What you get on this adventure: 7-day self-guided hike, from Chamonix, Mont Blanc to Geneva Accommodation 2 nights in dormitory-style accommodation 4 nights in private accommodation (1 night in a two-star hotel and 3 nights in three-star hotels) Most meals, as listed in the itinerary Lift tickets (Planpraz cable car on Day 1) Taxi from Evian to Yvoire Ferry from Yvoire to Geneva Detailed route description, walking times, and map Travel information — roadbook, GPS tracks, one map for 2 people Unlimited email support pre-tour Assistance by you guiding company’s team on site 24/7 support in case of emergency What’s not included: Transportation to and from Chamonix — available at an additional cost Any other transfer during the tour not mentioned above Accommodations prior to and after the tour — available at an additional cost Dinners on Day 3 in Morzine and Day 6 in Évian-les-Bains Lunches, snacks, and personal expenses Drinks Luggage transfers Anything not indicated in the “included” section Medical evacuation and repatriation insurance — mandatory Travel cancellation insurance — highly 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).

How fit do I need to be?

In order to join the self-guided Chamonix, Mont Blanc to Geneva hike, you have to be in excellent 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. 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.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag) Sleeping bag Hiking poles — optional Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Lightweight hiking boots or shoes 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. 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.

What is a self-guided tour?

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 age requirements

Group sizes and prices: There is no minimum or maximum of 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! 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. Self-guided Chamonix, Mont Blanc to Geneva hikes 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 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.

Getting there and meeting location

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. Please refrain from making any travel arrangements until your booking is confirmed! 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!

Safety measures and insurance

Medical evacuation and repatriation insurance is mandatory, while travel insurance is highly recommended . 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!

CHAMONIX | FRANCE

Mont Blanc to Lake Geneva: A Self-Guided Hiking Adventure

5.00

Self-guided Chamonix to Geneva hiking holidays

From $1,410 ()

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Duration

7 days

Season

June through September

Self-guided tour

Accommodation, most meals, constant support, and thorough route info included

Accommodation

Mix of 2-3* hotels and dormitory-style lodging

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Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Reviews
Things to know

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?

Adventure highlights

Unique long-distance Alpine route

Escape the crowds and popular routes—go against the grain and take the road less traveled
The unforgettable Alpine adventure

Enjoy spectacular landscapes, learn about the culture, and feel the serenity of mountain life
Self-guided freedom and flexibility

You’re in control—set your own pace without worrying about the logistics and organizational details

Itinerary

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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.

We’re happy to customize your journey and hear your wishes—and we’ll do our best to meet your expectations, contact us!

The itinerary, distances, and altitudes may vary slightly for many reasons beyond your organizer’s control, including weather and terrain conditions.

Accommodation prior to Day 1 is not included in the self-guided tour. Your guiding company can arrange this for an additional cost.
Departing from Chamonix, the first stop of your self-guided tour is the sky-high Brévent pass! Located on the crest line of the Aiguilles Rouges massif at 2,368 m (7,770 ft), it dominates the Chamonix valley and it’s also one of the entrance points to the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve. From the pass, the track reaches the torrent of Diosaz. The footbridge of Arlevé is there to help you cross the boiling waters. Then the trail goes up under the Pointe Noire de Pormenaz to the mountain hut of the Anterne pass, called the refuge of Moëde-Anterne, which will host you for the night.

Meals: Dinner
Hiking: 10 km / 6 miles
Elevation: +750 m / +2,460 ft | -780 m / -2,560 ft
Accommodation: Mountain hut
Yet another beautiful view is on the menu, this time by crossing the Anterne Pass at 2,257 m (7,404 ft). The easiest way to cross the Fiz chain, it allows access to the vast plateau of the Anterne mountain. Its lakes, meadows, and cliffs offer a picture-perfect hiking day in the Sixt-Passy Nature Reserve. The itinerary follows the GR5 to the parking lot of Lignon, after having crossed the Collet d’Anterne, and the waterfalls of La Pleureuse and La Sauffraz. From Lignon, take the local bus to the village of Samoëns located in the Haut Giffre and spend the night there.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 10.5 km / 6.5 miles
Elevation: +375 m / +1,230 ft | -1,190 m / -3,904 ft
Accommodation: Hotel
The Golèse pass comes after the hamlet of Allamands, the chalet de la Croix and the chalet de l’Abérieu at the foot of the Dents Blanches. From Samoëns, the ascent is long and progressive, mostly through the forest and across meadows and alpine pastures. The GR5 continues north, towards the refuge of Vigny and further on, the hamlet of Erigné Derrière, located in the Manche Valley.

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 12.5 km / 7.7 miles
Elevation: +970 / +3,182 ft | -500 m / -1,640 ft
Accommodation: Hotel
This morning, a transfer with the Morzine shuttle takes you to the hamlet of Ardent, the starting point for the ascent of the Bassachaux pass at 1,778 m (5,830 ft). The trail passes through the hamlet of Lindarets (the goat village!) and then continues to the pass which will allow you to switch to the Abondance Valley. The path then follows the GR5 until the foot of the Mont de Grange at 2,432 m (7,890 ft). The descent to the Chapelle d’Abondance is relatively long and bumpy at times. You will spend the night in La Chapelle.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 20 km / 12.5 miles
Elevation: +1,074 m / +3,524 ft | -1,253 m / -4,111 ft
Accommodation: Hotel
A shorter day today! The trail leaves the village towards north, passing by the chalets of Chevenne before reaching the pass of Bosse at 1,816 m (5,960 ft). Located at the bottom of Cornettes de Bise, an emblematic summit of the Val d’Abondance and the Chablais, the refuge of Bise has recently been renovated. The refuge welcomes you in a hamlet of alpine pastures at 1,500 m (4,920 ft) in a breathtaking setting. Spend the night there.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 6 km / 3.7 miles
Elevation: +795 m / +2,609 ft | -310 m / -1,017 ft
Accommodation: Mountain hut
Today is your last day of hiking! The trail (GR5) continues up north, towards the Bise pass at 1,915 m (6,280 ft) and then the Neutey chalets. Finally, the village of Novel comes up and soon the southern shores of Lake Geneva, in Saint Gingolph in the Savoyard Chablais. A shuttle bus will allow you to reach Evian-les-Bains.

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Elevation: +430 m / +1,411 ft | -1,545 m / -5,069 ft
Accommodation: Hotel
Your self-guided adventure has come to an end. A private taxi will take you from Evian to Yvoire, where you will have the option to sightsee the beautiful town. End your journey by taking a ferry from Yvoire to Geneva.
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).
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!

Mont Blanc to Lake Geneva: A Self-Guided Hiking Adventure

Adventure Brochure

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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guide

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(3 reviews)

Karen Garcia

My husband and I did the 7-day self guided tour through Nuyama. We had a great time and we really appreciated all the care Nuyama 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 Nuyama and we will do so again when we are able to head back to Europe. Thank you so much Nuyama crew, you’re all amazing!!

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!!

Ludovic Botzung

A beautiful organization. No complaints. Marion was very good advice. I recommend without any hesitation. Thank you

Show all reviews

Karen Garcia

Lisa Tyerman

Ludovic Botzung

A beautiful organization. No complaints. Marion was very good advice. I recommend without any hesitation. Thank you

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - 7-day self-guided hike, from Chamonix, Mont Blanc to Geneva
  - Accommodation
  - 2 nights in dormitory-style accommodation
  - 4 nights in private accommodation (1 night in a two-star hotel and 3 nights in three-star hotels)
  - Most meals, as listed in the itinerary
  - Lift tickets (Planpraz cable car on Day 1)
  - Taxi from Evian to Yvoire
  - Ferry from Yvoire to Geneva
  - Detailed route description, walking times, and map
  - Travel information — roadbook, GPS tracks, one map for 2 people
  - Unlimited email support pre-tour
  - Assistance by you guiding company’s team on site
  - 24/7 support in case of emergency
What’s not included:
- - Transportation to and from Chamonix — available at an additional cost
  - Any other transfer during the tour not mentioned above
  - Accommodations prior to and after the tour — available at an additional cost
  - Dinners on Day 3 in Morzine and Day 6 in Évian-les-Bains
  - Lunches, snacks, and personal expenses
  - Drinks
  - Luggage transfers
  - Anything not indicated in the “included” section
  - Medical evacuation and repatriation insurance — mandatory
  - Travel cancellation insurance — highly 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 order to join the self-guided Chamonix, Mont Blanc to Geneva hike, you have to be in excellent 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. 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:
- - Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
  - Sleeping bag
  - Hiking poles — optional
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
  - 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.

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.
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:
- - There is no minimum or maximum of 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! 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.
Self-guided Chamonix, Mont Blanc to Geneva hikes 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 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.
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.

Please refrain from making any travel arrangements until your booking is confirmed! 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!
Medical evacuation and repatriation insurance is mandatory, while travel insurance is highly recommended. 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!
To secure your spot, a deposit in the amount of 30% is required at the time of booking. The remaining amount must be paid 90 calendar days prior to the trip departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. If you cancel 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.
Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.