Trek across three countries in 10 days on this self-guided Tour du Mont Blanc adventure! You’ll climb, descend, and push through some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, from rugged passes to lush valleys, while circling Western Europe’s highest peak. Each night, you’ll relax in cozy mountain inns and enjoy hearty meals that fuel your next day’s adventure. You’ll have full control over your pace, but with all the logistics covered—accommodations, most meals, maps, route notes, and more. Ready for the ultimate mountain challenge?
Your incredible trek begins with a ride on the cable car of Planpraz (at your own expense). You’ll hike to the Brevent pass and summit (2,525 m / 8,284 ft), then descend to the Bellachat hut, where you’ll take a break before descending to Les Houches, your home for the night.
Meals: Dinner
Hiking distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Elevation: +545 m / +1,788 ft, -1,560 m / -5,118 ft
Accommodation: Dorm in an inn
Today you’ll walk from Les Houches to the bottom of the Bellevue cable car which will take you up into the mountains (at your own expense). From here, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Mont Blanc range. You’ll make our way towards the Col du Tricot, hiking under the impressive Bionnassay glacier before descending to the Chalets de Miage and finally reaching your destination in the village of Les Contamines-Montjoie.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Elevation: +675 m / +2,215 ft, -1,305 m / -4,282 ft
Accommodation: Dorm in an inn
Today you’re in for a challenging but rewarding hike to the Col du Bonhomme (2,329 m / 7,641 ft). This leg of your journey offers a true taste of alpine hiking with significant distance, elevation gain, and altitude. After crossing the pass, it’s time to truly disconnect: there is no coverage past this point. You’ll descend to the hamlet of Les Chapieux or, if accommodation in Les Chapieux is not available, catch a bus to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, where you’ll stay overnight.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking distance: 18 km / 11.2 miles
Elevation: +755 m / +2,477 ft, -970 m / -3,182 ft
Accommodation: Dorm in an inn or standard hotel
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll take the bus to La Ville des Glaciers, where you’ll get back on the Tour du Mont Blanc trail. You’ll hike through a pasture up to the Col de la Seigne (2,516 m / 8,255 ft). A few more steps and you’ll have crossed the Italian border! Pause to admire breathtaking views of iconic peaks like La Noire de Peuterey and the Grandes Jorasses, then take a local bus (at your own expense) from La Visaille to your accommodation in Courmayeur, the charming capital of the Italian Alps.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
Elevation: +755 m / +2,477 ft, -880 m / -2,887 ft
Accommodation: Private room in a 2-star hotel
Today you’ll discover the beauty of Mont de la Saxe. From Courmayeur, you’ll head towards the Bonatti hut for a spectacular hike up the Saxe Mountain, which offers superb views of the entire southern slope of the Mont Blanc chain. You’ll enjoy summit and glacier views on the horizon until you reach the refuge of the famous Italian mountaineer Walter Bonatti (2,022 m / 6,633 ft). From there, hike down to the Lavachey hamlet to catch a bus back to Courmayeur (at your own expense).
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Elevation: +1,080 m / +3,543 ft, -300 m / -984 ft
Accommodation: Private room in a 2-star hotel
Your day starts with a bus to Arnouva (at your own expense) to get to the starting point of your hike. The path from there will lead you to the Rifugio Elena, then on to the Grand Col Ferret, marking the Italian-Swiss border. Enjoy the breathtaking view from the top of the Col and take one last look at the Italian side of your tour. Hike down to the picturesque village of La Fouly.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
Elevation: +820 m / +2,690 ft, -990 m / -3,248 ft
Accommodation: Dorm in an inn
This short day gives you time to rest near the lake of Champex. From La Fouly, an easy walk leads you to the village of Praz le Fort (1,151 m / 3,776 ft). The path follows the river of Ferret to the hamlet of Issert. Then you’ll hike up to the beautiful lake of Champex (1,477 m / 4,846). Ready for a refreshing dip?
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking distance: 16 km / 10 miles
Elevation: +580 m / +1,902 ft, -740 m / -2,428 ft
Accommodation: Dorm in an inn
Today starts with a gentle hike along the historic “cattle road,” enjoying typical alpine scenery. You’ll hike through hilly terrain, forests, and pastures, offering splendid views of the Rhone Valley, the town of Martigny, and the Dents du Midi. Finally, you’ll walk down to Trient.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking distance: 14.2 km / 8.9 miles
Elevation: +800 m / +2,625 ft, -975 m / -3,199 ft
Accommodation: Dorm in an inn
Today you’ll head back to France! In the morning, you’ll walk from Trient to the Col de la Balme, marking the Swiss-French border. Enjoy some incredible views of Mont Blanc before an easy descent to Montroc, followed by a hike to your accommodation in Trélechamps or Argentière.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
Elevation: +1,140 m / +3,740 ft, -1,020 m / -3,346 ft
Accommodation: Dorm in an inn
Your final hiking day is a real treat! You’ll hike up to a beautiful balcony in the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve, passing by ibexes and mountain goats. Your reward will be breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc range and its impressive glaciers. Along the way, you’ll visit a Chamonix must-do: the stunning Lac Blanc. You’ll then head to La Flégère for one last panoramic view of those impressive mountains.
Congratulations, you just completed your TMB! Your self-guided adventure ends here, so feel free to head home or stick around and explore at your leisure.
Hiking distance: 18 km / 11.2 miles
Elevation: +1,200 m / +3,937 ft, -1,420 m / -4,659 ft
The itinerary, distances, and elevations may vary slightly due to weather and trail conditions.
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 (if there is a detailed list).
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 (if there is a detailed list).
This dormitory-based self-guided Tour du Mont Blanc requires great physical condition. You’ll hike for 10 consecutive days on mountainous and often challenging terrain, including high mountain passes.
Expect from 12 to 18 km (7.5 to 11.2 mi) of hiking in a single day with up to 1,200 m (3,937 ft) of ascent and up to 1,560 m (5,118 ft) of descent.
To enjoy this adventure, you should be comfortable hiking for 6-8 hours a day in mountain terrain. Regular cardiovascular exercise and hill walking or hiking practice in the months leading up to the tour will help ensure you’re prepared for the challenges of the TMB.
For more Mont Blanc hiking tours, click here!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
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.
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 roadbooks, GPS tracks, and IGN maps. Your guide will also take care of other parts of the tour, such as on-site support, accommodation, and transportation.
Group sizes and pricing
A dormitory-based self-guided Tour du Mont Blanc can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your dormitory-based self-guided Tour du Mont Blanc is Chamonix, France. To get there, most people fly into Geneva Airport (GVA).
Once you arrive, there are several ways to reach your destination, including public transport. Looking to make 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!
Repatriation/search and rescue insurance is mandatory, while travel insurance is highly recommended to join this trip. 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!