Adventures
Tom Fleck: Tour du Mont Blanc 5 Day
Self guided Tour du Mont Blanc Chamonix Highlights over 5 days. Based in Chamonix visiting the famous trails of the Tour du Mont Blanc overlooking Mont Blanc.
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Duration
4 Nights, 5 Days
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Start Location
Champex
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Date(s)
3rd - 7th of Sept
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Price
From €1075
Adventure Snapshot
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SWITZERLAND & FRANCE / 3 NIGHTS / 4 DAYS
This 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.
Not sure whether you're ready? No problem. Take our Tour du Mont Blanc Trek 'Readiness' test:
Take our Tour du Mont Blanc Trek 'Readiness' test
Tour du Mont Blanc Trek Full Trip
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 midsized rucksack. We follow footpaths each day and the terrain is very hilly so expect big climbs and descents each day. We stay in a mixture of mountain refuges and local hotels during the trek, which all provide basic but comfortable lodging and good food. This helps keep our packs light carrying only snacks, clothing and essentials.
You must be 16 or over to take part on this trip as long as you are accompanied by an adult. If you have a group with children younger than 16 we can put together a bespoke private trip for you. Please get in touch to learn how. Not sure whether you're ready? No problem. Take our Tour du Mont Blanc Trek 'Readiness' test or drop us a note and we'll talk it through with you: Take our Tour du Mont Blanc Trek 'Readiness' test
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Duration
4 Nights, 5 Days
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Start Location
Champex
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Date(s)
3rd - 7th of Sept
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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 €1075
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
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 PACKAGEÂ
The trek begins in the Italian town of Courmayeur. Typically people will arrive the night before and overnight either in Courmayeur or in Chamonix, France and take bus to Courmayeur the morning to start the hike. If you would like us to book your accommodation for the first night please ask.
What's Included?
- 4 Nights accommodation
- 4 Breakfasts
- 4 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
- Transfers to and from GVA
What's not Included?
- Flights
- 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)
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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
4 Nights
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Internet
Not included
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Beds
Shared arrangements
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Food
4 Breakfasts + 4 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: Champex
End point: Chamonix
Length: 5 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 0:
Arrival Day
Today you stay in comfortable accommodation in the stunning Champex, Switzerland
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Day 1:
Champex - Trient
You have two options to cross over to Trient today. One is the Fenêtre d’Arpette route, which is steeper and more challenging and can only be done in fair weather, and the second is the Bovine to the Col de la Forclaz which is less steep and cuts around the mountain with amazing views out over the Valais. Both routes offer spectacular scenery. Either way you will end up in Trient, a cute village of no more than a handful of houses, and a lovely family run Auberge to stay for the night.
14km / 1200m up / 1650m down / 7 hours trekking -
Day 2:
Trient - La Boerne
You will leave Trient early and hike over the Col de Balme back into France. It is a fairly steep climb that will be mostly in the shade early on, and it leads us back to the sunny side and we are greeted by the panoramic views of Mont Blanc. From here you descend to Le Boerne where you rest up for the night.
13.9km / 1151m up / 1024m down / 4-5hrs hours trekking -
Day 3:
La Boerne - Refuge de la Flegere
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. You the descend a little further before you reach your destination for the night.
8.2km / 1000m up / 500m down / 3-4 hours trekking -
Day 4:
Refuge de la Flegere - Les Houches
Today you 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. 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.
18km / 800m up / 1790m down / 4-5 hours trekking
Are you ready?
Our adventures are attributed a difficulty level from A to E. This Tom Fleck: Tour du Mont Blanc 5 Day 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?
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
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
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
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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€
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