Starting in Les Contamines 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 Les Contamines, a traditional Alpine gem. After arriving at Geneva Airport and a scenic transfer (not included), settle into your comfortable 4-star hotel. If time allows, take a leisurely walk to soak in the picturesque surroundings.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel (Chalet Hotel La Chemenaz or similar)
Meals: Dinner
Prepare for a remarkable journey ahead of you as you embark on a short, 10-minute transfer to Notre Dame de la Gorge. 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.
There is a possibility of staying in a hotel in Bourg St Maurice instead of Les Chapieux, only if no accommodation is available there. In that case, please note that the shuttle from Les Chapieux to Bourg St Maurice is not included, with a total cost of €6 (paid on site). For clients hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc outside the high season (before ~June 25th and after ~August 27th), a private round transfer will have to be organized for an additional fee of +€225 round-trip (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 miles
*Start the day by reaching Ville des Glacier, a short 45-minute walk or free public shuttle ride away. Embark on a captivating hike as you cross the border to the Italian side, venturing over the Col de la Seigne. The trail reveals breathtaking vistas along the way, descending into the Val Ferret. Conclude the day with a convenient bus ride from La Cantine de la Visaille to Courmayeur.
*In case you end up staying in Bourg St. Maurice, there’s a 6:55am public shuttle to Ville des Glaciers (€6). If you go during low season, transfer option is listed under Day 2. 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 €115 for 1-3 people, and from Cantine de Visailles to Courmayeur it’s around €115, 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 miles
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 miles
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 miles
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 miles
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 miles
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 miles
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 a 3-day, pre or post-trip extension in and around Chamonix that will make your Tour du Mont Blanc experience more special. Read more about it in the Things to know section, but this is what you can expect:
Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list). In case rooms are no longer available, dormitory accommodation might be booked instead.
Also note that your chosen dates for the tour are not guaranteed until confirmed by the guide. If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund!
Included:
Add-ons:
Not included:
*Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list). In case rooms are no longer available, dormitory accommodation might be booked instead.
Yes, you can! For both the 8-day and the 12-day adventure, your guides offer a 3-day, pre or post-trip extension in and around Chamonix that will make your Tour du Mont Blanc experience more special. This is what you can expect:
Included:
Not included:
The price is set at $745 if sharing a double room, i.e., $1,125 if wanting to have a room to yourself.
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. In general, your guide will also take care of other parts of the tour, such as 24/7 support, accommodation, and transportation—but please check the “what’s included” section above for a detailed breakdown.
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.
To get to Les Contamines or Le Houches, most people fly into Geneva International Airport, which is around one hour away from both places. From there, 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 both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their 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.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!