Pick any date between mid-June and September 10 and your guides will check availability and confirm within 2–3 weeks. Covering more ground and a longer total distance than the 8-day version, this route offers a deeper look at the Mont Blanc region, crossing France, Italy, and Switzerland over 12 days.
It includes a night at a mountain refuge near the Italian border, where luggage transfer isn't available and you'll carry an overnight bag, plus a free day in Chamonix to rest up before heading home. Accommodation is mostly 3- and 4-star hotels and mountain lodges, with a simpler 2-star stay in Argentière near the end of the trip.
Your trip begins in Les Houches, a welcoming alpine village at the foot of the Mont Blanc massif. Most people fly into Geneva and transfer to the village from there (not included). Hotel check-in opens at 3 pm, so once you’ve settled in, take the rest of the afternoon to get your bearings before the trail begins tomorrow.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Les Houches
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 in Les Contamines (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 spectacular alpine scenery. If your accommodation ends up in Bourg Saint Maurice rather than Les Chapieux, you’ll need to take the public shuttle down into the valley at 5 pm (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: Mountain lodge in Les Chapieux (private room, La Nova or similar) or a 2- to 3-star hotel in Bourg Saint Maurice
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 between 6:45 and 6:55 am. From there, you’ll climb to the Col de la Seigne and cross into Italy, with dramatic views of the Grandes Jorasses and the Aiguilles of Peuterey along the way, before reaching the Elisabetta refuge for the night. This is the one night on the trip without luggage transfer, so pack an overnight bag with what you need before setting off.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 4 to 5 hours
Elevation: +700 m (+2,297 ft) / -315 m (-1,034 ft) from Ville des Glaciers, or +995 m (+3,265 ft) / -385 m (-1,264 ft) from Les Chapieux
Accommodation: Mountain refuge at Elisabetta (dormitory only, shared bathrooms)
From the refuge, hike one of the route’s most scenic balcony sections up to the Chécrouit pass. From there you have a choice: take the cable car straight down into Courmayeur for a shorter day, or skip it and continue on foot for a longer, more gradual descent through the same scenery all the way into town.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 4.5 hours via the cable car, or about 6 hours on foot
Elevation: +550 m (+1,805 ft) / -980 m (-3,215 ft) via the cable car, or +585 m (+1,919 ft) / -1,500 m (-4,921 ft) on foot
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Courmayeur
A bus (not included) brings you to Val Ferret, and from there it’s an hour’s walk to Refuge Elena, a good spot for a break. You’ll cross the Grand Col Ferret into Switzerland, taking in exceptional views of the Combins massif to the east and the Italian side of Mont Blanc behind you, before arriving in the small, picturesque village of La Fouly.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 5 to 6 hours
Elevation: +850 m (+2,789 ft) / -1,000 m (-3,281 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in La Fouly
A gentle hike through one of the Valais region’s most beautiful valleys, passing quaint villages with typical alpine architecture, brings you to the village of Champex and its lake.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 5 to 6 hours
Elevation: +550 m (+1,805 ft) / -600 m (-1,969 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Champex
Today brings you to the highest point of the entire route, the Fenêtre d’Arpette at 2,750 m (9,022 ft), 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 5.5 to 6.5 hours with +800 m (+2,625 ft) / -1,365 m (-4,479 ft) of elevation change.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 7 to 9.5 hours
Elevation: +1,190 m (+3,904 ft) / -1,615 m (-5,299 ft)
Accommodation: Mountain lodge in Trient (private room, shared bathroom)
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, before descending into the village of Argentière for a quiet overnight ahead of the final stretch.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 6 to 7 hours
Elevation: +1,000 m (+3,281 ft) / -820 m (-2,690 ft)
Accommodation: 2-star hotel in Argentière
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: About 6 hours
Elevation: +900 m (+2,953 ft) / -1,100 m (-3,609 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Chamonix
Today is yours to spend as you like. Conditions permitting, take the cable car from Chamonix to Plan Praz and on to Le Brévent, then hike down to Les Houches before catching a train or bus back to Chamonix — or simply explore Chamonix at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: About 6 hours, if you take the optional Le Brévent–Les Houches route
Elevation: +515 m (+1,690 ft) / -1,540 m (-5,053 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Chamonix
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:
Departure dates are generally available from June 15 to September 20 each year.
Because the Tour du Mont Blanc is extremely popular, we recommend booking well in advance of your preferred start date to ensure accommodation availability.
Please note that securing lodging can be particularly difficult during the Mont Blanc Marathon and the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc events, both held in Chamonix around late June and late August. Dates shift slightly each year, so check the official websites for the current schedule before booking.
Included (8-Day Flexible Dates):
Included (8-Day Guaranteed Departures):
Included (12-Day Flexible Dates):
Included (12-Day Guaranteed Departures):
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.
Please note that occasionally, the itinerary needs adjusting—usually due to logistics like fully booked accommodations, trail closures, or bad weather. Any changes are always made with your safety and comfort in mind.
Accommodation can shift too, though rarely, depending on availability. If an alternate accommodation is used for a given night, it’ll always be in the same star range as advertised.
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 Dates, you choose any start date between mid-June and mid-September, subject to availability; your guides confirm within 2–3 weeks.
With Guaranteed Departures, a set of fixed dates has beds pre-booked, so confirmation lands within 24 hours (business days) while spots last.
Beyond the booking mechanics, the two versions aren’t fully identical trips. Guaranteed Departures finish with two (8-day) or three (12-day) nights at a 4-star hotel in the heart of Chamonix. Flexible Dates trades that for a simpler finish—a night in a 2-star hotel in Argentière before reaching Chamonix—and, on the 12-day version, an overnight at a dormitory-style mountain refuge near the Italian border instead of a rest day in Courmayeur. The core route, countries crossed, and daily hiking stay the same either way.
Either way, book well in advance—the Alps are busy in summer and hut space goes fast. Departures in June and September carry a higher risk of snow.
The following items are required for this self-guided tour unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed.
Avoid cotton or cycling-specific clothing. Synthetic fabrics dry quickly and perform well in active conditions. Merino wool is also an excellent option—it dries fast, is comfortable to wear, and naturally resists odors even after extended use.
Clothing:
Gear:
First aid kit suggestions:
Carrying a basic personal first aid kit is strongly advised, as unforeseen situations may arise during travel. Access to medications and first aid supplies can be limited in certain destinations, making it essential to bring necessary prescription and over-the-counter items. Travel plans, vaccinations, and medication use should be reviewed with a healthcare provider in advance to ensure a safe and smooth journey.
Here’s a basic list of what’s generally a good personal travel first aid kit:
Optional items:
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Yes, luggage transfers are included and arranged on this Tour du Mont Blanc self-guided hiking trip. You’ll carry a daypack on the trail each day and 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:
Included (8-Day Flexible Dates):
Included (8-Day Guaranteed Departures):
Included (12-Day Flexible Dates):
Included (12-Day Guaranteed Departures):
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!
Digital travel package includes documents available in English, French, and German, sent by email, and provides access to a smartphone travel application for navigating hikes and accessing local maps (available in English only). It also contains the list of booked accommodations, and all the detailed information needed for a successful trip. If desired, a printed version of the travel package can be provided for an additional fee; it will be ready and available at the first accommodation of the itinerary, including maps, a topo guide, and a travel folder—you can add this at checkout.
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.
If joining a flexible departure, 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:
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. It’s not available in Les Chapieux or Trient, and it isn’t an option at all on the Refuge Elisabetta night (12-day flexible dates), since that’s dormitory-only lodging.
No, it’s easy to mix up, but they’re different things. The TMB (Tour du Mont Blanc) is the multi-day hiking circuit this trip follows, done over 6–12 days at a walking pace. The UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc) is a competitive trail-running race held annually along a similar route, completed by elite runners in under 24–46 hours. If you’re looking to hike the route at your own pace, you want the TMB—this trip.
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.