A set of pre-booked dates throughout the season with beds held in advance—book one and you'll hear back right away. Regardless if you select this option or the Flexible Start Date option, the itinerary, lodging, and inclusions remain the same.
For those who want a comprehensive TMB experience, this 12-day version will do it. Covering more places and offering a longer total distance, this version provides a more in-depth experience of the Mont Blanc region. Everything, except for length, remains very similar in terms of inclusions, but this tour goes the extra mile, including a memorable night at a mountain hut and a leisure day in Chamonix for added relaxation.
Your Tour du Mont Blanc begins in Les Houches, a welcoming alpine village at the foot of the massif. Settle into your hotel, take in the surrounding peaks, and get a good night’s rest before the trail begins tomorrow.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: 3-star Hotel du Bois or similar
Leaving Les Houches marks the true start of your trip. A cable car up to Bellevue eases you into the day by cutting out the first climb, and from there the trail contours through forest high above the Bionnassay valley, passing pretty alpine hamlets with views back to Mont Blanc. The Dôme du Goûter and Aiguille de Bionnassay dominate the skyline, with a striking glacier between them, before a climb over the Col de Tricot and a switchback descent to Chalet de Miage. A riverside path then carries you into Les Contamines for a pleasing end to the day.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 4 to 5 hours
Elevation: +640 m (+2,100 ft) / -1,275 m (-4,183 ft)
Accommodation: 4-star Hotel La Chemenaz or similar
A short included transfer takes you to Notre Dame de la Gorge, where today’s hike begins. You’ll climb over the Col du Bonhomme and the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme into the Chapieux valley, with the Aiguille des Glaciers rising ahead of you for some genuinely splendid alpine scenery. If your accommodation is in Bourg Saint Maurice rather than Les Chapieux, you’ll need to take the public shuttle down into the valley at the end of the day (not included, roughly €8 per person).
Meals: Breakfast and dinner (Les Chapieux) or breakfast only (Bourg Saint Maurice)
Hiking: 6 to 7 hours
Elevation: +1,200 m (+3,937 ft) / -900 m (-2,953 ft)
Accommodation: Lodge at La Nova or Les Chambres du Soleil (Les Chapieux) or 2-star Hotel Angival (Bourg Saint Maurice), or similar
If you stayed in Bourg Saint Maurice, an early public shuttle (not included, roughly €8 per person) gets you to Ville des Glaciers for today’s start; otherwise it’s a 45-minute walk to the same point, with a local shuttle option available in summer. From there, you’ll climb to the Col de la Seigne and cross into Italy, taking in spectacular views the whole way. After descending into Val Veny, a bus (not included) carries you the rest of the way to Courmayeur, with the Grandes Jorasses providing a dramatic backdrop.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 7 hours or 6 hours
Elevation: +950 m (+3,117 ft) / -1,000 m (-3,281 ft) or +700 m (+2,297 ft) / -1,000 m (-3,281 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star Hotel Triolet or Bouton d’Or, or similar
Today, you’ve got options: First one is the pass of Chécrouit trail: Bus back to Cantine du Visaille (not included) and hike up to Cabane Combal. Follow the standard trail down to Courmayeur, climbing one of the tour’s most beautiful balcony paths to the Pass of Chécrouit, then descend into Courmayeur on foot or by cable car. 4h30 walk, +550 m (1,804 ft), -980 m (-3,215 ft).
Mont de la Saxe trail: Climb straight up from Courmayeur through pine forest to Rifugio Bertone, where the views open up. A mostly flat stretch follows to Rifugio Bonatti, one of the TMB’s most famous refuges, with Col de la Seigne and Tête du Val Veni to your left and Grand Col Ferret to your right. Descend the valley to catch the bus back to Courmayeur (not included). 8h30 walk, +1,170 m (3,839 ft), -595 m (-1,952 ft).
Courmayeur: A day off to explore Courmayeur: the botanical garden and the Skyway cable car for standout views.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 3-star Hotel Triolet, Bouton d’Or, or similar
A bus carries you to the end of Val Ferret, from where it’s an hour’s walk to Refuge Elena. From there, you’ll cross the Grand Col Ferret into Switzerland, arriving in the small, picturesque village of La Fouly. Along the way, you’ll take in exceptional views of the Combins massif to the east and the Italian side of Mont Blanc behind you. A bus (not included) then carries you onward to Orsières or Champex.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 6.5 hours
Elevation: +790 m (+2,592 ft) / -970 m (-3,183 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star Hotel du Glacier or Hotel Alpina (Champex) or Hotel Terminus (Orsières), or similar
Take the day off, or catch the bus back to La Fouly (not included) for a gentle hike through one of the Valais region’s most beautiful valleys, passing quaint villages with their typical architecture. The walk climbs up to the village of Champex and its lake.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 5 to 6 hours
Elevation: +600 m (+1,969 ft) / -500 m (-1,640 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star Hotel du Glacier or Hotel Alpina, or similar
Today brings you to the highest point of the entire route, the Fenêtre d’Arpette at 2,750 m, before a long descent alongside the Trient glacier that ranks among the trip’s most memorable stretches. In poor weather, a shorter alternative via the Col de Bovine is recommended, cutting the day down to around 6 hours with +800 m (+2,625 ft) / -1,365 m (-4,478 ft) of elevation change.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 7 to 9 hours
Elevation: +1,050 m (+3,445 ft) / -1,615 m (-5,299 ft)
Accommodation: Lodge at La Grande Ourse or Auberge du Mont Blanc, or similar
Cross the Col de la Balme and back into France, with fantastic views of Mont Blanc and the Aiguille Verte accompanying you along the way. You’ll have a choice of two routes down, either to Tour or into the village of Argentière, before catching a bus or train (not included) the rest of the way to Chamonix.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 6 to 7 hours
Elevation: +1,000 m (+3,281 ft) / -1,050 m (-3,445 ft)
Accommodation: 4-star Hotel Heliopic or similar
A bus or train (not included) takes you to Argentière for a full day on the trail. You’ll follow the scenic Balcon des Aiguilles Rouges before climbing to Lac Blanc, with views stretching across the Aiguille Verte, Les Drus, La Mer de Glace, the Aiguilles de Chamonix, Mont Blanc du Tacul, the Aiguille du Goûter, and Mont Blanc itself. Descend to Chamonix via Le Praz, or opt for the La Flégère cable car or a bus instead (transfers not included).
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 6 hours
Elevation: +900 m (+2,953 ft) / -1,100 m (-3,609 ft)
Accommodation: 4-star Hotel Heliopic or similar
Take the day off, or ride the cable car from Chamonix to Planpraz, then on to Le Brévent, before hiking down to Les Houches. A train or bus brings you back to Chamonix at the end of the day.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 6 hours
Elevation: +515 m (+1,690 ft) / -1,540 m (-5,053 ft)
Accommodation: 4-star Hotel Heliopic or similar
Depart at your leisure after enjoying a satisfying breakfast, taking with you cherished memories of your remarkable adventure on the Tour du Mont Blanc.
Meals: Breakfast
Your guides offer an optional 2-night package in Chamonix after the trip. The package includes a 2-night stay at a hotel or B&B, access to QC Terme Chamonix spa, and a Mont Blanc Multipass with a variety of activities and attractions to choose from.
Here’s the suggested plan, but you can tailor it to your preferances:
Included:
Not included:
Included in the 8-day tour:
Included in the 12-day tour:
Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):
Not included:
Should you need to make any changes to your booking after confirmation, please be aware that a €50 administrative fee applies to each modification.
Your guides offer an optional 2-night package in Chamonix after the trip.
The package includes a 2-night stay at a hotel or B&B, access to QC Terme Chamonix spa, and a Mont Blanc Multipass with a variety of activities and attractions to choose from.
Here’s the suggested plan, but you can tailor it to your preferances:
Included:
Not included:
Even though Tour du Mont Blanc is not technically difficult, it is generally recommended for those with at least an extensive experience of longer day hikes on mountain trails and great fitness. You can expect up to 1,200 m (3,940 ft) of daily ascent and hiking up to 15 km (10 miles) per day 6 or 10 consecutive days, for up to 9 hours a day. Keep in mind that hiking can be made more difficult because of changing weather.
Since this is a self-guided tour, you will be able to take many breaks and hike at your own pace. Due to some more exposed sections, the tour is not recommended for those with severe fear of heights.
If you’re looking for a TMB adventure suitable for advanced hikers, check out this high-level Tour du Mont Blanc adventure and this more rugged version of the Tour du Mont Blanc.
With Flexible Start Date, you can choose any start date between mid-June and mid-September, subject to availability. Your guides will check whether accommodations are available for your preferred dates and get back to you within 2–3 weeks.
With Guaranteed Departures, a set of fixed dates throughout the season have beds pre-booked, so you’ll receive confirmation much faster—while spots last.
Either way, booking well in advance is strongly recommended; the Alps are busy in summer and hut space goes fast. Note that departures in June and September carry a higher risk of snow and snowy trail conditions.
Here’s a list of the equipment and clothes you need to bring:
We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. You’ll be able to discuss your packing list with the adventure company prior to your trip.
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One of the best things about this Tour du Mont Blanc self-guided hiking trip is that luggage transport is organized during the entire trip. You’ll have access to your luggage in the evenings. Keep in mind that your luggage (a travel bag or a small suitcase) may not exceed 15kg (33lbs).
Self-guided tours are perfect for those who enjoy exploring on their own terms—at their own pace, and with the company they choose. Here’s what’s included:
8-day tour:
12-day tour:
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 hiking along the Tour du Mont Blanc 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 these Tour du Mont Blanc self-guided tours is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.
For the 8-day itinerary, a single occupancy room is not available in Les Chapieux. For the 12-day itinerary, ingle occupancy is available on 8 nights—Les Houches, Contamines, Courmayeur, La Fouly, Champex, Argentiere, and 2 nights in Chamonix.
To get to Saint Gervais or Le Houches, most people fly into Geneva International Airport, which is around 1 to 2 hours away.
From the airport, most people take a shuttle service since it’s the most economical option. To get to Les Contamines, 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!
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.