Self Guided Treks: Tour du Mont Blanc
Self Guided Treks: Tour du Mont Blanc
Tour du Mont Blanc 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 €1102
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 €1102
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
We had a spectacular trip - and Adventure Base was a big reason why. The staff was proactive before the trip, providing advice on packing and IMPORTANTLY on weather and proper equipment (ie micro-spikes and poles) to make us safe and comfortable. All the staff were knowledgeable and responsive to all our many questions during the Tour. It was like having a personal guide OFF the mountain - a prefect solution as we wanted to hike on our own but wanted expert advice. thank you!
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.
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.
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
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 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
- Virtual briefing 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
Whilst you will try and stick to the tried and tested itinerary below, availability in some of the locations may not always be available. In this instance we will provide a suitable alternative and make sure you're aware of any changes.
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Day 1:
Les Houches to Refuge de la Balme
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. Once down in Les Contamines you continue towards Notre Dam de la Gorge and up past Refuge Nant Borrant to Refuge de la Balme for the night.
18.9km / 1222m up / 1320m down / 5-6 hours trekking -
Day 2:
Refuge de la Balme - Rifugio Elisabetta / Cabane Combal
Today starts with a 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. Continue up the valley to Ville des Glaciers (by shuttle bus or by walk) and up and over the Col de la Seigne to Rifugio Elisabetta or Cabane Combal for the night.
18km 1350m up / 950m down / 7-8 hours trekking -
Day 3:
Rifugio Elisabetta / Cabane Combal - Rifugio Bertone
Today if you're feeling like a shorter day you can follow the road to La Visaille, where you take a bus down to the traditional Italian town of Courmayeur. If not, follow the TMB up and over the Courmayeur ski area and down through Plan Checkout into Courmayeur. Stop for a bite to eat and a stroll around the beautiful old town before making the final climb up to Rifugio Bertone for the night.
20.6km / 1350m up / 1552m down / 6-7 hours trekking -
Day 4:
Rifugio Bertone - Gite Alpage de la Peule
The trek starts with a beautiful panoramic trail facing the south side of the Mont Blanc Massif along the Val Ferret down to Rifugio Bonatti for a late morning coffee. From here it's down to the valley briefly before heading up and 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. Descent a short while to get to Gite Alpage de la Peule for the night.
20.9km / 1193m up / 1095m down / 6-7 hours trekking -
Day 5:
Gite Alpage de la Peule - Champex
Start the day by continuing down the valley to La Fouly, an alpine village with traditional Swiss “chocolate box” chalets. Here you meander through villages and farm fields until you make the final climb up to Champex-le-lac. It's well worth leaving early today in order to spend some time at the lake, known as 'Little Canada' because of its sheer beauty and sereneness. If you're feeling like a break today there is a bus service from La Fouly to Champex.
22.7km / 743m up / 1187m down / 5-6 hours trekking -
Day 6:
Champex - Tre le Champ
Today is a long day linking Champex and the Trient valley via the Bovine route followed by a final climb up to the Refuge Col de Balme and down into France to the small hamlet of Tre le Champ. The Fenetre d'Arpette route is nothing short of astounding but most only be undertaken in good weather and with no snow on the trails. If not suitable, we will provide you with details of how to make your way along the beautiful trail via the Alpage Bovine instead. You'll then continue onwards down to Trient. Then it is time for the last climb up the Col de Balme with no doubt tired legs, but you’ll soon see the 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. Pop in for a an afternoon slice of cake before making your final descent to Tre le Champ. During high season the chair lift Autannes and cable car Charamillon can save tired legs and bring you down to Le Tour.
22km / 1981m up / 2228m down / 7 - 8 hours trekking -
Day 7:
Tre le Champ - Les Houches
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 super 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. It’s a steady 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. Continue along the Grand Balcon Nord to Plan Praz taking in beautiful views of the Aiguilles de Chamonix and Mont Blanc. Head up to Brevent either by cable car or on foot and then decide whether you have enough time and energy to do the long descent down to Les Houches.
25km / 1801m up / 2187m down / 8 - 9 hours trekking
Are you ready?
Our adventures are attributed a difficulty level from A to E. This Tour du Mont Blanc 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
- Shorter time duration
- No technical skills required but keen to learn
- 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, 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
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?
Mags: 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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€995.00
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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€995.00
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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June - September
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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 Ski X The Altitude Centre
The Haute Route ski tour has deservedly earned its reputation for being one of the world's great ski adventures. We've teamed up with the guys at The Altitude Centre to help you prepare for an epic 6 day journey crossing spectacular glaciated terrain from Chamonix to Zermatt.
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March - April
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Level C
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€2250.00
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 - 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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€4250.00
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
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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€4299.00
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