GR5 Alps Crossing Tour by Utracks

9 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

14 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Challenging

Demands good physical fitness and stamina for more intense or extended activities.

Starts

Briançon, France

Ends

Les Contamines-Montjoie, France

Highlights

Traversing the high alps from Mont Blanc to Briancon in the heart of the southern Alps

Appreciating the sweeping views from high mountain passes

Enjoying the camaraderie of a group of like minded walkers

Staying in mountain refuges and small hotels typical of the region

Itinerary

Cross the southern French Alps on foot with the GR5 Alps Crossing, a 9-day guided trekking adventure from Briançon to Les Contamines-Montjoie. Perfect for experienced travelers and seniors with a moderate activity level, this small group tour showcases the grandeur of Mont Blanc, Beaufortain, Vanoise, Thabor, and the hidden 'Vallée Étroite.'

Stay in a blend of cozy hotels and traditional mountain huts, carrying just your day pack as your main luggage is transferred for you. The journey’s unique selling point is its access to both iconic and lesser-known alpine regions, providing a deep dive into mountain culture and spectacular landscapes with expert guidance.

day 1 - Arrive in Briancon

Make your way to Briancon and the hotel. An arrival briefing will be held in the early evening with your guide. The group will likely head out for an optional dinner together (not included).

day 2 - Transfer to the Claree river region, ascend the Aiguilles Rouge peak (2545m) and descend to the Etroite Valley (5hrs)

We will firstly take a transfer (45mins)to the Clarée river region, or Nevache, a splendid, remote part of the Alps then climb to the Thures plateau (2100m) and onwards to the Aiguilles Rouge Peak (2545m) with amazing views of Ecrins National Park, Vanoise and Mont Blanc. Descend to the Vallée Etroite, stay in a multishare hut with dinner included.

Distance 12km/7.5mi, +680m/1900ft, -870m/2850ft

Meals:Breakfast and Dinner

day 3 - Cross the Etroite pass (2434m) and enter the Savoie region (5hrs)

In the morning you will cross the Haute Maurienne border at the “Vallée Etroite” pass (2434 m) and leave the Hautes Alpes county to join Savoie area. Distance 16km/9.9mi +670m/2200, -860m/2820ft

Meals:Breakfast and Dinner

day 4 - Road transfer, walk in the Vanoise National Park and overnight in hut (4hrs)

After a 1 hour transfer to Bellecombe car park, you will enter the Vanoise National park, the first national park created in the French Alps. You will get spectacular views of the Vanoise glaciers and the south face of La Grande casse (3855 m) and stay in the La Leisse (2487m) with delicious food for the night (shared accommodation).

Please note that luggage is not delivered to tonight's accommodation - you must pack your overnight gear in your daypack.

Distance 12km/7.5mi, +470m/1540ft, -330m/920ft

Meals:Breakfast and Dinner

day 5 - Sweeping alpine views as you ascend to the foot of the Grande Casse mountain (6.5hrs)

This stage will offer probably the most dramatic views and best alpine ambiance of the whole trip. You will leave the hut this morning and walk at the foot of the huge “Grande Casse” mountain. After some time you enter the Vanoise National Park where we hope to spot some wildlife such as the Alpine ibex and marmots . Descend to the ski resort of Tignes for your overnight hotel.

Distance 18km/11mi, +650m/2130ft -1080m/3540ft,

Meals:Breakfast

day 6 - Ascend the Palet Pass (2653m) and walk to Peisey Nancroix (6hrs)

From Tignes this morning we hike to the Palet pass (2653 m). (The road here is classified as one of the worlds most dangerous roads due to its steepness in sections). We will then follow the long and captivating valley of Plan des Eaux where you will walk at the foot of the “Dome de la Sache” and the giant “Mont Pourri”. Overnight at your hotel in Peisey Nancroix.

Distance 20km/12.5mi, +600m/1970ft, -1380m/4500ft

Meals:Breakfast

day 7 - To Roseland Lake via the Bresson Pass (2469) with overnight stay in a mountain hut.

Transfer from your hotel to the village of Valezan. From there you will walk along the valley of Ormettes to begin your climb up to the Bresson pass (2469 m), this is at the foot of a huge iconic rocky mountain called the “Pierra Menta”. You will then follow a balcony pass above Roseland Lake where you will stay in a gite or hut in shared accommodation for the night. Distance 22km/13.6mi +1670m/5500ft, -890m/2900ft

Meals:Breakfast and Dinner

day 8 - Walk via the Croix du Bonhomme pass (2510m) on the TMB trail to Saint Gervais les Bains (5.5hrs)

For your last day, you will will discover the incredible mountain trail along Gittes Ridge which was set up by the Alpine troops at the beginning of last century. Following this, walk up to Croix du Bonhomme pass (2510m) on the classic TMB trail. Complete your hike with a descent to Notre Dame de la Gorge and transfer to your hotel in Saint Gervais les Bains. Distance 16km/9.9mi +780m/2560ft, -1370m/4500ftS

Meals:Breakfast

day 9 - Trip concludes

The trip concludes after breakfast. From the Saint Gervais Le Fayet it’s possible to get to Geneva airport with a regular shuttle service. We can assist with an airport transfer if required.

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

Meals

8 breakfasts, 4 dinners – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. Dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses which include regional specialties.

Guide

Qualified mountain guide

Others

5 nights in comfortable hotels on a twin or triple share basis usually with ensuite, 3 nights in gites/refuges multishare dorms with shared facilitiesLuggage transfer (except day 4)Internal transfers as described in itinerary

What's Excluded

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Emmanuel

Smooth, Scenic, and Superbly Organized I joined a 6-Day Marangu Route hike with Kilisa Tours, and the whole experience was seamless. The accommodations in the mountain huts were cozy, and the support staff made sure we were always comfortable. Our guide shared fascinating stories about the mountain s history and wildlife. Everything ran perfectly on schedule, and the company s attention to detail was impressive. I ve done many treks before, but Kilisa Tours stands out for their genuine care and world-class service. Couldn t have asked for more!

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