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.
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: 4* hotel
Meals: Dinner
Hiking: Optional
Set out from the picturesque village of Les Houches, taking the cable car to Bellevue for a smooth start. Traverse the TMB path through lush forests above the Bionnassay Valley, passing through charming Alpine hamlets. Marvel at the stunning views of Mont Blanc and the foothills of the Alps. Ascend the Col de Tricot and descend through switchbacks to Chalet de Miage. A delightful riverside path leads you back to Les Contamines.
Accommodation: 4* hotel
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 4 to 5 hours of walking, +640m (2,100 ft), -1,275m (4,183 ft)
Distance: 11,5 km / 7,1 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.
There is a possibility of staying in a hotel in Bourg St Maurice instead of Les Chapieux, only if no accommodation is available there. In that case, please note that the shuttle from Les Chapieux to Bourg St Maurice on day 2/3 and back on day 3/4 (depending on the itinerary) is not included, with a total cost of approximately $10 (paid on site). For clients hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc outside the high season (before ~June 25th and after ~August 27th), a private round transfer will have to be organized for an additional fee of $185.
Accommodation: 3* hotel*
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 6 to 7 hours walking, +1,200m (3,937 ft), -900m (2,953 ft)
Distance: 15,25 km / 9,5 miles
*Please note that an ensuite room may not be available
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.
Accommodation: Refuge Elisabetta (dormitory-style accommodation)
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 5 hours of walking, +730m (2,395 ft), -315m (1,033 ft)
Distance: 9,4 km / 5,8 miles
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.
Accommodation: 3* hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 4.5 hours of walking, +550m (1,804 ft), -980m (3,215 ft)
Distance: 15,8 km / 9,8 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: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 4.5 hours of walking, +475m (1,558 ft), -930m (3,051 ft)
Distance: 12,6 km / 7,8 miles
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: Hotel*
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 5 to 6 hours of walking, +600m (1,968 ft), -500m (1,640 ft)
Distance: 15,5 km / 9,6 miles
*Please note that an ensuite room may not be available
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: Lodge in Trient*
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 7 to 9 hours of walking, +1,050m (3,445 ft), -1,385m (4,544 ft)
Distance: 13,8 km / 8,6 miles
*Please note that an ensuite room may not be available
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* hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 6 to 7 hours of walking, +1,000m (3,281 ft), -820m (2,690 ft)
Distance: 15,5 km / 9,6 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* hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 6 hours of walking, +900m (2,953 ft), -1,100m (3,609 ft)
Distance: 21 km / 13 miles
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* hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 6 hours, +515m (1,690 ft), -1,540m (5,052 ft)
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
For those seeking to further explore the Chamonix Valley beyond the completion of the Tour du Mont Blanc, an enticing extension package is offered. This extension includes two additional nights at a 3-star hotel, complete with daily breakfast. Moreover, you will receive vouchers granting access to captivating attractions, such as the renowned Aiguille du Midi cable car, the Montenvers-Mer de Glace excursion, the Tramway du Mont-Blanc experience, and the extraordinary Skyway adventure. Furthermore, you will enjoy access to the rejuvenating SPA at QC Termes of Chamonix, as well as the cable cars spanning Brevent-Flégère/Grands Montets and Balme-Le Tour-Vallorcine, along with the Les Bossons chairlift. This way, you can turn your hiking trip into a bona fide holiday!
Included in the 8-day tour:
Included in the 12-day tour:
Add-ons (available to add at checkout):
Not included:
Your guides offer an optional 2-night package in Chamonix 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:
Included:
Not included:
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.
Here’s a list of the equipment and clothes you need to bring:
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.
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).
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.
Group sizes and prices:
Self-guided hiking along the Tour du Mont Blanc can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The price for these Tour du Mont Blanc self-guided tours is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.
For the 8-day itinerary, a single occupancy room is not available in Les Chapieux. For the 12-day itinerary, ingle occupancy is available on 8 nights—Les Houches, Contamines, Courmayeur, La Fouly, Champex, Argentiere, and 2 nights in Chamonix.
To get to Saint Gervais or Le Houches, most people fly into Geneva International Airport, which is around 1 to 2 hours away.
From the airport, 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!
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors 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.