Treks
Tour du Mont Blanc in 7 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 7 day self-guided version specifically tailors to those looking to do the route within a week of holiday.
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Duration
6 Nights, 7 Days
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Start Location
Les Houches, Chamonix
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Date(s)
June - September
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Price
From €942.00
Adventure Snapshot
ITALY, SWITZERLAND & FRANCE / 6 NIGHTS / 7 DAYS
This 6 night / 7 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 7 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 7 day self-guided version specifically tailors to those looking to do the route within a weeks holiday.
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
6 Nights, 7 Days
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Start Location
Les Houches, Chamonix
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Date(s)
June - September
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Guide Ratio
Self Guided
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Ability
Level BLevel 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 €942.00
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.
Rucksack
Mountaineering-specific 35-40L backpack
Trekking Poles
Foldable or telescopic poles are best
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.
Tech T-Shirts
Highly breathable, lightweight synthetic technical t-shirt.
Thermal Bottoms
Keep them light and thin.
Softshell Trousers
Stretch, durable mountaineering trousers.
Warm Hat
Ideally thin and single layered so it can fit under the helmet.
Sun Hat
Choose your hat of choice as long as it shields you from the sun.
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof pants
Side-leg zippers are helpful
Thermal socks
Good walking socks are required
Shorts
Good to have for approaches to the mountain huts especially in warmer temperatures
Fleece windproof gloves
Sunglasses
Sun cream
Factor 30-50 High Mountain sunscreen
Water bottles
You must be able to carry at least 2L of water in your backpack
Sleeping bag silk liner
You don’t need a sleeping bag itself, as blankets are provided in the huts
Trekking Towel
Head torch
Don't forget to pack spare batteries. They're essential
ID and documents
Passport / Driver's license, Visa, Insurance
Cash / credit card
For extra costs such as drinks and snacks
First aid kit
Blister kit, paracetamol, etc
Bandana / Buff
Earplugs
Highly recommended for the mountain huts
Insect Repellant
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?
- 6 Nights accommodation
- 6 Breakfasts
- 6 Dinners
- Planning and reservations
- Welcome meeting with an Adventure Base representative
- Welcome pack
- First aid kit
- A detailed itinerary
- 24/7 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. (A single room supplement is available where possible, please request this far in advance)
VIEW GALLERY
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+ 3
ON THE TREK
The majority of the accommodation on the trip will be in dormitories and / or small shared rooms. You can upgrade in some of the accommodation options if requested in advance and based on availability.
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Duration
6 Nights
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Internet
Not included
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Beds
Shared arrangements
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Food
6 Breakfasts + 6 Dinners
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: 7 days
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Day 1:
Les Houches to Les Contamines
Start by taking a short train ride to Les Houches, followed by a cable car ride on the Bellevue lift. You then cross the spectacular suspension bridge at the foot of the Bionnassay glacier, and we have several route choices to get to Les Contamines – we usually recommend to go over the Col de Tricot to stop at the Chalet de Miages for a coffee, looking up at the Dome de Miages, but if the weather is bad you can take the lower, easier route. Tonight you stay in a cosy auberge in Les Contamines.
11km / 850m up / 1400m down / 6 hours trekking -
Day 2:
Les Contamines to Les Chapieux
Set off by heading up the old Roman road to the pretty chapel at Notre Dame de la Gorge. From here it’s uphill, past the Chalet de Barme and up to the Col de Bonhomme (2328m) for a well-earned lunch stop. You then have a gentle climb up to the Col de la Croix de Bonhomme (2478m). There are magnificent views of the Vanoise mountains and Mont Pourri from here. You then have a fairly steep walk down to the remote commune of Les Chapieux where you will briefly lose phone signal. Overnight in a cosy Auberge.
18km 1350m up / 950m down / 7-8 hours trekking -
Day 3:
Les Chapieux to Courmayeur
Start the day with a warm up walk up the road for an hour to reach the Refuge des Mottets (there is also a shuttle bus available if you prefer), from where you start the climb up to the Col de la Seigne (2516m). From here the scenery really changes – you’ve reached Italy! You have fantastic views down into the Val Veny and over to the Val Ferret, and you start to see the other side of Mont Blanc and the other Chamonix giants. A descent past the Elisabetta hut (first Italian coffee of the trip!) takes you to La Visaille, where you take a bus down to the traditional Italian town of Courmayeur. Overnight in a family-run hotel.
20km / 870m up / 1015m down / 6 hours trekking -
Day 4:
Courmayeur to Rifugio Bonatti
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 spend tonight at the delightful Rifugio Bonatti hut, from where you can watch the beautiful sunset behind Mont Blanc.
19km / 1500m up / 750m down / 7 hours trekking -
Day 5:
Rifugio Bonatti - Champex
Today you trek over the Grand Col Ferret (one of the highest cols on the trip at 2530m). You are rewarded with stunning views of the Grandes Jorasses, the Grand Combin and the Mont Dolent (whose summit is the border of France, Switzerland and Italy). At the top of the col you cross over into Switzerland, where the scenery changes yet again. You continue to La Fouly, an alpine village with traditional Swiss “chocolate box” chalets. Here you take a short bus transfer to the beautiful alpine resort of Champex, where you overnight in a cosy auberge.
17km / 1130m up / 1450m down / 6 - 7 hours trekking -
Day 6:
Champex - Refuge Col de Balme
Today is a long day linking Champex and the Trient valley via the Col du Fenetre followed by a final climb up to the Refuge Col de Balme. The Col du Fenetre is the most technical terrain on the entire TMB and unlike the rest of the trek, the trail is not marked well and can be lost. The boulder field just before the Col requires a lot of attention and trekkers need to be mindful of loose screw and rocks that dislodge easily and can be fatal to trekkers below. Set off super early though and you’ll be in for a treat. The descent from the Col du Fenêtre is nothing short of astounding. Hairpin bends wind down the rocky descent with the incredible Trient Glacier trailing down beside the trail. This huge hunk of ice will mesmerise you during your descent and will surely be one of your unforgettable memories of this incredible trek. Once you reach the buvette you’ll cross the wooden bridge and start the uphill slog to Refuge Les Grands. The Tibetan style path carved out of the rock will leave you in awe. Stop at the refuge for a cold drink and press on high along hugging the mountain flank until eventually you’ll spot Trient far below and the Trient glacier disappears behind you. You’ll soon see your home for the night – Refuge Col du Balme with it’s iconic red shutters – a tiny dot on the Col du Balme saddle – another frontière marking the boundary between Switzerland and France.
23km / 1830m up / 920m down / 7 - 9 hours trekking -
Day 7:
Refuge Col de Balme - Lac Blanc - Chamonix
Hiking through the Aiguille Rouge National Park, you’ll have a good chance of seeing marmots, chamois or bouquetin. If you want to complete the entire Les Houches to Les Houches circuit though you’ll need to set off uber early today – it’s a challenging day ending with a knee crunching descent into Les Houches. It may be too much for some and if this is the case there’s the option to take the Plan Praz cable car down to Chamonix centre rather than pressing onto Les Houches. After descending to Tre le champ from the Refuge Col de Balme, it’s a 2 hours climb up to Lac Blanc from Tre le Champ for trekkers of good speed. The route climbs steadily 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. At the Tête aux Vents, a large cairn (2132m) which borders the national park you can choose to detour up to Lac Blanc or traverse along the trail to La Flégère. Lac Blanc (2,352m) has an almost mythical stature. The magic here happens when the day trippers leave late afternoon. If you have an extra day in your schedule it’s worth booking Refuge Lac Blanc and experiencing the incredible serene peace and quiet that descends each evening.
15km / 1150m up / 1500m down / 6 - 8 hours trekking
Are you ready?
Our adventures are attributed a difficulty level from A to E. This Tour du Mont Blanc in 7 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
- Usually less then a week in distance
- No technical skills required
- Basic level of fitness
More your level?
Level B
For those with some prior experience
- 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
- Moderate fitness
- Some basic skills
Think you've got this?
This trip is at this level
Level C
For accomplished adventurers
- You have a fair amount of experience climbing, hiking or skiing more technical terrain.
- You’re comfortable on sustained adventures and you call yourself a ‘hardened’ adventurer.
- You're not quite George Mallory but you subscribe to his 'because it there' attitude.
- Fit & Strong
More your level?
Level D
For the pros
- Ready to test those learnt skills on the next challenge
- Comfortable in most types of environments
- Very fit
- Some level of technical skills
More your level?
Level E
For the experts
- You’ve been on more adventures than you've had hot dinners and you've built up a crafty skill set to tackle most challenges out there.
- Good technical skills and knowledge
- Good experience
- Very fit
More your level?
North Wales Trekking Prep Course
Our short Trekking Introduction Course is a fun and friendly course to kickstart your trekking journey. This course is key to learning the skills you need to tackle multi day treks such as the Tour du Mont Blanc or Everest Base Camp. The course will be delivered by a fully qualified ML (Mountain Leader) who will guide you through all the skills and knowledge you need to feel comfortable on some of the world's most challenging treks.
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Spring and Autumn
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Level A
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€
Tour du Mont Blanc Eastern Route 4 Days
Experience the best of the Tour du Mont Blanc trails on this self guided trip. Starting in Italy, you make your way over to Switzerland and finally end up in France over 4 days trekking. The trip has been designed so that you only need to take 2 days off work in order to experience this world famous trek.
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June - September
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Level A
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€493.00
Tour du Mont Blanc Epic Mont Blanc 2.5 Days
Self guided Tour du Mont Blanc Chamonix Highlights over 2.5 days. Based in Chamonix visiting the famous trails of the Tour du Mont Blanc overlooking Mont Blanc.
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June - September
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Level A
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€365.00
Haute Route Trek 2 Days ‘Europa Weg’
This 2 day self-guided version covers the haute route trek from Grachen to Zermatt in Switzerland, via the famous 'Europa Weg'. Starting in Grachen and finishing in Zermatt, you trek via the Europa Weg with a night in the Europahutte. One of the highlights of this trek is crossing the The Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge at 494m long. The suspension bridge hangs at 85m above ground and is considered the longest bridge for pedestrian use in the Alps.
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July - September
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Level B
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€225.00
Haute Route Trek 6 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. Enjoy this 6 day version of the trek from Arolla to Zermatt.
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July - September
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Level B
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€1335.00
Haute Route Trek 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 B
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€1980.00
Tour du Mont Blanc Turbo 4 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 of the full route is for expert trekkers only with a high level of fitness.
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June - September
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Level C
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€630.00
Mera Peak: Robert Markwick
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.
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4th -19th April 2023
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Level D
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€
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 - April
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Level D
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€1850.00
Island Peak
Island Peak at 6,189m is considered one of the world's best adventures for any mountain lovers out there. Part trek, part mountaineering, this is a trip for those looking to add a little more adrenalin to the Everest Base Camp Trek. 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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€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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June - September
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Level E
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€4150.00
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.
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