Can you imagine to hie 9-10 days around Mont Blanc? It seems like crazy about 110 miles (170km) but experience is just amazing and can empower you!
We planned this trip by ourself and booked all huts/dormitories in February 2023. It is late to book, when almost all can be sold out in October when season just finished.
Chamonix, France, is one of the most popular starting points for the Tour du Mont Blanc and a beautiful alpine town surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks. We arrived a day before our trek and took a short bus ride to Les Houches, where we stayed at RockyPop Hotel. This gave us time to settle in, organize our backpacks, and get ready for nine days of hiking. It should be 10 day trekking but because of booing difficulties we had started from Les Houches and not from Chamomix.
Day 1: Les Houches to Les Contamines – Embarking on the TMB Adventure
The anticipation builds as you lace up your hiking boots in the charming village of Les Houches. The trailhead beckons, leading you on a journey around the iconic Mont Blanc massif. Day one is a gentle introduction, tracing a path through emerald forests and rolling meadows. Catch your first glimpse of the majestic Mont Blanc, a promise of the breathtaking vistas to come. Arriving in Les Contamines, you’re already immersed in the alpine wonders that define the Tour du Mont Blanc.
Day 2: Les Contamines to Les Chapieux – Scaling the Col du Bonhomme
Today’s adventure brings you into the heart of the Val Montjoie. The trail ascends, revealing panoramic views that seem to defy description. As you conquer the Col du Bonhomme, a sense of accomplishment accompanies the high-altitude air. Descending into Les Chapieux, a quaint mountain refuge, you’ll find respite and camaraderie among fellow trekkers.
Day 3: Les Chapieux to Rifugio Elisabetta – Glacial Valleys and Italian Hospitality
The journey continues through the Valley of Glaciers, an aptly named landscape of towering peaks and sparkling ice. Crossing the Col de la Seigne, the border between France and Italy, marks a significant point in your adventure. Rifugio Elisabetta welcomes you with warm Italian hospitality, and as you sip on a well-deserved espresso, you realize the TMB is as much a cultural exploration as a physical one.
Day 4: Rifugio Elisabetta to Courmayeur – From Alpine Heights to Italian Indulgence
Leaving the alpine refuge, the trail descends to Courmayeur, an Italian gem nestled in the Aosta Valley. Cobblestone streets, enticing gelato shops, and the aroma of authentic Italian cuisine beckon. Take a moment to savor the flavors of Italy, interlude in the midst of your mountain trek.
Day 5: Courmayeur to Refuge Bonatti – Grandes Jorasses and Mountain Magic
The trail unfolds, revealing the stunning Grandes Jorasses. Hiking along Mont de la Saxe, you reach Refuge Bonatti, perched with a front-row seat to one of the Alps’ most dramatic landscapes. The evening sun paints the peaks in hues of orange and pink, a spectacle that etches itself into your memory.
Day 6: Refuge Bonatti to La Fouly – Crossing Borders and Val Ferret’s Beauty
Today’s journey is a tale of two countries. Crossing the Grand Col Ferret, you bid farewell to Italy and step into the Swiss embrace of Val Ferret. Alpine meadows and quaint villages guide your descent to La Fouly, a Swiss hamlet where you’ll find tranquility amid towering peaks.
Day 7: La Fouly to Champex-Lac – Alpine Meadows and Mountain Lakes
As you bid adieu to La Fouly, the trail weaves through alpine meadows, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Today’s destination is Champex-Lac, a serene mountain lake surrounded by forests. Reflect on the journey so far and relish the pristine beauty that defines the Swiss Alps.
Day 8: Champex-Lac to Trient – Bovine Bliss and Panoramic Peaks
Traversing the Bovine route, you find yourself amid Swiss bliss—rolling hills, charming farmsteads, and, of course, a chance encounter with the region’s bovine inhabitants. The trail opens to panoramic views as you approach the village of Trient, a picturesque stopover before the final leg of your TMB adventure.
Day 9: Trient to Les Houches – Grand Finale and Completing the Loop
The grand finale unfolds as you ascend to the Col de Balme, offering a stunning vantage point of the Chamonix Valley. The trail winds down, and with Mont Blanc in your sights, you descend to Les Houches, completing the TMB loop. A mix of emotions with accomplishment, awe, and a touch of nostalgia that fills the air as you reflect on the incredible landscapes and the camaraderie forged along the trail.
As the sun sets on your final day, take a moment to relish the achievement of completing the Tour du Mont Blanc. Whether sharing stories with fellow trekkers or simply basking in the quiet majesty of the mountains, the TMB leaves an indelible mark, a journey that transcends the physical, reaching into the soul.
After completing our final hiking stage from Tré-le-Champ to Planpraz, we returned to Chamonix before continuing our journey to Geneva. If you have extra time, Chamonix is worth exploring, especially for its mountain views, cozy cafés, and the famous Aiguille du Midi cable car.
Tour du Mont Blanc – 9-Day Hiking Itinerary
| Day | Hiking route | Country | Distance | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arrival | Chamonix → Les Houches (bus) | France | — | RockyPop |
| 1 | Les Houches → Les Contamines | France | 16 km / 9.9 mi | Gîte Le Pontet |
| 2 | Les Contamines → Les Chapieux | France | 21 km / 13.0 mi | Auberge Refuge de la Nova |
| 3 | Les Chapieux → Col Chécrouit | France → Italy | 17 km / 10.6 mi | Rifugio Maison Vieille |
| 4 | Col Chécrouit → Rifugio Elena | Italy | 26 km / 16.2 mi | Rifugio Elena |
| 5 | Rifugio Elena → La Fouly | Italy → Switzerland | 24 km / 14.9 mi | Hotel du Col de Fenêtre |
| 6 | La Fouly → Champex | Switzerland | 9 km / 5.6 mi | Gîte Bon Abri |
| 7 | Champex → Trient | Switzerland | 17 km / 10.6 mi | Auberge Mont Blanc |
| 8 | Trient → Tré-le-Champ | Switzerland → France | 15 km / 9.3 mi | La Boerne |
| 9 | Tré-le-Champ → Planpraz | France | 13 km / 8.1 mi | — |
| Total | 9 hiking days | 3 countries | 158 km / 98.2 mi | 9 nights |
What to Pack for the Tour du Mont Blanc
Packing light is essential when hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc, especially if you’re carrying everything on your back for 10 days. Since we stayed in mountain refuges and guesthouses, there was no need to bring camping equipment. Here’s what we recommend packing for this adventure.
Packing Checklist
Backpack & Hiking Gear
- 30–40L hiking backpack with rain cover
- Trekking poles, especially helpful for steep descents
- Hiking boots or trail runners and make sure they’re broken in
- Water bottles or hydration bladder (1.5–2L capacity)
- Offline trail maps (e.g. AllTrails)
Clothing
- 2–3 quick-drying hiking shirts
- 2 pairs of hiking pants or shorts
- 1 fleece or lightweight mid-layer
- 1 packable down or synthetic jacket
- Waterproof rain jacket and rain pants
- 3 pairs of hiking socks and underwear
- Warm hat, lightweight gloves, and sun hat
- Comfortable clothes for evenings at refuges
Refuge Essentials
- Sleeping bag liner which is required by many mountain refuges
- Lightweight towel and basic toiletries
- Earplugs and eye mask for shared dormitories
- Flip-flops or lightweight sandals
- Charging cables, power bank, and plug adapter
Other Essentials
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and SPF lip balm
- Blister plasters and a small first-aid kit
- Snacks, energy bars, and electrolytes
- Passport, travel insurance, and refuge reservations
- Some cash in euros and Swiss francs
A Few Tips From the Trail
- Pack as light as possible: Aim for around 6–9 kg before water and food. Every extra kilogram feels heavier after several hours of climbing.
- Be prepared for unpredictable weather: Even in summer, high mountain passes can be windy, rainy, and surprisingly cold. Always keep your rain jacket within easy reach.
- Don’t bring 10 days of clothing: Pack quick-drying layers and wash small items along the way. Some accommodations have laundry facilities.
- Book half-board when possible: Breakfast and dinner are often included in refuge half-board packages, and some offer packed lunches for the next day’s hike.
- Bring cash: Not every refuge accepts credit cards, particularly in remote areas.
- Start early: Afternoon thunderstorms are possible in the Alps, so getting an early start gives you more flexibility.
- Check trail conditions daily: Snow can remain on high passes early in the hiking season, and weather conditions may require taking an alternative route.
Nine days, three countries, and countless unforgettable mountain views! Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc was one of our favorite adventures in the Alps. From challenging mountain passes and breathtaking glaciers to cozy alpine refuges and little villages along the way, every day brought something different.
Was it challenging? Absolutely! But waking up surrounded by the mountains, crossing borders on foot, and enjoying those incredible views made every kilometer worth it.
If the Tour du Mont Blanc is on your hiking bucket list, we hope our itinerary helps you plan your own adventure. And if there’s one thing we’d recommend, it’s to take your time, enjoy the journey, and don’t forget to stop for those incredible alpine views!
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