Tour du Mont Blanc Westerly 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 westerly 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, half board

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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 and you are probably feeling a little tiered from the first day. The terrain is very different today, less rugged and 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 and delicious!

  Accommodation:

  3* Hotel, private en-suite rooms, half board

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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 and 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 and allow plenty of time.

  Accommodation:

  Twin room, 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 to 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 and Switzerland, just wonderful!

  Accommodation:

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

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  Day 6 EXPLORATION DAY:

  You have the morning in Courmayeur and then return by bus to Chamonix.

  Suggested activities: Helbronner cable car or Aiguille du Midi cable car to 3842m.

  Guide notes:

  There is so much to do in Courmayeur & Chamonix, download our pdf document to give you insight so you can best organise your time.

  Accommodation:

  3* private en-suite rooms, B & B

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  Day 7 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 and has a worthy place as of one of the worlds top 10 long distance walks.