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The historic Tour du Mont Blanc is easily one of the most spectacular hikes of the world. Brimming with incredible vistas from high mountain passes, lush valleys and highway sized glaciers, alpine scenery does not get much better than this. Joining an international group led by a bilingual mountain guide, the emphasis is on full immersion into the sublime mountain culture, with overnights in cosy mountain refuges or charming village gîtes. Carrying only a day pack, our mules transport your luggage leaving you free to enjoy the days hike. Commencing from the Chamonix Valley in France, the route takes you through Italy and Switzerland during a horseshoe circuit around the Mont Blanc massif. There is plenty of time to enjoy the small villages along the way, including the delightful hamlets of La Fouly and Trient.
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26kg of CO2-e PP per day
(156kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive in the Chamonix Valley, begin hike to Trient (5-6hrs)
Leaving from the village of Le Tour or Chamonix we ascend on the scenic high mountain path of Balme heading towards Switzerland. Weather permitting you will be able to take some wonderful photos of the Mont Blanc chain including the impressive “La Verte”, the Drus and the Needles of Chamonix. We will cross the border between France and Switzerland before making our way down to the village of Trient for overnight accommodation. Distance 12km/7.5mi, +1050m/3445ft, -980m/3512ft
Meals: L,D
Day 2
Hike to Champex, bus to La Fouly (6hrs)
Our hike today takes us on a long ascent through woods to high alpine pastures with outstanding views. The route via the Mountain of Bovine first crosses the Forclaz Pass (1527m) before ascending to the Alp Bovine (1987m). Opportunities abound to spot marmot playing and the meadows carpeted in wildflowers are simply stunning. There are also beautiful views of the Rhone Valley, the Bernese Alps and Grand Combin. The descent to Champex is steep at times, hugging the edge of the valley. Distance 15.5km/9.5mi, +800m/2625ft, -900m/2952ft Transfer by bus to La Fouly, set at the foot of the Dolent, the Val Ferret's emblematic mountain which rises to 3820m. Overnight Gite.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Cross the Grand Col Ferret to Elena (5hrs)
This morning we take a bus transfer to the small village of Ferret (1705m) and commence hiking. The route takes us out of Switzerland and into Italy by the Grand Col Ferret (2537m) pass. It’s a steady climb and at the Col you will be awe inspired by the sweeping views of the Pre de Bar glacier. After some time drinking in the panorama we will amble down the steep track to our overnight accommodation at the Refuge Elena, which is located at the base of the glacier and a great place to view the changing light on the alps. Distance 13km/8mi, +980m/3215ft, -530m/1739ft
Day 4
To Berthone (5-6hrs)
This morning's hike takes us through the Val Ferret and along a balcony path with impressive views of the Grand Jorasses, Mont Blanc and in the distance the Col de la Seigne, marking the border between France and Italy. On reaching Refugio Bonatti there are two options to reach our accommodation: the newly rerouted TMB trail traverses the north flank of Monte de la Saxe, whilst the former official TMB route leads along the crest of Monte de la Saxe. Both are high trails with fabulous views of the Brenva face of Mont Blanc and the dramatic Aiguille Noire. As always, the decision on which path will be taken is at the discretion of the guide. Overnight Rifugio Berthone (1989m). Distance 15km/9.3mi, +631m/2070ft, -704m/2309ft
Day 5
To the Val Veny and Lake Combal (6-7hrs)
Descend from the refuge to Courmayeur (-900m or around 2 hours). Nestled at the end of Italy's Aosta Valley, Courmayeur is an atmospheric town worthy of some light exploration - and a great place to taste some delicious Italian gelato. If the weather is good, we continue on foot from Courmayeur to the Val Veny by crossing the Checroui Pass (2185m), following which a magnificent balcony trail offers expansive views of glaciers tumbling from the heights of Mont Blanc. In the event of bad weather a short bus ride from Courmayeur takes us to La Visaille from where we ascend the enchanting valley where the enormous Miage glacier flows down into Lake Combal. On the Italian side of Mont Blanc, one gains a completely different perspective of the highest peak in the European Alps. Overnight at Rifugio Elisabetta Distance 20km/12.4mi (may be partly by bus), +1440m/4725ft, -1278m/4192ft
Day 6
Hike via the Ville des Glaciers to Les Chapieux (5-6hrs)
We make our way over the Col de La Seigne mountain path, which is overhung by limestone pyramids and the Estelette Glacier, until we reach France. The trail then descends across high mountain pastures to Ville des Glaciers. Today also provides an excellent opportunity to buy Beaufort cheese from the local farmers. Overnight lodgings in the village of *Les Chapieux. *Depending on your accommodation tonight, a bus transfer may be included to reach this location. Distance 14km/8.7mi, +600m/1968ft, -1000m/3280ft
Day 7
Hike to Notre Dame de La Gorge (6-7hrs)
A big ascent takes us up mountain pastures at the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2433m) where there are brilliant views southeast to the peaks of the Vanoise. The trail traverses the Col du Bonhomme (2329m) before descending to the Contamines Natural Reserve. A sharper descent through a pine forest fringed gorge takes us to an ancient Roman Road and the church of Notre Dame de la Gorge, where there is a bus or taxi service (payable locally) to Le Fayet and Chamonix. The trip usually ends between 2 and 3pm. Distance 15km/9.3mi, +950m/3117ft, -1250m/4100ft
Meals: B,L
Meet Chamonix and hike to Le Tour (5hrs)
Leaving from Chamonix, we take a balcony trail above Chamonix town. Heading up the valley the trail takes in the huge expanse of the Mont Blanc Massif, the Argentiere glacier and the Aiguille du Tour (3542m). It is an exhilarating hike and a fabulous start to the week. Overnight Le Tour. Distance 13.3km/8.2mi, +870m/1476ft, -450m/1476ft
Hike to Trient (5-6hrs)
Leaving from the village of Le Tour we ascend on the scenic high mountain path of Balme heading towards Switzerland. Weather permitting you will be able to take some wonderful photos of the Mont Blanc chain including the impressive “La Verte”, the Drus and the Needles of Chamonix. We will cross the border between France and Switzerland before making our way down to the village of Trient for overnight accommodation. Distance 12km/7.5mi, +1050m/3445ft, -980m/3512ft
Hike to Champex (6hrs)
Our hike today takes us on a long ascent through woods to high alpine pastures with outstanding views. The route via the Mountain of Bovine first crosses the Forclaz Pass (1527m) before ascending to the Alp Bovine (1987m). Opportunities abound to spot marmot playing and the meadows carpeted in wildflowers are simply stunning. There are also beautiful views of the Rhone Valley, the Bernese Alps and Grand Combin. The descent to Champex is steep at times, hugging the edge of the valley. Distance 15.5km/9.5mi, +800m/2625ft, -900m/2952ft
To La Fouly (5-6hrs)
Although this is most definitely an easier day, it is also one that highlights some amazing natural beauty. Dry meadows, pools of fresh water, herds of cows and wonderful chalets surrounded by flower filled gardens abound. Swiss village life is all around and the lower valleys at the base of the Mont Blanc massif provide a contrast to the high alpine meadows of the previous and following days. A further highlight of the day is the wonderful “Valais des Hommes” and the beautiful mountain views at La Fouly. Overnight in La Fouly. Distance 15.4km/9.5mi, +750m/2460ft, -620m/2034ft
To Courmayeur (5-6hrs)
The route takes us out of Switzerland and into Italy by the Grand Col Ferret (2537m) pass. It’s a steady climb and at the Col you will be awe inspired by the sweeping views of the Pre de Bar glacier. Descend to the roadhead and transfer by bus to the Italian ski resort town of Courmayeur. Nestled at the end of Italy's Aosta Valley it is an atmospheric town which is worthy of some light exploration and a good place to taste some delicious Italian gelato. Distance 12km/7.45mi, +1090m/3576ft, -930m/3051ft
Hike to Les Chapieux (5-6hrs)
From Courmayeur we reach the charming Val Veni by bus. Ascend past Lac Combal to the border with France at the Col de la Seigne. The trail then descends across the high mountain pastures to Ville des Glaciers. Today also provides an excellent opportunity to buy Beaufort cheese from the local farmers. *Depending on your accommodation tonight, a bus transfer may be included to reach this location. Distance 20km/12.4mi, +900m/2953ft, -1100m/3610ft
This morning's hike takes us up mountain pastures to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2483m) where there are brilliant views southeast to the peaks of the Vanoise. The trail continues down to the Col du Bonhomme (2329m) and crosses the Contamines Natural Reserve. A sharp descent through a pine forest fringed gorge leads us to an ancient Roman Road and the church of Notre Dame de la Gorge, where there is a bus or taxi service (payable locally) to Le Fayet and Chamonix. The trip usually ends between 2 and 3pm. Distance 15.5km/9.6mi, +950m/3117ft, -1250m/4100ft
What's included
What's not included
Accommodation is in mountain refuges or Gîte hostels in double rooms on 5 nights and 1 night quad share. Blankets/doonas are provided. Whilst the double room option offers the privacy of your sleeping quarters, often the bathrooms will still be shared. The double room option is not available for single travellers because if there is a free bed in an alpine hut it will be sold regardless of whether you as an individual have requested a single room.
Firm packed dirt trails form the majority of the TMB route, with some short sections on roads
GRADE 4 - Daily guided hikes of around 5 to 9 hours, between 10 and 20 km and maximum ascents of 1400 metres per day. There are some challenging stages during the hike with steep uphills, descents, and many sections of the trail which require care (eg steep drops, rocky terrain). The guide will use his/her discretion as to groups abilities and weather conditions to determine which route will be taken each day. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions and walking pace). You will need a good to excellent level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced hikers who are sure footed with a good hiking pace. If your pace is slow in mountainous terrain we recommend you book on our Rambler trip. If for any reason during the trip the guide considers, in his or her sole discretion, that your fitness or mental or physical health is likely to cause danger, distress or annoyance to others, he or she may direct you not to continue and you must follow the guide’s instructions. In this case you will not be entitled to any refund. Early in the season (June) you may encounter snow on the passes which may be quite deep and alter the grading of the trip to challenging. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds. As with all our moderate to challenging programs, we expect participants to be regular outdoors people, enjoying aerobic sport around four or five times a week over some period of time. Preferably this has been a long term interest but if not, you have set a program of fitness preparation with at least three months lead in time to your trip. The fitter you are for your trip, the more of a holiday it will be. Activities as close to the actual activity on your trip are the best training; in this instance walking with and without a pack. This builds leg strength, aerobic capacity and confidence in your ability to travel comfortably with a pack for extended periods. At the same time, you are also comfortable with the layers you like to wear and footwear. Important note: good quality hiking boots with ankle support are mandatory for June departures and strongly recommended for departures in July, August and September. Should there be recent snowfalls and subsequently snow underfoot, your guide (at their discretion) will request all hikers to wear boots. Runners or shoes without ankle support are not ideal for the conditions encountered on this hike.
Per Person, Twin Share
The walking is moderate to advanced (4 - 5) grade with daily guided walks of around 5 to 9 hours, between 8 and 15 km and maximum ascents of 1400 metres per day. There are some challenging stages during the walk with steep uphills, descents, and many sections of the trail which require care. You will need a good to excellent level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced walkers only. Early in the season (June) you may encounter snow which may be quite deep and alter the grading of the trip to challenging. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds.
In order to secure your place on the trip we recommend you book as soon as you are ready. Bookings open for the following year in mid September.
Geneva is the closest. To reach the Chamonix Valley from the airport, we recommend you take a shuttle transfer (1 hour). Alternatively there are scheduled bus services between Geneva Airport and Chamonix. Zurich is another option with good train connections.
Our mules spare you the worry of carrying your own belongings and we provide you with special bags to allow this transportation process to run as smoothly and as efficiently as possible. There is a 6 kg maximum for the bags (excluding weight of actual duffle bag) that are to be carried by the mules and any excess will be refused so make sure you weigh it beforehand. The weight is strictly adhered to, to ensure that the total load our mules carry is within the ethical pack carrying guidelines. Please note that for early or late season departures we may use vehicles to transfer your luggage.
If you have a soft bag which is 15kgs or less, if requested in advance and subject to space considerations, our partner will store the bag for the duration of the trip and return it to you at the end of the walk. Please ensure you can lock it. If you have a heavier or rigid suitcase, please check with your pre tour hotel about left luggage storage options.
There are no single rooms available on this trip.
It is extremely difficult for the kitchens in mountain refuges to cater to a gluten free diet. Therefore you will need to bring supplementary food items. For example, gluten free pasta, cereal and bread are generally not provided by the accommodation. Lunches are salads, meats, cheeses.
There are different rules for the different accommodations you will stay at but in general - take your boots off and leave them in the boot room before you enter; take your luggage to your room; limit noise after lights out.
The season for walking around Mont Blanc is relatively short - from June to September. Anytime during this period will be good for walking. The early season departures (June) are likely to be affected by snow coverage which is good for your pics but may make it more difficult to walk through. It may also mean that your walking will be re-routed if (for example) a pass is closed. August is the busiest month on the trail, whilst September may experience cooler temperatures and quieter trails. The wildflowers are splendid in June and July.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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7Days
Moderate to Challenging
Challenging
4Days
Moderate