Tour du Mont Blanc Week Trek

Activity

Walking & Trekking

Overview

A fast and light way to complete the Mont Blanc Circuit

The Mont Blanc Circuit – also known as the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) – is deservedly one of the world’s classic walks, circumnavigating the highest mountain in western Europe. This exciting itinerary concentrates on some of the most spectacular sections, enabling us to produce a hard and exhilarating one-week trip for the trekking enthusiast who can pack lightly. Overnighting in family-run accommodation, we trek clockwise around the Mont Blanc massif, enjoying hearty local cuisine from three countries, phenomenal views and some of the best walking in Europe.

Key Information

Trip Code: TWP
Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Countries: France, Italy, Switzerland
Carbon Footprint: 15kg CO2e per person per day

What's Included

All breakfasts and six dinners
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Group arrival and departure transfers available

6 days of Walking & Trekking

Pace:

Approximately eight to nine hours’ walking per day

Terrain:

Low altitude; good paths with some steep ascents
Altitude maximum: 8,323ft (2,537m); average: 4,595ft (1,400m)

Day 2: 18 km / 11.2 miles
Day 3: 14 km / 8.7 miles
Day 4: 20 km / 12.4 miles
Day 5: 19 km / 11.8 miles
Day 6: 17 km / 10.6 miles
Day 7: 16 km / 9.9 miles

Highlights

Spend a week hiking the most scenic trails on the Mont Blanc Circuit
Join a small group guided by an International Mountain Leader with expert knowledge of the area
Challenge yourself against cols and passes with glorious views along the way
Experience three countries and cultures in one week: France, Italy, Switzerland
Finish the adventure in Chamonix, a world-famous hub for mountain activities

Itinerary

First Destination: Col de la Forclaz
Next Destination: Chamonix

Meals included:Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Col de la Forclaz
Next Destination: Chamonix

Your adventure begins at the Hotel Col de la Forclaz. Depending on your arrival time, you may want to take a short, unguided walk to view the Trient Glacier.

Around 6pm, say hello to your tour leader and fellow travellers, where we gather as a group to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead during a welcome briefing. Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome over dinner together.

Today you can split items between bags to be delivered to the hotel in Chamonix, for the end of the trip, and things you will carry with you.

Want more time? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Accommodation: Hotel Col de la Forclaz (or similar)

Meals included:Dinner

We leave the Col de la Forclaz (5,010ft/1,527m) from where we can look directly down into the Rhône valley and the Swiss town of Martigny. Following our path through the forest and up to high alpine pastures (great for flowers in the early season), the Bovine Route (6,720ft/2,049m) affords dramatic views over Swiss peaks and valleys. After lunch, we descend to Champex (4,880ft/1,486m) and the east side of the Mont Blanc massif. Walking south, we descend through woods to the Val Ferret and onto Orsières (2,910ft/887m), a pretty alpine village in the valley at the foot of the St Bernard Pass.

Accommodation: Hotel de l’Union (or similar)

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

We hop aboard the local bus to rejoin the TMB at the village of La Fouly (5,250ft/1,600m), which is dominated by the glaciated face of Mont Dolent, whose summit is the meeting point of the French, Swiss and Italian borders. Still following the valley and the river, La Drance, we climb steadily to the Grand Col Ferret (8,320ft/2,537m), the highest pass of the tour. The mountain views from the col are stunning with Grandes Jorasses dominating the scene. Now in Italy, we descend into the valley also called Val Ferret (5,770ft/1,760m) then travel by bus to our hotel in La Palud.

Accommodation: Hotel Astoria (or similar)

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

We travel by bus to La Visaille (5,450ft/1,660m) then climb gently along the Val Veny beneath the massive glacier de Miage and pass Lac Combal. The gradient becomes steeper as we follow the old Roman road and head for today’s pass: the Col de la Seigne (8,250ft/2,516m), which marks our re-entry into France. A fairly steep descent brings us through La Ville des Glaciers (5,870ft/1,789m) and finally, after a long walking day, to Les Chapieux (5,100ft/1,553m), a small hamlet inhabited only during summer (on some departures, we stay in Bourg St Maurice, so need to take a private transfer to our accommodation).

Accommodation: Auberge de la Nova (or similar)

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

A morning transfer back to Les Chapieux, where we have reached the southwest corner of the circuit and we turn north to climb once again. Today is a big day, first we ascend to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (8,130ft/2,479m), then contour across to the Col du Bonhomme (7,641ft/2,329m) and finally descend again on a Roman road into the Val Montjoie and the town of Les Contamines (3,860ft/1,175m). Our path continues through the village and we arrive at our overnight stop with time for a well-deserved cold drink.

Accommodation: Auberge Gelinotte (or similar)

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Another big day! Our route continues with a steady ascent to the Chalets de Miage (5,120ft/1,560m), a great spot to sample home-cooked delicacies. From here, we take a trail that climbs steeply to the Col de Tricot (6,950ft/2,119m) before descending very close to the snout of the Glacier de Bionnassay with good views of the north side of the Mont Blanc massif. Eventually, we make another ascent to reach the Col de Voza (5,420ft/1,652m) where we re-enter the Chamonix Valley, and finally descend to the village of Les Houches (3,260ft/993m) and take the bus to our hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel Les Lanchers/Hotel La Verticale (or similar)

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Our final day presents perhaps one of our most spectacular walks; trekking a section of the Grand Balcon Sud route past the beautiful and photogenic Lac Blanc (7,715ft/2,352m) with grand vistas over the Chamonix Valley and Mont Blanc behind. Our route then drops sharply down to Chamonix (3,380ft/1,030m) and the end of our trek.

Accommodation: Hotel Les Lanchers/Hotel La Verticale (or similar)

Meals included:Breakfast

Invigorated after treading alpine trails, take one final look at Mont Blanc before starting your journey home. Not ready for the adventure to end? You can always speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in this magnificent region.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, dates that suit you, 24-hour support, loyalty discounts, and peace of mind for delays or disruption.

Call us on 1 844 462 4317

Your Group, Your Adventure

Want to choose your travel companions? Gather your family and friends and let us create a Private Adventure just for you.

View Details

Accommodation

Hotels and auberges

Throughout our mountain adventure, we stay in a collection of family-run hotels and auberges, all of which have spent years caring and catering for weary hikers. For the uninitiated, an auberge is equivalent to an inn: modest accommodation (often in a rural setting) that provides a warm, welcoming place to stop for travellers and hikers.

Most of the properties in which we stay offer panoramic views over the Alps, while culturally reflecting the local community. Though most are relatively basic, all are clean, well run and set up with the needs of the trekker in mind, while acting as a vital source of income to the local people.

Worth knowing

Room sizes are – twin, double, triple or quad. Facilities vary between accommodations and sometimes between rooms within a property.
On one night, bathroom facilities may be on the landing rather than inside the room (dependent on availability and group size).
Couples always have their own room but we cannot guarantee whether this will be a twin or double.
Solo travellers maybe required to share twin, triple or quad rooms.
We can’t accept bookings for single rooms due to the small size of the hotels used and the fact we are usually staying only one night in each property.
Due to limited availability, occasionally we may need to change a hotel to one further down the valley, and will provide a bus or taxi transfer.

Essential Information

This trip is rated Activity Level 5 (Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Walking profile: Our route is non-technical, although there is a short section with a fixed sloping ladder and metal footsteps to help traverse what would be a steeper section. Some days involve ascents of 3,000ft-4,000ft (900m-1,200m), equivalent to three to four hours walking uphill, followed by similar descents, amounting to eight to nine hours of walking each day (including rest stops and lunch).

Terrain: We take mountain paths throughout, so this trip is not advised for severe vertigo sufferers. The paths are well maintained, but there are sections that are rough underfoot, sometimes with loose rocks, so you need to be confident in your footing and balance.

GPS measurements: All ascents, descents and distances listed have been measured by our local partner using satellite-based mapping software. Please note, GPS measuring devices can give differing results, especially in mountainous terrain and on winding paths. Measurements stated throughout these Trip Notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and vary depending on the group pace.

Fitness: As this is a group trip, you should be able to walk at a consistent, steady pace that matches the group average, allowing the group 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. You must carry your own gear with you (there is no vehicle support), but this need not weigh more than 17lb-22lb (8kg-10kg) if you pack carefully.

Opting out: If you cannot walk during the itinerary and want to opt out of a day, please note this can sometimes be a little tricky dependent on where on the circuit you are. To reach the next point you need to take a public bus (which runs at limited times) or taxi (which can be expensive in more remote locations). If you miss any part of the itinerary, any extra transport, hotel and food cost will be at your expense.

Key information

Start hotel: Hôtel du Col de la Forclaz, La Forclaz 2, 1929 Trient
Phone: +41 27 722 26 88
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing around 6pm this evening.
Airport: Geneva (GVA)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately a 1hr 40min drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:

Take an Exodus transfer

Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times.

Make your own way

You can reach the start hotel easily by taking a train from Geneva to Martigny then onwards by bus or taxi to the Hôtel du Col de la Forclaz. Tickets for this leg of the journey must be purchased locally at Geneva railway station or online here.

Alternatively, if arriving the evening before, you could spend the night in Chamonix and then be picked up by the group transfer in the early afternoon, as it passes through on the way to the start hotel.

You can reach Chamonix easily by taking a bus transfer with a local company – make sure to book at least a week before your departure date. A one-way transfer (shared with other travellers) costs from €46 for a flexible booking and €41 for a fixed booking with our partner Mountain Dropoffs. Book on www.mountaindropoffs.com using promotional code EXOCHX for a €1.50 discount. Discounted rates apply to transfers taking place between 14 June and 15 September.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport that’s scheduled to align with a flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join this transfer. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, we recommend booking a shared transfer in advance with Mountain Drop-offs (as above). Shared transfers are not available for flights departing Geneva before 9:30am – in this case you would need to request a private transfer with Mountain Drop-offs, which is considerably more expensive (from €295 one-way).

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

All breakfasts and dinners are included except dinner in Chamonix on Day 7 of the itinerary.

Typical meals

Breakfast: Usually coffee, tea, cereal, yoghurt, fresh fruit, bread and conserves.
Lunches: No lunches are provided but can easily be bought locally from either shops or the hotel/refuge.
Evening meal: Generally, 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. Drinks are not included in the price of evening meals.
Vegetarians: We happily cater for vegetarians but please inform us at the time of booking.
Vegans: You may find the variety of food offered to be limited, since veganism is relatively uncommon in this region.

Expect fair weather from late June to early October, but all mountain ranges create their own weather patterns and the Alps are no exception. It can and does rain and it can be surprisingly cold at times, particularly on the high passes. Expected daytime temperatures are:

15C-25C (59F-77F) in the valleys, although it can sometimes reach 30C (86F) in July/August
5C-15C (41F-59F) on the passes, though it will feel colder if wet and windy
5C-15C (41F-59F) in the valley at night, possibly a little lower early and late in the season

There is always the possibility of lying snow, especially in the early season, and snowfall even in August and September when we may find new snow on the passes. On late season treks (September), the days are shorter and we need to make early starts to make the most of the available daylight hours.

Mariá was a brilliant guide, he showed consistent care for each member of the group, patience and kindness throughout. He was great company and shared his extensive knowledge along the way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack light, wear in your boots and size up a little to avoid blisters, embrace the grind uphill, the views are worth it!

Helen Mellors

Added September 2023

Amazing, challenging and rewarding

We’ve just returned from this trip and it was amazing. The views are stunning on this trip, Maria was our guide and he was just great. He got us safely round, motivated us when we needed it and was a pleasure to spend time with. The lodges are great, there’s towels and shower gel provided. Some had hairdryers but not all. After a days trekking it was great to have a few drinks and a nice meal with the group, we did the pack ups just for easiness which were pricier but good, there were more options for buying your own stuff the second half of the trek. We ended up with 8kg in our bags and we had everything we needed, packing lightly is the key as you’ve also got water and pack up to carry! Fitness wise it’s a hard but doable trip, the fitter you are the more you’ll enjoy it, the uphills are a slog but the views are worth it. We personally found walking poles a necessity, they saved my joints a lot especially on the downhills. We had a few dips in the rivers but just in our walking gear, it was cold but very refreshing at the end of the day! The last two nights we spent in Chamonix and it was great to have your spare bag for fresh clothes and a few little luxury’s. Highly recommend this trip, if your in doubt just book it, Exodus are a great company to travel with, thanks again Maria for being a great guide!

Most Inspirational Moment

The views on the high passes are just stunning! Finishing everyday feeling like you’ve accomplished something.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Maria was just brilliant, he had the right level of letting us get on with it and managing us when we needed it. He was friendly, personable, funny, knowledgeable and a pleasure to be around. We had some lovely evenings with him, he was great with anyone that was struggling and went above and beyond to help them.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack lightly, follow the trip notes for what you need. Walking poles helped massively. The pack ups are pricier but nice, bed your boots in, take blister plasters if in doubt!

Suggestions

Book it, it’s a great trip!

Cheri Davis

Added September 2023

Tour du Mont Blanc Week-Sept 2023

The most epic adventure of my life! Booking and traveling with Exodus was so easy. The communication and responsiveness by the agents was so very helpful in planning my trip. The packing and training tips provided were extremely helpful also. The spectacular views were non-stop. The accommodations were lovely and comfortable and our guide, Hristian, was an absolute rockstar!

Most Inspirational Moment

The views were spectacular and inspirational every day but the defining moment for me was the 5th day ascent to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme. It was the longest and most difficult climb of the trip and making it to the top was a defining moment for me personally. All of the people in my group were supportive of each other the whole entire week and some life long friends were made.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We could not have asked for a better group leader. Hristian was knowledgeable about the area, the terrain, each day's challenges, the history and so much more. His extensive experience was very evident and comforting. His friendly, calm demeanor made everyone feel comfortable and he made sure to keep the pace suitable to everyone in the group. Hris truly went over and above for me and the others in the group. The best example is when he carried the packs of 2 of us so that we could make the final cable car of the day down on day 5! His ever present smile and his sense of humor made my experience one I will never forget! Our group became a family for the week and we can thank Hris for that!

Advice for Potential Travellers

TRAIN, TRAIN, TRAIN!! Follow the training guidelines at a minimum and do not pack or plan to carry anything that is not absolutely essential for the 6 days. Slow down and enjoy the beauty of the people and the scenery that surround you every day!

Suggestions

I will definitely travel with Exodus again. The best referrals came from others in my group who have been on multiple Exodus adventures. I'm already researching the options!!

Read all reviews

Tour du Mont Blanc Week Trek

Activity Level

Comfort Level

Activity

Overview

A fast and light way to complete the Mont Blanc Circuit

Key Information

What's Included

6 days of Walking & Trekking

Highlights

Itinerary

Dates & Prices

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, dates that suit you, 24-hour support, loyalty discounts, and peace of mind for delays or disruption.

Your Group, Your Adventure

Accommodation

Hotels and auberges

Essential Information

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

France

Italy

Switzerland

Reviews

What a week, What a guide, What a group!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Tour Of Mont Blanc Hike. A Dream Come To Reality

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Awesome holiday

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not miss this trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Challenging and Rewarding Trek

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Challenging and so rewarding!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Feedback about the tour

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Beautiful week in the Alps!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Amazing, challenging and rewarding

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

Tour du Mont Blanc Week-Sept 2023

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

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