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Dormitory-Based Self-Guided Tour du Mont Blanc

You wake up in a cozy French village, feast on authentic Italian pasta for lunch, and gaze at Swiss peaks under the stars by nightfall. This is life on the Tour du Mont Blanc—one of the world’s most famous long-distance hikes, circling Western Europe’s highest peak and crossing three international borders—all on foot. Over ten days, you’ll push through rugged mountain passes, descend into postcard-perfect valleys, and rest in simple, cozy inns that have welcomed countless trekkers for generations. Since this adventure is completely self-guided, you’ll do all this at your own pace, but you’re not going in blind—rest assured, each night you’ll have a warm bed waiting and a hearty meal ready. This is a perfectly set up hiking journey—and it’s completely yours.

Adventure highlights

  • The Alps’ most iconic trek
    Complete a 170-km (106-mile) loop around the mighty Mont Blanc through serene valleys and rugged passes
  • Cross borders on foot
    Step from France to Italy to Switzerland and swap languages, landscapes, and flavors with every climb
  • You call the shots
    Make the TMB your own with detailed roadbooks, GPS maps, and all logistics taken care of

Itinerary

Trek across three countries in 10 days on this self-guided Tour du Mont Blanc adventure! You’ll climb, descend, and push through some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, from rugged passes to lush valleys, while circling Western Europe’s highest peak. Each night, you’ll relax in cozy mountain inns and enjoy hearty meals that fuel your next day’s adventure. You’ll have full control over your pace, but with all the logistics covered—accommodations, most meals, maps, route notes, and more. Ready for the ultimate mountain challenge?

  • Your incredible trek begins with a ride on the cable car of Planpraz (at your own expense). You’ll hike to the Brevent pass and summit (2,525 m / 8,284 ft), then descend to the Bellachat hut, where you’ll take a break before descending to Les Houches, your home for the night.

    Meals: Dinner
    Hiking distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
    Elevation: +545 m / +1,788 ft, -1,560 m / -5,118 ft
    Accommodation: Dorm in an inn

    An alpine ibex on a rocky ledge with snow-capped mountains in the background
  • Today you’ll walk from Les Houches to the bottom of the Bellevue cable car which will take you up into the mountains (at your own expense). From here, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Mont Blanc range. You’ll make our way towards the Col du Tricot, hiking under the impressive Bionnassay glacier before descending to the Chalets de Miage and finally reaching your destination in the village of Les Contamines-Montjoie.

    Meals: Breakfast and dinner
    Hiking distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
    Elevation: +675 m / +2,215 ft, -1,305 m / -4,282 ft
    Accommodation: Dorm in an inn

    Donkeys grazing in the fields of Les Contamines-Montjoie
  • Today you’re in for a challenging but rewarding hike to the Col du Bonhomme (2,329 m / 7,641 ft). This leg of your journey offers a true taste of alpine hiking with significant distance, elevation gain, and altitude. After crossing the pass, it’s time to truly disconnect: there is no coverage past this point. You’ll descend to the hamlet of Les Chapieux or, if accommodation in Les Chapieux is not available, catch a bus to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, where you’ll stay overnight.

    Meals: Breakfast and dinner
    Hiking distance: 18 km / 11.2 miles
    Elevation: +755 m / +2,477 ft, -970 m / -3,182 ft
    Accommodation: Dorm in an inn or standard hotel

    View of a lake near Col du Bonhomme in the French Alps
  • After a hearty breakfast, you’ll take the bus to La Ville des Glaciers, where you’ll get back on the Tour du Mont Blanc trail. You’ll hike through a pasture up to the Col de la Seigne (2,516 m / 8,255 ft). A few more steps and you’ll have crossed the Italian border! Pause to admire breathtaking views of iconic peaks like La Noire de Peuterey and the Grandes Jorasses, then take a local bus (at your own expense) from La Visaille to your accommodation in Courmayeur, the charming capital of the Italian Alps.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Hiking distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
    Elevation: +755 m / +2,477 ft, -880 m / -2,887 ft
    Accommodation: Private room in a 2-star hotel

    A scenic alpine landscape in Val Veny, Mont Blanc
  • Today you’ll discover the beauty of Mont de la Saxe. From Courmayeur, you’ll head towards the Bonatti hut for a spectacular hike up the Saxe Mountain, which offers superb views of the entire southern slope of the Mont Blanc chain. You’ll enjoy summit and glacier views on the horizon until you reach the refuge of the famous Italian mountaineer Walter Bonatti (2,022 m / 6,633 ft). From there, hike down to the Lavachey hamlet to catch a bus back to Courmayeur (at your own expense).

    Meals: Breakfast
    Hiking distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
    Elevation: +1,080 m / +3,543 ft, -300 m / -984 ft
    Accommodation: Private room in a 2-star hotel

    Mountain panorama from the Bonatti hut
  • Your day starts with a bus to Arnouva (at your own expense) to get to the starting point of your hike. The path from there will lead you to the Rifugio Elena, then on to the Grand Col Ferret, marking the Italian-Swiss border. Enjoy the breathtaking view from the top of the Col and take one last look at the Italian side of your tour. Hike down to the picturesque village of La Fouly.

    Meals: Breakfast and dinner
    Hiking distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
    Elevation: +820 m / +2,690 ft, -990 m / -3,248 ft
    Accommodation: Dorm in an inn

    Photo: The Mont Blanc massif from Val Ferret valley
  • This short day gives you time to rest near the lake of Champex. From La Fouly, an easy walk leads you to the village of Praz le Fort (1,151 m / 3,776 ft). The path follows the river of Ferret to the hamlet of Issert. Then you’ll hike up to the beautiful lake of Champex (1,477 m / 4,846). Ready for a refreshing dip?

    Meals: Breakfast and dinner
    Hiking distance: 16 km / 10 miles
    Elevation: +580 m / +1,902 ft, -740 m / -2,428 ft
    Accommodation: Dorm in an inn

    Champex lake in Switzerland
  • Today starts with a gentle hike along the historic “cattle road,” enjoying typical alpine scenery. You’ll hike through hilly terrain, forests, and pastures, offering splendid views of the Rhone Valley, the town of Martigny, and the Dents du Midi. Finally, you’ll walk down to Trient.

    Meals: Breakfast and dinner
    Hiking distance: 14.2 km / 8.9 miles
    Elevation: +800 m / +2,625 ft, -975 m / -3,199 ft
    Accommodation: Dorm in an inn

    Cows grazing in a mountain meadow with a view of Mont Blanc
  • Today you’ll head back to France! In the morning, you’ll walk from Trient to the Col de la Balme, marking the Swiss-French border. Enjoy some incredible views of Mont Blanc before an easy descent to Montroc, followed by a hike to your accommodation in Trélechamps or Argentière.

    Meals: Breakfast and dinner
    Hiking distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
    Elevation: +1,140 m / +3,740 ft, -1,020 m / -3,346 ft
    Accommodation: Dorm in an inn

    Argentière, charming village in France
  • Your final hiking day is a real treat! You’ll hike up to a beautiful balcony in the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve, passing by ibexes and mountain goats. Your reward will be breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc range and its impressive glaciers. Along the way, you’ll visit a Chamonix must-do: the stunning Lac Blanc. You’ll then head to La Flégère for one last panoramic view of those impressive mountains.

    Congratulations, you just completed your TMB! Your self-guided adventure ends here, so feel free to head home or stick around and explore at your leisure.

    Hiking distance: 18 km / 11.2 miles
    Elevation: +1,200 m / +3,937 ft, -1,420 m / -4,659 ft

    Snow-capped Mont Blanc with wildflowers in the foreground
  • The itinerary, distances, and elevations may vary slightly due to weather and trail conditions.

    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 (if there is a detailed list).

    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!

Adventure brochure
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Meet your guide

Nuyama
5.00
Nuyama
Nuyama is a guiding company based in Chamonix, founded by Yann Delevaux, a Chamonix local, and Marion Cochet. With their extensive experience in trip organization and mountain guiding (Yann has been an IFMGA Mountain guide for more than 20 years now), they turned their passion for the great outdoors into a recognizable and reliable guiding collective, offering unique and unforgettable adventures. They now lead and organize a growing number of hiking, trekking, mountaineering, skiing, and mountain biking trips in the Alps.
5.00(1 review)
L
Lisa Tyerman

As we prepared to leave we contemplated our amazing adventure and sense of accomplishment. Thank you to Nuyama for great organizational skills, prompt responses, sound advice along the way and the perfect for us choices of routes for each day. As we interacted with hosts and fellow hikers it became obvious Nuyama has built solid relationships and is highly respected. We felt confident doing this hike self guided because of our own experience and the support given. Thank you Nuyama! Experience of a lifetime!!

Show all reviews
5.00(1 review)
L
Lisa Tyerman

As we prepared to leave we contemplated our amazing adventure and sense of accomplishment. Thank you to Nuyama for great organizational skills, prompt responses, sound advice along the way and the perfect for us choices of routes for each day. As we interacted with hosts and fellow hikers it became obvious Nuyama has built solid relationships and is highly respected. We felt confident doing this hike self guided because of our own experience and the support given. Thank you Nuyama! Experience of a lifetime!!

Things to know

  • Included:

      • 10-day dormitory-based self-guided Tour du Mont Blanc
      • Accommodation for 7 nights in dormitory-style accommodations and for 2 nights in private accommodation in 2-star hotels
      • Meals: 9 breakfasts and 7 dinners (details in the itinerary)
      • Roadbook, GPS tracks, and IGN map for 2 people
      • On-site assistance

    Add-ons:

      • Private room (double/twin instead of dormitory-style) — $815
      • Luggage transfers — $360

    Not included:

      • Flights
      • Transfers to and from Chamonix
      • Lifts and local bus tickets
      • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
      • Accommodation before or after the trip
      • Drinks and snacks
      • Personal expenses
      • Travel and medical insurance
      • Repatriation/search and rescue insurance — mandatory

    *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 (if there is a detailed list).

  • This dormitory-based self-guided Tour du Mont Blanc requires great physical condition. You’ll hike for 10 consecutive days on mountainous and often challenging terrain, including high mountain passes.

    Expect from 12 to 18 km (7.5 to 11.2 mi) of hiking in a single day with up to 1,200 m (3,937 ft) of ascent and up to 1,560 m (5,118 ft) of descent.

    To enjoy this adventure, you should be comfortable hiking for 6-8 hours a day in mountain terrain. Regular cardiovascular exercise and hill walking or hiking practice in the months leading up to the tour will help ensure you’re prepared for the challenges of the TMB.

    For more Mont Blanc hiking tours, click here!

  • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

      • Day pack large enough to carry all the items you need
      • Hiking poles — optional
      • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
      • Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
      • Comfortable hiking clothes
      • Spare clothes for layering
      • Waterproof rain jacket
      • Sunhat
      • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
      • Headlamp or flashlight
      • Sunglasses
      • Camera — optional (but recommended)

    Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

  • 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 roadbooks, GPS tracks, and IGN maps. Your guide will also take care of other parts of the tour, such as on-site support, accommodation, and transportation.

  • Group sizes and pricing

      • There is no minimum or maximum number of people required for this tour to run. Regardless of whether you’re coming solo or you’d like to arrange a trip for a bigger group, we’ve got you covered! Please note that there will be a single supplement fee if you’re signing up solo.
      • Please refrain from making any travel arrangements until your booking is confirmed! Your chosen dates are not guaranteed until confirmed by the guide. After you pick your preferred dates, your guide will check accommodation availability and get back to you within 2-3 weeks.
      • Once the guide confirms your departure, you’re good to go—at that point, book your plane tickets and start looking forward to your adventure! If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund.

    A dormitory-based self-guided Tour du Mont Blanc can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the dormitory-based self-guided Tour du Mont Blanc on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • The starting point of your dormitory-based self-guided Tour du Mont Blanc is Chamonix, France. To get there, most people fly into Geneva Airport (GVA).

    Once you arrive, there are several ways to reach your destination, including public transport. Looking to make airport transfers hassle-free? 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!

  • Repatriation/search and rescue insurance is mandatory, while travel insurance is highly recommended to join this trip. 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!

  • Guide’s cancellation policy

    A 35% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 35 days prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. If Client cancels the booking…

      • More than 60 (sixty) calendar days prior to departure, Client will pay a cancellation fee of 5% (five percent) of the total price of the trip.
      • 60-45 (sixty to forty-five) calendar days prior to departure, Client will pay a cancellation fee of 15% (fifteen percent) of the total price of the trip.
      • 44-30 (forty-four to thirty) calendar days prior to departure, Client will pay a cancellation fee of 30% (thirty percent) of the total amount of the trip.
      • 29-15 (twenty-nine to fifteen) calendar days prior to departure, Client will pay a cancellation fee of 75% (seventy-five percent) of the total amount of the trip.

    After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases.

Have more questions? Read our FAQ, or Talk with us
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