Tour du Mont Blanc Full Self Guided Trek

Trek Itinerary

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  Day 1 ARRIVAL IN CHAMONIX

  As we are based in Chamonix please ask if you wish to have a self guided trek briefing to go through any aspect of your trek before you start on your adventure.

  If you require a briefing on your day of arrival please specify at the time of booking so we can make sure someone will be available.

  Accommodation:

  3* Hotel, private en-suite rooms, B & B

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  Day 2 CHAMONIX TO LES HOUCHES

  You commence the Tour Mont Blanc full trek from Chamonix taking the cable car to the Planpraz at 2000m, from here you take the TMB route to the Col du Brevent, Brevent 2525m and descend along the stunning ridge to Refuge Bel Lachat. From the refuge, you make the long and tough descent via Parc Merlet to Les Houches and your hotel accommodation for the night.

  Daily stats:

  Using the cable car
  Distance: 13k | Height gain: +700m | Descent: -1500m

  Guide notes:

  This day often feels one of the toughest on the trek generally because people are not fully acclimatised. The descent can be punishing & is probably the most difficult during the trek due 1500m sustained down hill & at times rocky terrain. Walking poles are recommended to save the knees!

  Accommodation:

  3* Hotel, private en-suite rooms, evening meal & breakfast

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  Day 3 LES HOUCHES TO LES CONTAMINES:

  Your day starts with a cable car ride to Bellevue 1802m with stunning views of the Mont Blanc range from high above the westerly end of the Chamonix valley. You then have a choice of routes to Les Contamines via Bionnassay & Chapel or the Col du Tricot & Chalets des Miage.

  Daily stats:

  Using the cable car
  Via Bionnassay: Distance: 15k | Height gain: +100m | Descent: -700m
  Via Col du Tricot: Distance: 13k | Height gain: +800m| Descent: -1300m

  Guide notes:

  Day two & you are probably feeling a little tiered from the first day. The terrain is very different today, less rugged & more green as you will be trekking though high altitude pastureland. If you are trekking via the Col du Tricot check out the Blueberry pie at the Chalets des Miage, very memorable & delicious!

  Accommodation:

  3* Hotel, private en-suite rooms, evening meal & breakfast

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  Day 4 LES CONTAMINES TO CHAPIEUX / VILLE DES GLACIERS:

  A great day ahead as you make the steady ascent toward the Col du Bonhomme, passing the Refuge de la Balme on the way, a good spot for a short break or refreshments. Beyond the refuge, the trail climbs more steeply to the Plan des Dames before continuing up to the Col du Bonhomme and then the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme. From here, your onward route depends on where you’re staying for the night: you may continue over the Col des Fours and descend to Ville des Glaciers and on to the Refuge Mottets, or, if you’re staying in Les Chapieux, begin the descent leading you directly down to the hamlet.

  We always try to reserve accommodation in Chapieux or Refuge Mottets. In the event that this isn’t possible, we arrange minibus transport to alternative accommodation in Bourg-St-Maurice, returning to Les Chapieux early the following morning.

  Daily stats:

  Distance: 20k | Height gain: +1500m | Descent: -900m

  Guide notes:

  On paper this looks like one of the longest & toughest days on the trek but don’t worry its very doable. There is a fair amount of height gain but it is integrated with sections of gentle terrain, which make the day more manageable. The key is to start early & allow plenty of time.

  Accommodation:

  Dormitory (upgrade possible), evening meal & breakfast

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  Day 5 CHAPIEUX / VILLE DES GLACIERS TO COURMAYEUR:

  Your start for the day will depend on your accommodation. If you are staying in Les Chapieux, you’ll take the bus to Ville des Glaciers and continue on the trail to the Refuge des Mottets. The refuge sits in a superb position just below the Col de la Seigne (2516m). Although the climb to the col is steep in places, you soon find yourself crossing the French–Italian border and entering Italy. From the col, you descend into the beautiful Val Veny, following easy paths through the hanging valleys to Lac Combal. From here, you continue down to La Visaille and take the shuttle bus to Courmayeur.

  Daily stats:

  Distance: 14k | Height gain: +700m | Descent: -700m

  Guide notes:

  One of my favourite days on the Tour du Mont Blanc, the views from the Col du Seigne is second to none! Once you are at the col & if the weather is right rest for a while & take in the far-reaching views in to Italy & Switzerland, just wonderful!

  Accommodation:

  3* Hotel, private en-suite rooms, B & B

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  Day 6 COURMAYEUR TO VAL FERRET:

  Fully refreshed from an evening in Courmayeur, you begin the ascent to the Refuge Bertone and enjoy superb views of Mont Blanc and the town below. The day continues with a high-level traverse above the Val Ferret, offering excellent views of the Italian side of the Mont Blanc range, before you descend to your accommodation in the beautiful Val Ferret.

  We always aim to reserve private rooms when staying in Val Ferret; however, if this isn’t possible, we arrange a third night in Courmayeur and return by bus at the end of the day. This does not affect the TMB route in any way, as the bus the following day takes us back to the exact point where we left the trail.

  Daily stats:

  Distance: 19k | Height gain: +750m | Descent: -350m

  Guide notes:

  A steep but steady climb up to the Refuge Bertoni, it’s worth it because the coffee is fabulous & the views just stunning, elevenses’ here is a must! Fabulous views of some of the most famous peaks in the European Alps including Mont Blanc & the Grand Jorasses. And for the hamlet of Lavachey... it's just fabulous, if the night is clear go our side after diner & just 'be' in this impressive location.

  Accommodation:

  Dormitory (upgrade possible), evening meal & breakfast

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  Day 7 VAL FERRET TO FERRET OR LA FOULY:

  An early start and a new country await. From Arnouva, we make the long ascent to the Grand Col Ferret (2537m), passing the Rifugio Elena on the way and crossing the Italian–Swiss border at the col. From here, we enjoy a relatively easy descent via La Peule, an ideal spot to pause for refreshments, before continuing on gentle terrain to Ferret or La Fouly.

  Daily stats:

  Distance: 20k | Height gain: +900m | Descent: -1400m

  Guide notes:

  Again this day looks tough but the hard bits are nicely spaced with less challenging terrain & once at the Col stare in wonder at the view looking back at your last 3 days of trekking towards the Col du Seigne & over the boarder into Switzerland. The descent is long but at an easy angle & the path is good. Plenty of opportunity to stop for refreshments at Arnurva, Refuge Elena & La Peule.

  Accommodation:

  3* Hotel private en-suite rooms, evening meal & breakfast

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  Day 8 FERRET / LA FOULY TO CHAMPEX-LAC:

  A gentler day awaits as we follow the trail through the beautiful Swiss Val Ferret, with easier walking and time to enjoy the scenery. The route leads us through the quiet villages of La Fouly, Praz-de-Fort and Issert, each offering a glimpse of traditional Swiss alpine life. From Issert, we begin our final ascent through woodland and meadows to reach the charming lakeside village of Champex-Lac, our resting place for the night.

  Daily stats:

  Distance: 15k | Height gain: +420m | Descent: -570m

  Guide notes:

  The easiest day on the trek with only 400m of ascent, which comes at the end of the day. Relax & take advantage with a later breakfast before wandering down the beautiful Swiss Val Ferret. Cafe at Issert but its not open on a Tuesday so plan ahead if you are trekking this leg on that day of the week!

  Accommodation:

  3* Hotel private en-suite rooms, evening meal & breakfast

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  Day 9 CHAMPEX-LAC TO TRIENT:

  The day begins gently as we follow easy paths to Plan de l’Au, a relaxed warm-up before the climb ahead. From here, the trail rises steadily to the Alpage Bovine (1987m), where we’re rewarded with wonderful views over Martigny and the Swiss Valais. After a break at this scenic high point, we begin our descent, following the trail down towards the Col de la Forclaz (1526m) before making the final descent into the village of Trient for the night.

  Option to take the variant via the Fenetre d'Arpette.

  Daily stats:

  Via Bovine: Distance: 18k | Height gain: +750m | Descent: -950m or via the Fenetre d'Arpette: Distance: 15k | Height gain: +1200m | Descent: -1350m

  Guide notes:

  The Bovine route is a fabulous day not too tricky over lovely terrain. Lunch stop at the high alpine farm at Bovine is a must, you can purchase local food or even eat your own picnic on the terrace as long as you buy a drink. Amazing views across to Lac Leman & down the Rhone valley. Or perhaps try the challenging variant over the Fenetre d'Arpette with amazing views of the Trient Glacier once at the col.

  Accommodation:

  Auberge with private rooms & shared facilities, evening meal & breakfast

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  Day 10 TRIENT TO ARGENTIERE:

  Today offers two route options. We can either follow the direct path from Trient to the Col de Balme, or take the more scenic route through alpine woodland to the Alpage of Tseppes and Catogne before continuing on to the Col de Balme (2191m) on the Swiss–French border. From the col, we make our descent to the hamlet of Le Tour and then continue across pastureland to the village of Argentière, where we spend the night.

  Daily stats:

  Direct via the Col du Balme: Distance: 13k | Height gain: +900m | Descent: -900m or Via Catogne & the Col du Balme: Distance: 15k | Height gain: +1000m | Descent: -1000m

  Guide notes:

  Personally unless the weather is bag take the route via Catogne, the views are far superior as one up high you take a lofty traverse with excellent views over towards Emossom dam & the Aiguille Rouges nature reserve.

  Accommodation:

  3* hotel in private en-suite rooms, HB

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  Day 11 ARGENTIERE TO CHAMONIX

  Our final day is a fitting end to the trek as we return to the Aiguilles Rouges, high above the Chamonix Valley, with stunning views of the Mont Blanc massif throughout. From here, we descend to Flégère and follow the balcony path that traverses high above the valley to Plan Praz, bringing us back to the point where we began 11 days earlier and completing the full circuit. A final descent by cable car takes us back to Chamonix in time for a well-earned celebratory drink—you’ve just completed the Tour du Mont Blanc, one of the finest multi-day treks in the world.
  In the event of lift closures, we descend on foot to Chamonix via Flégère.

  Daily stats:

  Distance: 14k | Height gain: +1200m | Descent: -500m

  Guide notes:

  A fitting end to the trek back in the Aiguille nature reserve with pristine views of the Mont Blanc massif & all its peaks & glaciers. Visiting the iconic Lac Blanc is a must & stop for refreshments in the refuge. It gets busy with day walkers in August so make an early start if possible.

  Accommodation:

  3* hotel in private en-suite rooms, B & B

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  Day 12 DEPART CHAMONIX

  Breakfast is included however on the departure day you are free to leave at any time you wish.

  Guide notes:

  Once you have completed the trek I hope you will agree that the Tour du Mont Blanc is truly an exceptional trek & has a worthy place as of one of the worlds top 10 long distance walks.