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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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22kg of CO2-e PP per day
(134kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Join Chamonix Valley, Hike to Trient (6 hrs)
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
Meals: L,D
Day 2
Hike to Champex (6hrs), transfer to La Fouly
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 / refuge.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Cross the Grand Col Ferret to Elena (5hrs)
Todays 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 Refuge 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 Elisabetta Refuge (7hrs)
We descend from the refuge to the roadhead, with the possibility of taking a bus to Courmayeur (at guides discretion, taking into account weather and group fitness). 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 towards Elisabetta Refuge 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. Distance 20km/12.4mi (may be partly by bus), +1440m/4725ft, -1278m/4192ft
Day 6
Hike to Les Chapieux via La Ville des Glaciers (5hrs)
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 the high mountain pastures to Ville des Glaciers. Today provides an excellent opportunity to buy Beaufort cheese from the local farmers. Continue your descent to the hamlet of *Les Chapieux for overnight. *Depending on your accommodation tonight, a bus transfer may be included to reach this location. Distance 14km/8.7mi, +500m/1640ft, -1100m/3609ft
Day 7
Hike to Notre Dame de La Gorge (6.5hrs)
This morning we traverse mountain pastures to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2433m) 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 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 around 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)
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
Hike to Notre Dame de La Gorge (6-7hrs)
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 mixed dormitory style in mountain refuges or Gîte hostels. Please note that from July to mid September, groups will be organised according to accommodation style chosen. This should be kept in mind when travelling with friends as you will be split up if you choose different styles of accommodation (dorm or rooms). 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.
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
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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7Days
Moderate to Challenging
Challenging
4Days
Moderate