Begin your journey in the charming village of Les Houches. After arriving at Geneva Airport, transfer to the village. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity for a leisurely walk.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: Dinner
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For those who want a comprehensive TMB experience, this 12-day version will do it. Covering more places and offering a longer total distance, this version provides a more in-depth experience of the Mont Blanc region. Everything, except for length, remains very similar in terms of inclusions, but this tour goes the extra mile, including a memorable night at a mountain hut and a leisure day in Chamonix for added relaxation.
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Begin your trek in the charming village of Les Houches, where a cable car to Bellevue (ticket not included) provides a convenient start by bypassing the initial ascent, making for a gentler first day. The trail winds through serene forests, offering breathtaking views of the Bionnassay Valley, picturesque alpine hamlets, and the majestic Mont Blanc, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Alps’ foothills.
Along the way, the imposing Dôme du Goûter and Aiguille de Bionnassay, divided by a striking glacier, command your attention. The journey continues with an ascent over the Col de Tricot, followed by a steep but scenic descent featuring a series of switchbacks that lead to the Chalet de Miage. The day ends with another descent into the enchanting, traditional village of Les Contamines.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 4 to 5 hours of walking, +640 m (2,100 ft), -1,275 m (4,183 ft)
Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles -
Enjoy a short transfer to Notre Dame de la Gorge. Traverse the Col du Bonhomme and the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme, leading to the scenic Chapieux valley. Revel in the splendid sights as you hike amidst the beauty of the Aiguille des Glaciers. Descend to your lodging in Les Chapieux.
*In case that lodging in Les Chapieux is not available, you’ll spend the night in Bourg St Maurice. Depending on availability, you’ll either stay at a 2-star hotel or 3-star B&B. Transfer from les Chapieux is at 5pm sharp to Bourg St Maurice in public shuttle (€6 to be paid on the sport). If you hike during the low season (before ~June 25 and after ~August 27), , a private transfer is compulsory, circa +€225 round-trip, Day 3 evening + Day 4 morning).
Accommodation: Mountain lodge/hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 6 to 7 hours walking, +1,200 m (3,937 ft), -900 m (2,953 ft)
Distance: 14.5 km / 9 miles -
*Start the day with a walk to Ville des Glacier (45 minutes in summer) before crossing the border to the Italian side through the Col de la Seigne. Be prepared for spectacular views along this unforgettable hike. Descend with panoramic vistas of the Aiguilles of Peuterey and the Mont Blanc of Courmayeur.
*In case you end up staying in Bourg St. Maurice, there’s a 6:55am public shuttle to Ville des Glaciers (€6). If you go during low season, transfer option is listed under Day 2. Also note that from June 15-30 and September 1-15, there’s a risk of snow, and some buses don’t run—you’ll have to use a taxi. From Les Chapieux to Ville des Glaciers (possible to walk, +5 km) amounts to circa €115 for 1-3 people, and from Cantine de Visailles to Courmayeur it’s around €115, for 1-3 people.
Accommodation: Refuge Elisabetta (dormitory-style accommodation)*
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking from Les Chapieux: 5 hours of walking, +995 m (3,265 ft), -385 m (1,264 ft)
Distance from Les Chapieux: 13.9 km / 8.6 miles
Hiking from Ville des Glaciers: 4 hours of walking, +700 m (2,297 ft), -315 m (1,034 ft)
Distance from Les Chapieux: 9.3 km / 5.8 miles*You must carry what is needed for the night, your transported luggage will again be available at your lodging at the end of Day 5—luggage transfer is not available to the Elisabetta Refuge.
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Embark on one of the most scenic sections of the tour, ascending to the pass of Chécroui before descending into the charming town of Courmayeur. Marvel at the magnificent views throughout the day, with the option to walk or take the cable car.*
Note that from June 15-30 and September 1-15, there’s a risk of snow, and some buses don’t run—you’ll have to use a taxi. From Cantine de Visailles to Courmayeur it’s around €115, for 1-3 people if wanting to shorten this day’s hike.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking to cable car: 4-5 hours of walking, +550 m (1,804 ft), -980 m (3,215 ft)
Distance to cable car: 12.1 km / 7.5
Hiking to Courmayeur: 6 hours of walking, +585 m (1,919 ft), -1,500 m (4,921 ft)
Distance to Courmayeur: 16 km / 9.9 miles -
Take a bus from Courmayeur to Val Ferret, then enjoy a short 1-hour walk to Refuge Elena. Cross the Grand Col Ferret, taking in exceptional views of the Combins massif and the Italian side of Mont Blanc, before arriving in the charming village of La Fouly.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 5-6 hours of walking, +850 m (2,789 ft), -1,000 m (3,281 ft)
Distance: 14.9 km / 9 miles, from Courmayeur +1 hour of walking and +250 m (820 ft) -
Embark on a scenic hike through the Val d’Arpette, one of the most beautiful valleys in Valais. Admire the quaint villages with their typical architecture as you make your way up to the village of Champex and its idyllic lake.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 5 to 6 hours of walking, +550 m (1,805 ft), -600 m (1,969 ft)
Distance: 15.5 km / 9.6 miles*Please note that an ensuite room may not be available
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Reach the tour’s highest point as you ascend the Fenêtre d’Arpette at an elevation of 2,750m (9,022 ft), surrounded by breathtaking panoramic views. Descend alongside the Trient glacier, reveling in the natural beauty that surrounds you.
Accommodation: Mountain lodge (shared bathrooms)
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 7 to 9.5 hours, +1,190 m (3,904 ft), -1,615 m (5,299 ft)
Distance: 16.5 km / 10.2 milesAlternative due to bad weather by the Col de Bovine pass:
Hiking: 5.6 to 6.5 hours, +800 m (2,625 ft), -1,365 m (4,579 ft)
Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles -
Cross the Col de la Balme, offering magnificent views of Mont Blanc and Aiguille Verte, as you make your way back to France. Descend into the charming village of Argentière, immersed in picturesque Alpine surroundings.
Accommodation: 2-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 6 to 7 hours of walking, +1,000 m (3,281 ft), -820 m (2,690 ft)
Distance: 11.2 km / 7 miles -
Embark on an awe-inspiring journey along the Balcon des Aiguilles Rouges, followed by a climb to Lac Blanc. Delight in the breathtaking scenery, including Aiguille Verte, Les Drus, La Mer de Glace, Aiguilles de Chamonix, Mont Blanc du Tacul, Aiguille du Goûter, and the majestic Mont Blanc itself. Descend to Chamonix, with the option to take the cable car or bus if desired.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel or B&B
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 6 hours of walking, +900 m (2,953 ft), -1,100 m (3,609 ft)
Distance: 14.5 km / 9 miles, 14.5 km / 9 miles if you decide to hike down to Le Praz -
Enjoy a well-deserved day off in the vibrant town of Chamonix. Explore its charming streets, and weather permitting (outside the early season), take the cable car from Chamonix to Plan Praz or from Plan Praz to Le Brevent, followed by a walk to Les Houches. Conclude the day with a train or bus journey from Les Houches back to Chamonix.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel or B&B
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 6 hours, +515 m (1,690 ft), -1,540 m (5,052 ft)
Distance: 13 km / 8.1 miles -
Depart at your leisure after enjoying a satisfying breakfast, taking with you cherished memories of your remarkable adventure on the Tour du Mont Blanc.
Meals: Breakfast
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Your guides offer an optional 2-night package in Chamonix before or after the trip. The package includes a 2-night stay at a hotel or B&B, access to QC Terme Chamonix spa, and a Mont Blanc Multipass with a variety of activities and attractions to choose from.
Here’s the suggested plan, but you can tailor it to your preferances:
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- Day 1 — Take the iconic cable car of the Aiguille du Midi and experience the famous “step into the void”. Make sure to book your Aiguille du Midi date and time in advance using the code in your voucher on this website (book your spot at least a few weeks in advance). Feel free to explore Chamonix at your own pace and spend the afternoon in the fabulous QC Terme spa (entrance included).
- Day 2 — Today, hop aboard the traditional Montenvers train for an unforgettable journey above the stunning Sea of Ice. From there, a gondola takes you to the Ice Cave, where you can venture into the heart of the glacier for a truly memorable experience. You can also visit the Glaciorium to explore the history and evolution of the Sea of Ice. To round out your visit, enjoy the comfort of the on-site restaurants or the legendary Montenvers Hotel, which offers breathtaking views of the iconic Drus.
- Day 3 — Departure after breakfast.
Included:
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- 2 nights at a 3-star hotel or B&B in Chamonix
- Entrance to the QC Terme spa in Chamonix
- The Mont Blanc Multipass which includes:
- Aiguille du Midi (except Panoramic Mont-Blanc — Pointe Helbronner)
- Montenvers — Mer de Glace
- Tramway du Mont-Blanc
- Skyway (Italie)
- Access to the cable car in the area of Brevent – Flégère / Grands Montets,
Balme – Le Tour — Vallorcine - Access to the chairlift of Les Bossons
- Access to the cable car in the area of Brevent – Flégère / Grands Montets,
Not included:
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- Lunch, dinner & extra meals or beverages
- Booking process for Aiguille du Midi Cable Car or Tramway du Mont Blanc (best to book directly on their website at least a few weeks prior to desired date with the code you’ll receive)
- Other services in QC Terme, such as massages
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Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list). In case rooms are no longer available, dormitory accommodation might be booked instead.
Also note that your chosen dates for the tour are not guaranteed until confirmed by the guide. If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund!
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Included:
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- 8 or 12-day Tour du Mont Blanc self guided adventure (6 or 10 days of hiking)
- Accommodation based on double occupancy for 7 or 11 nights (depending on your chosen itinerary) — single rooms available for an additional fee
- Luggage transport (except on day 4 if you choose the 12-day version of the tour)
- Transfer on Day 2 (for the 8-day tour) and on Day 3 (for the 12-day tour)
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (breakfasts and most dinners)
- Digital travel package
- Maps and walking notes
- Phone apps with GPX tracks
Add-ons:
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- Single supplement — $760 for the 8-day tour, $1,160 for the 12-day tour (not always possible, more information at checkout)
- Pre or post-trip extension in Chamonix (read more below) — $675 for sharing a double room, $870 including single supplement
- Printed travel packet — $40
- Extra night(s) in Les Contamines: $200 per person (double occupancy), $315 (for single occupancy)
- Extra night(s) in Les Houches: $135 per person (double occupancy), $215 (for single occupancy)
- Extra night(s) in Chamonix: $140 per person (double occupancy), $220 (for single occupancy)
Not included:
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- Transportation to the starting point of the tour (Les Contamines or Le Houches, depending on the chosen itinerary)
- Drinks, lunches, and other meals not mentioned in the itineraries (ask the hotel upon check-in to prepare a lunch box for the following day, you can pay for it on the spot)
- Single supplement — available to add upon checkout
- Cable car tickets
- Transfers
- For the 8-day tour:
- Les Chapieux to Ville des Glaciers on Day 3
- Bus transfers (Cantine de Visaille to Courmayeur; Courmayeur to Val Ferret; La Fouly to Champex)
- Round-trip transfers to/from Bourg Saint Maurice (in case you have to stay there)
- For the 12-day tour:
- Les Chapieux to Ville des Glaciers on Day 4
- Bus transfers (Courmayeur to Val Ferret)
- Round-trip transfers to/from Bourg Saint Maurice (in case you have to stay there)
- For the 8-day tour:
- Luggage transport on Day 4 (if choosing the 12-day itinerary)
- Laundry services (but you can find laundromats in Les Contamines, Courmayeur, and Chamonix)
- Pre or post-trip extension — read more about adding this option below
- Travel and medical/emergency insurance — recommended
*Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list). In case rooms are no longer available, dormitory accommodation might be booked instead.
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Your guides offer an optional 2-night package in Chamonix before or after the trip. The package includes a 2-night stay at a hotel or B&B, access to QC Terme Chamonix spa, and a Mont Blanc Multipass with a variety of activities and attractions to choose from.
Here’s the suggested plan, but you can tailor it to your preferances:
-
- Day 1 — Take the iconic cable car of the Aiguille du Midi and experience the famous “step into the void”. Make sure to book your Aiguille du Midi date and time in advance using the code in your voucher on this website (book your spot at least a few weeks in advance). Feel free to explore Chamonix at your own pace and spend the afternoon in the fabulous QC Terme spa (entrance included).
- Day 2 — Today, hop aboard the traditional Montenvers train for an unforgettable journey above the stunning Sea of Ice. From there, a gondola takes you to the Ice Cave, where you can venture into the heart of the glacier for a truly memorable experience. You can also visit the Glaciorium to explore the history and evolution of the Sea of Ice. To round out your visit, enjoy the comfort of the on-site restaurants or the legendary Montenvers Hotel, which offers breathtaking views of the iconic Drus.
- Day 3 — Departure after breakfast.
Included:
-
- 2 nights at a 3-star hotel or B&B in Chamonix
- Entrance to the QC Terme spa in Chamonix
- The Mont Blanc Multipass which includes:
- Aiguille du Midi (except Panoramic Mont-Blanc — Pointe Helbronner)
- Montenvers — Mer de Glace
- Tramway du Mont-Blanc
- Skyway (Italie)
- Access to the cable car in the area of Brevent – Flégère / Grands Montets,
Balme – Le Tour — Vallorcine - Access to the chairlift of Les Bossons
- Access to the cable car in the area of Brevent – Flégère / Grands Montets,
Not included:
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- Lunch, dinner & extra meals or beverages
- Booking process for Aiguille du Midi Cable Car or Tramway du Mont Blanc (best to book directly on their website at least a few weeks prior to desired date with the code you’ll receive)
- Other services in QC Terme, such as massages
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Even though Tour du Mont Blanc is not technically difficult, it is generally recommended for those with at least an extensive experience of longer day hikes on mountain trails and great fitness. You can expect up to 1,200 m (3,940 ft) of daily ascent and hiking up to 15 km (10 miles) per day 6 or 10 consecutive days, for up to 9 hours a day. Keep in mind that hiking can be made more difficult because of changing weather.
Since this is a self-guided tour, you will be able to take many breaks and hike at your own pace. Due to some more exposed sections, the tour is not recommended for those with severe fear of heights.
If you’re looking for a TMB adventure suitable for advanced hikers, check out this high-level Tour du Mont Blanc adventure and this more rugged version of the Tour du Mont Blanc.
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Here’s a list of the equipment and clothes you need to bring:
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- Good, comfortable, waterproofed mountain hiking shoes with good tread
- Comfortable rucksack (40 to 50L)
- Hiking poles — optional
- Raincoat or a Gore Tex jacket
- Warm sweater or a fleece
- 2 Pairs of hiking pants
- 2 Pairs of hiking shorts
- Cap and a sunhat
- Pair of gloves
- 5 Good pairs of hiking socks
- Pair of outdoor shoes
- Sheet or a sleeping bag liner
- 2L water bottle
- Swiss knife
- Flashlight or a frontal lamp
- Good sunglasses and sunscreen
- Your toiletry bag and a mini first-aid kit
- Other clothes and personal change
- Towel
- Travel bag or a small suitcase for the luggage transport
- Camera — optional (but recommended)
We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. You’ll be able to discuss your packing list with the adventure company prior to your trip.
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One of the best things about this Tour du Mont Blanc self-guided hiking trip is that luggage transport is organized during the entire trip. You’ll have access to your luggage in the evenings, except for the night spent at Elisabetta refuge (if you choose the 12-day itinerary). Keep in mind that your luggage (a travel bag or a small suitcase) may not exceed 15kg (33lbs).
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A self-guided tour is an independent exploration without a formal guide leading the way. Instead of being part of a group with a tour leader, you will navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the operator, such as maps, guidebooks, audio guides, or digital apps. In general, your guide will also take care of other parts of the tour, such as 24/7 support, accommodation, and transportation—but please check the “what’s included” section above for a detailed breakdown.
Once you book the trip, your guides will check accommodation availability. Note that the trip is not yet confirmed at this stage, so please refrain from making any travel arrangements and booking flights. If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund.
It can take two to three weeks to receive accommodation confirmation from your guides and confirmation of the dates. Please note that the dates may change a bit, depending on accommodation availability. If the guides cannot confirm the dates, they will get back to you and refund you.
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Group sizes and prices:
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- For this adventure, the usual number of clients depends on the desires of the group who wishes to participate.
- It takes a minimum of 2 people for these self-guided tours to operate.
- Please keep in mind that the departure cannot be confirmed until your guides receive confirmations for their lodging partners. If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund!
Self-guided hiking along the Tour du Mont Blanc can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
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- If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
- Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
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To get to Les Contamines or Le Houches, most people fly into Geneva International Airport, which is around one hour away from both places. From there, most people take a shuttle service since it’s the most economical option. To get to Les Contamines, check out Mountain Drop Offs—they provide door-to-door service in their comfy and spacious shuttles. Use the code 57HCHX to get a 5% discount!
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We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
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Have more questions?