This Tour Mont Blanc westerly guided trek starts in Chamonix and takes in half of the classic route anti-clockwise to Courmayeur. The 6 night itinerary includes 4 days of guided trekking covering approximately 70k through the French and Italian alps with one free day at the end of the week to explore Courmayeur and Chamonix. This trekking holiday in the alps is ideal for those wanting to experience the Tour du Mont Blanc in a shorter period of time. Bag transfer included.
suggested intinerary
Day 1 ARRIVAL IN CHAMONIX
On the day of arrival we have a trek briefing in the hotel lounge at 5pm, this gives you the opportunity to meet your guide & the rest of the group.
During the briefing we will go though all the necessary information including itinerary, accommodation, meals & bag transfer. The guide will also discuss plans for the first day of the trek. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have so you are fully informed before you start your adventure.
Accommodation3* Hotel, private en-suite rooms, B & B
Day 2 CHAMONIX TO LES HOUCHES
We commence the Tour Mont Blanc westerly trek from Chamonix taking the cable car to the Planpraz at 2000m, from here we take the TMB route to the Col du Brevent, Brevent 2525m and descend along the stunning ridge to Refuge Bel Lachat. From the refuge, we make the long and tough descent via Parc Merlet to Les Houches and our hotel accommodation for the night.
Daily stats:Distance: 13k | Height gain: +700m | Descent: -1500m
Accommodation3* Hotel, private en-suite rooms, half board
Guide notes:This day often feels one of the toughest on the trek generally because people are not fully acclimatised. The descent can be punishing & is probably the most difficult during the trek due 1500m sustained down hill & at times rocky terrain. Walking poles are recommended to save the knees!
Day 3 LES HOUCHES TO LES CONTAMINES:
Our day starts with a cable car ride to the Bellevue 1802m with stunning views of the Mont Blanc range from high above the westerly end of the Chamonix valley. We then have a choice of routes to Les Contamines via Bionnassay & Chapel or the Col du Tricot & Chalets des Miage.
Daily stats:Using the cable car:
Via Bionnassay: Distance: 15k | Height gain: +100m | Descent: -700m
Via Col du Tricot: Distance: 13k | Height gain: +800m| Descent: -1300m
3* Hotel, private en-suite rooms, half board
Guide notes:Day two and you are probably feeling a little tiered from the first day. The terrain is very different today, less rugged and more green as you will be trekking though high altitude pastureland. If you are trekking via the Col du Tricot check out the Blueberry pie at the Chalets des Miage, very memorable and delicious!
Day 4 LES CONTAMINES TO REFUGE NOVA or MOTTETS:
A great day ahead awaits and we make our ascent through three cols, Col du Bonhomme, Col de la Croix du Bonhomme and the Col des Fours 2665m. Descending steeply through the wild and remote landscape to either Chapieux and the Refuge Nova or Ville des Glaciers and on to the Refuge Mottets.
Daily stats:Distance: 20k | Height gain: +1500m | Descent: -900m
AccommodationDormitory (upgrade possible), half board
Guide notes:On paper this looks like one of the longest and toughest days on the trek but don’t worry its very doable. There is a fair amount of height gain but it is integrated with sections of gentle terrain, which make the day more manageable. The key is to start early and allow plenty of time.
Day 5 REFUGE NOVA or MOTTETS TO COURMAYEUR:
If staying at the Refuge Nova we take the bus to Ville des Glaciers and continue on the trail to the Refuge Mottets. The Refuge Mottets is situated in a great position below the Col du Seigne 2516m, although we climb steeply at times we soon find ourselves over the col & across French/Italian border into Italy. We then make a descent into the stunning Val Veny with easy walking through the hanging valleys to Lac Combal. From here we descend La Visaille and take the shuttle bus to Courmayeur.
Daily stats:Distance: 14k | Height gain: +700m | Descent: -700m
Accommodation3* Hotel, private en-suite rooms, B & B
Guide notes:One of my favourite days on the Tour du Mont Blanc, the views from the Col du Seigne is second to none! Once you are at the col & if the weather is right rest for a while & take in the far-reaching views in to Italy and Switzerland, just wonderful!
Day 6 EXPLORATION DAY:
You have the morning in Courmayeur and then return by bus to Chamonix.
Suggested activities: Helbronner cable car or Aiguille du Midi cable car to 3842m.
Accommodation3* private en-suite rooms, B & B
Guide notes:There is so much to do in Courmayeur & Chamonix, download our pdf document to give you insight so you can best organise your time.
Day 7 DEPART CHAMONIX
Breakfast is included however on the departure day you are free to leave at any time you wish.
Guide notes:Once you have completed the trek I hope you will agree that the Tour du Mont Blanc is truly an exceptional trek and has a worthy place as of one of the worlds top 10 long distance walks.