Tour du Mont Blanc – 7 days – Self Guided (Private Hotel Rooms) – Italy, Switzerland, France

This trip allows you to hike as close as possible to this legendary alpine giant without actually climbing Mt. Blanc.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Europe's stunning French, Italian, and Swiss mountain ranges on the Tour Du Mont Blanc (TMB). Follow well-marked ancient trade routes, offering a classic multi-day mountain hike experience.

Starting in Chamonix, France, the journey crosses borders, taking you through charming mountain villages, crystal-clear lakes, and lush meadows. Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Mont Blanc mountain range, dramatic glaciers, pristine forests, and thrilling ascents and descents. Savor local delicacies like Swiss cheese, Italian pasta, and French wine along the way.

The Tour du Mont Blanc ranks among the world's best long-distance hikes, catering to both experienced hikers and beginners. Prepare for an unforgettable adventure filled with diverse landscapes, cultures, and culinary delights.

Highlights: Why you should hike the TMB

Mont Blanc massif: The highest peak in the Alps, which provides a stunning backdrop for much of the hike.
Stunning Scenery: Traverse through the majestic snow-capped peaks of the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps.
Cultural Immersion: Experience the rich culture of the region by visiting traditional mountain villages and towns, as well as modern cities.
Diverse Terrain: Trekking through alpine meadows, forests, and glacier fields, and cross high mountain passes.‍
Delicious Cuisine: Savor the flavors of the region's traditional cuisine, from hearty mountain dishes to elegant French and Italian fare.‍
World-Class Accommodations: Stay in charming mountain huts, cozy inns, and comfortable hotels along the way.‍
Unforgettable Experience: Create lifelong memories with new friends as you hike one of the world's most iconic trails.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival day in Chamonix

Your adventure along the Mont Blanc trail begins upon arrival in Chamonix, France, where you'll check into your hotel and receive a comprehensive travel pack containing all the information necessary for your Self Guided Tour. Get excited for the stunning days long one of the most amazing multi day hiking trails in the world, with epic views of Mont Blanc and other changing landscapes along the way.

Arrival: The best international arrival location is the Geneva Airport (GVA). The duration of the drive from Geneva Airport to Chamonix typically ranges between 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 and a half hours, depending on the traffic. You can arrange your own transport from the airport to Chamonix or book it though us.

Accommodation: Private double/twin room in hotel (3 star)
Meals included : None – dinner on your own in town

Day 2 : Chamonix to Les Contamines Montjoie

Hiking time: 5 hours (11km - 7 miles)

Vertical gain: 650m (2132.5 ft)

Vertical drop: 1300m (4265 ft)

Route: Chamonix – Les Houches – Les Contamines Montjoie

Depending on your accommodation location in the Chamonix Valley the night before, you will first transfer to Bellevue cable car. At the top of the lift, you'll be greeted by stunning views of the standard route for climbing Mt. Blanc. Begin with a traverse to the Bionnassay Glacier, followed by a thrilling "Nepali hanging bridge crossing" and a hike through picturesque alpine pastures leading up to Col de Tricot Pass (2120 m / 6955 ft). Take a moment to rest and admire the breathtaking views of Contamines-Montjoie Valley before descending a steep trail to the charming rural chalets in Miage (1559 m / 5115 ft). From there, hike up to Rifugio Chalets du Truc (1750 m / 5740 ft) and contour around Mt. Truc (1811 m / 5945 ft) before descending into the charming village of Contamines-Montjoie, where you'll spend the night.

Note that if you wish to shorten the hike, you can follow an alternate route described in your roadbook that bypasses the ascent to Col du Tricot Pass.

Distance : 11 km (7 mi.) - Ascent : 650 m. Descent : 1300 m.

Hiking : 5 hrs. (Transfer : 30 minutes)

Accommodation: Hotel 4*

Meal: Breakfast and dinner

Day 3 : Les Contamines-Montjoie to Les Chapieux

Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours (15km - 9.5 miles)

Vertical gain: 1300m (4265 ft)

Vertical drop: 950m (3116.8 ft)

Route: Les Contamines-Montjoie - Col de la Croix-du-Bonhomme pass - Les Chapieux

After a brief transfer to Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge (1210m / 3963ft), take a moment to visit the iconic baroque church that marks the beginning of the Roman road. This historic trade route connects the mountain valleys and was used for travel in ancient times. Today, you'll face the most elevation gain of the trip with a gradual ascent to Col du Bonhomme Mountain Pass (2329m / 7648ft), offering stunning hiking paths along the southern end of the range. This section marks the boundary between the Mt. Blanc Range and the Beaufortain Mountains. The climb continues to Col de la Croix-du-Bonhomme Pass (2433m / 7979ft), where hikers can enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Pourri (3779m / 12,395ft). Then, descend through the picturesque alpine pastures to the charming hamlet of Les Chapieux (1549m / 5082ft) before transferring to your hotel in the delightful village of Bourg St Maurice.

Distance : 15 km (9.5 mi.) - Ascent : 1250 m. Descent : 950 m.

Hiking: 6.5 hrs.

Accommodation: Hotel 3 Star – Transfer: 15 minutes
Meals included: breakfast and dinner

Day 4 : Les Chapieux to Courmayeur

Hiking time: 5 hours (17km - 10.5 miles)

Vertical gain: 750m (2460.6 ft)

Vertical drop: 900m (2952.8 ft)

Route: Les Chapieux to Courmayeur

Start the day’s hike from Ville des Glaciers (1800m), making sure that you stop at the local farm along the way to learn about how Beaufort cheese is made. Continue your ascent through the beautiful alpine pastures to Col de la Seigne Pass (2516m) and the Italian border. From here, admire the jagged and steep side of the Mt. Blanc Range; the views are simply breathtaking! Legendary summits like Mt. Blanc de Courmayeur, Noire de Peuterey Spire, and the Grandes Jorasses appear close enough to be able to reach out and touch them. The descent takes you through Val Veny to the foot of the Miage Glacier with its peaceful lake and unique alpine flora. Short transfer to Courmayeur (1226m), capital of the Italian Alps.

Note: For those trekkers that enjoy a more leisurely pace, Courmayeur provides a great place for a rest day. Please let us know if you would like to add this to your trip.

Distance : From 15 to 25 km (10 to 16 mi.) - Ascent : From 750 to 1250 m. Descent : From 850 to 1800 m

Hiking: 5 to 7 hrs. (Transfer : 30 minutes)

Accommodation: Hotel 3*

Meal: Breakfast

Day 5 : Courmayeur to Champex Lac

Hiking time: 5 hours (15km - 9.5 miles)

Vertical gain: 800m (2624.7 ft)

Vertical drop: 950m (3116.8 ft)

Route: Courmayeur to La Fouly to Champex Lac

Start the day’s hike with an ascent to Grand Col Ferret Pass (2537m), where you cross from Italy into Switzerland. Take one last look back down the Italian side before descending through Switzerland’s gentle alpine meadows as you hike all the way down to the small hamlet of Val Ferret (1740m). Bus transfer to Champex- lac the charming village along a small lake.

Distance : 15 km, 9.5 miles. - Ascent : 800 m. Descent : 900 m.

Hiking : 5 hrs. (Transfer: 1 hour)

Accommodation: Private double/twin room in hotel (3 star)
Meals included : breakfast and dinner

Day 6: Champex Lac to Trient

Hiking time: 6 - 8 hours (15km - 9.5 miles)

Vertical gain: 750m to 1200m (2460 ft - 3937ft)

Vertical drop: 900m to 1400m (2952 ft - 4593ft)

Route: Champex Lac to Trient

Note: There are two hikes option on that day. The classic walk by Bovine and a more technical one by the Fenêtre d’Arpette. You could find more details below:

Begin your Swiss mountain adventure from Champex by hiking through the scenic alpine meadows and pastures, famous for their grazing cows that produce some of the renowned Alps cheese. As you progress towards Bovine, soak in the breathtaking vistas of the Rhône River Valley that are truly unparalleled. Alternatively, we offer a more challenging hike to Fenêtre d'Arpette (2665m), a spectacular high-mountain notch near the Grands Glacier. Please note that this option requires more time and effort. Conclude your day by dining and spending the night at a guest house in the charming village of Trient (1280m).

Distance : From 14.5 to 15 km (9 to 9.5 mi.)

Ascent : From 750 to 1200m. Descent : 900 to 1350m.

Hiking : from 6 to 8 hrs. Transfer : 30 minutes

Accommodation: Private double/twin room in hotel (3 star)
Meals included : breakfast and dinner

Day 7: Argentière to Chamonix

Hiking time: 6.5 hours (11km - 6.5 miles)

Vertical gain: 900m (2952.8 ft)

Vertical drop: 600m (1968.5)

Route: Argentière – Col des Montets pass - Lac Blanc – Chamonix

On the last day of your trip, enjoy a truly unforgettable hike. You will get to scramble through the Aiguilles Rouges, with the Mont-Blanc Range just across the valley. There will be incredible views of the many glaciers and summits high above Chamonix. From Col des Montets Pass (1461m/4793.3ft), follow the balcony trail to Cheserys Lakes, known for reflecting in their clear blue waters some of the Alps’ most famous peaks. Continue to Lac Blanc (2352m/7716.5ft). Take in the view and observe your surroundings, remembering to look for one of the area’s many alpine ibex. From here, walk down to La Flégère were a gondola takes you down to the valley floor in Les Praz.

Distance : 11 km, 6.5 miles - Ascent : 900 m. Descent : 550 m.

Hiking : 6.5 hrs.

Transfer out to airport or rest for the evening in Chamonix (not included - both options can be added at an additional cost)

Accommodation: None (this night can be added for + 95 euros per person)
Meals included : breakfast only

Additional Trip Info

Accommodation: 6 nights (3 Star Hotels - Private room)
Meals : 6 breakfasts, 4 dinners
The roadbook (as well as a maps and reservation vouchers)
Transporting your bags (if you choose this option)
Private transfers days 3 and 4 to and from Bourg-Saint-Maurice, and day 6 from Trient to Argentière
Emergency hotline 24/7
Mobile app including offline GPS trail mapping

Transportation to the meeting point at the start of the trip and from the point where the trip officially ends.
Public transportation and chairlifts necessary during the tour (approx. 50 €).
Dinner in Chamonix and Courmayeur
Pack lunch (cash/card purchase at the guesthouses or huts- €10-€15 per lunch depending on the location).
Insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, lost/stolen baggage, or assistance - We recommend World Nomads, or Global Rescue‍
Anything that is not specified in the “included in the price” list.
$300usd extra for luggage transport

Q: What is the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) and how long is it?

A: The Tour du Mont Blanc is a popular long-distance hiking trail that circumnavigates the Mont Blanc massif, passing through France, Italy, and Switzerland. It is approximately 170 km (105 miles) long and typically takes between 7 and 11 days to complete.

Q: What is the best time of year to hike the TMB?

A: The best time to hike the TMB is typically from mid-June to mid-September, when the weather is most favorable and the trail is fully accessible. However, this is also the busiest time on the trail and accommodations can be fully booked in advance. It is recommended to book ahead of time.

Q: Is it necessary to book accommodations in advance for the TMB?

A: Yes, it is highly recommended to book your accommodations in advance for the TMB, especially during the peak season. It is also advisable to plan your itinerary and make reservations well in advance. Dates can begin booking out 6+ months in advance as accommodations along the trail are limited.

Q: What is the difficulty level of the TMB?

A: The TMB is considered a moderately difficult trail, with challenging ascents and descents and high elevations. It is important to be in good physical shape and to have some prior hiking experience before attempting the trail.

Q: What equipment is needed for the TMB?

A: Some essential equipment for the TMB includes sturdy hiking boots, waterproof and breathable clothing, a backpack, a sleeping bag, a headlamp, and trekking poles. It is also important to bring adequate food and water supplies, as well as a first-aid kit.

Q: Are there any safety precautions to take while hiking the TMB?

A: Yes, there are several safety precautions to take while hiking the TMB, including staying on the marked trails, checking the weather forecast regularly, carrying enough food and water, and avoiding overexertion. It is also important to have a good understanding of the trail and to be prepared for any emergencies.

Q: Can I hike the TMB alone or do I need a guide?

A: It is possible to hike the TMB alone, but it is recommended to go with a partner or a group for safety reasons. If you are inexperienced or unsure about navigating the trail, it may be a good idea to hire a local guide or join a guided tour.

Q: Are there any alternatives to hiking the entire TMB?

A: Yes, there are several alternative options for hiking the TMB, including hiking only certain sections of the trail or using a luggage transfer service to lighten your load. There are also guided tours and self-guided tours available, which can cater to different experience levels and interests.