Starting in Saint Gervais and ending in Chamonix, you’ll spend 8 days on a Tour du Mont Blanc trek. This carefully curated itinerary provides an immersive escapade along the iconic Alpine route, granting experiences of all the highlights, while being slightly shorter. With extensive trip notes, luggage transfers, and detailed maps, you'll have everything you need to navigate the trek with ease. You’ll stay in comfortable accommodations and savor delicious meals along the way, most of which are included in the price.
Your adventure begins in the charming village of Saint Gervais, a traditional Alpine gem. After arriving at Geneva Airport and a scenic transfer (not included), settle into your comfortable hotel in Saint Gervais—check-in is possible from 3pm onwards. If time allows, take a leisurely walk to soak in the picturesque surroundings.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel (Coeur des Neiges or similar)
Prepare for a remarkable journey ahead of you as you embark on a short, 20-minute transfer from Saint Gervais to Notre Dame de la Gorge (included). From there, ascend over the Col du Bonhomme and the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme, treated to stunning panoramic vistas along the way. Traverse the picturesque Chapieux valley, surrounded by the magnificent Aiguille des Glaciers.
If lodging in Les Chapieux is unavailable, accommodations will be arranged in Bourg St. Maurice instead, either in a 2-star half-board hotel or a 3-star hotel with breakfast only, depending on availability. A public shuttle departs Les Chapieux at 5pm sharp (€8 payable on site) for the transfer. During low season (before June 10th and after September 10th), a private round-trip transfer is required at an additional cost of €235 (Day 2 evening + Day 3 morning).
Accommodation: Mountain lodge/hotel La Nova*
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 6-7 hours, +1,200 m (3,937 ft), -900 m (2,953 ft)
Distance: 14.5 km (9 mi)
From Ville des Glaciers, begin the hike with a 5 km (3 mi) walk, or in summer take a short public shuttle (5–10 minutes, about €4 payable on site). Cross the Col de la Seigne into Italy and enjoy breathtaking views, including the famous Grandes Jorasses, the Aiguilles of Peuterey, and Mont Blanc of Courmayeur. The day ends with a descent into Val Ferret, followed by a bus transfer from La Cantine de la Visaille to Courmayeur (6€ payable on site).
*In case you end up staying in Bourg St. Maurice, there’s a public shuttle to Ville des Glaciers (€8 to pay on the spot), between 6:45 am to 6:55am. If you go during low season, transfer option is listed under Day 2 (so €235 round trip for Day 2 evening + Day 3 morning).
Also note that from June 15-30 and September 1-15, there’s a risk of snow, and some buses don’t run—you’ll have to use a taxi. From Les Chapieux to Ville des Glaciers (possible to walk, +5 km) amounts to circa €120 for 1-3 people, and from Cantine de Visailles to Courmayeur it’s around €120, for 1-3 people.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel or B&B (Hotel Bouton d’Or or Hotel Crampon)
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 6 hours, +700 m (2,297 ft), -1,000 m (3,281 ft)
Distance: 15 km (9.3 mi)
From Courmayeur, you have a transfer by bus (not included, pay on the spot) to Val Ferret. From here, you’ll reach the Refuge Elena, a great spot for a break. Today’s journey takes you across the magnificent Grand Col Ferret, leading to the charming village of La Fouly in Switzerland. Marvel at the exceptional views of the Combins massif and the Italian side of Mont Blanc. Enjoy a comfortable transfer by public bus (not included) to Champex, a Swiss village nestled around a beautiful lake.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel (Hotel Splendide or similar)
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 6 to 7 hours, +802 m (2,630 ft), -968 m (3,175 ft)
Distance: 14.6 km (9.1 mi)
Today you start hiking directly from your hotel and pass through small alpine hamlets until climbing up to the highest point of the TMB—over the Fenêtre d’Arpette (2,750 m/9,022 ft)! Savor breathtaking views while you go down alongside the Trient glacier and descend directly to your lodging in an authentic mountain lodge in a charming alpine village.
Accommodation: Mountain lodge (shared bathrooms)
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 7 to 9.5 hours, +1,190 m (3,904 ft), -1,615 m (5,299 ft)
Distance: 16.5 km (10.2 mi)
Alternative due to bad weather by the Col de Bovine pass:
Hiking: 5.6 to 6.5 hours, +800 m (2,625 ft), -1,365 m (4,579 ft)
Distance: 15 km (9.3 mi)
Today you will cross the Col de la Balme, entering back into France with fantastic views of the Mont Blanc and Aiguille Verte. Descend into the picturesque village of Argentière, surrounded by awe-inspiring mountain vistas.
Accommodation: 2-star hotel (Hotel Argentiere or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 6 to 7 hours of walking, +1,000 m (3,281 ft), -820 m (2,690 ft)
Distance: 11.2 km (7 mi)
Prepare for a day of breathtaking beauty as you traverse the magnificent Balcon des Aiguilles Rouges and climb to Lac Blanc. Take in the awe-inspiring scenery, including Aiguille Verte, Les Drus, La Mer de Glace, Aiguilles de Chamonix, Mont Blanc du Tacul, Aiguille du Goûter, and the majestic Mont Blanc itself. Descend to Chamonix, either by Le Praz or by cableway at La Flégère (transfers not included), or choose to take a bus from Argentière to Chamonix (transfers not included) if you prefer to skip the day of hiking.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel or B&B (Hotel Clocher or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 6 hours of walking, +900 m (2,953 ft), -1,100 m (3,609 ft)
Distance: 9.6 km (6 mi)
Depart at your leisure after enjoying a satisfying breakfast, reflecting on the incredible memories of your Tour du Mont Blanc adventure.
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. Check their official websites for updated dates — the Mont-Blanc Marathon (June 25–28, 2026) and the UTMB World Series Finals (August 24–30, 2026).
Included in the 8-day tour:
Included in the 12-day tour:
Add-ons (available to add at checkout):
Not included:
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.
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.
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, except for the night spent at Elisabetta refuge (if you choose the 12-day itinerary). Keep in mind that your luggage (a travel bag or a small suitcase) may not exceed 15kg (33lbs).
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. Here’s what’s included:
8-day tour:
12-day tour:
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:
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.