Adventures
Adventures
Self Guided TMB Epic Mont Blanc 3 Days
Self guided Tour du Mont Blanc Chamonix Highlights over 3 days. Based in Chamonix visiting the famous trails of the Tour du Mont Blanc overlooking Mont Blanc.
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Duration
2 Nights, 3 Days
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Start Location
Chamonix, France
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Date(s)
June - September
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Price
From €370
Adventure Snapshot
VIEW GALLERY
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CHAMONIX, FRANCE / 2 NIGHTS / 3 DAYS
This 2 night / 3 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.
This self guided Tour du Mont Blanc Epic Mont Blanc trip runs over 3 days. Based in Chamonix visiting the famous trails of the Tour du Mont Blanc overlooking Mont Blanc.
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
Learn more. Download our guide here.
DOWNLOAD PDFEnter your details to download the Mags: Self Guided TMB Epic Mont Blanc 3 Days brochure
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
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Duration
2 Nights, 3 Days
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Start Location
Chamonix, France
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Date(s)
June - September
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Guide Ratio
Self Guided
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Ability
Level ALevel A
You’re not quite sure where to start but you’re hungry for an adventure and can’t wait to get going. Bring it on!
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Price
From €370
Adventure Overview
See real footage of previous expeditions
The Tour du Mont Blanc Trek
02:21Stunning views and great memories. This is the Tour du Mont Blanc Trek.
What is Self Guided Trekking?
01:27Olly and Charlie discuss what a self guided trip looks like.
Beginner Hikes Tour Du Mont Blanc
25:55Check out Dave’s experience on the Tour du Mont Blanc with us.
Omar's Trip
03:39A snapshot at Omar’s experience on the trails with us.
Meet The Team
01:48Introducing 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.
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.
Hiking shoes / Trail Shoes
Good grip and ankle support is recommended
Softshell Jacket
Light technical jacket, ideally with a hood.
Lightweight fleece
Something light and thin.
Thermal Tops
Keep them light and thin.
FULL KIT LIST
More info
Click the link in the text above to find the full kit list
FINER DETAILS
YOUR ADVENTURE PACKAGE
The trek begins in the Chamonix valley. Typically people will arrive the night before and overnight in Chamonix to be ready to start the hike the following day. If you would like us to book your accommodation for the first night please ask.
What's Included?
- 2 Nights accommodation
- 2 Breakfasts
- 2 Dinners
- Planning and reservations
- Detailed itinerary and GPX tracks
- 24/7 Support communication with our Chamonix based team
What's not Included?
- Flights
- Airport transfers (approx €50 pp each way)
- In-resort travel (bus / lifts / trains)
- Lunches, snacks and drinks (approx €15 a day)
- Luggage transfers (approx €35 a day)
- Additional nights before, during and after trip (can be added on request)
- Travel insurance (required)
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.
ON THE TREK
The 2 nights accommodation on the trek will be in dormitories and / or small shared rooms. You may be able to upgrade in some of the accommodation options if requested in advance and based on availability.
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Duration
2 Nights
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Internet
Not included
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Beds
Shared arrangements
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Food
Half Board
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: Chamonix
End point: Chamonix
Length: 3 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.
Keep in mind: The moving times shown don’t account for breaks. Add 1–2 hours each day for a more accurate total trail time.
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Day 1:
Montroc Train Station - Refuge Lac Blanc
The first day has been planned so you can arrive in Chamonix the same day and be up snoozing in a high mountain hut on your very first night! This itinerary is perfect for a long weekend arriving Friday lunchtime (or even mid afternoon) as the hike time for today is only around 3 hours (4 hours if you take the alternative route to the ladders).
From Montroc train station, walk to the rear of the car park. Take the path to the right of the train tunnel – it turns left to go over the tunnel and an easy trail heads up to Tré-le-Champ (10 minutes). Once in Tré-le-Champ carry on the few minutes along the track up to the main Col des Montets road. Here you’ll begin the 3 hours climb up to Lac Blanc. You’ll see the trail head immediately opposite on the other side of the busy road. Take care crossing here. Note: this is the traditional TMB route up to Lac Blanc – it involves climbing ladders. If you are nervous of heights you can take an alternative route a little further up the main road next to the Aiguille Rouge National Park hut. This alternative route avoids any ladders but takes around an hour extra than the ladder route.
The traditional 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 – teenagers will love it! See notes at the top of this page for how to avoid these ladders if you suffer from vertigo. A further hour up brings you to Tête aux Vents, a large cairn (2132m) which borders the national park. From there the trail ascends for a further 1hr 30 mins to reach stunning Lac Blanc (2,352m). The Lac Blanc refuge has legendary status on the Tour du Mont Blanc – this spot is simply unbeatable. When the mountains reflect in the still water you will genuinely feel humbled by your surroundings.
Note: You cannot drink the water at Refuge Lac Blanc. Carry extra water or expect to buy bottled water (cash only).
Approximate time and distances:
5.4km / 1115m up / 110 down / 2.5-3.5 hours trekking -
Day 2:
Refuge Lac Blanc - Refuge Bellachat
After an incredible sunrise and breakfast at Lac Blanc you’ll descend to pick up the trail along the Grand Balcon Sud on an easy undulating traverse to La Flégère and over to the Plan Praz plateau at Le Brévent. Drink in the extraordinarily spectacular views ahead of you of the Mont Blanc massif with it’s gloriously jagged peaks, famous snowcapped dome and glacial tongues of ice.
From Lac Blanc head down to La Flegere on the trail that leads through the ski area heading south. From La Flegere you traverse towards Plan Praz along the undulating ‘Grand Balcon Sud’ trail. Once you arrive at Plan Praz you may want to take the cable car up to Le Brevent. If you decide to hike up, you can simply follow the trail that winds up underneath the cable car which is the easiest route, however if you want to push yourself, take the traditional TMB route via Col du Brévent – expect this to add another 2 hours onto your day.
From the top of Brévent, historically argued to be the best view of Mont Blanc, the terrain changes to a dry rocky landscape as you start the descent down to Refuge Bellachat, a tiny refuge nestled into the rock with a large terrace boasting front row seats over to Mont Blanc
From Le Brévent, descend the back side towards Lac du Brevent. From here it’s a short descent to the Refuge Bellachat which sits in a stunning position opposite Mont Blanc with a large terrace where you can sit and gaze in awe at the highest mountain in Western Europe with a well deserved light refreshment.
Note: Refuge Bellachat does not have a shower! You cannot drink the water at Refuge Bellachat. Carry extra water or expect to buy bottled water (cash only).
Approximate time and distances:
13.2kms / 794 m up / 995m down / 3-4 hours trekking -
Day 3:
Refuge Bellachat – Les Houches
The 3-3.5 hour descent from the refuge to Les Houches is beautiful with red and pink wild azaleas flanking the trail to the valley floor however warning – this descent is hard on the knees! Keep your eyes peeled for chamois on the descent. It’s common to see these alpine goat antelopes feeding close to the trail.
Reaching Les Houches, the official finish point of the Tour du Mont Blanc, it’s a 10 minutes bus ride to Chamonix or stay in Les Houches.
Approximate time and distances:
7.3kms / 34m up / 1,175m down / 2-3 hours trekking
Are you ready?
Our adventures are attributed a difficulty level from A to E. This Mags: Self Guided TMB Epic Mont Blanc 3 Days trip is rated Level A, for beginners and newcomers 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
Think you've got this?
This trip is at this level
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
More your 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
More your level?
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
More your level?
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
More your level?
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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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