370m/4500ftS

Meals:  B

The trip concludes after breakfast. From the Saint Gervais Le Fayet it’s possible to get to Geneva airport with a regular shuttle service. We can assist with an airport transfer if required.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.


Inclusions

  • 8 breakfasts, 4 dinners (does not include drinks) – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. Dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses which include regional specialties.
  • 5 nights in comfortable hotels on a twin or triple share basis usually with ensuite, 3 nights in gites/refuges multishare dorms with shared facilities
  • Qualified mountain guide
  • Luggage transfer (except day 4)
  • Internal transfers as described in itinerary

  • Travel to Briancon and from Saint Gervais les Bains
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks 
  • Travel insurance – mandatory 
  • A supplement will apply if you book a single room (available 5 nights )
  • Storage of luggage
  • Transfers not listed as included 
  • Hotel taxes if applicable – payable directly to the hotel 
  • Items of a personal nature

Grading

moderate to challenging  

CHALLENGING – GRADE 4 The daily guided walks are around 5-6 hours (not including breaks). There are many challenging stages during the walk with steep uphills, descents, and sections of the trail which require care. Daily ascents are between 880m to 1200m whilst descents range up to 1450m. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need an excellent level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced walkers only. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, rain, strong sun and extreme winds. The route is subject to modification depending on the conditions.


Departure dates


Notes

Note:
Walking boots with good ankle support are a requirement for this walk.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$2690USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementUSD$400
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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