Tour du Mont Blanc Full Guided Trek

Trek Itinerary

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  Day 1 ARRIVAL IN CHAMONIX

  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 CHAMONIX TO LES HOUCHES

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

  Daily stats:

  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:

  Our day starts with a cable car ride to the Bellevue 1802m with stunning views of the Mont Blanc range from high above the westerly end of the Chamonix valley. We 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:

  A great day ahead as we 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. After the refuge, the trail climbs more steeply up to the Plan des Dames before continuing toward the Col du Bonhomme and then the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme. From here, we begin a fairly steep, rocky descent through a remote landscape before the path eases and leads us down into the small hamlet of Les Chapieux.

  We always try to reserve private rooms at the Refuge Nova. In the event that this isn’t possible, we arrange private 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:

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

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  Day 5 CHAPIEUX TO COURMAYEUR:

  From Les Chapieux we take the bus to Ville des Glaciers and continue on the trail past the Refuge des Mottets, then onwards to the Col de la Seigne (2516m). The climb is steep in places, but before long we reach the col and cross from France into Italy. From here, we descend into the stunning Val Veny, following easy paths through the hanging valleys to Lac Combal. We then continue down to La Visaille and take the shuttle bus into 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: REST DAY

  The full trek offers a rest day in Courmayeur giving you the opportunity to reflect on the westerly half of the trek and relax and enjoy this beautiful Italian alpine town. Perhaps visit the spa at Pre St Didier, take the Skyway cable car to Point Helbronner or just wander though the historic streets & enjoy the delicious food & drink.

  Accommodation:

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

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  Day 7 COURMAYEUR TO ARNOUVA:

  Fully refreshed, we make our ascent to the Refuge Bertone and enjoy superb views of Mont Blanc and Courmayeur below. We then follow a high-level traverse above the Val Ferret, with outstanding views of the Italian side of the Mont Blanc range, before descending to the valley and our accommodation at the head of the 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 you 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:

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

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  Day 8 ARNOUVA TO FERRET:

  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 and our hotel 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 & 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:

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

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  Day 9 FERRET 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 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 10 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.

  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 & down the Rhone valley.

  Accommodation:

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

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  Day 11 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 bad 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 12 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 private en-suite rooms, B & B

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  Day 13 DEPART CHAMONIX

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

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