Val Ferret
4.8

Trek the Tour du Mont Blanc in a Week

Tackle one of the world’s greatest hikes on a wild week of wandering in the Alps

What's Included?

  • Activities & Certified Guides

    All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking IML-certified guides

  • All Lodging

    4 nights in remote mountain cabins and guesthouses, 2 nights in village hotels

  • Meals

    All your breakfasts, lunches, and dinners throughout the trip

  • Transfers

    Short transfers during the hike

  • Gear

    Pillows and blankets are provided at the refuges. Trekking poles are available for rent.

  • Small Like-minded Groups

    Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
Last few spots
From …
excluding flights

What's it like?

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Highlights

  • Circle the Mont Blanc massif on this action-packed trek through the heart of the Alps, a week-long version of our classic Tour du Mont Blanc trip

  • Trek between remote mountain refuges and step into three countries en route - France, Italy, and Switzerland

  • Hike past pristine lakes, traditional farms, and ancient churches—all backed by astounding mountain views

  • Want the legendary TMB, but with boutique Alpine hotels and restorative spa stays woven in? Take a look at our Premium adventure

Itinerary

    Day 1

    Chamonix

    Hiking
    7hrs · 10mi · 2395ft up · 4265ft down
    Guesthouse
    Mixed dorm
    Lunch and dinner included
    Show Day 1 detail

    Travel to the commune of Les Houches, the traditional starting point for the Tour du Mont Blanc, and take in your first views of the Chamonix Valley and the Mont Blanc Massif. Ride the cable car to Bellevue* and hike to Col de Tricot, crossing a suspension bridge over waterfalls cascading from the Bionnassay Glacier along the way. If the weather takes a turn, the classic trail follows a more sheltered route through the forest and along the Contamines Valley. You’ll end the day in the French resort village of Les Contamines-Montjoie. *Occasionally, groups take the Prarion cable car instead, heading up to Col de Voza – a short walk across from Bellevue.

    Day 2

    Hit the trail

    Hiking
    9hrs · 12mi · 4757ft up · 3281ft down
    Guesthouse
    Mixed dorm
    All meals included
    Show Day 2 detail

    Take a moment to explore Notre Dame de la Gorge, an ancient church with a fascinating history dating back to the 14th century. Climb up the Col du Bonhomme and walk through the nature reserve and mountain pass of Savoie County. See the Roman bridge, beautiful mountain lakes and traditional farmhouses (Le Balme), then after lunch, descend to your mountain accommodation in the small hamlet of Les Chapieux*, where you'll spend the night. * On some departures you'll take a short transfer to the small town of Bourg St Maurice for the night instead.

  3. Day 3

    Jump over to Italy

    Hiking
    6.5hrs · 9mi · 2625ft up · 3392ft down
    Hotel
    Twin share
    All meals included
    Show Day 3 detail

    Heading straight out of the refuge door in the morning, follow the river as it winds its way through alpine valleys. Climb up to the Col de la Seigne, 8,250 ft above sea level and straddling the French-Italian border. From here you'll descend into Italy's Val Veny, enjoying stunning views of Mont Blanc's southern face. Reach the road at La Visaille, where a short taxi ride takes you into the stunning alpine town of Courmayeur, where you'll bunk down in a hotel for a spot of extra comfort.

    Day 4

    The high 13000ers

    Hiking
    8.5hrs · 12mi · 4593ft up · 2008ft down
    Mountain hut
    Mixed dorm
    All meals included
    Show Day 4 detail

    Hike through the Val Ferret in this far corner of Italy, right next to the Swiss and French borders. Take in the epic scenery of Mont Blanc, the Dent du Géant, and the Grandes Jorasses—all over 13,000 ft—towering above you as the trail winds through the valley, eventually reaching your next mountain hut, Rifugio Elena.

  5. Day 5

    Climb to the Grand Col Ferret

    Hiking
    6.5hrs · 8mi · 1969ft up · 3297ft down
    Guesthouse
    Mixed dorm
    All meals included
    Show Day 5 detail

    An early start today. Grab a quick bite and coffee at the hut before setting off for the 2,000 ft climb up to the Grand Col Ferret, where you'll step over the border into Switzerland. Another parade of epic mountain views awaits as you enter the final stage of today's trek, with the trail winding through to the lovely village of La Fouly.

    Day 6

    Champex Lac to Trient

    Hiking
    6hrs · 10mi · 2425ft up · 2864ft down
    Hotel
    Mixed dorm
    All meals included
    Show Day 6 detail

    Hop in a short morning taxi ride to the beautiful mountain village of Champex Lac, where you can have a morning croissant while admiring the reflections in the lake. Hike through the forest to the Alpage de Bovine—a traditional mountain farm—to sample cakes and take a break before the descent down to Trient.

  7. Day 7

    The final climb, and back to Chamonix

    Hiking
    7hrs · 8mi · 2871ft up · 3255ft down
    Breakfast and lunch included
    Show Day 7 detail

    Today you'll hike from the village of Trient up toward the French border at the Col de Balme. After a long climb, you are rewarded with the best views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Valley (where you started from) down below. Descend the other side into the village of Le Tour, where you can enjoy a drink before a short bus ride back to Chamonix where the trip finishes.

Getting There

Nearest airport
Milano Linate Airport (LIN)
Pick up
Les Houches
09:00 on Day 1
Drop off
Chamonix
17:00 on Day 7

Detailed Logistics

Transfers

Your adventure will begin at 9:00 AM on Day 1 in Les Houches, at the TMB Archway next to the tourism office, the traditional starting point of the trail. Les Houches is easily reachable from central Chamonix using the local bus network, there is also a local train service which links the valley.

You should arrive any time the day before the start date and book a hotel of your choice in the Chamonix area. There are regular buses from Geneva Airport and Geneva Bus Station to Chamonix, which take around an hour. Your host will be able to recommend an airport transfer company. Alternatively, you could also fly to Milan Airport (LIN) and make your way to Chamonix, about three hours away.

Your adventure ends in Chamonix at 5:00 PM. You are free to make your own way back to Geneva or Milan airports, or Geneva train station for those traveling onwards by train. We advise that you book any onward trains from Geneva to depart after 7:30 PM, and any flights from Geneva to depart after 8:30 PM. You also have the option to stay additional nights in Chamonix.

Travel options

Air travellers can fly into Geneva Airport (GVA) which is approximately one hour from Chamonix. Alternatively, you can fly into Milan Airport (LIN) which is about three hours away from Chamonix.

For those who wish to avoid flying, why not travel by train instead? Chamonix is accessible by train via the St. Gervais-les-Bains (Le Fayet) station at the base of the valley which connects to Chamonix Mont Blanc train station. For example, take the Eurostar from London to Paris and then connect to one of a number of direct lines or an overnight sleeper train from Paris to St. Gervais-les-Bains, then on to Chamonix Mont Blanc station.

You can also travel to Geneva by various train routes from other parts of Europe and travel on to Chamonix from there by bus. Geneva bus station is a 5-minute walk or short taxi ride from the central train station. There are various bus services from Geneva bus station to Chamonix, with the quickest option taking 1 hour and 8 minutes.

What is and isn't Included?

What's included

  • 7 days of guided hiking along sections of the Tour du Mont Blanc

  • Expert, English-speaking IML-certified guides (1:12 guide to customer ratio)

  • 4 nights in remote mountain huts/refuges
  • 2 nights in village hotels

All your meals are provided for the duration of the trip. This includes:

  • 6 continental-style breakfasts
  • 7 picnic lunches
  • 7 dinners

  • Cable car journey from the start point in Les Houches to Bellevue on Day 1
  • Transfer by public bus to the end point in Chamonix on Day 7
  • Transfers during the trip

  • Pillows and blankets are provided at the refuges

Where You'll Stay

Private room upgrades are not available on this trip due to the nature of the accommodation.

  • Val Ferret

    The Alps

    Stay

    The Alps

    During the trek you’ll stay in a series of remote mountain refuges and traditional guesthouses which form a quintessential part of the Tour du Mont Blanc experience. The refuges you'll usually stay in are:

    • Day 1: Gite Le Pontet (Les Contamines)
    • Day 2: Refuge Mottets, Chambres du Soleil, Base Camp Lodge, Auberge Nova (Les Chapieux, Bourg St Maurice)
    • Day 4: Rifugio Walter Bonatti or Rifugio Elena (Val Ferret)
    • Day 5: Auberge Maya Joie (La Fouly)

    The accommodation are simple, clean and comfortable, and there is a variety of accommodation options used throughout the hiking season. Groups typically sleep in mixed dormitory rooms of up to 20 people, usually in bunk or single beds. They feature hot showers, running water, pillows and blankets, and a bar serving cold drinks. Most refuges also have outlets for charging your electronics, and some even have WiFi. Some refuges are more modern in style, others have a more traditional heritage, most are busy throughout the hiking season; it's the refuge's location and its remoteness that largely decides what comforts and conveniences are available. It's best to keep your expectations simple and enjoy the time on the trail to unplug from everyday life. Each of the mountain huts listed is the first choice option, but will be subject to availability. Where alternate accommodation is required, it will be of a similar style and standard.

  • Hotel Croux

    Stay

    Hotel Croux

    On Day 3 you'll stay at Hotel Croux or a similar hotel, such as Hotel Les Jumeaux, in Courmayeur. Hotel Croux is a family-run hotel in Courmayeur with spectacular views of Mont Blanc. There's a bar, a cozy lounge and even a sauna and Turkish bath to soothe tired trekkers' legs. You'll stay in twin-share rooms.

  • Hotel La Grande Ourse

    Stay

    Hotel La Grande Ourse

    Your final night of the trek (Day 6) is spent at the Hotel La Grande Ourse in the scenic village of Trient at the foot of two glaciers and the Col de la Forclaz. You'll stay in mixed dorms, with shared toilets and single-sex showers to use. There is a bar and a cozy garden to grab a drink and toast the last stage of your trek.

What You'll Eat

Breakfasts and dinners will be served at the refuges. Breakfasts always include coffee, bread, jelly and butter. Depending on the refuge, they may also include orange juice, cereal, yogurt, fruit, cheese and meats. Dinners are hearty and served in la…

Food and Dietary info

Breakfasts and dinners will be served at the refuges. Breakfasts always include coffee, bread, jelly and butter. Depending on the refuge, they may also include orange juice, cereal, yogurt, fruit, cheese and meats. Dinners are hearty and served in large portions – just what a hungry hiker needs! Typical meals include a soup appetizer, a main course of meat and veggies with a side of grains or pasta, and a dessert like vanilla pudding or creme brûlée. Picnic lunches will be provided each day, featuring a large main item like a sandwich or wrap, a salad, and a selection of fruit, granola bars, chocolate, nuts, etc.

Vegetarian, vegan and most other dietary requirements (including gluten-free) can be catered for with advanced notice. Just let your host know when reserving. While dietary needs are sent to each refuge with the group reservations, please consider that the mountain refuges will have a limited range of choice to offer guests due to their remote locations. People with very specific dietary requirements typically choose to also bring some of their own snacks with them to ensure they have sufficient fuel for hiking up and down the beautiful mountain trails.

Optional Extras

Equipment / Kit Hire

Trekking Poles
…/per person

Others

Luggage Storage in Chamonix (7 Days), per bag
…

Upgrades

Due to the style and limited capacity of the accommodation used on this trip, a private room upgrade is not available as an optional extra.

To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.

All extras must be paid before your trip starts.

Trip level explained

Level 5

Challenging

This trip is suitable for experienced hikers in good shape. You'll need to be able to hike 9–12 miles on mountain trails, with as much as 3,281 ft of elevation gain and descent, each day. You will be carrying your own overnight pack between the refuges, so should be confident hiking with a 30-50 liter pack for multiple days. Doing some practice hikes before the trip with your pack and boots is strongly recommended to help you prepare for this adventure!

What will I need to carry?

You will be carrying your own 30-50L backpack between the refuges, with everything you need for the seven-day trek. A luggage transport service is unavailable on this trip as not all accommodation are accessible by road. So don't overpack, a lighter backpack will be more enjoyable, but also don't skip the essentials and risk getting caught out in bad weather. It's a good idea to do some hiking before the trip so you are comfortable with the gear you plan to bring on the trek. Check out our gear list section for the basics to consider putting in your backpack.

High altitude (over 8,200 ft): factors to consider

This trip visits locations at or above 8,200ft, where some people may experience symptoms of Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Previous experience at altitude doesn’t guarantee the same response again – your body can react differently on each trip. However, having been at altitude before is still valuable: it gives you a better understanding of how your body might respond, what symptoms to look out for, and how to manage your pace and energy levels.

Your guide is trained to manage the risk of altitude sickness by controlling the rate of ascent, monitoring group well-being, and responding appropriately if anyone feels unwell.

Before booking, we recommend considering your personal health, particularly if you have any pre-existing conditions, and consulting a medical professional if you’re unsure. Arriving early to allow your body to acclimatize can also make a big difference.

Your travel insurance must cover the maximum altitude reached on this trip and include emergency evacuation.

Remote environment: factors to consider

Some parts of this trip take place in areas where access to medical facilities and emergency services may be limited. This may mean that reaching medical care takes longer than you might normally expect, or that local medical facilities have fewer resources than those you may be used to at home.

If someone becomes unwell or injured, initial treatment may be provided locally before onward travel to a larger hospital or city for further care. Evacuation could involve changing the planned route or using different forms of transportation to reach appropriate medical facilities. Mobile phone coverage may also be intermittent in some locations.

Your guide is trained to manage situations in remote environments and will monitor the group and respond appropriately if any issues arise. However, it’s important that you let your guide know straight away if you feel unwell or experience any health concerns during the trip.

Before booking, consider your personal health and ability to travel in locations where access to medical care may be delayed. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns, we recommend seeking advice from a medical professional and discussing them with your host before traveling.

All travelers must have suitable travel insurance that covers the activities included in the trip and emergency medical evacuation if required.

Ratings & Reviews

4.867 reviews
  • 2 stars (0)

Category rating

Food
4.0
Guides & crew
5.0
Accommodation
4.0
Itinerary
5.0

Latest Reviews

  • Sarah S.

    Day 1 started badly -the MBA website states we take the gondola up and then climb 730m and walk 16 km over approx 7 hours. Because the gondola wasn't working (which they knew about in advance because it was end of season), they didn't bother to organise a bus transfer - they made us walk up another 1000m which is a harsh steep climb to start with & wiped a lot of people out. Personally I injured myself which messed up the rest of my trip. That day, we walked for 11 hours, 1730m and 26km. Not a great start and wholly unnecessary. Also, MBA doesn't actually run any of it's tours - it is sub contracted & in this case to a company called Happy Tracks. That is not obvious from the MBA website. Apart from a decent 2 star hotel in Courmeyer, all the other accomm was woeful. I have stayed in refuges before but MBA/Happy Tracks chose the absolutely bottom in standard. The only positives were the really lovely guide and the fact we were lucky with the weather. I will look to other companies in the future or I would be very happy to contract independently with the excellent guide we had. The food was also dreadful and there were some days we did not have enough food for the extent of hiking/climbing we had to do.

  • Andrew B.

    A gorgeous week in the mountains with a wonderful group of people and, best of all, Iuliana who was a superb guide. Logistics were flawless, her knowledge was encyclopedic with just the right amount of gentle cajoling to get us up and, more importantly, down the hills. You will definitely need to be in shape to complete the tour especially if Iuliana throws a variant or two in your path to spice things up. But the views are superb. Can’t recommend too highly

  • Owen B.

    Awesome time in the mountains Luliana was a fantastic guide and it really was one of the smoothest tours ive been on, food, transport, accommodation were all ready for us which made it a great holiday - recommendation 1100%!

  • gemma D.

    Excellent trek , guide was amazing and so well organised

  • Lucie I.

    With thanks to our guide Iuliana, for a great week walking the TMB. Highly recommend the trip.

  • David G.

    A joy to be with a nice group of people. The hike itself is spectacular with lots of ups and downs in terrain, and very few flat sections. It was very well organized and we did not have to worry on this logistically complicated hike. Great conversations and views. The blessing and the curse is that it is such a beautiful trail, which means lots of people and felt crowded. This allowed the refuges to all be open, but also left lots of long lines and usually a few people in sight at all times. Would recommend and would love to even take the longer trek, explore some of the more off-beat paths.

  • efthymia s.

    I can’t say enough about this hiking experience—it was absolutely unforgettable! From start to finish, everything was seamless and thoughtfully planned. The trail itself was breathtaking, offering the perfect balance of challenge and reward. What truly made the trip stand out, though, was our guide, Iuliana. She wasn’t just knowledgeable about the terrain, wildlife, and history of the area, but also incredibly attentive and encouraging. Her passion for the outdoors was contagious, and it turned what could have been just a hike into an inspiring adventure. If you’re looking for a hiking trip that combines stunning scenery, a fun but challenging journey, and an outstanding guide who goes above and beyond, this is the company to choose.

  • Richard G.

    So appreciated our guide as she made all the decisions allowing us to just enjoy the hiking, scenery and camaraderie. Each day’s hike was doable with usually a nice place to end the day, shower, enjoy a beverage and reflect on the day.

  • Allan T.

    Excellent adventure. Great route, great group of people, well led by Christina from Happy Tracks. Am already recommending to friends

  • Brigitte K.

    This trip was SO WELL PLANNED and executed. I literally turned my brain off and just followed our guide, Cristina. This was a trip of a lifetime. Cristina was incredible, the mountains were incredible, just wow. Wow wow wow.

Customer Photos

4.867 reviews
  • 5 stars (59)
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  • 2 stars (0)
  • 1 star (1)
Showing all 67 reviews

  • Wonderful guide but don't go end of season & look at another supplier

    Sarah S. September 2025
    Day 1 started badly -the MBA website states we take the gondola up and then climb 730m and walk 16 km over approx 7 hours. Because the gondola wasn't working (which they knew about in advance because it was end of season), they didn't bother to organise a bus transfer - they made us walk up another 1000m which is a harsh steep climb to start with & wiped a lot of people out. Personally I injured myself which messed up the rest of my trip. That day, we walked for 11 hours, 1730m and 26km. Not a great start and wholly unnecessary. Also, MBA doesn't actually run any of it's tours - it is sub contracted & in this case to a company called Happy Tracks. That is not obvious from the MBA website. Apart from a decent 2 star hotel in Courmeyer, all the other accomm was woeful. I have stayed in refuges before but MBA/Happy Tracks chose the absolutely bottom in standard. The only positives were the really lovely guide and the fact we were lucky with the weather. I will look to other companies in the future or I would be very happy to contract independently with the excellent guide we had. The food was also dreadful and there were some days we did not have enough food for the extent of hiking/climbing we had to do.

  • Do it

    Andrew B. September 2025
    A gorgeous week in the mountains with a wonderful group of people and, best of all, Iuliana who was a superb guide. Logistics were flawless, her knowledge was encyclopedic with just the right amount of gentle cajoling to get us up and, more importantly, down the hills. You will definitely need to be in shape to complete the tour especially if Iuliana throws a variant or two in your path to spice things up. But the views are superb. Can’t recommend too highly

  • Congratulations, you've found this tour!

    Owen B. September 2025
    Awesome time in the mountains Luliana was a fantastic guide and it really was one of the smoothest tours ive been on, food, transport, accommodation were all ready for us which made it a great holiday - recommendation 1100%!

  • Mont Blanc trek

    gemma D. September 2025
    Excellent trek , guide was amazing and so well organised

  • A great week on the TMB

    Lucie I. September 2025
    With thanks to our guide Iuliana, for a great week walking the TMB. Highly recommend the trip.

  • Beautiful, nice experience

    David G. September 2025
    A joy to be with a nice group of people. The hike itself is spectacular with lots of ups and downs in terrain, and very few flat sections. It was very well organized and we did not have to worry on this logistically complicated hike. Great conversations and views. The blessing and the curse is that it is such a beautiful trail, which means lots of people and felt crowded. This allowed the refuges to all be open, but also left lots of long lines and usually a few people in sight at all times. Would recommend and would love to even take the longer trek, explore some of the more off-beat paths.

  • Absolutely Amazing!

    efthymia s. August 2025
    I can’t say enough about this hiking experience—it was absolutely unforgettable! From start to finish, everything was seamless and thoughtfully planned. The trail itself was breathtaking, offering the perfect balance of challenge and reward. What truly made the trip stand out, though, was our guide, Iuliana. She wasn’t just knowledgeable about the terrain, wildlife, and history of the area, but also incredibly attentive and encouraging. Her passion for the outdoors was contagious, and it turned what could have been just a hike into an inspiring adventure. If you’re looking for a hiking trip that combines stunning scenery, a fun but challenging journey, and an outstanding guide who goes above and beyond, this is the company to choose.

  • Great TMB adventure

    Richard G. August 2025
    So appreciated our guide as she made all the decisions allowing us to just enjoy the hiking, scenery and camaraderie. Each day’s hike was doable with usually a nice place to end the day, shower, enjoy a beverage and reflect on the day.

  • Excellent adventure. Great route, great

    Allan T. August 2025
    Excellent adventure. Great route, great group of people, well led by Christina from Happy Tracks. Am already recommending to friends

  • Absolutely incredible!!

    Brigitte K. August 2025
    This trip was SO WELL PLANNED and executed. I literally turned my brain off and just followed our guide, Cristina. This was a trip of a lifetime. Cristina was incredible, the mountains were incredible, just wow. Wow wow wow.

  • Exceeded my expectations at every

    Courtenay G. August 2025
    Exceeded my expectations at every turn, stunning scenery, rustic but very comfortable and appropriate accomodation, efficiently organised and incredible guide (Cristina)…but definitely a work out, luckily our group had a great level of fitness

  • Pure Bliss (and Blisters)

    Frankie S. August 2025
    Incredible Tour du Mont Blanc! Azu was a brilliant guide (and makes a mean charcuterie lunch). Amazing group, stunning views across France, Italy, and Switzerland. Tough weather on day 2 but worth it for the epic descent. Refuges were excellent. 105km and 6,600m of elevation – tough but unforgettable!

  • Fun and Challenging

    Oscar P. July 2025
    Hiking/walking: Very enjoyable environment, generally very safe paths, as challenging as expected, with great views Food: Lunch occasionally could be better, portions were usually sufficient and quite tasty - you can't do this trip without having to buy snacks Accommodation: refuges are good (only real thing available). Good earplugs and sleeping mask are worthwhile. The hotel stay in Courmayeur was very nice alongside pizza Guide: nice guy, we didn't get lost so 5 stars

  • Incredible week - 100% recommend

    Somers B. July 2025
    Can’t recommend this trip enough. The scenery was spectacular and our guide Iulianna was fantastic. The food and accommodation was great (bearing in mind some of the refuges are pretty isolated) and the hiking itself was challenging but incredibly rewarding.

  • TMB was amazing with this guided tour

    Craig D. July 2025
    this was our first guided trip and MBA with our guide OLI sets a pretty high bar. all meals provided and knowledgeable guide who handles all the logistics and keeping our group together and informed. he was good to be involved socially as well with our group. would not hesitate to recommend.

  • TMB

    Meghan J. July 2025
    Absolutely surpassed expectations. Stunning scenery every single day and a wonderful group made the experience unforgettable

  • As a first-time Alpine hiker,

    Diana G. July 2025
    As a first-time Alpine hiker, having a guide was indispensable! Cecilia and Happy Tracks were wonderful, expert, and prepared. It was challenging (as advertised), beautiful, and a great way to get a sense of what something like the TMB is all about while enjoying the experience with others. Our guide did a good job of keeping the group together when necessary while letting faster hikers walk ahead; of pointing out local floral and fauna; and preparing us for each day. I recommend this trek and company.

  • Cecilia was a wonderful guide

    LEWIS B. July 2025
    Cecilia was a wonderful guide and our group of 12 bonded well over the course of the 7 day trek. The hiking sections were beautiful and challenging, and the accommodations were as expected and food satisfying as expected. A great experience and great value!

  • First time trekker loved this!

    James B. July 2025
    I had never done more than a one day walk before this so was interested to see how I would get on with a "challenging" 7 day guided trek. I absolutely loved it - the guide was excellent, wonderful group of fellow hikers and of course breathtaking sights every day. Very well organised, decent accommodation/food (I appreciated the efforts taken for me as a pesky vegan). I am a reasonably fit 57 yo and found it well within my range physically although it's hard work obviously. All in all I would thoroughly recommend.

  • Amazing trip, there were so

    Monika P. June 2025
    Amazing trip, there were so many beautiful sights to admire and the flowers in June were stunning. We were lucky our guide suggested an early start one morning to reach the summit at sunrise which was very special. Pack as light as possible to enjoy the walk more as we had a few people who struggled with heavy packs. The walking pace was very good and considered with plenty of breaks. It was great to stop at huts each day along the way for coffee or snacks, a toilet stop or to fill up your water bottle.

  • TMB June 2025

    Alistair D. June 2025
    Well organised and led by an experienced and enthusiastic leader. Luliana kept us informed and her requirements from us as a group. She was very likeable and appreciated.

  • I can't recommend this trip highly enough

    Sally C. June 2025
    Fantastic week hiking in France, Italy and Switzerland. It was great to know that route planning, accommodation and food was all taken care of. Kirsti, our guide was fabulous. The refuge accommodation was better than I expected. The scenery is really breathtaking on every single day. The hiking was hard work but also great fun.

  • Stunning scenery and amazing trek

    Cassandra J. June 2025
    Had an absolute blast on this epic trek. Our group of 10, made up of diverse group of ages and experiences, led to many laughs and shared life tips, including photos shoots in the many, many stunning locations. Our guide Kirsti was great, very knowledgable, calm and organised, and led the group on a few variants which suited our abilities, as it was early in the season we had to be aware of snow. Accommodation was better than I had expected and food was excellent. Tips are: don’t pack too much, you can hand wash and dry clothes overnight at nearly all the stops and proper laundry done in Courmayeur. Also you can buy snacks, basic toiletries, sun cream and meds along the way (including blister plasters!) so you only need enough for the first few days. Poles are essential - easy to hire. Difficulty? Well there were some long days and we averaged just over 1000m of ascent per day, but it was surprisingly doable by anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and a desire to get up every day and hit the trail. Would really recommend Joel and the team at Happy Tracks- very helpful when we had trouble parking in Les Houches. Thanks to everyone for such a life affirming experience.

  • Overall a superb trip, some

    Conor K. June 2025
    Overall a superb trip, some very challenging climbs, stunning views and the accomdation was very comfortable for shared dorms. There was too much walking on concrete roads of 4x4 tracks for my liking but that's simply part of the route

  • Fantastic week. The scenery was

    Gretel S. October 2024
    Fantastic week. The scenery was spectacular from the start and it made it very easy not to worry about the route and just follow the guide. I enjoyed the different feel of the French, Italian and Swiss legs. The distance each day averages around 10 miles maximum, but the ascent and descent means a decent level of fitness is required. Note that it isn't technically the whole of the Tour du Mont Blanc as you skip a leg in Switzerland and Le Tour to Les Houches in France. We also mostly stayed in what I would describe as hostels/dormitory rooms in hotels rather than remote refuges, but I understand this varies depending on availability and it meant a bit more luxury (and the one refuge in Italy where we did stay was great).

  • Fantastic week all round

    Anna W. September 2024
    I could not have had a better time on this trip! Nico, our guide, was amazing - skilled, funny and great at bringing the group together. He understood the group dynamics and tailored the days accordingly. Our group had some big personalities in it and we all got along really well. The accommodation was varied, giving a real TMB experience, and the food (and wine!) was fantastic. If you're on the fence... this is your sign to book it!

  • Excellent Hike, Amazing Scenery, Brilliant Guide and Great Group

    Jonathan S. September 2024
    What an amazing week trekking the TMB! The booking process was simple and great information provided in the run up to the adventure. The What's App group was great for getting to know people ahead of the start. Our guide Iuliana was excellent, very knowledgeable, manged a diverse group well and great company in the evenings. The group was a lovely mix of genders, ages, nationalities and backgrounds. It was great getting to know them all and sharing the experience with them. The scenery is breathtaking, even more so than the hills which were literally breathtaking. The hike has such a variety of landscapes including, mountains, glaciers, green hills, lakes, waterfalls, woods, meadows and valleys. Tips: Practice some hilly walks with your full pack on; don't over pack, you will regret carrying it; spend some time walking with everyone in the group, even if they are at the back and you prefer being at the front.

  • Such an amazing adventure with

    elgin m. September 2024
    Such an amazing adventure with great people. Our guide Nico was fantastic!!!!!!!!

  • Sept 24 TMB

    Tom R. September 2024
    A fantastic week with great organisation, good accomodation and a fantastic guide made the TMB a great adventure. We were really lucky to have a group that just clicked and was more like a family by the end of the week.

  • Amazing adventure

    Daniel L. September 2024
    Thoroughly enjoyed the TMB with Much Better Adventures. Great communication ahead of time around transfers and requirements. Our guide Luliana was fantastic. Chose some variants that allowed us to maximise our time and avoid bad weather, knowledgeable about local wildlife, vegetation and history, and great company. The other trekkers we're great and we all got on well. And the scenery was simply breathtaking. Tips - don't over pack, you only really need one set of clothes for the day and one for the evening, and you can get laundry done as you go; it's hard - there are some big 1000m+ climbs a day (but it's well worth it); take ear plugs and eye mask, most accomodation is in dormitories; Mountain Drop Offs was brill as transfter from Geneva airport working to specific arrival and departure times.

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Departure dates

  • Monday 3rd August 2026

    to Sunday 9th August 2026

    Fully Booked

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  • Monday 10th August 2026

    to Sunday 16th August 2026

    Fully Booked

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  • Monday 17th August 2026

    to Sunday 23rd August 2026

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  • Monday 24th August 2026

    to Sunday 30th August 2026

    Coincides With UTMB Race Week 24-30 Aug

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What to Pack

Backpack with hiking gear laid out

Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.

Kit List

What's available to rent?
  • Trekking poles (see Optional Extras for prices)
What do I need to bring?

You'll be carrying all you need for the seven day trip on your back, so don't over pack but also don't skip the essentials. Hiking in the Alps even in the peak of summer you can have very mixed conditions, both hot and cold, especially when climbing over the high mountain passes.

GEAR

  • 30-50 liter backpack with waist belt (plus a rain cover)
  • A pack liner or dry bag is also good protection in case of rain
  • Sleeping bag liner (cotton or silk). This is very important as it's a mandatory requirement at the mountain refuges. Pillows and blankets are provided by the refuges.
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended due to altitude)
  • Preferred snacks for the trail
  • Hydration/electrolyte tablets
  • 2 liter water bottle(s)
  • Hand sanitizer gel
  • Toiletries and personal first-aid kit items
  • Towel
  • Swim suit
  • Earplugs and eye mask (recommended)
  • Cash (EUR) for drinks, snacks along the trail, tips etc.
  • Plug adapter and/or battery pack to charge electrical devices (note Switzerland uses a different standard to the rest of Europe)
  • Headlamp

CLOTHES

  • Waterproof jacket (with hood) and pants
  • Synthetic (e.g. Primaloft) or down puffy jacket
  • Fleece or merino pullover or sweater
  • Synthetic or merino wool base layers
  • Warm hat and gloves (really important in mixed weather conditions)
  • Sunhat or cap
  • Synthetic shirts/T-shirts and pants (zip-off preferable) or shorts for hiking
  • Comfortable clothes to wear post-hike in the refuges
  • 2+ pairs of hiking socks, wool or synthetic (not cotton)
  • Sturdy hiking boots or shoes (worn in)
  • Comfortable light shoes for around the refuge

FAQs

Yes. Extra luggage not needed for the trip can be securely stored at the host's office. There is a storage fee of 30.00 EUR per bag, to be paid in cash when joining the trip in Chamonix. Please inform your host in advance if you have extra luggage so they can plan the logistics accordingly. You will not have access to this bag during the trip; the host will bring the bag(s) to meet the group at the end of the trip in Chamonix.

Yes, you can get laundry done while passing through Courmayeur. The hotel you'll be staying at offers a laundry service, usually with same-day turnaround, for approximately €20 (though this can vary depending on how much you give them to wash). It's a handy opportunity to refresh your kit about halfway around Mont Blanc – and a great excuse to pack a little lighter for the trek.

For this itinerary there is 1 guide to 10 hikers. The guides this host works with are all International Mountain Leader certified (as a minimum), First Aid trained and are highly experienced at leading groups in the Alps.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers review the practical information available on the UK Government’s FCDO website, where you can find up-to-date advice by searching for your destination(s).

If you are based in the United States, you can also check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.

For customers joining from other international locations, we recommend checking the official travel advice issued by your country of residence, as guidance may vary.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates daily, so prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips typically consist of a mix of solo travelers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves, and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

The Tour du Mont Blanc trekking season is from June to September. Summer around Mont Blanc is generally warm and fair, but the weather can change very quickly in the high mountains, bringing cold rain and wind. Average temperatures range from 43 to 79 °F. It rains roughly half of the days each month, but storms generally pass through quickly. There can be snow on the mountain passes at the start of the season. Even in the peak of summer you can have very mixed conditions, especially when climbing over the high mountain passes above 6,500 ft. Heatwaves have also been a feature of recent European summers. Our gear list is intended to guide you on what to pack for this trip.

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre program, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 149kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

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