Tour du Mont Blanc Self Guided 11 Days - Adventure Base
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trekking-icon Self Guided Treks: Tour du Mont Blanc

Tour du Mont Blanc Self Guided 11 Days

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a 170 km trekking trail through France, Italy and Switzerland. Circumnavigating Western Europe’s highest mountain, Mont Blanc, it is one of the world’s most famous classic multi day treks and is on every serious hiker’s bucket list. This self-guided version covers each stage of the trek, making it the 'complete' journey around the full trail.

    Adventure Snapshot

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    Duration

    10 Nights, 11 Days

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    Start Location

    Les Houches, France

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    Date(s)

    June - September

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    Price

    From €1900

Book Now €1900

ITALY, SWITZERLAND & FRANCE / 10 NIGHTS / 11 DAYS

This 10 night / 11 day version of the Tour du Mont Blanc trek is an incredible opportunity to completely immerse yourself in the mountains and enjoy the natural beauty of the valleys that surround western Europe’s highest mountain. The trek offers an unusual variety of spectacular scenery and varied walks and you are sure to come away from this trek refreshed and invigorated, if a little creaky at the joints.

The route crosses three borders (France, Italy and Switzerland) over 11 days, traversing beneath huge glaciers, and meandering through beautiful alpine meadows and picture-book villages. That's right, this is a truly memorable journey and one of worlds classic long-distance hiking routes.

This trip is great for the purists who have enough time to take on the full journey. You will experience the full version of the Tour du Mont Blanc independently and fully self-guided.

Not sure whether you're ready? No problem. Take our Tour du Mont Blanc Trek 'Readiness' test or join us on our Tour du Mont Blanc guided trips:

Take our Tour du Mont Blanc Trek 'Readiness' test

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YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE

WHO IS THIS FOR?

The Tour du Mont Blanc Trek is well suited to fit hillwalkers, capable of trekking for multiple days carrying a reasonably heavy rucksack. You follow footpaths each day and the terrain is very hilly. You can expect to do up to and over 1000m ascent and descent per day.  You stay in a mixture of mountain refuges, gites and auberges during the trek, which all provide basic but comfortable lodging and good food. This helps keep your packs fairly light carrying only snacks, clothing and essentials.

It might seem like a lot to take in so if you're not sure if you're ready.. No problem. Take our Tour du Mont Blanc Trek 'Readiness' test or join us on one of our Tour du Mont Blanc guided trips: Take our Tour du Mont Blanc Trek 'Readiness' test

    Adventure Overview

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    Duration

    10 Nights, 11 Days

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    Start Location

    Les Houches, France

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    Date(s)

    June - September

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    Guide Ratio

    Self Guided

  • Ability

    Level B

    Level B

    You have some previous experience in the outdoors, whether that’s hiking, skiing or climbing. You will either be starting to venture into more technical terrain or slightly more 'aggressive' environments. Let's dial it up!

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    Price

    From €1900

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ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

Great news! Your place on this adventure is carbon offset along with our footprint in creating it. To learn more about what we're doing head to our 'Better Business' page.

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See real footage of previous expeditions

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The Tour du Mont Blanc Trek

02:21

Stunning views and great memories. This is the Tour du Mont Blanc Trek.

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What is Self Guided Trekking?

01:27

Olly and Charlie discuss what a self guided trip looks like.

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Meet The Team

01:48

Introducing our crack squad of mountain lovers and adventure junkies. We spend most of our days plotting, planning and building some of the very best trips out there for you all to enjoy.

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Beginner Hikes Tour Du Mont Blanc

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Check out Dave’s experience on the Tour du Mont Blanc with us.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR THIS TRIP

Please note this is a guide and you may be required to rent or purchase last minute equipment on arrival dependent on the weather and changes in itinerary.

For the full downloadable Tour Du Mont Blanc Trek kit list please click here.

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FINER DETAILS

YOUR ADVENTURE PACKAGE 

The trek begins in Les Houches at the Bellevue cable car in the Chamonix valley. Typically people will arrive the night before and overnight either in Les Houches or overnight in Chamonix and take the train from Chamonix to Les Houches in the morning to start the hike. If you would like us to book your accommodation for the first night please ask.

What's Included?

  • Group 16 Created with Sketch. 10 Nights accommodation
  • Group 16 Created with Sketch. 10 Breakfasts
  • Group 16 Created with Sketch. 10 Dinners
  • Group 16 Created with Sketch. Planning and reservations
  • Group 16 Created with Sketch. Virtual briefing with an Adventure Base representative
  • Group 16 Created with Sketch. Welcome pack
  • Group 16 Created with Sketch. First aid kit
  • Group 16 Created with Sketch. A detailed itinerary
  • Group 16 Created with Sketch. 24/7 Support communication with our team in Chamonix

What's not Included?

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  • Group 20 Created with Sketch. Lunches, snacks and drinks on the trek
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WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE ACCOMMODATION

We know the importance of having comfortable accommodation on this trip. After a long day of trekking it's vital to have a comfortable bed and good food to enjoy in a scenic location. We've handpicked refuges and other mountain accommodation along the way that we're sure you're going to love. (A single room supplement is available where possible, please request this far in advance)

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ON THE TREK

The majority of the accommodation on the trip will be in dormitories and / or small shared rooms. You can upgrade any of the accommodation options if requested in advance and based on availability.

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    Duration

    10 Nights

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    Internet

    Not included

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    Beds

    Shared arrangements

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    Food

    Half Board

Mountains

Immerse yourself in Nature

Adventure Itinerary

Here you'll find the full itinerary including distances (KM) ascents and descents each day and a rough estimate of how long it will take.
Start point: Les Houches
End point: Les Houches
Length: 11 days
Whilst we aim to stick to the itinerary below, accommodation in some of the locations may not always be available. In this instance you will be booked into a suitable alternative accommodation.
For the full itinerary please click here.

  • Day 1:
    Les Houches - Refuge de Miage / Auberge du Truc

    Hike up from Les Houches and from the top of the Bellevue cable car, you'll make your way to the Col du Voza and down along the trail towards the Himalayan suspension bridge, a definite highlight of the first day. From here its up to the Col du Tricot with immense views of the Aiguille de Bionnassay. From the col du Tricot its a final steep descent down to the Refuge de Miage. From there you'll either stay there or head a bit further on to stay at the refuge du Truc

    14.7km / 1455m up / 740m down / 5-6 hours trekking

  • Day 2:
    Refuge de Miage / Auberge du Truc - Refuge Croix du Bonhomme

    You'll stat by winding down all the way to the valley floor in Les Contamines. There is a free shuttle bus from outside the Tourist Office to Notre Dame de la Gorge, or walk along the river and cover the distance on foot. From Notre Dame de la Gorge you climb up a steep trail for a while before it plateaus out at the Refuge Nant Borrant which makes an excellent lunch stop. From here you climb up once more towards two cols, first the Col du Bonhomme (2329m) and then the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2483m) where you'll find tonights accommodation, the remote Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme.

    18km / 1300m up / 590m down / 5-6 hours trekking

  • Day 3:
    Refuge Croix du Bonhomme - Rifugio Elisabetta / Cabane Combal

    Today you’ll descend from Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme to the hamlet of Les Chapieux. From here you'll walk to the Ville des Glaciers and then embark on the steady climb up to the top of the Col de la Seigne – the border between France and Italy. From here, in good weather, you can once again see the gleaming white dome of Mont Blanc with an exception view down into this Italian valley where the Rifugio Elisabetta or Cabane Combal will welcome you in for the night.

    18.7km / 1032m up / 1288m down / 5-6hrs hours trekking

  • Day 4:
    Rifugio Elisabetta / Cabane Combal - Courmayeur

    Todays hike takes you up out of the Val Veny, climbing steadily up. Looking back you can see the monstrous moraine of Glacier Miage dwarfing Cabane Combal and on a clear day all the way back to Col de la Seigne. From here you’ll see jaw dropping views of sawtooth peaks and Monte Bianco opposite before descending down into the Italian town of Courmayeur for the night.

    15.4km / 540m up / 1532m down / 5.5-7.5 hours trekking

  • Day 5:
    Courmayeur - Val Ferret

    The trek starts with a push up to the Bertone hut for a late morning Italian coffee. Here, if the weather is good, you can take the variant to incorporate an extra peak: it takes a bit longer but it really is a stunning day – not many people, breathtaking scenery, and avoids the crowds in the Val Ferret. You'll reach the delightful Rifugio Bonatti hut, where you will either stay (based on availability) or descend back to Courmayeur for your accommodation.

    12.1km / 1088m up / 263m down / 4-5 hours trekking

  • Day 6:
    Val Ferret - La Fouly

    Today you’ll climb over the Grand Col Ferret and cross into Switzerland. The gentle Swiss alpine meadows are in stark comparison to the jagged wild landscapes you’ve trekked through in Italy and France. Take it easy as the trail descends to Ferret and then La Fouly.

    18.6km / 890m up / 1331m down / 5.5-7 hours trekking

  • Day 7:
    La Fouly - Champex-le-Lac

    Today is the most gentle day of all the TMB stages. There is no col to climb and the route meanders easily through the valley past Swiss mountain pastures. Drink in the delightful scenes of rural life in Switzerland as you potter leisurely along this stage. Champex-Lac, your home for the night is a beautiful little town next to a pretty lake. Nicknamed ‘Little Canada’ it’s not hard to imagine why – this beautiful lakeside town is surrounded by hills of pine and is genuinely a beautiful spot.

    14.8km / 510m up / 700m down / 3-4 hours trekking

  • Day 8:
    Champex-le-Lac - Trient

    Today you’ll leave the serenity of beautiful Champex-Lac and take the Bovine route to the Col de la Forclaz and then drop down into the Swiss village of Trient, famous for it’s pink church, to spend the night. The variant route via the Col du Fenêtre can be considered instead of the Bovine route but only in good weather. Note this route is technically the most difficult on the entire TMB trail

    16.7km / 856m up / 1050m down / 4-5 hours trekking

  • Day 9:
    Trient - Tre le Champ

    Today you’ll ascend from Trient up the Col de Balme. It’s a gradual climb and not too taxing. From Refuge Col de Balme perched on the Swiss side, you’ll have a splendid view of the entire Chamonix Valley – well done you’ve almost completed the circuit! You can now see where you set off from down the other end of the valley and Mont Blanc will be ever present with her snowy dome to the left of the valley. A meandering descent gets you down to Tre-le-champ for the night.

    13.9km / 1151m up / 1024m down / 4-5 hours trekking

  • Day 10:
    Tre le Champ - Lac Blanc - Flegere

    Today you’ll begin the steady climb up to the beautiful Lac Blanc. The route climbs steadily for between 1.5-2 hrs until you reach the infamous TMB ladders – a series of 13 ladders and metal ware built into the rock. It’s the most exciting physical aspect of the entire Tour du Mont Blanc. This is the Aiguilles Rouges National Park so look out for chamois or bouquetin often right on the trails. Down to the refuge for the night.

    8.4km / 950m up / 510m down / 3-4 hours trekking

  • Day 11:
    Flegere - Les Houches

    Today you’ll continue along trail with its staggering views of Mont Blanc to reach Le Brévent. Soak in the magnificent views of Mont Blanc from the top of Le Brévent – undoubtedly the best viewing point of the highest point in Western Europe! A cable car is an option for those with tired legs. From here you’ll descend to Refuge Bellachat – a great spot for a refreshment on their lovely sunny terrace. The descent into Les Houches is brutally long – watch those knees! However its worth it. Take the cable car from the top of Brevent down to Chamonix as a quick exit if required. End of the trip.

    17.1km / 730m up / 1590m down / 4-5 hours trekking

Mountains

Are you ready?

Our adventures are attributed a difficulty level from A to E. This Tour du Mont Blanc Self Guided 11 Days trip is rated Level B, for those with some prior experience We recommend you only book a trip that reflects your ability.

Level A

For beginners and newcomers

  • You’re not quite sure where to start but you’re hungry for an adventure
  • Little / no prior experience
  • Shorter time duration
  • No technical skills required but keen to learn
  • Basic level of fitness

Level B

For those with some prior experience

  • You have some previous experience in the outdoors, whether that’s hiking, skiing or climbing, and are keen to build on that
  • You will either be starting to venture into more technical terrain or slightly more challenging environments
  • Some basic skills
  • Moderate fitness
Think you've got this?

This trip is at this level

Level C

For accomplished adventurers

  • You enjoy challenging yourself physically and mentally
  • You’re comfortable on multi-day adventures and you call yourself an avid adventurer
  • You're not quite George Mallory but you subscribe to his 'because it is there' attitude
  • Strong level of fitness

Level D

For the pros

  • You're ready to test your skills on the next challenge
  • You're comfortable in most types of alpine environments
  • Some level of technical skills
  • Strong level of fitness

Level E

For the experts

  • You’ve been on multiple adventures and have built up a solid skillset to tackle most challenges out there
  • Good technical skills and knowledge
  • Experienced in alpine/mountains environments
  • Very high level of fitness

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READY TO TREK THE TMB?

We hope you've found all the information you need above, but if not don't hesitate to get in touch. If you're ready to book, follow the link below.

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