Itinerary Expand all Fly to Geneva; transfer to campsite at Les Bossons, near Chamonix.On arrival to Geneva airport we take a bus transfer to our start point just outside Chamonix, France (approx 1hr 15 transfer time). Wonderful views from the campsite of Mont Blanc and the dramatic crevassed Glacier des Bossons, especially at sunset. Those not flying with the group join us at the campsite in the afternoon. In the evening there is an introductory briefing by the trek crew.Campsite: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons Meals included: Dinner Day 1 Start at Les Bossons, near Chamonix.Our start point is the campsite in Les Bossons, with wonderful views from the campsite of Mont Blanc and the dramatic crevassed Glacier des Bossons, especially at sunset. In the evening there is an introductory briefing by the trek crew.Campsite: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons Meals included: Dinner Day 2 Follow the Grand Balcon Sud from Chamonix to Les Frasserands.From Les Bossons (1,012m – 3,320ft) we have a short bus journey to Chamonix from where we walk to Les Praz and take the cable car to La Flégère (1,860m – 6,100ft). The trail today is named the 'Grand Balcon' and is on the opposite side of the valley from Mont Blanc, affording excellent views of the whole massif lying to our south. Initially we contour and then climb to reach the high point of the day, Lac Blanc (2,352m – 7,715ft). The trail descends and then contours high above the valley before dropping steeply to the hamlet of Les Frasserands (1,371m – 4,500ft), from where we take a scenic valley train back to our campsite. In the afternoon there is a very short section of ladders/steep steps with handrails to descend.8 hours walking. 500m – 1,640ft up, 980m – 3,220ft downCampsite: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 3 Cross over Col de Balme to Switzerland and camp at Trient.After a scenic train ride up the valley to Les Frasserands, we begin by climbing steeply to the Aiguillette de Posettes (2,201m – 7,200ft), descend a little and then ascend towards the Col de Balme (2,191m – 7,190ft) where we follow one of the paths across the border from France to Switzerland. Excellent views all morning of Aiguille d'Argentière and Aiguille du Tour and its glacier. After lunch we descend to the small hamlet of Trient (1,296m – 4,250ft), where we will enjoy some lovely views of the Trient Glacier. 7.5 hours walking. 970m – 3,200ft up, 1,060m – 3,466ft downCampsite: camping near Trient Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 4 Cross Col de la Forclaz to Champex.We climb first to the Col de Forclaz (1,527m – 5,010ft) and then onwards to look directly down into the Rhône Valley and the small Swiss town of Martigny. We follow a historic path used to take the cows to summer grazing, the ‘Bovine route’ (2,049m – 6,720ft) that takes us through meadows and high alpine pastures before descending to the charming town of Champex (1,486m – 4,880ft) set beside a picturesque alpine lake.7 hours walking. 920m – 3,017ft up, 720m – 3,261ft downCampsite: Camping Les Rocailles, Champex Lac Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 5 Head up Val Ferret to La Fouly.Now on the east side of the main Mont Blanc massif, we walk south, descending through woods to the Val Ferret and on to Issert (1,055m – 3,460ft) and other pretty alpine farming villages. If you are visiting early in the season (June/July), this is a great day to see flowers in bloom, including orchids. We continue up the valley to the remote village of La Fouly (1600m – 5250ft), which lies at the foot of Mont Dolent, whose summit marks the meeting point of France, Switzerland and Italy.6 hours walking, 540m – 1,780ft up, 440m – 1,450ft downCampsite: Camping les Glaciers, La Fouly Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 6 Climb to Grand Col Ferret, the highest pass of the trek.Following the same valley and the river 'La Drance', we climb to the 'Grand Col Ferret' (2,537m – 8,320ft), 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 Grandes Jorasses dominating the scene. We walk down the valley to Arp Nouva (1,770m – 5,800ft) where we take an optional bus to Planpincieux (1,600m – 5,250ft). For the first and last trip of the season, the bus may not be running and we may need to walk to camp.7.5 hours walking. 970m – 3,180ft up, 800m – 2,600ft downCampsite: Camping Grandes Jorasses, Val Ferret Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 7 Rest day.Today is free for you to rest after the first week’s exertions and enjoy some sight-seeing. The nearby former spa towns of Courmayeur and Entrèves have picturesque older areas that are worth a visit, especially for the keen photographer. We also highly recommend the Skyway cable car from La Palud to Point Helbronner (3,461m – 11,350ft), which gives close-up views of all the big peaks. Tickets for the cable car can be purchased online or locally at La Palud.Campsite: Camping Grandes Jorasses, Val Ferret Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 Climb to Bonatti refuge and traverse high above the spectacular Val Ferret around Mont de la Saxe to Courmayeur and on to Val Veny.We start with a short bus ride to pick up the Tour du Mont Blanc route, and from the road (1,675m – 5,500ft) climb up to the Bonatti refuge (2,025m – 6,640ft). Today we follow a beautiful contouring path around Mont de la Saxe to Courmayeur. The views of the south Mont Blanc massif are exceptional, as are those of the towering peaks of the 'Grandes Jorasses' and the glaciers that crowd the northern flank of the Val Ferret. In the afternoon, we have a long, steep descent to Courmayeur (1,230m – 4,030m) where there will be time to stop for a tasty Italian gelato before taking a short bus ride into the spectacular Val Veny (1,530m – 5,020ft).8 hours walking. 500m – 1,640ft up, 900m – 4,400ft downCampsite: Camping Aiguille Noire, Val Veny Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 9 Re-enter France across Col de la Seigne and through La Ville des Glaciers to Les Chapieux.Today’s trail climbs gently along the Val Veny, beneath the moraine of the massive Glacier du Miage. Passing Lac Combal, the gradient becomes steeper as we follow the old Roman road across the 'Col de la Seigne' pass (2,516m – 8,250ft), marking our re-entry into France. A fairly steep descent brings us through La Ville des Glaciers (1,789m – 5,870ft) and finally to Les Chapieux (1,553m – 5,090ft), a small hamlet that is only inhabited in the summer months. This is one of the longer walking days, but the experience of walking beneath a glacier and over the Col de la Seigne pass make the challenge well worth it.8.5 hours walking. 990m – 3,250ft up, 970m – 3,180ft downCampsite: camping in Chapieux Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 10 Climb to Col de la Croix du Bonhomme and contour around to Col du Bonhomme.We have now reached the southwest corner of the circuit and turn north to climb once again. Today is a longer day; first we make a steep climb to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2,478m – 8,130ft) and then contour around to the Col du Bonhomme (2,328m – 7,640ft). We then descend (again on a Roman road) to our campsite in Les Contamines (1,180m – 5,900ft).8 hours walking. 930m – 3050ft up, 1375m – 4510ftCampsite: Camping le Pontet, Les Contamines Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 11 Rest day.A chance to rest or enjoy some independent exploration. There are short and long optional walks in the area, many accessed by a chairlift or gondola, that have spectacular views of Mont Blanc. Mountain cafes make a nice place for a scenic lunch. Alternatively, you could take the Mont Blanc cog-driven tramway to the Eagle’s Nest – the starting point for many aiming to conquer Mont Blanc itself. Otherwise, time can be spent visiting the half-day market in Les Contamines, or you can simply relax around town or in camp and recharge your batteries for the days ahead.Campsite: Camping le Pontet, Les Contamines Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 12 Cross Col de Tricot and Col de Voza to re-enter Chamonix Valley and descend to village of Les Houches.Today will be another long but rewarding day as we return to the start point of our trek. We walk through Les Contamines, ascend to Chalets du Truc (1,720m – 5,614ft) and then descend to the Chalets de Miage (1,560m – 4,120ft). From here, we take the trail that climbs steeply to the Col de Tricot (2,119m – 6,950ft) before descending very close to the snout of the Glacier de Bionnassay, where we will enjoy fabulous views of the Mont Blanc massif’s northern side. Eventually, we make another short ascent to reach the Col de Voza (1,652m – 5,418ft), where we re-enter the Chamonix Valley and descend to the village of Les Houches (dependent on the time of year, there is an optional cable car descent from Bellevue to Les Houches). A short bus ride takes us to our camp in Les Bossons (1,012m – 3,320ft).9 hours walking. 1,200m – 3,980ft up, 1,370m – 4,500ft downCampsite: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 13 Some of the best views of Mont Blanc today on the long ascent to Brévent; descend to Plan Praz.We cross to the north side of the Chamonix Valley and climb through a pine forest. The high point of the day is Brévent (2,525m – 8,290ft), from where there are panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif and the Chamonix Valley. We walk down to Plan Praz (1,970m – 6,460ft), then descend by cable car to Chamonix and walk to our camp at Les Bossons (1,012m – 3,320ft). It is possible to take the cable car descent from the top (dependent on the time of year). This extra journey will be payable locally should you choose not to walk.Our last day on the Tour du Mont Blanc circuit is long, with a tough climb of over 1,500m, but affords the best views on the whole trek of Mont Blanc and its neighbouring peaks. On our return to Les Bossons, we will have successfully completed the Tour du Mont Blanc!7.5 hours walking. 1,480m – 4,850ft up, 520m – 1,690ft downCampsite: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 14 Free day at Les Bossons.Today is a free day for optional walks or sightseeing. Your leader will be able to advise you of possible walking routes or you may choose to visit the bustling alpine resort town of Chamonix, which has numerous shops, bars, restaurants and cafés. There are several cable car excursions you can make from Chamonix, of which the most spectacular is the ascent to the Aiguille du Midi (3,842m – 12,600ft), offering fantastic views of Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks. It should also be possible to take the mountain train up to Montenvers for close-up views of the Mer de Glace glacier, or if you are feeling adventurous you could enjoy a tandem paragliding flight.Campsite: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Transfer to Geneva; fly to London.For those on the group flight, this will depart in the morning and will arrive in the UK the same day. Meals included: Breakfast Day 15 End Les Bossons. Meals included: Breakfast
Camping Campsites throughout the trek are comfortable and modern. On 12 nights, hot showers are available and there are electricity points to recharge batteries etc. Many campsites have a bar and WiFi, as well as a lounge or sitting area for relaxation. We provide a large communal tent (if we do not use the campsites communal area), where we eat at tables with benches and have an unlimited tea and coffee station, camp bar and more relaxing seating such as inflatable sofas. The campsites are in stunning settings and sharing an after-trek drink with newly made friends as the sun sets over a glaciated mountain vista is the perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors.Accompanying you throughout the trek is a dedicated camp support leader who will take care of all the logistics and catering. Your tent will be put up for you each night. In the morning, you will be asked to take your own tent down (this should take no more than 3 to 4 minutes), put your bag in the back of the van and wash up your own personal breakfast dish. On four nights out of 14 you will be asked to join a washing up team and help with the dishes that evening – a 20-minute job. Otherwise, you are free to relax and your time is your own.You will spend 14 nights camping in roomy tents designed to sleep 3 people, but with a maximum of 2 people per tent. We use modern dome tents incorporating a 210 cm x 210 cm inner tent with sewn-in ground sheet and a supplementary 230 cm x 70 cm covered porch that is an ideal place to leave your walking boots and poles etc. The tents are completely waterproof.Single tents are available for a small additional cost, as are camping mats and sleeping bags with liner and pillow. Our camping mats are a full-length air- and foam-filled variety which are comfortable to sleep on and provide excellent insulation from the ground. Our sleeping bags have a synthetic filling, as opposed to feathers, with a 3/4 length zip and provide plenty of warmth. All our equipment is bought with both comfort and practicality in mind and we hope represents a higher quality than most individuals would buy for themselves. Two remote campsites are in stunning locations but are a little more basic than others and do not have showers. We eat in restaurants on these nights.Thermal mattress hire: £32 - please request in advance with your Sales agent.Sleeping bag hire (3- or 4-season), pillow and liner: £63 - please request in advance with your Sales agent.Single tent hire: From £150 - please request in advance with your Sales agent.
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Reviewed July 2022 Anne van DiemIncredible! Man what a trip! in equal parts stunning and tough - the TMB absolutely delivered. Every day we were treated with a gruelling ascent, a toe bashing descent and simply incredible views all the way through. The tour guide and the camp manager were just fabulous too - the guide wasnt just an IML but also a trained biologist clearly deeply in love with Mother nature - to learn a little about the local flora and fauna whilst also feeling completely at ease and secure knowing your guide has your back was just lovely - it meant we could concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other and just enjoy the ride. Our camp manager Vega cooked us some seriously delicious food on only 4 camp stoves - it smelled so good she had random campers coming up to ask what she was cooking! The camps where all lovely - some perhaps a little more loud than others but overall, as far as a camping trip goes, it was pretty darn luxurious. Would do this again in a heartbeatWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Honestly just completing it was the biggest thing for me. I was quite worried ahead of the trip whether I would be fit enough - and there were definitely some times where I really had to push myself but thanks to the pacing set by our guide Jef, we all managed it and that last day, with the longest ascent all the way from camp to Brevent was super tough but getting to the top and being presented with some bubbly was the perfect end to an epic tripWhat did you think of your group leader? Jef was awesome. Part mountain goat, he went running on the days off, casually just doing our walk of the day before in about 3.5 hours. He was also a trained biologist so we were treated to some lovely knowledge bites on local flowers and bugs. Always had a smile on his face and you just felt completely safe with him - he knew just how to get the best out of the group so no one ever felt like they were too slow. he is definitely one of the best if not THE best guide I have had on a walking trip. Thank you Jef!Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Doing a bit of strength definitely helped me - it wont make it easier, but at least I didnt have to worry about muscle aches. The more walking you can do beforehand the better as your legs are just better prepared for the work they have to do - but mostly, just enjoy the experience... from the camps to the gruelling ascents - its such a treat, especially when its sunny. Oh - and speaking of sunny - factor 50 all the way, even if you are a professional tanner.. the sun is hot hot hot and strong strong strong!Is there anything else you would like to add? Just do it - you wont regret it
Reviewed July 2022 Hilary Hartley Brilliant holiday Superb surroundings, excellent company, knowledgeable guide and friendly support staffWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The ever changing scenery The fantastic bonding with other group members and the atmosphere in camp The delicious meals prepared by our camp support Vega on limited camping equipment.What did you think of your group leader? Jef was a very kind, caring, knowledgeable guide who also had a great sense of humour. He was very pragmatic about any issues any group members had and was extremely good at supporting people during the 2 weeks at the same time inspiring us to explore other destinations for our next trips.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Enjoy the experience! The trail is well planned to build up your strength and stamina for the hard walks towards the end of the holiday. Take a spare pair of shoes that you could walk in in case of problems with your main walking boots/ shoes (it is very tough on your feet even for well practiced walkers).Is there anything else you would like to add? This holiday was an absolutely fantastic experience. It is in a beautiful part of the world and the organisation was excellent to make it a really special holiday.
Reviewed September 2019 Kevin Power2019 TMB Trek Our recent TMB was excellent. Not only did we have spectacular weather to go along with the stunning scenery we had two top notch guides in John and Emily. The pace John set for the 14 trekkers was bang on; resting when called for and pushing us as we needed to be coupled with a great 👍 sense of humour. Emily made certain out campsite was setup each evening after our long treks and cooked us fabulous meals given we were camping ⛺️. Her energetic personality provided a welcome spark especially at the beginning of the day. G Adventures in Peru 🇵🇪 were really great 👍 too but Exodus our did them with respect to quality of the guides and the excellent dinners. A little more variety in breakfasts and lunches is strongly 💪 recommended for sure. I would also suggest stretching the tour to 14 days given there are currently some extraordinarily long days of trekking. Another trip of a lifetime for me. Thanks John and Emily! 🥾What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The energy from other trekkers to grind out the long hikes each day.
Reviewed September 2019 Paul McGuireA trip of a lifetime We did the TMB in July - 14 trekkers from Canada. John and Emily were our guides and they were amazing. I can actually say I learned how to walk again in the mountains with John's careful guiding instructions. By the end of the trek, we were able to trek straight up 4 km with a verticle of 1500 m. There is no way we could have done this without our amazing guides. I cannot say enough about Exodus and the people who work with this amazing organization. They are truly professional and we are well into planning our next group trek for July 2020 to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Can't wait!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Making it to Brevant at 1500 m on the last day and looking down into the valley and seeing Chamonix, realizing that we had done it. Easily one of the most challenging treks I have ever done!What did you think of your group leader? John was amazing. He is truly a gifted leader and I would recommend him for any group planning a trek in the Alps. Very wise and experienced, a really amazing leader and teacher. Emily was wonderful. The two of them worked together as an expert team. They were both what made the trip an incredible success.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? You certainly need to train for the TMB. Once you have done this please listen to your guides, they really know what they are doing and you need to listen and trust them. Exodus has chosen well and their guides are truly amazing.Is there anything else you would like to add? Thank-you Exodus - Tony, John and Emily did everything they could to make this trip a huge success. We were able to raise over $35,000 for recreation programs for kids here in Ottawa, Canada. Exodus is a great partner for us and Christie Lake Climb for Kids will be trekking again with Exodus in 2020, this time all the way to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro!
Reviewed July 2019 mark FlahertyMont Blanc camping trek I did the Mont Blanc camping Hike it late June 2019 with a group of 7. The first day i had doubts i would make it from the uphill climb, it was tough. I got in better shape as the trip progressed, i made it. 110 mile hike, the scenery was incredible, its just awesome. Exodus employees were great. If your in shape you can do this trip, we slept in tents, hike 1000 meters uphill some days. You break camp in the morning and hike to your next destination, the hotel group stayed in the hotel we camped two different tripsWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Finishing the hike at almost 1500 meters uphill. what a great trip.What did you think of your group leader? Aglier or (AGS) was great really helpful, she made the trip fun.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Get in shape before you go, don't pack to much stuff like i did. Its going to be tough don't complain, expect it. Be very careful when walking i fell 3 times on the snow and mud, but not on the rocksIs there anything else you would like to add? Thanks Exodus
Reviewed July 2019 Michelle StraceyChallenging and joyous! A really super trip. The leader Kim shared her love and knowledge of the mountains and kept our spirits high. Neil, our camp manager, cooked incredible three course meals every night, despite all our various dietary needs. It was a challenging trip but so much fun.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Seeing Mont Blanc in all its guises, the wild flower meadows and celebrating with Prosecco at the top of the final ascent.What did you think of your group leader? Kim was kind, funny and inspirational. We all loved her.
Reviewed October 2018 Mariana KelemenTour of Mont Blanc All went smoothly.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Seeing Mont Blanc from Punta Helbronner cable Car station.What did you think of your group leader? Good judgement in all his decisions.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Read Exodus instructions carefully, follow them thoroughly.Is there anything else you would like to add? no
Reviewed October 2018 christopher SpencerSpectacular adventure This was our first group travel expedition and it did not disappoint. We had been looking at this trip for a number of years through another tour company but we went with Exodus because of the supporting camping option which the other company did not offer (and a benefit that we thoroughly enjoyed). We found the entire experience to be very positive, professional and well organized with just the right amount of flexibility so that we didn't feel like we were micro-managed. Our mountain guide was experienced and did a very good job of watching over the group while allowing us to go at our own pace (within reason). The camp support leader was funny, helpful, and a fantastic cook. The near-perfect weather and jaw dropping views obviously played a big part in how much we enjoyed this trip but I definitely think that the quality of this trip was above the pack.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Every valley and every col had its own 'personality' and this made each day different. I loved turning a corner and discovering another fantastic view. It was also nice to be with a group so that the experience could be shared with others.What did you think of your group leader? Shaun, our mountain leader was knowledgeable and experienced. He knew the route and the region well and provided very accurate introductions to each day's hiking. His pace was as steady as a metronome and perfect for the speed of our group. Once he understood our capabilities on an individual level he was good about letting us go on ahead or lag behind the pack if that's what we preferred. I definitely felt like I was in capable hands. Peter our camp support was so much fun and a delight to see at the end of each day because he has such a positive and warm personality. We arrived to a camp that was already set up which allowed us to chill out and relax as soon as we arrived. His cooking was fantastic and much better than the few restaurant dinners we had along the way. He was good about ensuring that each of the group members had what they needed for breakfasts and lunches.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be very honest with yourself when evaluating your abilities if you're considering this trip. Our group overall was comprised of fairly experienced hikers. I think that someone who's not able to maintain the group pace would risk not enjoying this trip themselves and also negatively impacting the group. Proper equipment is also a must. Weather can change quickly and being unprepared can make for a miserable and potential hazardous day.Is there anything else you would like to add? I loved the supported camping option on this trip. I think the group had much more fun and bonded more than we would have had we stayed in hotels.
Reviewed September 2018 Matt WalkerAnother one ticked off the bucket list! Fantastic experience with a great group! This is one of the great hikes in the world and a fantastic way to experience the Alps. The camping element added to the camaraderie of the group and saw us all bond quickly. Paul was an excellent leader, very knowledgeable on the mountains, nature and wildlife, his company and humor were very much appreciated! Kieron managed the camp to perfection with his excellent cooking and organisation, and always ready with an story to share. Don't expect to lose much weight on this trip!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The glacial lakes and passing over the highest point, the Grand Col Ferret.
Reviewed August 2018 Nigel DonovanGreat walk Wonderful to get on this walk at the last minute. 11 other generous minded walkers. Lotte a talented leader and Pete a great cook and camp organiser.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Each day was great.What did you think of your group leader? Lotte Stuer was excellent. Talented in making people feel at ease. Thorough and funny in her pre walk briefings. She kept a quiet eye on us all but was ready to let is go at our own pace in appropriate places. An excellent leader.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Get a few good walks in to ensure the boots are broken in and know the challenge of a grade 4 week.Is there anything else you would like to add? Both Lotte and Pete worked well together and worked well together.
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