Tour du Mont Blanc – Self-Guided Trek

The self-guided Tour du Mont Blanc is perfect for fit hikers who want an independent trekking experience on a challenging but well-marked trail. This trek is for you if:

• You have previous hiking experience and are comfortable hiking 6-8 hours per day for many days in a row
• You know how to confidently read a map and navigate trails with route notes in case of bad weather
• You're ok carrying a pack with essentials for the day (extra layers, rain gear, water, snacks, etc.) and two overnights without luggage
• You feel confident handling logistics like public transport, following schedules, and communicating basic needs in French
• You don't mind small dormitories and shared bathrooms for two nights

However, if you prefer hiking with a guide or have limited hiking experience, a guided trek may be a better fit.

We rate the TMB as a level 3 trek overall, but it has a wide range of terrain and some days are easier than others. You'll experience:

• Distances of 16-22km per day
• Elevation gains/losses of 800-1300m per day
• An average hiking time of 6-8 hours per day
• A max elevation of 2537m
• Mostly well-maintained trails with occasional rocky steps and rocky underfoot
• Changeable mountain weather including hot sun, rain, wind and even snow

You should be in great physical condition and able to hike long days over hilly terrain with a daypack.

The first few days are a bit easier, allowing you to progressively build your stamina. We recommend training hikes in the months prior to your trek.

We hike the classic TMB route in a clockwise direction from the Chamonix Valley for several reasons:

• If you go anti-clockwise you cross three huge mountain passes in three days at the beginning of the trip: this means a lot of physical effort when you are just finding your trekking feet and getting used to the higher altitudes.
• In addition, our hotel owners report that many hikers are anxious about being able to cross these passes – particularly between Les Contamines and Les Chapieux – and the atmosphere at the hotels is tense.
• By travelling clockwise, the first few days of the trek are easier and you get fitter and acclimatised without the stress. It means that crossing the big passes on the last three days are much more enjoyable.

The self-guided TMB 11-day tour price includes:

• 8 nights lodging in private rooms at comfortable 2 and 3-star hotels, with ensuite bathrooms
• 2 nights lodging in auberges with shared rooms/bathrooms (Trient and Les Chapieux)
• 10 breakfasts and 7 dinners
• Luggage transfers between accomodations on 8 days (max 15kg per person
• Detailed route notes sent before your trip
• Personalised pre-trip guidance from our TMB experts to help you prepare

In addition to the trek price, you should budget for the following extra expenses:

• Picnic lunch: €8-15 per person per day
• Drinks: €3-5 for coffee or soda, €5-7 for beer or wine
• Dinner on the 3 nights not included: €35 per dinner
• Cakes and snacks (energy bars, fruit, chocolate) - €3-10 per day
• Cable cars/lifts: €20 for a single journey
• Public transport: €2-5 for short bus or train rides between towns

Credit cards are widely accepted. We recommend having some cash (euros) on hand for small purchases, tips, or emergencies. ATMs are available in Les Houches, Chamonix, Argentiere and Courmayeur.

Mountain huts along the way may only accept cash.

Having the right gear is crucial for your enjoyment on the TMB. Essentials include:

Footwear
• Well broken-in, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support
• Hiking socks
• Approach shoes are fine so long as it is dry. Flip flops for time off the trail
Clothing
• Wicking short-sleeve shirts
• Wicking long-sleeve shirt
• Lightweight hiking trousers or convertible pants
• Hiking shorts
• Midweight fleece
• Waterproof rain jacket with hood (Gore-Tex or similar)
• Waterproof rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
• Warm hat and gloves
• Sun hat and sunglasses
Gear
• Good quality, 35-40L backpack with rain cover
• Trekking poles (adjustable)
• Headlamp
• Water bottles or bladder (2L capacity)
• Whistle
• Pocket knife
• Toiletries
• First-aid kit
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Insect repellent
• Camera or phone + charger and adapter

Hotels (8 nights)
• Comfortable 2-3-star hotels
• Private double or twin rooms with private bathrooms
• Breakfasts and most dinners included
Auberges (2 nights)
• Rustic mountain inns
• Mostly twin-share rooms, but you may be in a small dormitory
• Shared bathrooms
• Trient and Les Chapieux
• Breakfasts and dinners included

All accommodations are hand-picked for their comfort, cleanliness and scenic locations. Rooms in the hotels are twin occupancy with ensuite bathrooms wherever possible. The auberges are more basic with shared bathrooms and sometimes more than two people in a room. WiFi is available at most locations, except Les Chapieux, but can be slow owing to large numbers of trekkers all logging on!

Click here for a detailed 2024 Trip Dossier

A self-guided TMB includes many of your meals, but you'll also have plenty of opportunities to explore the local cuisine on your own.

Breakfast (always included)
• Coffee and tea
• Baguette and croissants
• Yogurt and cereal/muesli
• Cold cuts and cheeses
• Boiled eggs
• Fresh fruit
• Fruit juice
Picnic lunches (not included)
• Lunch is not included: you can buy at the hotels, local minimarts or at mountain cafes on the trail.
Dinners (included all nights except Courmayeur and Argentiere)
• Starter: Salad or soup
• Main dishes may include fondue, pasta, chicken and regional specialities
• Desserts such as chocolate mousse, tarte aux myrtilles, ice cream
Courmayeur (dinner not included for 2 nights)
• Lots of good Italian restaurants to choose from
• Pasta, pizza, polenta
• Aostan specialties - Fontina cheese, carbonara, mushroom dishes Gelato!
You'll need your favourite trail snacks. Dietary restrictions can usually be accommodated with advance notice but menu options may be more limited. Please discus any food allergies with us before the trip. Vegetarian and vegan options are available with advance notice.

Your party needs to be 2 people or more. We cannot take bookings for solo trekkers on the self-guided TMB.

Please note that if your group has an odd number (3,5,7 etc), we can book either a triple room or the single person can go in a double room for single occupancy and pay extra for the single supplement.

Buses, trains and cable cars are not included in the trip price, so you need to budget for these if you take them.

• We transfer your luggage on 8 of the 10 hiking nights (see more below).

Private transport to and from the Chamonix Valley at the start and end of the trek are not included. It is easy to arrange these transfers and we will advise how to do this.

One of the biggest conveniences on our guided TMB is having your main luggage transferred between hotels on all but 2 nights, so you only need to hike with a medium-sized daypack.

• Every morning, you'll leave your main bag at the hotel reception with a luggage tag we provide you. The bags are picked up and transferred in a van to your next accommodation.
• You will not have access to your main luggage on night 5 and 8. You just need to pack a few overnight essentials (toiletries, change of underwear, socks and T shirt).
• Luggage is limited to 1 bag per person, with a maximum weight of 15kg (33lbs). Please bring soft luggage like sports bags or backpacks. Bags should be clearly labeled with your name.
• We highly recommend you do not pack any valuables (laptops, money etc) in your transferred luggage in the unlikely event of damage or theft. Luggage is generally transferred to each hotel's reception area. Keep your passport, wallet, phone, camera, and any medications with you in your daypack. Your main bag will not be accessible during the day.
• You should lock your main luggage.

• Flights or transport to and from the Chamonix Valley (the trip start/end point)
• Two dinners in Courmayeur
• Lunch and snacks
• Alcoholic and soft drinks; tea, coffee etc
• Personal travel/medical insurance (required)
• Any local transport you may choose to take on the TMB such as cable cars, trains, buses or taxis

Geneva International Airport (GVA) is the most convenient access point for the Chamonix Valley. Several airlines offer direct flights from major European, US and UK cities. The airport has a Swiss and French side - the Swiss side is where you get transport to travel to Chamonix. From the airport, it takes about 1 hour to reach Les Houches or Chamonix by road. Your options include:

• Shared shuttle: The most economical option. Services like Mountain Drop-Offs and Chamexpress have regular departures all day and drop you at your hotel. 75 minutes journey. Book in advance. Cost is €50 per person each way.
• Private taxi: Can book in advance or take a taxi from the Chamonix Valley stand outside arrivals. Cost is around €300 each way.
• Rental car: The cheapest but slowest route is by public transport. First, take the Transalis bus from the airport to "Le Fayet" (1 hour, €19). From there, switch to the Mont Blanc Express train to Chamonix or Les Houches (20 minutes, €6). Total travel time is 2-3 hours, and buses run every hour or two.
• Rental Car: All major agencies have offices at GVA airport. You can leave your car at the hotel for no extra charge when trekking.
• Train Train is possible, but can take up to 4 hours from Geneva Airport.

• Passport: A passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay is required to enter France, Italy and Switzerland.
• Visa: Requirements vary considerably based on your nationality and country of residence. Currently US, Canadian, UK, EU, Australian and New Zealand citizens do not need a visa for stays under 90 days. It is your responsibility to get up to date information for visa and entry rules for the Schengen zone.
• Customs: There are no customs checks when crossing between countries on the trail.

It is your responsibility to check your specific passport, visa and entry requirements and ensure you have the necessary documents for all countries on the trek. Regulations can change, so review the rules before you travel.

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all our treks. You should take it out as soon as you book your trip in case you are forced to cancel. Your policy should cover:

• Trip cancellation/interruption
• Flight delays or cancellations
• Overseas medical expenses
• Medical evacuation
• Emergency assistance
• Lost or delayed baggage
• Repatriation to your home country
• Trekking in the Alps

You should bring a copy of your insurance policy with emergency contact numbers. Leave a copy with someone back home.

The summer hiking season in the Mont Blanc region runs from mid-June through mid-September. During this time, weather conditions are generally favourable for trekking, with warm and sometimes hot days. However, as with all mountain ranges it can rain - either as frontal weather or as thunderstorms after a hot day - and you should come prepared for this.

• Temperature: Expect daytime highs of 20-25°C (68-77°F) in the valleys and 10-15°C (50-59°F) at higher elevations. Night temperatures dip down to 5-10°C (41-50°F), feeling colder at altitude.
• Precipitation: Summer is relatively dry, but afternoon thunderstorms are common, especially in late July and August. Always carry rain gear. Storm systems can sit over the mountains for a few days, bringing prolonged rain or even snow at the highest passes.
• Wind: Breezes are common and can be chilly, especially at the passes and ridges. Prepare for strong gusts when weather fronts move through.
• Sun The sun is intense at altitude, even on cloudy days. Pack sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen).
• Snow: The trail is usually snow-free by late June / early July. Snow patches can be navigated carefully with a trekking pole. There are occasions when wet weather brings snow at the highest passes during the summer. However, the heavy winter snow does not return until November.

It's essential to come prepared for a wide range of mountain weather, with layers that can be adjusted throughout the day.