Included: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 5 or 10-day Tour du Mont Blanc guided hiking adventure Accommodation as listed in the itinerary 10-day tour — in huts for 9 nights, usually dorm rooms for 4-8 people (hotels may be used instead if there is no hut availability) 5-day tour — in hotels for 4 nights Cable cars and transportation as indicated in the itinerary All meals as listed in the itinerary (all meals for the 5-day tour, breakfasts and dinners for the 10-day tour) Luggage transfers for the 5-day tour Not included: Transportation to and from starting/end point Airport transfers — we recommend Mountain Drop-Offs Accommodations prior to and after the tour Sleeping bag liner — rental available, let us know upon booking Luggage transfers for the 10-day tour Lunches for the 10-day tour Personal drinks and snacks — bring you favorites, but they can be bought along the way in towns and at huts Travel and medical insurance Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

For both the classic 10-day and the compact 5-day Tour du Mont Blanc hiking tour, great fitness and extensive experience of longer day hikes are mandatory. The weather also plays a major role in how relaxing the hike can be, but there will always be a very experienced and professional guide by your side! Please be aware that you’ll be passing some exposed sections, so it’s not recommended for those with a severe fear of heights . For more day-to-day details, check out the itinerary, but you can expect the following: 10-day Tour du Mont Blanc : hiking for 10 days in a row, covering between 12 and 19 km (7.4-11.8 miles) per day & gaining up to 1,300 m (4,265 ft) of elevation in a single day. You’ll be carrying your backpack with all your belongings the whole way through. 5-day Tour du Mont Blanc : hiking for 4 days in a row, covering 14 to 22 km (9-14 mi) per day & gaining up to 1,300 m (4,265 ft) in elevation. Luggage will be transferred for you.

Are dormitory-style rooms standard?

This refers to the 10-day tour—yes, dormitory-style rooms are standard on this trip. If available, the guides will typically book small dorms with 4-6 beds. If you’re joining the 5-day tour, you’ll be staying at hotels.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Backpack large enough to carry all your personal belongings for the entire duration of the trek (45L) — possible to rent Sleeping bag liner (silk or cotton) — possible to rent Trekking poles — possible to rent Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Lightweight hiking boots or shoes Spare clothes for layering Warm top Rain gear Clothing for the evenings Warm hat and gloves Space blanket Sunhat Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, bandages, etc.) Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Cash — at least 50 euros Personal medications ID & visa Flip flops or shower shoes Microfiber towel for showering 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.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For these Tour du Mont Blanc hiking tours, the client-to-guide ratio is 8:1. It takes a minimum of 5 people for the 10-day tour to operate. For the 5-day tour, the minimum is set at 5 participants. Tour du Mont Blanc hiking tours 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.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Chamonix, the starting point of your 10-day Tour du Mont Blanc hiking tour, most people fly into Geneva International Airport (GVA) , one hour away. For the 5-day tour, the starting point is Les Houches, just 10 minutes away from Chamonix. Once you arrive, there are several ways to reach your destination, including public transport. Looking to make the 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! You will meet your guide in the morning of Day 1 of the 10-day tour. Please keep in mind that you will have to overnight in Chamonix the day prior to the tour, as well as on the last day of the tour, as it’s a full hiking day. The starting point of your adventure is the Planpraz cable car station (accessible by foot from Chamonix center). As for the 5-day tour, the first day is all about arrival.

Safety measures and insurance

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.

This adventure has 2027 dates with 10% deposit available

TOUR DU MONT BLANC | FRANCE

Tour du Mont Blanc: Classic or Compact Hike

5-10 days | Moderate | 5.00

From $1,980 ()

Book a call

Tour du Mont Blanc lives rent-free in your head? No wonder—it’s Europe’s most iconic trek around the continent’s highest mountain! This 10-day TMB hiking adventure will take us to France, Switzerland, and Italy, and let us discover crystal clear lakes, high cols, lofty peaks, and so much more. We’ve been hiking, climbing, and trail running in the Alps and Mont Blanc for years now, and we believe this adventure is the best way to discover these mountains. This trek will test us, but also allow us to experience quintessential Alpine views and immerse ourselves in the vibrant hiking communities that we’ll also get to mingle with in the huts. You’re just a few clicks away from an Aperol Spritz in your hand, while snacking on fondue, on a sky-high terrace with million-dollar views.

Adventure Highlights

Europe’s most legendary trail: Starting from the storied Chamonix, trek this iconic trail with an experienced local guide
Logistics sorted out for you: Accommodation, meals, and arrangements are taken care of—you just focus on having the experience of a lifetime
At the crossroads of 3 countries: Get to know the culture, cuisine, and communities of Alpine France, Switzerland, and Italy

Duration

5-10 days

Season

July through September

Group size

Up to 8 people

Accommodation

Standard, Comfort: Huts and hotels

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

Tour du Mont Blanc—it’s one of the most famous long-distance treks in the world, and it’s time you finally cross it off your bucket list. What better way to do it than by doing it the classic way: over 10 days, going hut-to-hut. You will get to know the heart of the Alps and hit the high-altitude hiking trails around Mont Blanc. But this trek is a lot more than just hiking: you will also get to know the cultural, historical, and gastronomical aspects of the area at the crossroads of 3 countries. Find out for yourself what makes this one of the world’s greatest treks!

Day 1: Planpraz Cable Car Station — Tour Montroc

Your adventure starts at the Planpraz cable car station, easily reached by foot from Chamonix center. Get on the trail and hike along the Grand Balcon, passing through alpine meadows and serene forests—showcasing the diverse natural beauty of the region. Pass by the Aiguille Rouges nature reserve and the Chésery mountain lakes. Today you’ll have a shorter walk, allowing you to gradually adjust to the altitude and terrain.

Accommodation: Gîte le Moulin
Hiking: 5 hours, 13 km / 8 miles
Elevation gain: +500 m / +1,640 ft

Day 2: Over the Col de Balme

Mountain pass Col de Balme with alpine flowers and great views of glaciated peaks.

After a hearty breakfast, leave Montroc and set out for the stunning Col de Balme, a high mountain pass marking the border between France and Switzerland. This stage offers a terrific opportunity to take incredible photos of the monumental Alps. After crossing into Switzerland, make your way back down to Trient, a charming Swiss village nestled in the Valais Alps—this is where you’ll end your day.

Accommodation: Auberge Mont Blanc
Hiking: 6 hours, 13 km / 8 miles
Elevation gain: +900 m / +2,950 ft

Day 3: A peak into Switzerland

Alpine valley nestled between gradual slopes and rugged peaks and covered in trees.

As you depart Trient, you’ll gradually ascend towards the Col de la Forclaz, and then further through forests to reach the Bovine meadow. Walk amidst open meadows, where cows and sheep graze in the summer months, and be treated to stunning views of the Rhone Valley stretched out below. You will then enter a serene forested area around Champex-d’en-Haut. Pass through the cool shade of the trees and soak in the tranquil vibes before arriving at the Col de Champex.

Accommodation: Gîte Bon Abri
Hiking: 7 hours, 16 km / 10 miles
Elevation gain: +900 m / +2,950 ft

Day 4: Champex Lac — Val Ferret

Start hiking and you’ll soon be treated to the captivating sight of Lac de Champex, a pristine mountain lake surrounded by forests. Descend to the valley of the Dranse river and follow it meander through the Val Ferret. This section is notably shorter and easier than some of the other sections of the trek. Today’s hiking ends in La Fouly, a cozy Swiss village that provides the ideal backdrop for a peaceful evening of relaxation.

Accommodation: Auberge des Glaciers
Hiking: 6 hours, 15 km / 9.3 miles
Elevation gain: +600 m / +1,970 ft

Day 5: Over the Grand Col Ferret

Starting in La Fouly, journey past the charming hamlet of Ferret and start a long climb over the Grand Col Ferret. This pass marks the border between Switzerland and Italy, and it’s the highest point of the Tour du Mont Blanc! Here is where hikers get to take in breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc massif dominating the skyline. A steep descent leads you to the Italian Val Ferret, where you’ll reach the Rifugio Bonatti after a long day of hiking. The hut is situated on a balcony opposite the Mont Blanc massif, offering spectacular views of the mountain.

Accommodation: Rifugio Bonatti
Hiking: 9 hours, 19 km / 11.8 miles
Elevation gain: +1,300 m / +4,265 ft

Day 6: Courmayeur

Leave the rifugio and follow the contours of the Mont de la Saxe, offering incredible views of the Mont Blanc range. The path then descends, leading you down into the charming town of Courmayeur, an Italian alpine resort known for its lovely streets, vibrant atmosphere, and delicious cuisine. Final leg of the day is a steep ascent to Maison Vieille, a refuge perched high above the valley. Positioned strategically on the trail, it serves as an ideal place for trekkers to rest, mingle, and enjoy the panoramas.

Accommodation: Rifugio Maison Vieille
Hiking: 8 hours, 17 km / 10.6 miles
Elevation gain: +1,000 m / +3,280 ft

Day 7: Past Lac Combal through Val Veny

Departing from the rifugio, you’ll follow the Mont Favre ridgeline with more spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif. Pass the last few trees on the way down to the Veny valley before it leads you on a long and gradual climb to the Col de la Seigne. This high mountain pass is the border between Italy and France, and it’s the second highest point along the entire Tour du Mont Blanc. The day’s journey concludes in a cozy hotel in Bourg St Maurice.

Accommodation: L’Angival Hotel
Hiking: 8 hours, 18 km / 11.2 miles
Elevation gain: +1,000 m / +3,280 ft

Day 8: Over the Col de la Croix de Bonhomme

Today starts with an easy downhill path to Les Chapieux. This stage stands out for its complete lack of forested areas, allowing trekkers to fully immerse themselves in the open alpine landscapes. As you leave Les Chapieux, the trail takes a challenging turn, with a steep climb leading to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme. Descend down into the picturesque La Balme pasture and finally, after a long day, reach the modern refuge des Prés above the Montjoie valley.

Accommodation: Refuge des Prés
Hiking: 8 hours, 17 km / 10.6 miles
Elevation gain: +1,000 m / +3,280 ft

Day 9: Les Contamines

The ninth day of the Tour du Mont Blanc begins with a gentle descent, guiding you to Pont Romain, a relic of ancient Roman roads. You’ll reach Notre Dame de la Gorge, a picturesque chapel nestled along the trail. Continue onto Les Contamines, a charming Alpine commune where you can grab a coffee or try one of the delicious French pastries. The route then leads you along a gradual ascent, taking you back to Mont Truc to conclude the day. This grassy hilltop offers views of the impressive Mont Joly and Aiguille de Bionnassay.

Accommodation: Chalet du Truc or Chalets des Miages
Hiking: 5 hours, 13 km / 8 miles
Elevation gain: +600 m / +1,970 ft

Day 10: Final day over the Col de Tricot

Last day of Tour du Mont Blanc! Starting from the refuge, pass the Chalets de Miages, an Alpine hamlet. As the trail continues, a short but steep ascent towards the Col de Tricot brings you to the highest point of the day. Take in the views and start descending, crossing a suspension bridge that spans the Torrent de Bionnassay. The trail then takes you uphill to Bellevue, where you can catch your first glimpse of Chamonix, offering a sense of achievement. A final downhill brings you to Les Houches, where the finish arch awaits at the Tourism Office.

Congrats! You’ve just finished the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc!

Hiking: 5 hours, 12 km / 7.5
Elevation gain: +700 m / +2,300 ft

Experience the best of the Tour du Mont Blanc in just 5 days—without sacrificing comfort! This compact trek features four days of breathtaking hiking, luggage transfers, cozy hotel stays, and all meals included. Shared dinners and seamless transfers by public bus (or taxi if needed) ensure a low-impact, relaxing journey with a terrific local guide. This is perfect for those who want to explore the highlights of the Mont Blanc massif while enjoying comfort every step of the way.

Day 1: Arrival in Les Houches

Our adventure starts at the tourist office in Les Houches, the start and finish line of the TMB. Then you meet your guide and board transportation to Les Contamines, where we’ll spend our first night and get ready for the next day’s hike.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Le Christiania or similar

Day 2: Col du Bonhomme and the Beaufort Cheese Region

First day on the trail today! We begin the day with a gentle walk along the Bon Nant stream to warm up the hiking legs and pass by the ancient Notre Dame de la Gorge church. With the trail suddenly climbing, being immersed in the deep forest, we experience the first highlight of the day—the millennia-old Roman bridge that’s as vital now as it was then.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 19 km (12 mi), 8.5 hours
Elevation: +1,300 m (4,200 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Angival or Basecamp in Bourg St. Maurice

Day 3: Col de la Seigne, Italian bordercrossing

A minibus brings us from the little town of Bourg St. Maurice back to the trailhead at Ville de Glacier, where cows roam around and some of the best cheese is still locally manufactured and available for purchase. The hiking trail takes us immediately up into the higher regions, where the wind noticeably picks up and the view of the surrounding peaks gets better. Snow storms even in August and September are not unheard of here!

There’s a well-trodden path here—after all this, there’s a border crossing from France into Italy, over the Col de la Seigne. From here, you can see all the way to the Swiss border on a good day! If you’ve had enough of the uphill walking, you’re in luck—a long and gradual downhill brings us to Rifugio Elisabetta (with amazing Italian hot chocolate) and to the flat area known as Las Combal. Another gradual descent brings us back to civilization, and with a short bus ride, we’ll arrive in Courmayeur. Dinner will be at a traditional pizzeria.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 22 km (14 mi), 8.5 hours
Elevation: +1,300 m (4,200 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Croux od Del Viale in Courmayeur

Day 4: Grand Col Ferret, the Swiss bordercrossing

Green valley with colorful flowers in Val Ferret near Courmayeur on the Tour du Mont Blanc

We’ll reach the end of the Italian Val Ferret and begin our hike up towards the Swiss border. It’s a wild place, and be sure to check out the surroundings while climbing higher! From here, we’ll be able to see some of the most important mountains in the history of alpinism, and it’s here where we can come across large herds of ibex, grazing and relaxing.

Once we finally reach the top of the climb, we’ll get a 360-degree view of some of the Alps’ tallest mountains and the Great St Bernard region of the Alps. Grand Col Ferret is also ideal for a lunch break to prepare ourselves for the long descent towards La Fouly that awaits us. On the way down, we’ll likely pass by large populations of marmots, always standing guard on rocks to watch out for predators.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 14 km (9 mi), 7 hours
Elevation: +800 m (2,600 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel du Glacier or similar in Champex-Lac

Day 5: La Bovine and Rhone Valley

This is an underrated—and a gorgeous—stage of the TMB, the traverse from Champex-Lac to Trient over la Bovine. It’s from here where you can see far up the Rhone Valley to the tallest mountains of the Bernese Oberland (think: Grindelwald and the Eiger). If we’re lucky enough, we’ll even get to pet the cutest cows and experience how the local culture has been shaped by the mountains and the animals that inhibit these places. The descent from La Bovine past Col de Forclaz brings us to Trient, famous for its pink church, where we board our minibus to arrive back in Chamonix.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hiking: 15 km (9.5 mi), 7 hours
Elevation: +800 m (2,600 ft)

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Tour du Mont Blanc: Classic or Compact Hike

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.

5.00

Dario

Ever since 2017, Dario has been organizing and guiding multi-day hikes the whole year round in Switzerland and abroad. When he was in his early 20s, he attended leadership training courses in the military, and he simultaneously joined a hiking group—and this is when he realized his passion for hiking and guiding. In his spare time, you can find Dario trail running or climbing summits in the Alps and other mountains.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (1 review)

david lebon

Great guide and great adventure on the Mont-Blanc. The small group made it exceptional and helped tie bonds with the people and the guide easily. Would definitely recommend to anyone over other tours!!

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Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 5 or 10-day Tour du Mont Blanc guided hiking adventure
  - Accommodation as listed in the itinerary
    
    10-day tour — in huts for 9 nights, usually dorm rooms for 4-8 people (hotels may be used instead if there is no hut availability)
    
    5-day tour — in hotels for 4 nights
  - Cable cars and transportation as indicated in the itinerary
  - All meals as listed in the itinerary (all meals for the 5-day tour, breakfasts and dinners for the 10-day tour)
  - Luggage transfers for the 5-day tour
Not included:
- - Transportation to and from starting/end point
  - Airport transfers — we recommend Mountain Drop-Offs
  - Accommodations prior to and after the tour
  - Sleeping bag liner — rental available, let us know upon booking
  - Luggage transfers for the 10-day tour
  - Lunches for the 10-day tour
  - Personal drinks and snacks — bring you favorites, but they can be bought along the way in towns and at huts
  - Travel and medical insurance
  - Guide gratuities — optional
For both the classic 10-day and the compact 5-day Tour du Mont Blanc hiking tour, great fitness and extensive experience of longer day hikes are mandatory. The weather also plays a major role in how relaxing the hike can be, but there will always be a very experienced and professional guide by your side! Please be aware that you’ll be passing some exposed sections, so it’s not recommended for those with a severe fear of heights. For more day-to-day details, check out the itinerary, but you can expect the following:
- - 10-day Tour du Mont Blanc: hiking for 10 days in a row, covering between 12 and 19 km (7.4-11.8 miles) per day & gaining up to 1,300 m (4,265 ft) of elevation in a single day. You’ll be carrying your backpack with all your belongings the whole way through.
  - 5-day Tour du Mont Blanc: hiking for 4 days in a row, covering 14 to 22 km (9-14 mi) per day & gaining up to 1,300 m (4,265 ft) in elevation. Luggage will be transferred for you.
This refers to the 10-day tour—yes, dormitory-style rooms are standard on this trip. If available, the guides will typically book small dorms with 4-6 beds.

If you’re joining the 5-day tour, you’ll be staying at hotels.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Backpack large enough to carry all your personal belongings for the entire duration of the trek (45L) — possible to rent
  - Sleeping bag liner (silk or cotton) — possible to rent
  - Trekking poles — possible to rent
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Warm top
  - Rain gear
  - Clothing for the evenings
  - Warm hat and gloves
  - Space blanket
  - Sunhat
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, bandages, etc.)
  - Headlamp or flashlight
  - Sunglasses
  - Cash — at least 50 euros
  - Personal medications
  - ID & visa
  - Flip flops or shower shoes
  - Microfiber towel for showering
  - 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.

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Group sizes and prices:
- - For these Tour du Mont Blanc hiking tours, the client-to-guide ratio is 8:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 5 people for the 10-day tour to operate. For the 5-day tour, the minimum is set at 5 participants.
Tour du Mont Blanc hiking tours 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.
To get to Chamonix, the starting point of your 10-day Tour du Mont Blanc hiking tour, most people fly into Geneva International Airport (GVA), one hour away. For the 5-day tour, the starting point is Les Houches, just 10 minutes away from Chamonix.

Once you arrive, there are several ways to reach your destination, including public transport. Looking to make the 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!

You will meet your guide in the morning of Day 1 of the 10-day tour. Please keep in mind that you will have to overnight in Chamonix the day prior to the tour, as well as on the last day of the tour, as it’s a full hiking day. The starting point of your adventure is the Planpraz cable car station (accessible by foot from Chamonix center).

As for the 5-day tour, the first day is all about arrival.
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.
Deposits

Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

Basic
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60-89 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Super Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 59 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
Early Bird booking

Want to be the first one to know when we publish new dates or secure your spot well in advance? Select a future month that suits you best and lock in your Early Bird spot in time with just a 10% deposit.

As soon as our guides publish new tour dates, you’ll be the first one to know. We’ll hold your spot for 2 weeks until you choose the date that suits you best.

More about how Early Bird bookings work below:
- Only a 10% non-refundable deposit must be paid upon booking, but this deposit can be transferred to any other 57hours adventure in case the dates don’t end up working for you.
- Once our guides publish new tour dates, we’ll reach out to you so you’ll be the first one to choose from newly released dates.
- When you pick your date, you’ll confirm your booking by paying another 20% of the total trip amount (amounting to the standard 30% deposit).
- Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy (found above) applies.
- The remaining balance is due 90 days before the trip.

Have more questions?

Our team is here to answer your questions and plan with you.

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