- Admire spectacular views of Mont Blanc
- Walk through 3 countries in 12 days
- Stay in family-run hotels, auberges and 1 night in a mountain refuge

Tour du Mont Blanc Self-Guided Trek
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- Tour du Mont Blanc Self-Guided Trek
Trek the iconic Mont Blanc Circuit under your own steam
For those confident of their walking ability we offer the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc as a self-guided itinerary.
The majestic beauty of the surrounding scenery is best appreciated on foot as you walk point-to-point each day, staying in friendly hotels and auberges at night. Your main baggage is transported for you by van, and using comprehensive route notes you follow the well-marked trails across the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. The walking is challenging, but the views and the sense of achievement are well worth it!
Highlights
Key Information
- 7 nights 2 and 3-star hotels, 3 nights auberges and 1 night mountain refuge
- 10 days point-to-point self-guided walking with baggage transfers
- 8 days challenging and 2 days moderate walking
- Altitude maximum 2537m, average 1525m
- Self-guided holiday. Min. age 12 years
- Not possible for Solo Travellers (guided options possible)
- Countries visited: France, Italy, Switzerland
What's Included
- All breakfasts and 7 dinners
- All accommodation
- All luggage transport
- Route notes
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (on request at a supplement) - this is only possible for single passengers travelling with others on the same booking (Solo Travellers cannot book this trip)
- Visas or vaccinations
- Travel to/from the start/end points
10 Days of Walking & Trekking
Low altitude; good paths with some steep ascents
14 km / 8.7 miles
17 km / 10.6 miles
13 km / 8.1 miles
15 km / 9.3 miles
17 km / 10.6 miles
13 km / 8.1 miles
20 km / 12.4 miles
17 km / 10.6 miles
16 km / 9.9 miles
12 km / 7.5 miles
Responsible Travel
At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.
Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Itinerary
Chamonix Chamonix
Start at your hotel in Chamonix. Enjoy dinner (not included) in one of the town’s many delightful restaurants.
2-Star Hotel
From Chamonix, take the Le Brevent teleferique (cable car) to the mid station at Plan Praz and walk to the top of the La Flegere cable car (1877m/6158ft). The trail today is named the ‘Grand Balcon Sud’ and is on the opposite side of the valley from Mont Blanc, affording excellent views of the whole massif lying to your south. Initially the route contours and then climbs to reach the high point of the day, Lac Blanc (2352m/7715ft). The trail descends past the photogenic lac de Cheserys and then downwards again to Argentiere (1240m/3720ft). In the afternoon there is a very short section of ladders/steep steps with handrails to descend.
(Due to maintenance on the Flegere cable car, this walk has been amended from our previously advertised walk to Lac Blanc. This trek is 4km longer than the original and is equally beautiful).
2-Star Hotel
Distance covered: 9mi (14km)
Ascent: 1,640ft (500m); Descent: 3,281ft (1,000m)
Meals included: Breakfast
A short walk to Montroc at the top of the Chamonix valley where the path begins the ascent to the Aiguillette de Posettes (2201m/7200ft), descends a little and then climbs towards the Col de Balme (2,191m/7190ft) where it crosses the border from France to Switzerland. Excellent views all morning of Aiguille d’Argentière and Aiguille du Tour and its glacier. You will then head to the small Swiss hamlet of Trient (1,296m/4250ft), with good views of the Trient Glacier. There is a sting in the tail today as you finish with a steep climb from Trient to our Auberge at the Col de la Forclaz (1527m/5010ft).
Auberge
Distance covered: 11mi (17km)
Ascent: 3,904ft (1,190m); Descent: 3,478ft (1,060m)
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leaving the Col de la Forclaz, with views directly down into the Rhône Valley and the Swiss town of Martigny the route follows an historic path used to take the cows to high pasture, the ‘Bovine route’ (2049m/6720ft). The trail takes you through meadows and high alpine pastures before descending to the charming town of Champex (1486m/4880ft) set beside a picturesque alpine lake.
3-Star Hotel
Distance covered: 8mi (13km)
Ascent: 2,395ft (730m); Descent: 2,461ft (750m)
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Now on the east side of the main Mont Blanc Massif the path turns south, descending through woods to the Val Ferret and on to Issert (1,055m/3460ft) and other small, pretty, alpine farming villages. This is a good day for flowers, including orchids. Continue up the valley to the remote village La Fouly (1600m/5250ft). This is at the foot of Mont Dolent, whose summit is at the meeting point of France, Switzerland and Italy.
Auberge
Distance covered: 9mi (15km)
Ascent: 1,444ft (440m); Descent: 1,772ft (540m)
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Still following the same valley and the river ‘La Drance’, the path climbs to the ‘Grand Col Ferret’ (2537m/8320ft), the highest pass of the tour. Now in Italy, the valley is also called ‘Val Ferret’. The mountain views from the Col are stunning with the Grandes Jorasses dominating the scene. The path descends into the valley to Arp Nouva (1,770m/5800ft) then climbs and traverses a little to the refuge Walter Bonatti. (2025m/6640ft). The rooms are 2 and 4 bed. This is a splendid place to spend a night and is a true mountain hut experience (there is no baggage delivery to the hut!). There is the option to change this hut night to a hotel night in Courmayeur. Please inform your sales consultant if you would like to have this option. In this case baggage will be delivered. Depending on hotel availability there should be no change in price but dinner will not be included.
Mountain Refuge
Distance covered: 11mi (17km)
Ascent: 3,117ft (950m); Descent: 2,526ft (770m)
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
If you spent the night in Courmayeur, after a short local bus ride you will re-join the path and climb to the Refuge Walter Bonatti. Walking from the Refuge (2025m/6640ft) the path follows a beautiful contouring route around Mont de la Saxe to Courmayeur. The views of the south Mont Blanc massif are exceptional as are those of the towering, cliffy peak of the ‘Grandes Jorasses’ and the glaciers which crowd the northern flank of the Val Ferret. In the afternoon there is a long and reasonably steep descent to Courmayeur (1,230m/4030m) a town that boasts superb ice creams!
3-Star Hotel
Distance covered: 8mi (13km)
Ascent: 886ft (270m); Descent: 2,756ft (840m)
Meals included: Breakfast
After a short local bus ride to La Vissaille (1660m/5450ft) in the Val Veny the TMB path climbs gently beneath the massive glacier de Miage and past Lac Combal before the gradient becomes steeper again as it follows the old Roman road and heads for today’s pass: the ‘Col de la Seigne’ (2,516m/8250ft), which marks our re-entry into France. A fairly steep descent brings us through to la Ville des Glaciers (1,789m/5870ft) and finally after quite a long walking day to Les Chapieux (1,553m/5090ft), a small, remote hamlet inhabited only during the summer months.
Auberge
Distance covered: 12mi (20km)
Ascent: 2,854ft (870m); Descent: 3,182ft (970m)
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Having now reached the southwest corner of the circuit the route turns north to climb once again. First there is a steep sustained climb to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2,478m/8130ft), before contouring around to the Col du Bonhomme (2,328m/7640ft). From here the path descends steeply through meadows and over a Roman bridge and finally to the village of Les Contamines (1180m/5900ft).
2-Star Hotel
Distance covered: 11mi (17km)
Ascent: 3,051ft (930m); Descent: 4,396ft (1,340m)
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is a challenging day with plenty of ups and downs. From Les Contamines the path re-joins the TMB route ascending to the Chalets de Miage (1,560m/5120ft). From here the trail climbs steeply to the Col de Tricot (2,119m/6950ft) before descending and passing very close to the snout of the Glacier de Bionnassay. There are good views of the north side of the Mont Blanc Massif. The path then re-ascends to reach the Col de Voza (1,652m/5418ft) and ahead lies the Chamonix Valley and the final descent to the village of Les Houches (993m/3225ft).
2-Star Hotel
Distance covered: 10mi (16km)
Ascent: 3,937ft (1,200m); Descent: 4,495ft (1,370m)
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Crossing to the north side of the Chamonix Valley the path climbs steeply through pine forest and then on open mountainsides to reach the high point of the day at Brevent (2,525m/8290ft). This is a long walking day but will probably afford the best views of the French side of Mont Blanc and its neighbouring peaks that will be seen on the whole trek. The path then descend to Plan Praz (1970m/6460ft) from where you can take an optional cable car to Chamonix (1,061m) for a well-deserved drink.
2-Star Hotel
Distance covered: 7mi (12km)
Ascent: 5,085ft (1,550m); Descent: 1,706ft (520m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Check out of your Chamonix hotel after breakfast.
Meals included: Breakfast
Essential Info
Visa
France
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter France. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/france
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/france
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/France.html
Italy
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html
Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.
Switzerland
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Switzerland. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/switzerland
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/switzerland
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/switzerland/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Switzerland.html
Vaccination
France
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Italy
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Switzerland
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Eating and Drinking
Included in the trip are all breakfasts and 7 dinners. Evening meals are taken in the hotel in which you are staying or in a nearby restaurant. For dinners not included expect to pay €20 for a good 3 course menu (not including drinks). Lunch prices can vary depending on whether you have a picnic or eat in a restaurant, but €15 is a good estimate for a sit down meal. You can order a packed lunch from the hotel in which you are staying when you check in.
Typical Meals:
Continental Breakfast will normally include coffee, tea, hot chocolate, French bread, croissant and conserves.
Evening meal: a first course of soup, salad or charcuterie, a main course of meat with one or two vegetables or rice or pasta, a dessert course.
Beer, wine, bottled water, other drinks, coffee or tea are not included in the price of evening meals taken in restaurants.
Vegetarians: Although vegetarianism is not common in this part of Europe and most meals are based on meat and fish there are no problems catering for vegetarians as long as they are prepared to be flexible. If you eat a vegan diet you should expect that the variety of food may be limited whilst on this trip. As this kind of diet is relatively uncommon in this region we cannot guarantee that the hotels and restaurants will provide meals that have the necessary variety to be considered satisfying when on a more restricted diet.
Drinks: Please note that drinks are not included and you will be expected to pay directly for any wine/tea/coffee taken at dinner.
Weather
From late June to early October fair weather is to be expected, but all mountain ranges create their own weather patterns and the Alps are no exception. It can and does rain and especially on the high passes it can be surprisingly cold at times. Expected daytime temperatures are in the range of 15 to 25ºC in the valleys (although it can sometimes reach 30ºC in July/August), 5 to 15ºC on the passes (though it will feel colder if wet and windy) and 5 to 15ºC in the valleys at night; possibly a little lower early and late in the season. There is always the possibility of snow, even in August, and in September trips may find snow on the passes. Please note that on late season treks (September) the days are shorter and you will need to make early starts to make the most of the available daylight hours.
Weather Charts

Is this trip for you?
Activity level 5 - Challenging
10 days walking; 2 days Moderate, 8 days Challenging
Trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc is a wonderful experience and challenge. Many choose to enjoy this trek with a guided group and this offers numerous advantages. If you think you would prefer trekking within a group being led by a qualified and informative mountain leader, Exodus run one and two week versions of this trip, either camping or hotel based. Please see trip codes TWO, TWB and TWP. Some people prefer to trek independently, without the constraints of a group. Please consider carefully if this trip is for you. Although the Tour du Mont Blanc is a well trekked route please only book an self-guided trek if you are an experienced mountain walker and have trekked independently in challenging mountain terrain. Bearing this in mind, this trip must have a minimum of 2 people on each booking as solo travellers are not permitted.
Please consider if you have the skills to remain safe in bad weather, bad visibility, snow and snow covered paths, steep, loose or slippery ground, possibly all at the same time. Although comprehensive route notes and local information will be provided, we would still expect travellers on this trip to have good navigational and first aid skills and be able to find and understand a weather forecast for the region and assess the dangers. Finally please be aware that not everyone will speak English. It is your responsibility to assess your own abilities and choose if it is safe to trek on any given day. On bad weather days you may need to turn back and take public transport to the next hotel. We will provide suggestions for this in the route notes.
The Tour du Mont Blanc has many variations and options and is not one set route. We have provided notes for what we believe is the best route. That said you may choose to follow variations and in which case our estimated timings and distances will no longer be valid.
Most of the days are long, quite often involving an ascent of 900-1200m (3000-4000 feet), equivalent to 3 to 4 hours walking uphill, followed by a similar descent. Although the paths are well maintained there are sections that are rough underfoot. You need to be confident that your fitness will allow you to enjoyably walk at a consistent and steady pace allowing you to finish the day at a reasonable time. You will also enjoy the trek a great deal more if your fitness allows you to walk the route in relative ease.
This trek is graded Activity level 5 - Challenging as it has 2 easier moderate graded days and 8 challenging graded days. A Challenging graded day would be equivalent to walking up Scafell Pike or Ben Nevis and take between 3 to 5 hours of walking up hill and up to 9 hours in total depending on the pace. We recommend that you make a special effort to get in good physical condition for the trip. Walking hours stated are given as approximates only. Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and will vary depending on the pace of your group.
We suggest this as a family trip for children over 12. That said, although there are on some days options to take public transport, please consider carefully the fitness of you children before booking this trip. If you would like further advice please do ask a sales consultant.
Please note: We book hotels when you book the holiday so there will be approximately a weeks delay before you receive a definitive confirmation. This adds a lot of flexibility as it allows you to select any departure date you want well as add free days to the trip enroute if you wish. We need to contact 10 different hotels and we don’t always get our first choice and may have to look for other similar hotels locally and the price may increase or decrease marginally because of this. It is also the case that occasionally on the refuge night (night 6) and also in Les Chapieux (night 8) there may only be dormitory accommodation available. If this is the case we will book a dormitory for you and put you on the wait list for a room. If there are any discounts because we have had to use a dormitories or cheaper hotels then we will refund you locally in cash at the start of your holiday. If there are any moderate additions to the price due to an upgraded room or hotel then you will be charged this addition when you make final payment.
We ask you to pay a deposit before we book the hotels. We also require you to accept the risk that there may be up to two dormitory nights. If after you have asked us to make the booking you choose to cancel or change the dates then there will be a £50 per person admin fee charged. If we can’t make the booking for you due to no availability, or there are more than 2 dormitory nights, or we could not find a hotel at only a moderate increase in price then you can cancel with no penalty.
Hotels, Auberges and 1 night in refuge
You will spend 5 nights in 2-star hotels , 2 nights in 3-star hotels, 3 nights in an auberge and 1 night in a mountain refuge. The hotels have ensuite facilities but depending on the availability there may be shared facilities in the auberge and refuge. Couples travelling together will have their own room but we cannot always say whether this will be twin or double or even very occasionally a room with bunk beds. It is also possible that on day six, Refuge Bonatti, and day 8, Les Chapieux, where availability of rooms are very limited that only shared dormitory space will be available. Dormitories are for the most part 8 to 12 bed rooms with separate bunkbeds. If you accept a dormitory option then we will put you on the wait list to be upgraded to rooms if a room becomes available. If it does not then we will refund you the difference in Euros locally at the beginning of the trip. Single traveller supplement is not available for this trip. A single room is on a request basis.
No departures found.
Would you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
*Please note any date & price adjustments will be displayed on the next step of booking. You will be able to revert back to booking without flights if the options aren't suitable for you.
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