Treks
Tour Du Mont Blanc Trek
This 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 seven valleys that surround western Europe’s highest mountain.
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Duration
7 Days
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Start Location
Chamonix, France
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Date(s)
July - September
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Price
From €1550.00
Adventure Snapshot
VIEW GALLERY
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+ 17
TREK THROUGH SWITZERLAND, ITALY & FRANCE
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. The trek offers an unusual variety of spectacular scenery and varied walks and you are sure to come away from this week refreshed and invigorated, if a little creaky at the joints.
The route crosses three borders (France, Italy and Switzerland), climbs over six passes, traverses beneath huge glaciers, and meanders 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.
Throughout the trek we are rewarded with splendid views of some of the Alps most beautiful peaks; Mont Blanc (4810m), Aiguille Verte (4122m), Les Drus, Grand Jorasses and many more. The full route is 166km's long with over 10,000m of ascent and descent but don't expect to cover all of that off. The itinerary has been created to show you the best of the route meaning there are a few transfers involved. Consider this route the extended highlights of the trip.
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 Highlights trip over 4 nights:
Take our Tour du Mont Blanc Trek 'Readiness' test
Tour du Mont Blanc Trek Highlights
YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
WHO IS THIS FOR?
The Tour du Mont Blanc Trek is well suited to fit hillwalkers, capable of trekking for 7 days in a row carrying a light (5-8kg) rucksack. We follow footpaths each day and the terrain is hilly and can be uneven. We stay in a mixture of mountain refuges, hotels, and auberges 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 join us on our Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights trip over 4 nights: Take our Tour du Mont Blanc Trek 'Readiness' test Tour du Mont Blanc Trek Highlights
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Duration
7 Days
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Start Location
Chamonix, France
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Date(s)
July - September
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Guide Ratio
1:10
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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 €1550.00
Adventure Overview
LIVE THE ADVENTURE
Tour du Mont Blanc Trek in 30 Seconds
00:27A snapshot of what to expect when you tackle this awesome trek.
The Tour du Mont Blanc Trek
10:48Olly & Charlie document their trip as they tackle the Tour du Mont Blanc Trek.
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
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
Trekking Poles
Foldable poles are best
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 / Drivers license, Visa, Insurance, Yellow Fever Card (if applicable)
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 route was stunning and the guides were great. Logistics were really seamless which makes a huge difference. All this contributes to a stunning experience for the participants."
We've had a great trip. Thank you for all your help organising.
Just wanted to say we had a fabulous trip and thanks you for organising it! We'll be back for another trek next summer.
FINER DETAILS
YOUR ADVENTURE PACKAGE
On arrival day you meet with your guides and fellow trekkers at the accommodation for a welcome dinner and briefing in the evening. Here you will have an opportunity to ask any last minute questions as well as share your pre trip excitement with your group.
What's Included?
- 7 Nights accommodation
- 7 Days guiding
- Half Board on the trek
- Fully qualified local guide
What's not Included?
- Airport transfers
- Luggage transfers
- Equipment rental
- Travel insurance
- Drinks, snacks and lunches
This Trip is running on the following dates
august 2023
1 Dateseptember 2023
1 Datejuly 2024
1 Dateaugust 2024
1 Dateseptember 2024
1 DateWHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE ACCOMMODATION
We know the importance of having comfortable accommodation on this trip. After long days trekking it's vital to have a comfortable bed and good food to enjoy. We've handpicked hotels and other mountain accommodation along the way that we're sure you're going to love.
VIEW GALLERY
IN THE VALLEYS
We stay in a mixture of mountain refuges, hotels, and auberges during the trek, which all provide basic but comfortable lodging and food.
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Duration
6
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Internet
Wifi included
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Beds
Twin rooms / Dormitory
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Food
Half board
Rifugio Bonatti
We normally have 1 night in a mountain hut which is beautifully off the grid for some much needed switch off time. This will usually be the Rifugio Bonatti, which is one of the nicest mountain huts in the Alps, serves great Italian food, along with a beautiful view of the sun setting behind Mont Blanc.
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Duration
1
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Internet
Not included
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Beds
Dormitory
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Food
Half board
WHAT TO EXPECT
HERE'S YOUR ITINERARY
While we try and stick to the tried and tested itinerary below, the mountain and the weather sometimes has other ideas. We will always remain as flexible as possible, which is why we only work with experienced and knowledgeable guides, to make sure we can change any plans if required. This is a proposed itinerary and where you stay is subject to change based on how far in advance you book your trip. There is limited availability on this trek so we highly recommend booking in advance. See the full itinerary here.
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Day 1:
Arrival in Chamonix
There are no plans on the arrival day other than getting to Chamonix, France and checking in to the accommodation we've provided. You will meet with your guide and Adventure Base representative in the morning over breakfast where you will have an opportunity to ask any last minute questions as well as share your pre trip excitement with your group. If you do arrive early and need more equipment, Chamonix has a huge number of outdoor shops with a large choice of kit, so it’s a great place to top up your supplies. Overnight in a centrally located hotel.
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Day 2:
Les Houches to Les Contamines
We start by taking a short train ride to Les Houches, followed by a cable car ride on the Bellevue lift. We then cross the spectacular suspension bridge at the foot of the Bionnassay glacier, and we have several route choices to get us to Les Contamines – we usually go over the Col de Tricot to make sure we stop at the Chalet de Miages for a coffee, looking up at the Dome de Miages, but if the weather is bad we can take a lower, easier route. Tonight we stay in a comfortable family-run hotel in Les Contamines.
11km / 850m up / 1400m down / 6 hours trekking -
Day 3:
Les Contamines to Les Chapieux
We start the day 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. We then we 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. We then have a fairly steep walk down to the remote commune of Les Chapieux where we briefly lose phone signal. Overnight in a cosy Auberge.
18km 1350m up / 950m down / 7-8 hours trekking -
Day 4:
Les Chapieux to Courmayeur
We walk up the road for an hour to reach the Refuge des Mottets, from where we start the climb up to the Col de la Seigne (2516m). From here the scenery really changes – you’ve reached Italy! We 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 us to La Visaille, where we 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 5:
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, we 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. We 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 19km / 1500m up / 750m down / 7 hours trekking -
Day 6:
Rifugio Bonatti to La Fouly
Today we trek over the Grand Col Ferret (one of the highest cols on the trip at 2530m). We 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 we cross over into Switzerland, where the scenery changes yet again. We continue to La Fouly, an alpine village with traditional Swiss “chocolate box” chalets. Here we take a short transfer to the beautiful alpine resort of Champex, where we overnight in a cosy auberge.
17km / 1130m up / 1450m down / 6 - 7 hours trekking -
Day 7:
Champex to Trient
Today if we’re feeling fit and the weather is good we will take the Fenêtre d’Arpette route, the highest col on the TMB. If we want to be a little more relaxed, we can take the route via Bovine to the Col de la Forclaz. Both routes offer spectacular scenery. From the Col de la Forclaz we descend to the picture perfect sleepy Swiss village of Trient for the night and overnight in a nice family-run auberge.
14km / 1200m up / 1650m down / 7 hours trekking -
Day 8:
Trient to Chamonix
We leave Trient early and hike over the Col de Balme back into France. It's a lovely winding trail that leads us back to the sunny side and we are greeted by the panoramic views of Mont Blanc. From here we descend to Le Tour and transfer back to Chamonix to end the trip around 13:00. From here you can either transfer to Geneva for an evening flight or continue your visit by staying on in Chamonix. Let us know and we can help you planning.
15km / 1100m up / 1300m down / 7 hours trekking
Frequently asked questions about this adventure
What Insurance Do I Need?
Let’s face it, these types of trips don’t come risk free. We’re putting ourselves in amazing environments Read more
Let’s face it, these types of trips don’t come risk free. We’re putting ourselves in amazing environments but also environments that carry an element of risk with them. In order to protect yourself adequately you will need a specialist travel insurance that caters for the types of activities you will be undertaking. It is a condition of our agreement that you are covered by adequate travel insurance for your arrangements. Click here to understand which one is for you.
What are the guides like?
Our guides are all fully qualified, certified International Mountain Leaders. They are super friendly and knowledgeable and know the route Read more
Our guides are all fully qualified, certified International Mountain Leaders. They are super friendly and knowledgeable and know the route like the back of their hands.
What kind of fitness level do I need?
Will I definitely make it from beginning to end?
In short, no. Whilst we will always strive to get you along the trek safely, sometimes the weather or other Read more
In short, no. Whilst we will always strive to get you along the trek safely, sometimes the weather or other factors like your personal fitness will prevent you from completing the trek. The lead guide will always conduct a meeting with the clients and other guides each evening to check how everyone is doing and to field any questions or concerns. All decisions will have client wellbeing as a top priority. But in 99 out of 100 cases you’ll make it! We will always provide vehicle support if necessary.
What will we do if the weather is bad?
This depends on a few factors and how bad the weather is. We’ll always aim to continue the trek Read more
This depends on a few factors and how bad the weather is. We’ll always aim to continue the trek even if it’s raining/snowing as long as it is safe to do so. The weather in Summer is generally very reliable with clear skies and dry conditions following the monsoons. If the weather is truly terrible for a day or two we will rest in the lodge until it passes or use our vehicle to move you along to the next stop.
What type of boots do I need for the trek?
You will need comfortable, durable trekking boots. Something like the Salomon X Ultra Mid 2 Gore-Tex boot. Gore-tex will ensure your Read more
You will need comfortable, durable trekking boots. Something like the Salomon X Ultra Mid 2 Gore-Tex boot. Gore-tex will ensure your feet stay dry and warm. Trail shoes are also OK, although make sure they fit well and are durable.
MEET THE GUIDES
Ben
Mountain Leader
Ben is a fully qualified British UIMLA International Mountain Leader with Swiss and French equivalence and he is also a fully-qualified Swiss Brevet Fédéral Ski Instructor and an ISIA card holder and an accomplished outdoor educator and a qualified Outdoor Education and Geography teacher. He has been based in the Alps for a long time and has extensive knowledge on a whole variety of treks and adventures. Ben brings a whole bunch of experience to our guiding team, having worked as an Expedition Leader in challenging environments around the world in countries such as Borneo, Mongolia, Morocco and Costa Rica and at home in the European Alps, responsible for the safety and success of expeditions for many years. His passion for the mountains is infectious and he loves sharing a summit photo or long-distance trek with our community.
Emily
Mountain Leader
Emily is a British UIMLA International Mountain Leader/Guide and works as one of our lead trekking guides. She has a strong teaching background with Geography being her speciality which combined with her passion for adventures in the outdoors makes her a highly enjoyable person to spend time with on our trips. She fills our trips with positive energy alongside her vast experience and super skillset of navigating the alpine trails she knows so well. She's one of our most experienced guides and is based full time in the Chamonix valley and also a fluent French speaker. She is a passionate runner and has taken on some mega challenging races such as the Marathon du Mont Blanc and the CCC ultra marathon du Mont Blanc. We're sure you'll have a great time on one of Emily's trips.
Alistair
Mountain Leader
As well as being a fully qualified UIMLA International Mountain Leader/Guide, Alistair is also a qualified Wilderness Medical First Responder (WEMSI), and spent 15 years working as a ski instructor. His passion for the outdoors has made him realise we all have a personal responsibility to lessen our impact on the planet. He eats a plant-based diet, has not owned a car for over 7 years and has gone from a career of travelling the world incessantly to staying in one place and connecting with nature that can be accessed from his home in the Alps. Alistair brings a well of life experience to our trips and is a joy to share the trails with. He believes it is his duty to share his passion for the mountains and a simple life and to encourage people to reconnect with nature and all that this brings in the way of health benefits both mentally and physically - working as a hiking guide provides a perfect outlet for this.
Becki
Mountain Leader
Becki is a British fully qualified UIMLA International Mountain Leader/Guide and works as one of our lead trekking guides. She is highly experienced and super fun to trek with. Alongside here UIMLA leadership she is also a BASI ski instructor and an experienced international mountain leader having led groups on expeditions China, Bolivia, Morocco, Ecuador, Costa Rica and more. She has a passion for trail running and has also undertaken some incredibly challenging races. She's extremely modest about her achievements so you will have to bug her on one of our trips for all the stories. Her energy is infectious and alongside her attention to detail and well thought out guiding approach she always finds ways of bringing everyone together to create memorable experiences.
Are you ready?
Our adventures are attributed a difficulty level from A to E. This Tour Du Mont Blanc Trek 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?
Self Guided 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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€1550.00
Self Guided 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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€1550.00
Self Guided Tour du Mont Blanc Family 4.5 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 4.5 day self-guided version is specifically designed for families with shorter hiking days to cater for younger kids.
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June - September
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Level A
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€1550.00
Gokyo Lakes & EBC Trek
Our Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp Trek is a must do for anyone looking to get the most bang for their Himalayan buck. Getting to Everest Base Camp at 5,364m is an amazing achievement in itself but to then head over the Cho La Pass 5,420m to see the beauty of Gokyo Lakes is a whole other experience.
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Spring & Autumn
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Level B
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€1550.00
Everest Base Camp Trek
An absolute ‘must do’ adventure, following in the footsteps of all the legendary climbers heading to the base of the highest mountain in the world, Everest Base Camp is a memorable, rewarding and impressive experience for any outdoor enthusiast. Add it to your bucket list!
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Spring & Autumn
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Level B
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€1550.00
Self Guided 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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June - September
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Level B
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€1550.00
Self Guided 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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€1550.00
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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€1550.00
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.
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Spring & Autumn
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Level D
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€1550.00
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.
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Spring & Autumn
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Level D
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€1550.00
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 of 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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€1550.00
READY TO GO ON A TREK OF A LIFETIME?
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