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 — 6 breakfasts and 5 dinners (not included in Morzine) Lift tickets (Planpraz cable car on Day 1) Ferry from Evian 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 Lunches, snacks, and personal expenses Luggage transfers Anything not indicated in the “included” section Medical evacuation and repatriation insurance — mandatory Travel cancellation insurance — highly recommended

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.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For this self-guided Chamonix, Mont Blanc to Geneva hike, it takes a minimum of 2 persons to sign up. The cost does not decrease as the group grows. 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.

Safety measures in France

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans. We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in France and Switzerland, please refer to the foreign travel advice for France . If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

CHAMONIX | FRANCE

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

5.00 ()

Season

June through September

Nearest city

Your tour starts in Chamonix, France

Duration

7 days

Difficulty

Self-guided tour

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

Guide

Nuyama

From $1,310 () / 7 days

Book now

Got any questions? or Talk with us

Overview
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Reviews
Things to know

Is it finally time to tick hiking in the Alps off your bucket list? If it is, don’t settle for the usual: forge your own path by walking from Mont Blanc’s Chamonix to Lake Geneva. When the two iconic destinations bookend a single, week-long hike, something unique will surely come to life. Not only will you pass through both coastal lake towns and charming mountain villages, marvel at lush valleys and jaggy silhouettes of Mont Blanc, cross high-sky passes as well as wildflower-dotted meadows—you will do all of that at your own pace. The Alps are ready to amaze, are you going to answer the call?

Book a call

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

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.

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 and dinner
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.

Meals: Breakfast
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.

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

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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 (source: Google Reviews)

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 (source: Google Reviews)

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 (source: Google Reviews)

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 — 6 breakfasts and 5 dinners (not included in Morzine)
  - Lift tickets (Planpraz cable car on Day 1)
  - Ferry from Evian 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
  - Lunches, snacks, and personal expenses
  - Luggage transfers
  - Anything not indicated in the “included” section
  - Medical evacuation and repatriation insurance — mandatory
  - Travel cancellation insurance — highly recommended
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.
Group sizes and prices:
- - For this self-guided Chamonix, Mont Blanc to Geneva hike, it takes a minimum of 2 persons to sign up.
  - The cost does not decrease as the group grows.
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.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.

Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in France and Switzerland, please refer to the foreign travel advice for France.

If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!
A 30% 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.
Secure your spot for the following season with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, so don’t risk missing out on your bucket list adventure!
- - Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure anytime in case the dates don’t suit you.
  - Confirm your booking by the end of this year by paying another 20% of the total amount.
  - The final balance is due 35 days prior to departure.
  - Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy applies.