Tour du Mont Blanc
Also known as: TMB
France
Italy
SwitzerlandTable of contents
Distances
- 10days, 155 km, +1,484 m, 2,526 m high point
- daily: 5 - 8 hours, 8 - 19 km, +136 m gain
Route
- circuit
- Starting and ending in Chamonix, France
Cost
- $500 - $600 solo
- $1,249 - $4,510 guided
When to go
- June to August
Permits
- 0 permits are needed
- costing around $0 total
Guide mandatory?
- no
Accommodation
Mountain Huts, Refuges, Guesthouses, HotelsThese are pictures taken while trekking Tour du Mont Blanc. They're shown here to give you an idea of what the route is like. You're welcome to share your own pictures of hiking Tour du Mont Blanc, to help the community of hikers. Picture here are either uploaded by members (there own, or creative commons pictures), or guides.
Chamonix to Les Houches (1,008 m)
Les Houches to Les Contamines (1,164 m)
Les Contamines to Les Chapieux (1,300 m)
Les Chapieux to Courmayeur (1,224 m)
Courmayeur to Rifugio Bonatti (2,025 m)
Rifugio Bonatti to La Fouly (1,600 m)
La Fouly to Champex (1,470 m)
Champex to Trient (1,300 m)
Trient to Argentière (1,252 m)
Argentière to Chamonix (1,042 m)
The trek is 5 / 10, based on the below factors:
Treks that involve rugged or uneven terrain, such as rocky paths, scree slopes, or dense forests, may require more technical skills or physical effort.
Considering the maximum altitude reached during the trek. Higher altitudes can present challenges like thin air, low oxygen levels, and potential altitude sickness.
The total distance of the trek. Longer treks generally require more endurance and physical fitness.
Total elevation gain throughout the trek. Treks with significant altitude changes can be more challenging, especially if they involve steep ascents or descents.
Some treks may require basic technical skills like river crossings, using ropes, or scrambling over rocks.
Based on the availability of support facilities such as accommodation, food, water sources, and emergency services. Treks with limited infrastructure or remote areas can be more challenging due to self-sufficiency requirements. The less support facilities there are the harder the trek.
How tough are the prevailing weather and climate conditions during the trek. Harsh weather, extreme temperatures, or unpredictable conditions can add to the difficulty.
Tour du Mont Blanc weather
How is the weather on Tour du Mont Blanc, and when is the best time to go.
The best time to trek Tour du Mont Blanc is in these months:
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
Tour du Mont Blanc Services
Gear rental, porters, guides, transport, internet, accommodation
Accommodation
Accommodation options on the Tour du Mont Blanc route include mountain huts, refuges, guesthouses, and hotels in charming alpine villages. Trekkers often stay in shared dormitory-style rooms or private rooms, providing a comfortable and authentic mountain experience.Food
Food is readily available along the route, with mountain huts, refuges, and villages offering meals and refreshments. Expect delicious alpine cuisine and hearty mountain fare to keep you energized throughout your trek.Guides
Experienced trekking guides are available for hire to lead you through the route and provide valuable local knowledge and safety expertise. The cost of guides may vary based on trek duration and group size, and they can significantly enhance your trekking experience.Porters
Porters can be hired to carry your heavy backpack, making your trek more comfortable and enjoyable. The cost of porters is usually based on the weight they carry and the distance they cover, offering a convenient option for those seeking extra support.Medical facilities
While some villages along the route have basic medical facilities like pharmacies and clinics, it's essential to carry a well-equipped first aid kit and any personal medications. In case of serious medical emergencies, helicopter evacuation services are available for swift transport to nearby medical facilities.Gear rental
Trekking gear can be rented in certain villages along the route, including items like trekking poles and sleeping bags. However, it's advisable to bring essential personal gear, well-fitting hiking boots, and familiar equipment to ensure comfort and familiarity during the trek.Transport
Transport options are available to access the starting point of the trek and return from the endpoint. Trains, buses, and private cars are commonly used to reach the trailheads, and during the trek, public transportation, cable cars, and taxis provide flexibility to navigate between villages and trail sections.Internet / Phone
Connectivity on the route may vary, with some villages offering internet access and mobile phone signal. However, signals can be intermittent or weak in remote areas, so carrying a portable charger and informing friends and family about communication gaps is recommended to stay connected.ATMs
ATMs can be found in some villages along the route, particularly in larger towns. However, it's advisable to carry enough cash for smaller settlements or emergencies, as not all villages have ATM facilities.Shops
Villages along the Tour du Mont Blanc route have shops where you can purchase essential supplies like snacks, drinks, toiletries, and trekking gear. You can also find local products, souvenirs, and crafts, offering unique keepsakes from your trekking adventure.Tour du Mont Blanc Accomodation
What is the accommodation like treking Tour du Mont Blanc
Various types of lodging options are available to cater to different preferences and budgets. In elevated mountain regions, one can opt to stay in Refuges or Mountain Huts. While certain huts offer individual accommodations, the majority feature shared dormitories. Moreover, there are gites and auberges with varying levels of comfort. Some offer pleasant private rooms with attached facilities, while others resemble mountain huts in terms of amenities. Additionally, for numerous parts of the journey, hotels are a viable choice, particularly as the trail descends into valleys such as Les Houches, Les Contamines, Courmayeur, and Champex. These locations are situated at lower elevations compared to the mountain huts. Below are the main types of accommodation available:
Camping is the simplest and cheapest type of accommodation and there are campsites at every night stop on the TMB; a few are basic and others offer a full range of facilities.
Refuges or mountain huts have served as the customary lodging choices for individuals engaged in either Tour du Mont Blanc hikes or high Alpine ascents. These establishments provide basic and unembellished accommodations, adhering to a relatively uniform pattern across the Alpine region. The primary advantage is the elimination of the necessity to transport camping equipment or sleeping bags. Accommodations generally comprise communal dormitories with a mix of genders, accommodating groups ranging from 6 to 20 individuals who rest in close proximity within a single room.
A diverse array of hotels can be found in Chamonix and Courmayeur, spanning the spectrum from cozy bed & breakfasts to luxurious five-star establishments. However, when venturing beyond these two towns along the TMB, accommodations typically don't exceed a three-star rating. The majority of these lodgings are family-owned, often with a legacy spanning multiple generations, and a number of them offer exceptional quality.
Tour du Mont Blanc permits
What permits are needed for treking Tour du Mont Blanc
Tour du Mont Blanc access - getting there
How to get to Tour du Mont Blanc
- By Air:
- Fly to Geneva International Airport (GVA), which is the nearest major airport to the starting point of the trek.
- From the airport, take a shuttle or public transportation to Chamonix, France, the popular starting point of the Tour du Mont Blanc.
- By Train:
- Take a train to Chamonix Mont Blanc train station, which is well-connected to several major cities in France and Europe.
- From the train station, you can either walk to the starting point or take local transportation to reach your accommodation and the trailhead.
- By Car:
- If you are driving, you can reach Chamonix by car. There are several parking options available in the town for long-term parking.
- Make sure to check the parking availability and rates beforehand.
- Chamonix to Geneva Airport:
- Take a shuttle or public transportation from Chamonix to Geneva International Airport for your return flight.
- Ensure you consider the travel time to catch your flight.
- Chamonix to Chamonix Mont Blanc train station:
- Reach Chamonix from the endpoint of the trek either by local transportation or walk.
- From Chamonix, take a train to your desired destination or connect to other major cities in France and Europe.
- Chamonix to Other Destinations:
- If you plan to continue your journey to other locations, consider various transportation options like trains, buses, or rental cars.
- Chamonix has good connectivity with nearby cities and popular tourist destinations.
These are variations on the typical route. Which could be added on; either part way along or at the start / end to extend the trek.
Val Ferret Extension
add 1 - 2 extra day
Tour du Mont Blanc Links
useful websites, Groups and communities
Groups / links with more info on the Tour du Mont Blanc route.
Use facebook groups to find up to date info, plan trips and find trekking buddies.
These treks are similar in length, difficulty, and elevation. Offering a similar level of challenge as the Tour du Mont Blanc trek and provide beautiful landscapes, cultural experiences, and a sense of adventure.
