Is it finally time to tick hiking in the Alps off your bucket list? We think so. But why settle for the ordinary when you can forge your own path by linking Mont Blanc’s Chamonix and Lake Geneva? While these two are iconic destinations in their own right, when merged into a single, week-long hike, something new unfolds. You will pass through both coastal lake towns and charming mountain villages, marvel at lush valleys and jaggy silhouettes of Mont Blanc painting the sky, cross high-sky passes as well as wildflower-dotted meadows—all of that, at your own pace. The Alps are calling, are you going to answer?
Head to France for a one-of-a-kind experience in the Alps, and traverse the mountains from Chamonix all the way to Lake Geneva! This is a week-long, self-guided hike, meaning that you’ll be going at your own pace, taking as many breaks as you’d like, but also have everything planned for you. You will receive thorough route info and maps, your accommodation and most meals will be arranged, and you’ll have a safety net to always feel secure (constant support by your guiding company). Experience some of the Alps’ best-ofs, learn about the day-to-day life in the mountains, and come back home with a full gallery of pics.
Included:
Add-ons:
Not included:
In order to join the self-guided Chamonix, Mont Blanc to Geneva hike, you have to be in great physical condition. You’ll be covering between 6 and 20 km (3.7-12.5 miles) per day, 6 days in a row, with significant elevation changes (up to 1,074 m (3,524 ft) per day). To get a better glimpse of the hikes’ difficulty, check out the itinerary where daily distances and elevation gains/losses are listed.
There are no luggage transfers so you will have to carry your backpack—make sure to pack appropriately.
A great thing about this self-guided hike is that you can take a break whenever you need to! Still, make sure you’re fit enough to cover these distances and elevation changes.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
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.
Luggage transfers are not included with the trip and are unfortunately not available as the trip crosses into three different valleys and some accommodations are not reachable by vehicle. You will have to carry your gear, clothes, lunch, and snacks. Estimated pack weights are 8- 10 kg (18-22 lbs) or 15% of body weight, so make sure to pack appropriately.
Self-guided tours are perfect for those who enjoy exploring on their own terms—at their own pace, and with the company they choose. By joining this self-guided tour, we take care of:
Rather than joining a guided group, you’ll navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the tour operator. For a hassle-free journey with everything arranged for you in advance, there’s no better option!
As a self-guided tour is built around your preferred travel dates, your guide will take care of arranging accommodations and details after you book. Note that exact accommodations and dates might shift slightly, so don’t make any travel arrangements until the details of your adventure are confirmed.
Group sizes and prices:
Self-guided Chamonix, Mont Blanc to Geneva hikes 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 this tour is based on twin-share rooms at hotels and shared, dormitory-style lodging at mountain huts. A single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee, but only during the hotel nights. You can add it to your booking at checkout.
To get to Chamonix, most people fly into Geneva International Airport (GVA), one hour away. 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!
Keep in mind that you should get on the trail on Day 1 in the morning, meaning that you’ll also have to spend a night in Chamonix prior to the first day, so you could get some rest.
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, 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.
A 35% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 90 days prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. . If you cancel the booking…
Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.
My husband and I did the 7-day self guided tour. We had a great time and we really appreciated all the care guiding company put into getting us prepared for our adventure! The guidebook and itinerary were perfect! The places they chose for us to stay were all great, and the food was delicious. It was just what we hoped it would be. We highly recommend booking through the guiding company and we will do so again when we are able to head back to Europe. Thank you so much to the crew, you’re all amazing!!