Mont Blanc Self Guided Hike Tour with 4 Reviews by Utracks

8 daysDuration

Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining

4 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

Chamonix, France

Ends

Chamonix, France

Highlights

Trek through stunning alpine scenery around the highest peak in Western Europe

Experience the exhilaration of trekking through three countries in the European Alps

Enjoying the culinary specialties such as Raclette

Participating in the camaraderie on the trail and at night in the refuges

Itinerary

Discover the highlights of the Mont Blanc region on this self guided walk through France, Switzerland and Italy. A trek around the highest peak in the European Alps where spectacular alpine scenery combines with the charm of French, Swiss and Italian mountain villages. This historic itinerary takes you across passes, around enormous glaciers and via stunning lakes to take in some of the best viewpoints in the Alps. Meadows crossed by clear melt water streams lead you downwards to green pastures where shepherds will sell their Beaufort cheese to you fresh! Mountain refuges and hotels provide a relaxing respite at the end of your day's trek. This journey is for experienced alpine walkers - providing an enthralling alpine experience with unsurpassed views around each bend.

day 1 - Arrive in Le Tour begin hike to Trient (6-7hrs, +700m/2297ft, -900m/2953ft)

Leaving from the village of Le Tour you take the scenic high mountain path of Balme heading towards Switzerland. Weather permitting you will be able to take some wonderful photos of the Mont Blanc chain including the impressive “La Verte”, the Drus and the Needles of Chamonix. You will cross the border between France and Switzerland before making your way down to the village of Trient for overnight accommodation.

(9km, +700m/2297ft, -900m/2953ft)

Meals:Dinner

day 2 - Hike to Champex (5-6hrs, +900m/2952ft, -650m/2132ft)

The trail continues through impressive forests with a strong ascent to the high mountain pastures of the Bovine Alps. The route takes you past shepherds huts and small farms always with views of impressive peaks such as Grand Combin to the south and later to the dramatic depths of the Rhone Valley. The Bovine hut is a great place to stop for lunch where you can spot Marmots playing in the slopes nearby. Descend along a forest trail to the pretty town of Champex located by the lake of the same name.

An alternative route is via the “Fenêtre d'Arpette” (2665m), however due to the instability of this trail we do not recommend this route.

(+900m/2953ft, -650m/2132ft)

Meals:Breakfast and Dinner

day 3 - Bus to Ferret and cross the Grand Col Ferret, bus to Courmayeur (5hrs, +900m)

This morning you take a public bus (fare not included - 15 Swiss Francs) to the small village of Ferret (1705m) and commence hiking. The route takes you out of Switzerland and into Italy by the Grand Col Ferret (2537m) pass. It’s a steady climb and at the Col you will be awe inspired by the sweeping views of the Pre de Bar glacier. Enjoy some time relaxing in the Refuge Elena which is located at the base of the glacier and a great place to view the changing light on the alps. Continue to the roadhead and take a local bus to Courmayeur.

(13km, +900m/2953ft, -500m/1640ft)

Meals:Breakfast and Dinner

day 4 - Hike to Elisabetta (5-6hrs, +1560m/5118ft,-460m/1509ft)

This morning you will need to pack your overnight requirements for the next two nights in your daypack. Your main luggage will be waiting for you in Les Contamines on the afternoon of day 6.

From the centre of Courmayeur the hike heads steeply up a switchback trail to the Col Checroui. From here you continue the ascent to a steep spur at the top of the valley Veni where the views are spectacular. This balcony trail has some of the most dramatic views of the entire TMB trail. The descent is quite steep to the relatively flat valley floor. Skirting Lake Combal, the trail ascends at the head of the valley to the refuge.

(18km, +1560m, -460m)

Note: There are options to shorten by taking a bus in the event of poor weather or from around mid July to the end of August you can take a chairlift from Courmayeur (cutting out 700m of the ascent).

Meals:Breakfast and Dinner

day 5 - Cross the Col de la Seigne to France enroute to Bonhomme (6hrs, +1147m/3763ft, 1004m/3294ft)

From the refuge Elisabetta, the trail takes you to the border of Italy and France at the Col de la Seigne (2518m) in time for an early morning view which, in good weather, will be extraordinary with sweeping views of the Mont Blanc massif and surrounding glaciers and valleys. Descend via a switchback trail to the Vallee des Glaciers, passing by a cheese maker where you have opportunities (if open) to sample Beaufort cheese. A big ascent (949m) leads to your overnight refuge just below the pass of Col de la Croix.

(20km,+1147m/3763ft,1004m/3294ft)

Meals:Breakfast and Dinner

day 6 - Hike to Les Contamines via the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (3hrs +40m/131ft, -1316m/4317ft)

This morning the trail traverses mountain pastures to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2433m) where there are brilliant views southeast to the peaks of the Vanoise. The trail continues down to the Col du Bonhomme (2329m) and crosses the Contamines Natural Reserve. A sharp descent through a pine forest fringed gorge takes us to an ancient Roman Road and the church of Notre Dame de la Gorge, and further on to Les Contamines.

Hiking: approx 13km, +40m/131ft, -1316m/4317ft

Note: Your main luggage will be waiting for you in your accommodation in Les Contamines.

Meals:Breakfast and Dinner

day 7 - Hike to Les Houches (5 or 7hrs, +633m or 1318m)

The trail takes you along the river valley and heads slowly to La Gruvaz before continuing to Le Champel and a fairly steep ascent via Bionnassay to the Col de Voza. A longer route can be taken following a combination of tracks and trails above Contamines before you ascend to cross a shoulder of Mont Truc followed by an ascent of the Col du Tricot (2120m) which forms the divide between the Miage and Bionnasay Valleys. From here you have some spectacular views of limestone cliffs and the pistes below. The descent follows a combination of gravel roads and tracks past some settlements to reach Les Houches.

Alternate route via the Col de Voza (4.5hrs, +633m, -646m)

(20km, +1318m/4324ft, -1478m/4849ft)

Meals:Breakfast and Dinner

day 8 - Hike to Flegere, lift descent to Les Praz, walk to Chamonix, trip concludes (6-8hrs, +1715m)

This is a big day. Its possible to shorten the hike by descending the lift from Brevent instead of going all the way to Flegere. If you have the stamina the longer hike is well worth it.

Cross the L’Arve River to continue up to the “Grand Balcon Sud” offering seriously good balcony trail views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Valley. The trail takes you all the way to the top of Flegere Lift. From here you can descend to Les Praz then continue along the River to reach the centre of Chamonix. Your luggage will be awaiting collection at your pre tour hotel from around 4.00pm.

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

7 nights accommodation in mountain refuges / gîte hostels on a dormitory share basis. It is possible to upgrade to a double room on 4 out of 7 nights – additional cost applies (only possible for 2 people travelling together).

Meals

7 breakfasts, 7 dinners (does not include drinks) – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. Dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses which may include regional specialities.

Others

Luggage transfer except days 5-6 (max 15kgs - soft duffel style luggage only). You will need to carry your overnight requirements on three consecutive days - 4 to 6 (Actual days will be confirmed). Your main luggage will meet you at the accommodation in the Contamines Valley on day 6.Information pack including Navigational App – the route is waymarked. You will require a smart phone to use the app provided.

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about Mont Blanc Self Guided Hike

4.3

based on 4 reviews

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Highlights

Itinerary

day 1 - Arrive in Le Tour begin hike to Trient (6-7hrs, +700m/2297ft, -900m/2953ft)

day 2 - Hike to Champex (5-6hrs, +900m/2952ft, -650m/2132ft)

day 3 - Bus to Ferret and cross the Grand Col Ferret, bus to Courmayeur (5hrs, +900m)

day 4 - Hike to Elisabetta (5-6hrs, +1560m/5118ft,-460m/1509ft)

day 5 - Cross the Col de la Seigne to France enroute to Bonhomme (6hrs, +1147m/3763ft, 1004m/3294ft)

day 6 - Hike to Les Contamines via the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (3hrs +40m/131ft, -1316m/4317ft)

day 7 - Hike to Les Houches (5 or 7hrs, +633m or 1318m)

day 8 - Hike to Flegere, lift descent to Les Praz, walk to Chamonix, trip concludes (6-8hrs, +1715m)

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

What's Included

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

4.3

Tour Availability

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

Why Book with Bookmundi

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

Lauren

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What's Included

What's Excluded

Itinerary

day 1 - Arrive in Le Tour begin hike to Trient (6-7hrs, +700m/2297ft, -900m/2953ft)

day 2 - Hike to Champex (5-6hrs, +900m/2952ft, -650m/2132ft)

day 3 - Bus to Ferret and cross the Grand Col Ferret, bus to Courmayeur (5hrs, +900m)

day 4 - Hike to Elisabetta (5-6hrs, +1560m/5118ft,-460m/1509ft)

day 5 - Cross the Col de la Seigne to France enroute to Bonhomme (6hrs, +1147m/3763ft, 1004m/3294ft)

day 6 - Hike to Les Contamines via the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (3hrs +40m/131ft, -1316m/4317ft)

day 7 - Hike to Les Houches (5 or 7hrs, +633m or 1318m)

day 8 - Hike to Flegere, lift descent to Les Praz, walk to Chamonix, trip concludes (6-8hrs, +1715m)

Customer Reviews

4.3

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