The luxury tour starts is the most luxurious offer we have for the TMB. It’s an excellent choice if you prefer more creature comforts. After hiking, you’ll stay in 3-star accommodations for three nights and have your own private bathroom and in 2-star accommodations for two nights.
Your tour starts in Les Houches and finishes in Chamonix. You’ll hike the most scenic parts of the trail totally ~ 76 km (47 miles) and skip the less beautiful parts via transfers (buses, lifts, cable cars or private taxis).
This is an excellent choice if you want more comfortable accommodation, are new to long-distance trekking, are short on time. Or simply want to spend a few days eating croissants at cafes in Paris (no judgment here).
You’ll hike ~4 – 6 hours each day w/ 500 m (1640 ft) – 1300 m (4265 ft) of elevation gain. Our TMB self-guided tour includes a detailed route description, walking times and a map. We’ll also provide you with a contact number should any emergencies arise during your trip.
Our TMB self-guided tour allows you to experience the freedom of independent hiking without all the headaches of organising the logistics.
Day 1: Les Houches – Bellevue – Col du Tricot – The Les Contamines
Your tour starts at the lift in Les Houches which you’ll take up to Bellevue (1780 m (5840 ft)).
You’re now at the foot of the route of the regular route to the summit of the Mont-Blanc, and at the starting point of your incredible trek!
Your hike starts with a beautiful crossing that takes you under the glacier of Bionnassay. Then, you’ll climb the alpine pastures to the Col du Tricot (2120 m (6955 ft)). Reward your efforts so far by taking in the panorama of the Contamines-Montjoie valley, before descending a steep path on the rustic chalets of Miage (1559 m (5115 ft)). Finally, you’ll go around Mount Truc (1811 m (5942 ft)) to reach the village of Les Contamines-Montjoie where you’ll spend the night.
Hiking Time: 5 hours, 600 m (1968 ft) ascent, 1200 m (3937 ft) descent, ~ 11 km (6.84 miles).
Transfers: Lift from Les Houches to Bellvue (2 km (1.24 miles), Cost: €14.30 pp, 10 minutes). If you wish to hike this section and skip the transfer, it’s 4.5 km (2.8 miles), 797 m (2618 ft) ascent and takes ~1.5 hours.
N.B.: it is possible to shorten this stage by removing the climb to Col du Tricot. You’ll find info on the alternate route in your Travel Pack.
Day 2: Les Contamines-Montjoie – Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge – Col de la Croix-du-Bonhomme – Les Chapieux – Bourg St. Maurice
You’ll start the day with a short transfer to Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge (1210 m (3970 ft)) and an optional visit to the famous Baroque church. Then, it’s a progressive hike up to Bonhomme Pass (2329 m (7641 ft)) between the Mont-Blanc and Beaufortain mountain range. You continue going up until you reach Croix-du-Bonhomme Pass (2433 m (7690 ft)) where a beautiful panorama of Mont-Pourri (3779 m (12398 ft)) is the reward for your efforts.
Then, you’ll hike down through an alpine pasture that leads you to the hamlet of Chapieux. From there, you’ll take a private transfer (included in the price) to your accommodation in Bourg St Maurice.
- Hiking Time: 6 hours, 1300 m (4265 ft) ascent, 950 m (3117 ft) descent, ~ 15 km (9.32 miles).
- Transfer 1: Notre Dame de la Gorge: 3.6 km (2.24 miles).
- Transfer 2: Bourg Saint Maurice 15 km (9.32 miles) (transfer to your accommodation in the village). You’ll do the same transfer the next morning to start hiking again.
Day 3: Bourg Saint Maurice – Col de la Seigne – Val Veny – Courmayeur
You’ll start the day with a private transfer (included in the price) to la Ville des Glaciers (1800 m (5906 ft)) and start hiking from there. But first, you may want to start with a visit to the cheese farm to discover how the famous Beaufort cheese is made. Then, you’ll hike up to an alpine pasture to La Seigne Pass (2516 m (8255 ft)).
You’ve now reached the Italian border. It’s a stunning viewpoint with views of legendary summits like Mont-Blanc of Courmayeur, Noire de Peuterey, and Grandes Jorasses. They all seem so close!
Then, you’ll hike down to the Val Veny at the end of Miage Glacier. It’s a short transfer by local bus to Courmayeur (1226 m (4022 ft)), the capital of the Italian Alps where you’ll be spending the night.
- Hiking Time: 5 hours, 750 m (2460 ft) ascent, 900 m (2953 ft) descent, ~ 13.5 km (8.39 miles).
- Transfer 1: Bourg Saint Maurice – La Ville des Glaciers: 19 km (11.81 miles).
- Transfer 2: To Courmayeur: 7 km (4.35 miles).
Day 4: Courmayeur – Grand Col Ferret – Ferret or La Fouly – Champex
Courmayeur to the end of the Val Ferret. You’ll begin the hike at the end of the Pré-de-Bar Glacier and Mont Dolent (3823 m (12543 ft)) and hike until you reach Elena Hut (2052 m (6732 ft)).
Then, you’ll continue hiking in the direction of the Grand Ferret Pass (2 57 m (843 ft)), the border pass between Italy and Switzerland. Take one last look at the Val Ferret before you hike down through the picturesque Swiss mountain pasture to reach the hamlet of Ferret (1 740 m (5709 ft)). Then you’ll take a short transfer on a local bus to the village of Champex and its charming lake where you can cool off with a swim.
- Hiking Time: 5 hours, 800 m (2625 ft) ascent, 850 m (2789 ft) descent, ~ 12 km (7.47 miles).
- Transfer 1: To Arnuvaz: 13 km (8.08 miles).
- Transfer 2: To Champex: 19 km (11.81 miles).
Day 5: Champex to l’Argentière
From Champex, you’re going to discover the famous Swiss mountain pastures and the cows that produce some of the most famous cheese of the Alps! From Bovines, the view of the valley of the Rhônes and of the Swiss Valais is amazing.
There’s also an option for a longer and harder hike to the Fenêtre d’Arpette (2665 m (8743 ft)), a splendid pass that’s one of the highlights of the trip. Note: this option should only be done in good weather. Your hike finishes in the village of Trient (1280 m (4199 ft)). From there, you’ll take a private transfer to l’Argentière. You’re now back in France.
- Hiking Time: Bovines Route: 5:30 hours, 700 m (2296 ft) ascent, 800 m (2625 ft) descent OR Arpette Window: 8 hours, 1200 m (3937 ft) ascent, 1400 m (4593 ft) descent, ~ 14 km (8.7 miles).
- Transfers To l’Argentière: 15 km (9.32 miles) or 10 km (6.21 miles) by foot.
Day 6: l’Argentière – Tré-le-Champ – lacs Chéserys – Lac Blanc – La Flégère – Chamonix
You’re in for a treat on your final day. This hike in the Aiguilles-Rouges Massif in front of Mont Blanc provides spectacular viewpoints of glaciers and summits. From Montets Pass (1461 m (4793 ft)), you’ll follow a balcony trail to Chéserys Lake. It’s famous for its reflection of Mont Blanc!
You’ll continue to the beautiful Blanc Lake (2352 m (7717 ft)), then hike down to La Flégère (1877 m (6158 ft)). You can either take the Lift Les Praz de Chamonix or hike down to Chamonix. It’s your choice. Your hike finishes at the train station in Chamonix where you’ll pick up your luggage.
- Hiking Time: 5 hours, 950 m (3117 ft) ascend, 650 m (2133 ft) descent, ~ 10 / 11 km (6.21/6.84 miles).
- Transfers: Argentière – Col des montets (10 min, 3 km (1.86 miles)), Lift of la flégère 30 min, Bus Praz de Chamonix to Chamonix (5min, 3 km (1.86 miles)).
COST OF THE 6-DAY LUXURY TOUR DU MONT BLANC SELF-GUIDED TOUR:
€1610 per person Late Season Price for 2022, or €1469 Early, Early Bird Price for 2023 when you book before Sept 15th).
Single supplement of €780 pp since accommodations charge for a double room and most don’t have single rooms.
30% is due at the time of booking.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
✔ 5 nights of accommodation (3 nights in three-star accommodation with a private bathroom and 2 nights in two-star superior accommodation with a shared bathroom)
✔ 5 breakfasts and 2 dinners (dinner in Bourg St Maurice, Courmayeur and Argentière are not included). Restaurants nearby.
Luggage transfer (limit one bag per person 15 kg/33 lbs)
✔ Transfer to and from Bourg St Maurice on day 2 and 3 and from Trient to Argentière on day 5
✔ In-person pre-tour briefing in Chamonix for Mon-Sat departures
✔ Detailed route description, walking times, and map
✔ Unlimited email support pre-tour
Tour du Mont Blanc Toolkit (useful resource)
✔ 24/7 phone support while on your tour in case of emergency
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Travel insurance that covers you for this tour and includes pandemic, emergency evacuation and hospital care in the unlikely incident that you get injured. World Nomads insurance covers this which is why we recommend it
Transfers, ~ €70 pp. We provide you with the information, but they’re not included in the price except for the transfers to Bourg St Maurice as indicated above. If you book the tour in June or September, you may have to take a taxi, which is more expensive than public transportation.
Dinner on days 2, 3 and 5 in Bourg St Maurice Courmayeur, and l’Argentière but there are restaurants nearby.
Lunches, but they can be ordered for the next day at mountain huts or hotels for an additional fee.
Snacks and personal items.
Accommodation on the last day of your trip.
Optional rest day in Courmayeur. Stay at a B&B for an additional cost of €95 per person. It does not include dinner, but there are plenty of restaurants to choose from nearby.
Anything not indicated above.
Note: All times, distances and elevations are approximate. The route may vary slightly depending on whether you’ve chosen dormitory or private accommodation and on availability. On some sections, you have a choice of an easier or more difficult route. You’ll find all this information in your Travel Pack that you’ll receive before your tour. The times indicated above don’t include breaks. Allow more time than you think you’ll need.
Please carefully check the difference in elevation gains and times to make sure you have the ability to do this tour. It’s not technical but it does require a good degree of fitness. In June and into July, there will still be snow in some sections and again in September so please ensure that you’re comfortable hiking in snow if you book your tour at these times. Contact us before booking if you have any doubts or questions.
