Trekking Around Mont Blanc

The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the most spectacular trekking routes in the world and is consistently ranked among the top ten hikes globally, alongside routes such as the trek to Everest Base Camp or the Lycian Way. The total length of the route is about 170 km, encircling the Mont Blanc massif, with a cumulative elevation gain and loss of approximately 10,000 meters. During this trek, participants pass through three Alpine regions — France, Italy, and Switzerland — completing a full circuit around the magnificent Mont Blanc, which rises to an elevation of 4,810 meters.

There are several variations of this route: a shortened 6-day version that focuses on the most popular highlights, and the classic full circuit around Mont Blanc completed in 10 days. We offer our participants the full 10-day Tour du Mont Blanc, allowing them to experience some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in Europe.

Looking at the history of the Tour du Mont Blanc, it becomes clear that as early as the 18th century explorers, scientists, and geologists were drawn to this region of extraordinary beauty. As is often the case in the Alps, the route originally served as a trade path connecting remote areas of Europe, although detailed records of those early journeys have not survived. Officially, the first documented completion of the Mont Blanc circuit dates back to 1767, when Horace-Bénédict de Saussure, accompanied by friends and porters from Chamonix, undertook a scientific expedition around Mont Blanc to study its geographical structure. Later, during the Victorian era, the Tour du Mont Blanc became a must-do journey for wealthy aristocrats, merchants, and members of high society — although they typically completed it on muleback. Since then, the circuit around Mont Blanc has become one of the most popular multi-day trekking routes in the European Alps.

The landscapes here are truly unparalleled: from the rocky, almost lunar terrain of the Aiguilles Rouges to the lush pastures of the Contamines Valley. Each day of the trek offers something new, yet there is one constant that only subtly changes its perspective from day to day — the towering, snow-white summit of Mont Blanc, seemingly floating high above the landscape.

Day 1. Arrival in Chamonix — a town literally steeped in the spirit of mountaineering and considered its capital. This is a truly stunning place nestled at the foot of the highest peak in Western Europe. For centuries, explorers, scientists, and climbers have come here to learn more about this extraordinary region. Check-in at the hotel. In the evening — a briefing with the guide and introductions to the rest of the team. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2. Our trek begins in the morning after breakfast. We take the cable car up to Planpraz at 2,000 m, from where we start hiking toward the Brévent Pass at 2,525 m and then continue on to Refuge de Bellachat. From the refuge, we make a long and somewhat demanding descent to Les Houches, where our hotel is located. This small and quiet village in the Chamonix Valley offers stunning views of Mont Blanc. This day often feels like one of the toughest on the route, mainly because participants are not yet acclimatized. The descent can be especially exhausting and is likely the most challenging of the entire trek due to its length (about 1,500 m of descent) and occasionally rocky terrain. Trekking distance: 13 km. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3. The day begins with a cable car ascent to Bellevue at 1,802 m, offering spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif. Since yesterday was intense and acclimatization is still ongoing, today’s easier stage is very welcome. We hike to Les Contamines via Bionnassay and the chapel. The terrain today is very different — greener and less rocky, as we walk across alpine pastures. Trekking distance: 15 km. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4. A full and exciting day starting early in the morning. We cross three passes in one day: Col du Bonhomme, Col de la Croix du Bonhomme, and Col des Fours at 2,665 m. After that, we make a steep descent through wild and remote terrain to Ville des Glaciers, a village completely cut off in winter but famous for its cheese dairy, where we will definitely taste local cheese. The day ends at the atmospheric Mottets Refuge. Despite the intimidating description of “three passes,” this is a very achievable trekking day. Steep climbs alternate with gentler sections, allowing time to recover. Trekking distance: 20 km. Overnight in a mountain refuge (shared dormitory, upgrade available on request).

Day 5. After spending the night at Mottets Refuge, located below Col du Seigne at 2,516 m, we quickly ascend to the pass in the morning and cross the border from France into Italy. We then descend into the stunning Val Veny, reaching Lake Combal. From there, we descend to La Visaille and transfer by vehicle to Courmayeur — a charming Italian alpine town that rivals, and in some ways even surpasses, popular Chamonix. This day will remain a highlight for everyone, as the views from Col du Seigne are simply unmatched. From the top of the pass, we relax while enjoying vast panoramas of Italy and Switzerland. Trekking distance: 14 km. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6. After a restful night in a comfortable hotel, we set off early toward the next refuge, enjoying breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and Courmayeur far below. Midday, we stop for coffee with incredible views of the Alpine peaks, including Mont Blanc and Grandes Jorasses. The rest of the hike continues high above the valley, offering spectacular views of the Italian side of Mont Blanc, before reaching our accommodation at the beautiful Bonatti Refuge at 2,056 m. Trekking distance: 17 km. Overnight in a mountain refuge (shared dormitory, upgrade available on request).

Day 7. Another early start — and a new country awaits. We continue through Val Ferret to Arnouvaz, then begin a long ascent to Col Ferret at 2,537 m, from where the entire route of the last three days is visible. Along the way, we pass Elena Refuge, where we can rest and have a snack, and cross the Italian–Swiss border. A relatively easy and pleasant descent follows along a good trail, with a stop in La Fouly for refreshments, before reaching our hotel. Trekking distance: 20 km. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8. Today is a comparatively easy day, walking through the beautiful Swiss Val Ferret. We pass through the small villages of Praz-de-Fort and Issert before ascending to the charming village of Champex-Lac, where we stay overnight. This classic Swiss village with a picturesque lake is a perfect place to relax, offering many cafés, restaurants, and shops. On the way, we stop at the high-altitude farm of Bovine, where local products can be purchased and a picnic enjoyed on a terrace overlooking Lake Geneva and the Rhône Valley. Trekking distance: 18 km. Overnight in a mountain lodge.

Day 9. The day starts easily along gentle trails toward Plan de l’Au, followed by a gradual ascent to alpine pastures at 1,987 m. From here, we enjoy magnificent views of Martigny and the Valais canton. The remainder of the day is spent descending to Col de la Forclaz at 1,526 m and finally down to Trient. Trekking distance: 18 km. Overnight in a mountain lodge.

Day 10. After breakfast, we hike to the charming village of Argentière, located in the upper Chamonix Valley at the foot of Mont Blanc. Along the way, we admire the Emosson Dam and the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve from above. Trekking distance: 15 km. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11. The final and celebratory day of the Tour du Mont Blanc brings us back into the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve, to the stunning Chéserys Lakes and Lac Blanc at 2,352 m. We then descend to Flégère and continue along a high mountain trail above the Chamonix Valley to Planpraz, our starting point, completing the full circuit. The final descent is by cable car back to Chamonix, where a festive dinner awaits to celebrate completing the Tour du Mont Blanc — one of the world’s greatest multi-day hikes. Trekking distance: 14 km. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12. Transfer to the airport. Departure home.

• Lunches and dinners during the stay in Chamonix
• Visa (if required)
• Meals during the trek (à la carte, paid individually)
• Personal porter
• Tips for staff
• Medical insurance and emergency evacuation
• Single room accommodation
• Early check-in / late check-out at the hotel before or after the program (we always try to negotiate additional bonuses for our guests; often early check-in / late check-out is provided free of charge)
• Any deviations from the program
• Any expenses related to program changes

Documents:

• International passport
• Airline tickets
• Medical insurance covering helicopter evacuation

Personal equipment:

• Backpack 30–50 L
• Sleeping bag, comfort temperature −5°C
• Trekking poles обязательно with baskets

Clothing and footwear:

• Trekking boots, WELL pre-treated with a waterproofing agent
• Sneakers (for city use)
• Waterproof membrane layer – jacket + pants
• Fleece set
• Thermal underwear (top + bottom)
• Down jacket with hood
• Warm gloves
• Light gloves
• Bandana or buff (in addition to sun protection in the valleys, can be used to keep the neck or face warm in cold conditions)
• Hat
• Warm trekking socks

Miscellaneous:

• Headlamp with battery life of at least 12 hours
• Power bank
• Sunglasses
• Rain poncho
• Rain cover for backpack
• Thermos or water bottle – 1 L (optional)
• Gaiters
• Sunscreen SPF 50
• Lip balm SPF 10–15
• Personal first-aid kit
• Elastic bandage and/or support brace
• Toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, flip-flops
• Towel
• Toilet paper (available for purchase in lodges along the route)