Self Guided Treks: Tour du Mont Blanc
Tour du Mont Blanc 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 €450
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
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 trails 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 €450
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
The direct, face to face meetings with both Beth Gavoille and Charlie Krarup left me feeling that they each genuinely wanted to understand my needs, wants and concerns and would do whatever they could to assist me as much as possible. I never felt that I was simply a customer in a financial transaction with them but rather that they authentically cared about me. You truly felt that you were being listened to.
We had an amazing experience planning the TMB with Adventure Base. Everything went well before and during our trip. Great support from their side.
Booked our 11 day self guided tour du mont blanc trek with adventure base who were great from the outset. From prior to booking in answering all of our questions, keeping us informed throughout the booking process all the way through to being readily available to answer any questions and provide alternative gpx and information on varient routes we wanted to take. Incredible team. Thank you
7 Day Self-guided TBM was an amazing trip. AB planned everything exceptionally well. No issues. I will use them again for my next trip.
5 stars for the Adventure Base team! We are so pleased with our self-guided 9-day Tour du Mont Blanc trek through Adventure Base. The company had clear communication with us the whole way- from making our itinerary, checking in before with left the US, checking in once we got to Chamonix, and then while we were on the trail as well. They helped us chose a different route mid hike, making us feel safe and supported. They also did a lot of small things that went a long way- holding our luggage + dropping it off at our hotel to be ready for us once we were done hiking, providing us with digital + paper maps, a mini trail first aid kit and buffs. We are so thankful to have used them!
The Adventure Base team was a complete pleasure to work with - friendly and knowledgeable. The team was super responsive from start to finish (from planning phase and throughout our trek) providing great advice, logistics and support. We will use AB again - 5 stars!!
We did the TMB with adventure base- family with 2 teenagers. We honestly could not have asked for a better organised self guided tour- the accommodation, bag transfers, food and the communication by Adventure base were amazing. Only trumped by Mother Nature- what a beautiful and bucket list walk. Olly, Beth and Virginia were superb and we highly recommend this tour company.
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
- Virtual briefing with an Adventure Base representative
- Welcome pack including map
- First aid kit
- A detailed itinerary
- 24/7 Emergency support communication with our team in Chamonix
What's not Included?
- Flights and transfers
- Lunches, snacks and drinks on the trek
- Luggage transfers
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.
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Day 1:
Hike up to Col de Balme
Today you aim to reach Refuge Col de Balme (might change based on availability), famous for its bright red shutters; it is perched on the French – Swiss border at an altitude of 2191m. The refuge is one of the oldest on the TMB trail. Hiking up from 1470m it’s all uphill. Don’t leave setting off too late – dinner is at 18h and you'll be glad to have some extra time to soak in the views – from the refuge you’ll have a bird's eye view of the entire Chamonix Valley framed by the picture postcard Mont Blanc Massif.
4.5km / 750m up / 0 down / 2.5 - 3.5 hours trekking -
Day 2:
Col de Balme - Refuge de la Flegere / Lac Blanc
From the Col de Balme you’ll descend down to the saddle of Col des Posettes before ascending the rock spine ridge to L’Aiguillette des Posettes (2201m). L’Aiguillette des Posettes forms the beginning of the impressive northern flank of the Chamonix Valley. In good weather the 360 degree panorama here will take your breath away – the icy dome of Mont Blanc, the iconic spire of the Drus, the Aiguilles Verte as well as Glacier du Tour Lac Blanc and the Lac d’Emosson dam over your shoulder in Switzerland. Bear in mind this high route along the Posette ridge should never be taken in bad weather – the ridge is known for lightning strikes. The well-marked trail from the L’Aiguillette des Posettes starts with has a knee-jarring descent and then eventually meandering through the forest to pop out on the main road winding up to the Col des Montets. From here you’ll begin the 3 hours climb up to 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 metalware built into the rock. It’s the most exciting physical aspect of the entire Tour du Mont Blanc – teenagers will love it! If you'd rather avoid the ladders you can hike from Tre-le-Champ up to Col des Montets and from there take the trail up to Tete Aux Vents. Whichever ascent route you have taken, the trail will bring 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, passing by Lac des Cheserys, to reach stunning Lac Blanc (2,352m). Lac Blanc has legendary status on the Tour du Mont Blanc for its fantastic views and mountain reflection in the still water. Make sure to have your camera at the ready!
12.3km / 1150m up / 1025m down / 4-5 hours trekking -
Day 3:
Refuge Lac Blanc – Les Houches
Today is a long day but there are exit options at 1h 15 (La Flégère) or 3hr (Plan Praz) via gondola back down to the valley. If you decide to continue all the way to Les Houches you have the option of taking the Le Brévent cable car from Plan Praz to the top of Le Brévent, which reduces the day's elevation gain by 500m and 2.8km. From 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. Take in the extraordinarily spectacular views to your left of the Mont Blanc massif with its gloriously jagged peaks, famous snowcapped dome and glacial tongues of ice. From Plan Praz you have an option to exit the trek here by descending direct to Chamonix town via the gondola. It will have been around 3 hours from leaving Lac Blanc. From Plan Praz you have the option of taking the Le Brévent cable car from Plan Praz to the top of Le Brévent, which reduces the day's elevation gain by 500m and 2.8km. 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, and then all the way down to Les Houches and back to Chamonix by local train or bus to your hotel.
19km / 730m up / 2183m down / 5-6 hours trekking
Are you ready?
Our adventures are attributed a difficulty level from A to E. This Tour du Mont Blanc 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?
View a trip in this difficultyLevel 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?
View a trip in this difficultyLevel 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?
View a trip in this difficultyLevel 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?
View a trip in this difficultyMags: Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights
Experience the best of the Tour du Mont Blanc trails, trekking through France, Italy and Switzerland in just 4 days, for those that are looking for a shorter trip. Jam-packed with some of the best bits of the whole Tour du Mont Blanc, this trip has been designed in order to have an incredible trekking experience.
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July - September
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Level A
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€890.00
Snowshoeing Introduction – Chamonix
Introducing keen hikers to the world of winter snowshoeing. This is a great way of experiencing backcountry snowy landscapes whilst trekking with snowshoes on your feet. If you're a hiking lover and need your fix in winter, this is the trip for you!
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January - March
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Level A
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€
Chamonix: Splitboarding Intro
Introducing keen and competent off-piste snowboarders to the world of backcountry splitboarding. This is great preparation for our backcountry splitboarding trips and an essential confidence builder for those with no previous backcountry splitboarding experience.
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January - March
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Level A
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€1150.00
Mags: Tour Du Mont Blanc Guided 11 Day
This full 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 seven valleys that surround western Europe’s highest mountain.
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July - September
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Level B
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€2250.00
Monte Rosa Spaghetti Tour
This trip is based out of Zermatt in Switzerland and is aimed at climbing a variety of 4000m peaks in the Monte Rosa range whilst developing your mountaineering experience. Learn new alpine skills or refresh old techniques and climb some epic peaks in a stunningly beautiful location. What’s not to like?
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July - August
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Level B
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€2990.00
Toubkal Markwick
Enjoy a cultural rollercoaster ride from the bustling streets of Marrakech to the wild and quiet Atlas Mountains in just 7 days. Climbing Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa at 4167m, is a challenge and not to be underestimated but it is not a technical mountain to climb. The combination of mountain, culture and luxury on this trip is what makes it so special.
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All year
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Level B
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€5750.00
Mags: Haute Route Trek Guided 11 Days
The Haute Route trek is one of the world’s great multi-day treks. The route links two world famous alpine mountains, Mont Blanc in France and the Matterhorn in Switzerland.
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July - September
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Level C
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€3250.00
Italy, Gran Paradiso Splitboard Tour
Splitboard Gran Paradiso (4061m), the highest peak entirely in Italy, and tick off your first 4000m backcountry splitboard descent. That's right, there's a whole lot of downhill for all that uphill effort!
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March - April
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Level C
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€1850.00
Haute Route Trek Guided 11 Days
The Haute Route trek is one of the world’s great multi-day treks. The route links two world famous alpine mountains, Mont Blanc in France and the Matterhorn in Switzerland.
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July - September
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Level C
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€3250.00
Swiss, Bernese Oberland Ski Tour
The Bernese Oberland ski tour is a stunning link up of high altitude mountain huts and peaks in the wild Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps. The ski terrain in this region is suited for those with previous ski touring experience, who are looking to progress to the next level and discover some high altitude peaks and glaciers. You can expect long ski tour days, comfortable huts and big ski descents.
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March
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Level D
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€1950.00
Mera Peak
Mera Peak at 6476m is the highest trekking peak in Nepal. At this altitude the oxygen content of air is less than half of what it is at sea level. It is located in the Himalayan mountain range in Nepal, a little east of the main Khumbu valley on a much quieter trail. Book this trip and receive a free sleeping bag and duffle bag for your adventure.
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Spring & Autumn
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Level D
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€4350.00
Matterhorn
The Matterhorn is probably the most iconic peak out there in the mountains. Rising behind the charming town of Zermatt on the Swiss / Italian border this is a highly sought after summit for mountaineers and adventurers alike. Daring, dramatic and intimidating, this is one of our favourite mountains to guide.
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July - August
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Level D
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€4150.00
Eiger
The Eiger is one of the most sought after summits in the Alps and a formidable challenge for any keen mountaineer. Located in the Bernese Alps in Switzerland, this is a major Alpine classic steeped in historic tales of heroic climbing. On this trip we climb via the Mittellegi ridge. Got what it takes?
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July - August
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Level E
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€4450.00
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.
Deposit/Book Now