DURATION
9 nights
LOCATION
France, Italy, Switzerland
ANNUAL LEAVE
6-8 days off work
SEASON
Jun-Sep
GROUP SIZE
Up to 12 people
MEETING POINT
Central Chamonix
ACCOMMODATION
Classic
Guesthouse · Mountain hut
DIFFICULTY
Challenging
Make no mistake, with 15-20km a day and some serious alpine ascents, you will need good fitness, and ideally multi-day hiking experience
Trek across three countries and through the heart of the Alps as you circumnavigate the Mont Blanc massif
Experience rustic, mountain life – remote and authentic – the perfect first foray into long-distance trekking
Ride the cable car from Les Houches to Bellevue and see the Alps in all their glory laid out before you
Not quite got 10 days to spare? Then check out our shorter version of this trip, Trek the Tour du Mont Blanc in a Week
Day 1
Chamonix
Hiking
7hrs · 16km · 730m up · 1300m down
Travel to the commune of Les Houches, traditional start point for the Tour de Mont Blanc and get your first view of the Chamonix Valley and the Mont Blanc Massif. Ride the cable car to Bellevue and hike to Col de Tricot, crossing the famous suspension bridge over the waterfalls at the end of the Bionnassay Glacier. End the day in the French resort of Les Contamines.
Day 2
France
Hiking
9hrs · 20km · 1600m up · 1000m down
Take a moment to explore Notre Dame de la Gorge, an ancient church with a fascinating history that dates back to the 14th century. Climb up the 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 the village of Les Chapieux, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 3
Italy
Hiking
7-8hrs · 20km · 820m up · 100m down
Follow the river as it winds its way through Alpine valleys and climb up to the Col de la Seigne, 2516 meters above sea level and straddling the French-Italian border. From there, make your way back down to the Rifugio Monte Bianco, where you can rest up and take in the views.
Day 4
The high 4000’s
Hiking
3-4hrs · 9km · 350m up · 800m down
Experience some of the route’s most beautiful views (and that's saying something) as you trek from Rifugio Monte Bianco to Courmayeur. Fall silent as you see the range’s famous 4000-meter peaks and explore the village of Courmayeur, where you'll stay tonight.
Day 5
Refuge Elena
Hiking
6-7hrs · 13km · 1100m up · 300m down
Hike through the Val Ferret on the Italy/Swiss border. See Mont Blanc, the Dent du Géants and the Grandes Jorasses massif in the distance, before arriving at your mountain hut, Refuge Elena with views over two countries.
Day 6
The Grand Col Ferret
Hiking
8-9hrs · 21km · 950m up · 1350m down
Wake up early and climb 500 meters to the Grand Col Ferret and step over the border into Switzerland. It's now time for the final stage of your trek, beginning with a hike to the lovely village of La Fouly where you’ll spend the night.
Day 7
Amble through La Fouly
Hiking
5-6hrs · 17km · 600m up · 700m down
Enjoy a (significantly) easier day as you walk through rolling, green valleys. See quaint villages and rustic farmhouses, before arriving in the picturesque Swiss mountain resort of Champex.
Day 8
Trient
Hiking
7-8hrs · 18km · 850m up · 1050m down
There are two options today: take the hard route over the Fenetre d’Arpette, or the slightly easier (official) one over Bovine. Both are beautiful, but the harder route takes you to the highest point so far with views to match. Whichever you choose, you’ll end the day in the small village of Trient where your accommodation awaits.
Day 9
The Col de Balme
Hiking
5-6hrs · 15km · 980m up · 850m down
Travel to the Col de Balme marking the Swiss-French border at an altitude of 2190 meters. Lose yourself in the views of the Aiguille du Midi and Aiguilette de Possettes and finish the day in Tré-le-Champ.
Day 10
Back to Chamonix
Hiking
7-8hrs · 17km · 1100m up · 1400m down
Trek over the Grand Balcon Sud and past the Lac Blanc, before heading to either Flégère or Planpraz. If you’re keen for more, hike back to Chamonix, or alternatively ride the cable car one last time, before your epic trek comes to an end.
Included
Guides
Experienced, English speaking guides
Accommodation
9 nights in remote mountain huts and guesthouses
Meals
Munch on tasty food throughout
Transfers
From Chamonix to Les Houches
Not Included
Flights to and from the meeting point
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Visas where required
Travel to and from the start point
Day 1
Guesthouse · Mixed dorm
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 4
Guesthouse · Mixed dorm
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Mountain hut · Mixed dorm
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6 – Day 7
Guesthouse · Mixed dorm
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8
Mountain hut · Mixed dorm
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 9
Guesthouse · Mixed dorm
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 10
Departure day
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
The mountain huts offer half-board. Breakfasts are usually continental - think juices, teas, coffee, yoghurts, bread and jams. Dinners, meanwhile, are hearty - expect soups, a main course with meat, vegetables and a side dish (rice, polenta, pasta), and dishes like vanilla pudding, crème brulée and fruit salads for dessert. Please note there is an extra charge for soft and alcoholic drinks.
Your host will also provide healthy packed lunches. They’re big and include sandwiches, wraps or a salad, as well as a selection of fresh fruits, muesli bars, chocolate and nuts (to name a few). All dietary requirements including vegetarian and vegan can be catered for: just let your host know in advance.
What is the accommodation like?
The Alps
You’ll stay in remote mountain refuges and traditional guesthouses.
- Day 1: Gite Le Pontet (Les Contamines)
- Day 2: Refuge des Mottets (Les Chapieux)
- Day 3: Rifugio Monte Bianco (Val Veny)
- Day 4: Hotel Croux / Crampon (Courmayeur)
- Day 5: Rifugio Bonatti / Elena (Val Ferret)
- Day 6: Auberge Maya Joie (La Fouly)
- Day 7: Relais d'Arpette / Pension en Plein Air (Champex)
- Day 8: Hotel la Grande Ourse / Refuge Le Peuty (Trient)
- Day 9: Auberge La Boerne (Argentière)
Each is unique but you can usually expect hot showers and running water (often in a shared bathroom with a time limit), bunk beds with a pillow and blankets, and a bar with cold drinks. They're basic but friendly and provide an excellent opportunity to get away from civilisation and reconnect with nature (but you can also charge your phone and access free Wi-Fi at many). 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.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Chamonix Sud bus station
08:00 on Day 1
Ends
Chamonix
17:00 on Day 10
Transfers
Your adventure will begin at 08:00 on Day 1 when you'll be picked up by your host from Chamonix Sud bus station. You should arrive any time the day before the start date, and book a hotel of your choice.
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) about three hours from Chamonix.
Your adventure ends at Chamonix at 17:00. You are free to make your own way back to Geneva or Milan Airports, or Geneva railway station for those travelling onwards by train. We advise that you book any onward trains from Geneva to depart after 19:30, and any flights from Geneva or Milan to depart after 20:30. 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) about three hours 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 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, the quickest option taking 1 hour and 8 minutes.
For those wanting to arrive a day early or extend their trip - your host is happy to recommend pre or post-trip accommodation in Chamonix.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What do I need to bring?
- 35 to 40-litre backpack
- Hiking boots (Strong and waterproof with a high ankle)
- Hiking poles (recommended but not essential - can be rented from your host)
- Warm clothes – jumpers, hats, gloves
- Shorts, tee shirts (bring lots of layers, preferably synthetics)
- Trainers for the evenings
- Water and windproof jacket and trousers
- Sun protection – glasses, sun cream, lip balm
- Toiletries
- Swimwear
- 2-litre camelback for water or 2 x bottles
- Small quick-drying towel
- Sleeping bag liner (silk or cotton). This is very important as it's a mandatory requirement at the mountain refuges. Pillows and Blankets are provided.
- Cash (EUR) for drinks, snacks along the trail, tips etc.
You will be carrying your own kit and lunch so the key is to pack light!
Luggage Transfer - Single Bag, max 15kg
Payable Before Departure
Luggage Transfer - Single Bag, max 15kg
…
Walking Poles
Payable In Resort
Walking Poles
…
Absolutely incredible trip! Nick was the best guide I’ve ever had - fun, motivating and fantastic picnics! The group was brilliant and had a great time - we are already planning our next hike! The accommodation was either really nice or a fun experience (bring earplugs for the shared dorms), the food delicious and the trekking brilliant! Really can’t recommend it enough! One of the best things I’ve done! Really good value for money and don’t think I could have done it any cheaper myself. Would recommend doing some practice hikes if you haven’t done a long hike before as it is challenging but the views are inspiring! Excited to do another MBA trip in the future!
Without doubt one of the most life enriching treks I’ve done. Challenging but stunning. Our guide, Fernando, was simply the kindest, most obliging, most well informed and knowledgable people I’ve ever met. Another outstanding trip with MBA…
Awesome trip from start to finish. Our guide was fantastic and the group was brilliant fun. Couldn’t think of a better way to spend 10 days. Get fit, pack light and enjoy the awesome views with a glass of wine!
If you're thinking about doing this trip, definitely go for it! It was a trip of a lifetime. Train a lot, get the kit list in order, and then hike! The accommodations, food, directions - all of it was great. Our guide was knowledgeable, patient, great with our group, and made sure we were all safe and comfortable. Very glad to have chosen the fully guided option. While it was still a physical challenge to do the full hike, having a great guide and group made it a lot easier and more fun.
We booked a 10 day TMB and we loved it. Group dynamics was great, Grant our guide was very knowledgeable ,fun and patient.Views were spectacular all around. Difficulty was as expected we didn’t find it hard. Vegan diet still a bit challenging at most remote places but there are shops along the way so we could subsidise. Accommodation was good but we have stayed at separate places for 2 nights. Definitely Recommend the trip as it was superbly organised.
Great trek with spectacular scenery every day.
A fantastic trip across the Tour du Mont Blanc! Would highly recommend it. Our local guide Nick was incredible and ensured we had an amazing ten days of hiking. Thanks, Nick.
Trekking the TMB is seriously challenging (especially the first 2 days), and seriously rewarding. This is really both a physical hike and a cultural hike - you really get a sense of each country. Walking through small villages, eating at the refuges, learning about the history of mountaineering and the Alps. It's like walking through a Bob Ross painting every day! I'd absolutely recommend this trip to anyone looking for a multi-day hike with the sweetest and most charming views imaginable. Happy, no other word for it! A++
Great experience - the fitter your are the more enjoyable the trip will be so worth taking the difficulty seriously. Luggage transfer is worth booking, accommodation at a couple of refuges is cramped, basic (and in one case lacks hospitality).
n/a
We've crunched the numbers to work out the total carbon footprint of this trip, and plant enough trees to suck 2x as much back out the atmosphere.
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 for 2023 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 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 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. For every person booked with us since 2016 we’re planting enough trees to suck at least 2x more carbon out the atmosphere than is emitted by their trips. All native trees, as part of amazing projects that are re-foresting degraded land, tackling the biodiversity crisis and supporting local communities at the same time. We go further than that too, also funding re-wilding projects worldwide to help protect important keystone species from extinction. See the reforestation and re-wilding schemes we support. See our carbon action plan.
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.
This trek is no easy feat – so you’ll need to be in good physical shape and able to hike between 6-8 hours per day (equating 10 to 16km) with 1000m ascents/descents. You'll need to carry your own main pack during the trek (unless you book the luggage transfer service - see Optional Extras) which further adds to the challenge. If you have not undertaken multi-day treks before then we recommend doing some walking weekends with a weighted backpack beforehand and putting in some physical preparation as the day-after-day exertion can take its toll. That said, it's a great trip for those who are new to long-distance hiking with no previous technical hiking experience required.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Warm and sunny, but prone to turn a little chilly in the altitude. Snow is possible, as are thunderstorms (particularly in the late afternoon in August).
Yes. Excess luggage not required on the trip can be stored. There is a storage fee of 25.00 EUR per bag which needs to be stored during the hike. This can be paid in cash at the time. Please let your host know in advance if you have excess luggage so that they can plan the logistics accordingly.
If you would prefer to just hike with a small day pack, don't want to think about your luggage and what to pack, there is a luggage transfer service available for a fee. The luggage transportation service is available on 8 out of 9 nights: this means you'll need to carry things for just one overnight stay, on the 5th night at Rifugio Bonatti as there is no road access (although you won't need to carry all your luggage, just an overnight bag). The rest of your luggage gets transported during the day to the next destination. You'll need to pack your luggage in a duffle bag, to prevent any damage or loss to your belongings. We do not have a size restriction of the bags but the weight is limited to 15kg per bag.
See Optional Extras for prices.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that 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 (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're in good company. Our adventures are typically made up of a mix of solo travellers and small groups of two or three friends who simply love adventure, pushing themselves and meeting awesome like-minded people. See here for more info about our lovely bunch of Much Better Adventurers.
Want to book a private trip? Just tap ‘Private Group’ in the dates and prices tab.
Your trip is led by carefully curated local hosts and expert guides. See here for more info about the guides we work with.
Pay In Installments
You can choose to pay for this trip in as many installments as you like, with no interest or fees.
Full Financial Protection
Your money is safe. Every booking is fully financially protected.
