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10 Days
From
From IntroductoryTo Challenging
There is something unique about a circumnavigation of the Mont Blanc massif on foot. Perhaps it is a feeling of exhilaration from being immersed in some of the most beautiful mountain scenery on earth while a quaint village is only a few hours away. Or perhaps it’s the daytime forays where you and your companions tough it out over a glacial pass to descend to your evening accommodation for a nice quiet ‘local red’ to reflect on the days adventures. This is trekking at its most civilized! The route is always inspiring, ambling through flowering meadows, dipping into old oak forests and breaking out above the tree line into high alpine pastures which showcase the snowy peaks of the Mont Blanc Massif. The finishing touch... the opportunity to sample the warm mountain hospitality of the French, Swiss and Italian villages along the way.
France, Italy, Switzerland
Chamonix Valley
Chamonix
20kg of CO2-e PP per day
(180kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive in Les Houches, begin hike to Miage (6-7hrs)
This morning we rendezvous with the group at Les Houches, and have a briefing with our guide before commencing the ‘Tour du Mont Blanc’, the official name for our 10 day hike. The route begins with an ascent to the Voza passage (1653m) and then across the Bionnassay glacier in order to join up with the “knitting pass”, or Col de Tricot (2120m). As we descend into this high mountain pasture area, which is a mesh of fields, we find ourselves in a truly fabulous setting – face to face with the stunning domes of the Miage. Overnight Refuge with shower. Distance 16-18km/10-11mi, +1100m/3609ft, -914m/2999ft
Meals: L,D
Day 2
Hike to Les Chapieux with a bus transfer between La Gruvaz and Notre Dame de la Gorge (7hrs)
Depart from Miage and hike to La Gruvaz where a short transfer will take you to Notre Dame de la Gorge. Our route continues along the ancient Roman road that leads us into the beautiful Nature Reserve of Contamines. We make our way through the “Bonhomme” mountain passage and have some fun making our way around Beaufortin and Tyrol, two mountains which form part of the French Alps. Descent to Les Chapieux for your overnight stay. Distance 18.6km/11.3mi, +1250m/4100ft, -1400m/4593ft
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
To Elisabetta via La Ville des Glaciers (5hrs)
Descending through luscious pastures, there may be opportunities to buy Beaufort cheese from the shepherds. We later pass through the City of the Glaciers (La Ville des Glaciers) – a magnificent place where the green of the pasture is covered-up by the ice. Following a steady ascent we reach the Seigne passage (2516m) where the ruins of a customs hut remind us that we are crossing into Italy. Here there is a first glimpse of the Mont Blanc massif from the southern perspective, and descending to the Vallon de la Lée Blanche, there are good views of the fabulous limestone and snow pyramid of the Grand Combin and the Estelette and Lée Blanche glaciers. In the afternoon we will enter a rocky landscape in stark contrast to the lush pastures of this morning ........welcome to the Mineral Kingdom! Overnight Refuge with shower. Distance: 14km/8.7mi, +1100m/3609ft, -500m/1640ft, *For June departures you will need to carry your overnight requirements as this refuge has no vehicle access.
Day 4
To Berthone via Courmayeur (5-7hrs)
In the enchanted valley of Veni, the enormous Miage glacier flows down into the beautiful Lake Combal. This is the Italian side of Mont Blanc that is offered to you from a truly beautiful standpoint and is perhaps the most enjoyable on the route. The trail continues along the flat valley floor overlooked by the serrated rock pinnacle of Aiguille Noire de Peuterey (3773m). There are some steep climbs, rewarded by magnificent alpine views, before we arrive in the town of Courmayeur, where you should definitely make the most of the amazingly delicious Italian Gelato (ice cream). Before arriving at the Berthone refuge (1970m) for the nights accommodation, we have a tough but rewarding 2-3 hour ascent. Overnight Refuge with shower. Distance 23km/14mi (possibly partly by bus), +1230m/3405ft, -1440m/4725ft Possible Spring Variant: Hike to La Visaille via the Col de la Seigne (Italian border), bus to Courmayeur (12km, 7hrs, 1000m/3280ft ascent, 700m/2300ft descent)
Day 5
To Elena (5-7hrs)
Today we have a major but scenic crossing to make, with great views over the 'Grandes Jorasses'. We begin by ascending to the flanks of Mont de la Saxe, followed by a steep ascent to a col immediately below the summit of Tete de la Tranche (2584m). From here the southern face of Mont Blanc is really quite spectacular. We will pass through the high mountain pastures of Arminal, Malatra and Arnuva, before climbing up to Elena refuge where there are excellent views to the glacier and mountains beyond. Overnight refuge with shower. Distance 16-18km/10-11mi, +704m/2310ft, -631m/2070ft Spring Variant: Hike to Chalet Val Ferret (5-6hrs, 18km, 750m/2460ft ascent, 550m/1800ft descent)
Day 6
Hike to La Fouly (5-6hrs)
The sight of the Pré de Bar glacier, (a glacier that boasts a perfect tongue formation), is with us all the way as we make our way to the Grand Col Ferret (2537m), and the whole atmosphere is out of this world. Despite the climb it is a very rewarding section of the hike. The col marks the border of Switzerland and Italy and the trail becomes wider and more defined on reaching the border. The ascent from the pass takes you to the valley floor and eventually the charming village of La Fouly. Overnight Hotel with shower. Distance 13km/8mi, +624m/2047ft, -1100m/3608ft Possible Spring Variant: Hike to La Fouly (6hrs, 15km, 750m/2460ft ascent, 1000m/3280ft descent)
Day 7
La Fouly to Lac Champex, (5-7hrs)
Today's walk highlights some amazing natural beauty. Dry meadows, pools of fresh water, herds of cows and wonderful chalets surrounded by flower-filled gardens greet you. 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 Hommes”. Distance 15km/9.3m, +620m/1968ft, -750m/2460ft
Day 8
Hike to Trient via the Col de la Forclaz (5-6hrs)
From here we ascend through woods along the main TMB trail to reach the barns of Bovine (Alp Bovine) (1987m). Absorb the sweeping views of the Rhone Valley, Grand Combin and the Bernese Alps, then descend to the Col de la Forclaz (1526m). Descend to the village of Trient, a tiny village in the Val Trient. Distance 15.5km/9.5mi, +700m/2296ft, -700m/2296ft
Day 9
Hike to Le Tour (6hrs)
The route we take today is dependent on weather. Usually we make our way to the Col de Balme with impressive views of the Glacier du Trient and Glacier des Grande. After pausing at the border between France and Switzerland, we descend to the Charamillon Alpine meadows before ascending a short distance to Tre le Champ. Distance 13km/8mi, +900m/2952ft, -1000m/3280ft
Day 10
Hike to Lac Blanc, return by cable car to Les Praz, trip concludes (5hrs)
This final stage offers a spectacular finish to your Mont Blanc adventure. After a short bus ride from Le Tour to Les Praz, ride the La Flégère cable car to start your day high above the Chamonix Valley. From the upper station, set out on a scenic return hike to Lac Blanc, following a trail that winds through the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve, a protected alpine landscape rich in wildlife and wildflowers. At Lac Blanc, take time to admire one of the Alps’ most striking panoramas, the shimmering lake perfectly mirroring the snowy peaks of the Mont Blanc massif. After soaking in the views, retrace your steps to La Flégère and descend by cable car back to Les Praz, where your remarkable circuit around Mont Blanc comes to a close. Distance: 8km/5mi, +570m/1870ft, -570m/1870ft *At guides discretion (and depending on group fitness) todays hike may optionally commence from Le Tour to Lac Blanc descending to Les Praz via La Flégère cable car. Distance: approx 11km/6.8m *Bad Weather variant - hike to Les Praz/Chamonix along the Petit Balcon Nord trail In the event of poor weather or reduced visibility at higher elevations, your guide may choose at their discretion to follow the Petit Balcon Nord trail. This gently undulating forest and balcony path links Le Tour, Argentière, Les Praz, and Chamonix along the northern side of the valley. The trail meanders through shady pine forests and open clearings, offering occasional sweeping views of the Mont Blanc massif, including the striking Aiguille du Dru and Aiguille Verte. Distance: 13.3km/8.3mi, +450m/+1476ft, -880m/-2887ft
Meals: B,L
What's included
What's not included
This option offers privacy but not always a private bathroom. The double room option is not available for single travellers. In alpine huts if there is a free bed it will be sold regardless of whether you as an individual have requested a single room. Single travellers should take the dormitory option. Blankets are provided.
Accommodation is mixed dormitory style in mountain refuges or Gîte hostels with an option to upgrade to a private double room for two people travelling together on some nights (supplement applies, see below). 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. Whilst the double room option offers the privacy of your sleeping quarters, often the bathrooms will still be shared.
GRADE 4 - During this hike you will ascend over 9000 vertical metres - more than the height of Mount Everest. Daily guided hikes of around 5-9 hours, between 8 and 20km and maximum ascents / descents of 1700 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). There are more challenging variant sections of the TMB route which may require climbing ladders for short stages - 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 walking 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 walk.
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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Personal Experience
We've been exploring the world on foot for over five decades, and our passion for walking runs deep. Having hiked nearly every corner of Europe, we take pride in sharing the joy, freedom and perspective that only travelling on foot can bring, all with the exceptional service and care our travellers know us for.
Great Value & Quality
Our trips offer excellent value for money, with everything you need for a seamless walking holiday. Each package includes detailed route notes, maps and navigation app, luggage transfers, and comfortable locally run accommodation. We take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the walk.
Self-Guided Specialists
We've been operating self-guided active holidays since 1973, taking care of every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. With many walking and hiking tours departing daily, you'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel when it suits you.
self guided walk
hotel
8Days
Moderate to Challenging
7Days
Moderate
hotel, guesthouse
hotel, b&b