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 €450
Adventure Snapshot
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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 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 €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
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:
Montroc Train Station - Refuge du Col de Balme
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 2.5 – 3.5 hours. During peak summer months there is also a cable car from the village of Le Tour at the end of the Chamonix Valley and then a chair lift that can take you just ten or fifteen minutes walk from Refuge Col de Balme. This is perfect if you are arriving late afternoon. Note: In 2024 you will now need to pay to park at the car park at Le Tour
Refuge Col de Balme, famous for it’s bright red shutters, is perched on the French – Swiss border at an altitude of 2191m. It’s actually on the Swiss side. This refuge is one of the oldest on the TMB trail and Henri, the owner, is a wonderfully welcoming character. Hiking up from 1470m it’s all uphill with 721m of elevation to climb. Don’t leave setting off too late – dinner is at 18h plus take extra time to soak in the view – from the refuge you’ll have a birds eye view of the entire Chamonix Valley framed by the picture postcard Mont Blanc Massif.
Approximate time and distances:
4.5km / 750m up / 0 down / 2.5-3.5 hours trekking
2.7m / 2460ft up / 0ft down / 2.5-3.5 hours trekking -
Day 2:
Refuge du Col de Balme - Refuge Lac Blanc
From Refuge 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 has a knee jarring descent from the L’Aiguillette des Posettes eventually meandering through the forest to pop out on the main road winding up to the busy Col des Montets road. 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 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.
Approximate time and distances:
12.3km / 1150m up / 1025m down / 4-5 hours trekking
7.6m / 3772ft up / 3362ft 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. Our itinerary includes taking the Le Brévent cable car from Plan Praz which makes this days hike time around 7-8hrs. Without the Le Brévent cable car the entire trail would take almost 10 hours. If you want to add an extra day to make this day shorter, it’s possible to stay in the small Bellachat refuge half way down from Le Brévent to Les Houches. Note: Bellachat refuge does not have a shower.
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 Plan Praz you have an option to exit the trek here by descending direct to Chamonix town via the gondola. At this point you will have been hiking for approximately 3-4 hours from leaving Lac Blanc.
Our itinerary fast tracks to the top of Le Brévent via cable car which effectively lops two hours off the trail time as it cuts out the Col du Brévent. 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. It’s a good place to get a refreshing drink and gaze in awe at the highest mountain in Western Europe.
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:
19km / 730m up / 2183m down / 5-6 hours trekking
11m / 2395ft up / 7162ft down / 5-6 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
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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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