Tour du Mont Blanc Easterly Guided Trek

Trek Itinerary

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  Day 1 ARRIVAL IN COURMAYEUR

  On the day of arrival we have a trek briefing in the hotel lounge at 5pm, this gives you the opportunity to meet your guide & the rest of the group.

  During the briefing we will go though all the necessary information including itinerary, accommodation, meals & bag transfer. The guide will also discuss plans for the first day of the trek. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have so you are fully informed before you start your adventure.

  Accommodation:

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

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  Day 2 COURMAYEUR TO LAVACHEY:

  We make our ascent to the Refuge Bertoni and enjoy amazing views of Mont Blanc and Courmayeur down below. We spend the rest of the day on a lofty traverse from high above the Val Ferret with stunning views of the Italian side of the Mont Blanc before descending to our accommodation in the beautiful Val Ferret.

  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 3 LAVACHEY TO LA FOULY:

  An early start and a new country awaits, we continue through the Val Ferret to Arnuva before making our long ascent to the Grand Col Ferret 2537m via the Refugio Elena and the Italian/Swiss border. We then make a relatively easy and enjoyable descent via la Peule, Ferret to La Fouly and our hotel accommodation for the night.

  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 and once at the Col stare in wonder at the view looking back at your last 3 days of trekking towards the Col du Seigne and over the boarder into Switzerland. The descent is long but at an easy angle and the path is good. Plenty of opportunity to stop for refreshments at Arnurva, Refuge Elena and La Peule.

  Accommodation:

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

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  Day 4 LA FOULY TO CHAMPEX-LAC:

  An easy day in comparison walking in the beautiful Swiss Val Ferret. We then pass through the Swiss villages of Praz de Fort and Issert before make our ascent to the charming village of Champex-Lac and our resting place for the evening.

  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 and 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 5 CHAMPEX-LAC TO TRIENT:

  An initial easy start to the day is to be had as we wind our way on easy paths to Plan de l'Au. We then climb up steadily to the Alpage Bovine 1987m and enjoy fabulous views over Martigny and the Swiss Valais. We spend the rest of the day making our descent to the Col du Forclaz 1526m with a final descent to Trient.

  Daily stats:

  Distance: 18k | Height gain: +750m | Descent: -950m

  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 and down the Rhone valley.

  Accommodation:

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

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  Day 6 TRIENT TO ARGENTIERE:

  Today we have two options as we can take the route directly to the Col du Balme from Trient or through alpine woodland to the Alpage of Tseppes, Catogne and on to the Col du Balme 2191m and the Swiss/French border. From the Col, we then make our descent to the hamlet of Le Tour and across pastureland to the village of Argentiere and our hotel accommodation for the evening.

  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:

  4* Hotel private en-suite rooms, HB

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  Day 7 ARGENTIERE TO CHAMONIX

  Our final day and a fitting end to the trek takes us back into the Aiguille Rouges to the stunning Lac des Cheserys & Lac Blanc 2352m. We then make a descent to Flegere and take the balcony path traversing high above the Chamonix valley to Planpraz completing the trek. A final decent via the cable car back to Chamonix in time for a celebratory drink as you have just completed the TMB & tour du Mont Blanc one of the best multi day treks in the world. In the event of lift closures, we make our descent back to Chamonix via Flegere.

  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 and all its peaks and glaciers. Visiting the iconic Lac Blanc is a must and stop for refreshments in the refuge. It gets busy with day walkers in August so make an early start if possible.

  Accommodation:

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

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  Day 8 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.