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A trek around the highest peak in the European Alps where spectacular alpine scenery combines with the charm of French, Swiss and Italian mountain villages. This historic itinerary takes you across passes, around enormous glaciers and via stunning lakes to take in some of the best viewpoints in the Alps. Meadows crossed by clear melt water streams lead you downwards to green pastures where shepherds will sell their Beaufort cheese to you fresh! Mountain refuges and hotels provide a relaxing respite at the end of your day's trek. This journey is for experienced alpine walkers - providing an enthralling alpine experience with unsurpassed views around each bend.
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16kg of CO2-e PP per day
(111kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Commence in Chamonix and hike to Le Tour (5-7hrs)
Leaving from Chamonix, you have 2 route options (subject to weather). Option 1 is a harder route commencing from the top of the Brevent Cable car, following the TMB route along the Grand Balcon Sud. 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. Distance 18km/11.2mi, +586m/1922ft, -1605m/5266ft Alternatively for a gentler beginning to your hike, take the easier route along the Petite Balcon Sud and Nord all the way to the pretty ski town of Le Tour where you spend your first evening. Distance 13.3km/8.2mi, +870m/1476ft, -450m/1476ft Overnight Le Tour.
Meals: D
Day 2
Hike to Col de la Forclaz (5-6hrs)
Leaving from Le Tour in the Chamonix valley, you take 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. You will cross the border between France and Switzerland before making your way to the Hotel Col de la Forclaz for your overnight accommodation. Distance 10.7km/6.6mi, +1050m/3445ft, -980m/3512ft
Meals: B,D
Day 3
Hike to Champex (5-6hrs)
The trail continues through impressive forests with a strong ascent to the high mountain pastures of the Bovine Alps. The route takes you past shepherds huts and small farms always with views of impressive peaks such as Grand Combin to the south and later to the dramatic depths of the Rhone Valley. The Bovine hut is a great place to stop for lunch where you can spot Marmots playing in the slopes nearby. Descend along a forest trail to the pretty town of Champex located by the lake of the same name. Distance 13.5km/8.4mi, +800m/2625ft, -850m/2789ft
Day 4
To La Fouly (6-7hrs)
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 greet us. Swiss village life is all around and whilst the dramatic scenery of previous days is not as apparent, it is a chance to experience the wonderful “Valais des homes”. Overnight in La Fouly. Distance 15.4km/9.5mi, +750m/2460ft, -620m/2034ft
Day 5
Cross the Grand Col Ferret, bus to Courmayeur (5hrs)
The route takes you 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. Enjoy some time relaxing in the Refuge Elena which is located at the base of the glacier and a great place to view the changing light on the alps. Continue to the roadhead at Arp Nouvaz and take a local bus to Courmayeur. Distance 14.4km/8.9mi, +975m/3199ft, -830m/2723ft
Day 6
Hike to Elisabetta (5-6hrs)
This morning you will need to pack your overnight requirements in your daypack. Your main luggage will be waiting for you in Les Chapieux on the afternoon of day 7. From the centre of Courmayeur the hike heads steeply up a switchback trail to the Col Checroui. From here you continue the ascent to a steep spur at the top of the valley Veni where the views are spectacular. This balcony trail has some of the most dramatic views of the entire TMB trail. The descent is quite steep to the relatively flat valley floor. Skirting Lake Combal, the trail ascends at the head of the valley to the refuge. Distance 15km/9.3mi, +1494m/4900ft, -630m/2067ft Note: There are options to shorten by taking a bus to La Visaille in the event of poor weather or from around mid July to the end of August you can take a chairlift from Courmayeur (cutting out 700m of the ascent).
Day 7
Hike to Les Chapieux via La Ville des Glaciers (5-6hrs)
From the refuge Elisabetta, the trail takes you to the border of Italy and France at the Col de la Seigne (2518m) in time for an early morning view which, in good weather, will be extraordinary with sweeping views of the Mont Blanc massif and surrounding glaciers and valleys. Descend via a switchback trail to the Vallee des Glaciers, passing by a cheese maker where you have opportunities (if open) to sample Beaufort cheese. Continue your descent to the hamlet of Les Chapieux for overnight. Distance 14km/8.7mi, +500m/1640ft, -1100m/3609ft
Day 8
Hike to Les Contamines via the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (6hrs)
This morning the trail traverses open mountain pastures to the Col du Bonhomme (2329m), with expansive views across to the peaks of the Beaufortain range. From the pass, the route descends into the Contamines-Montjoie Valley via the Contamines Nature Reserve. A steep section through a forested gorge leads to the historic Roman road and the chapel of Notre Dame de la Gorge. The trail then follows the valley floor to the alpine village of Les Contamines where your trek concludes. Return to Chamonix by local bus and train to collect your luggage. Distance 18.5km/11.5mi, +950m/3117ft, -1250m/4100ft
Meals: B
What's included
What's not included
Accommodation is mixed dormitory style in mountain refuges or Gîte hostels. When staying in dorms, there can be up to 40 people in one room in some refuges but less on most nights (around 10 to 12).
Beds are often bunks but can also be one long platform with separate mattresses or one long continuous mattress. Blankets are provided. Bathrooms and toilets are shared.
When booked in double rooms you will enjoy the privacy of your sleeping quarters however often the bathrooms will still be shared. Blankets/duvets are provided.
GRADE 4 - Daily hikes of around 5-7 hours, between 8 and 20km and maximum ascents of 1320 metres per day. The timing provided in the itinerary is a guide only and is for the hiking components only – rest breaks are not included. There are some challenging stages during the walk with steep uphills, descents, and many sections of the trail which require care. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good to excellent level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced hikers only. You should also be able to navigate in alpine regions using a map. Whilst the route is very well marked and well trodden, adverse weather conditions may make navigation difficult without reference to a map and our navigational App. 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 advanced. 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.
Per Person, Twin Share
No. This itinerary is a eight-day hike on scenic sections of the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) trail, rather than the complete Tour du Mont Blanc. Hiking the entire TMB generally requires three additional walking days. The itinerary shown on our website is indicative, and the exact route and overnight accommodation may vary between departures due to the limited availability of mountain accommodation and operational logistics. Whichever itinerary you receive, you'll experience the iconic alpine scenery and highlights that have made the Tour du Mont Blanc one of Europe's most celebrated long-distance walks.
Gaiters are not needed
No. Unfortunately, CPAP machines cannot be supported on this hike. While the alpine huts do have limited power, we cannot guarantee a continuous and uninterrupted electricity supply throughout the trip. This applies to all accommodation types, including both private room upgrades and shared dormitory accommodation. If you require a CPAP machine overnight, we recommend discussing alternative options with your healthcare provider before booking this hike.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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