Tour du Mont Blanc | Self Guided Westerly Trek

Trek Itinerary

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  Day 1 ARRIVAL IN CHAMONIX

  As we are based in Chamonix please ask if you wish to have a self guided trek briefing to go through any aspect of your trek before you start on your adventure.

  If you require a briefing on your day of arrival please specify at the time of booking so we can make sure someone will be available.

  Accommodation:

  3* Hotel, private en-suite rooms, B & B

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  Day 2 CHAMONIX TO LES HOUCHES

  You commence the Tour Mont Blanc westerly trek from Chamonix taking the cable car to the Planpraz at 2000m, from here take the TMB route to the Col du Brevent, Brevent 2525m and descend along the stunning ridge to Refuge Bel Lachat. From the refuge, make the long and tough descent via Parc Merlet to Les Houches and your hotel accommodation for the night.

  Daily stats:

  Using the cable car
  Distance: 13k | Height gain: +700m | Descent: -1500m

  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!

  Accommodation:

  3* Hotel, private en-suite rooms, evening meal & breakfast

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  Day 3 LES HOUCHES TO LES CONTAMINES

  Your day starts with a cable car ride to Bellevue 1802m with stunning views of the Mont Blanc range from high above the westerly end of the Chamonix valley. You 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

  Guide notes:

  Day two & you are probably feeling a little tiered from the first day. The terrain is very different today, less rugged & 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 & delicious!

  Accommodation:

  3* Hotel, private en-suite rooms, evening meal & breakfast

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  Day 4 LES CONTAMINES TO CHAPIEUX / VILLE DES GLACIERS:

  A great day ahead as you make the steady ascent toward the Col du Bonhomme, passing the Refuge de la Balme on the way—a good spot for a short break or refreshments. Beyond the refuge, the trail climbs more steeply to the Plan des Dames before continuing up to the Col du Bonhomme and then the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme. From here, your onward route depends on where you’re staying for the night: you may continue over the Col des Fours and descend to Ville des Glaciers and on to the Refuge Mottets, or, if you’re staying in Les Chapieux, begin your descent that leads you into the hamlet of Les Chapieux.

  Daily stats:

  Distance: 20k | Height gain: +1500m | Descent: -900m

  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.

  Accommodation:

  Dormitory (upgrade possible), evening meal & breakfast

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  Day 5 CHAPIEUX/ VILLE DES GLACIERS TO COURMAYEUR:

  If you are staying in Les Chapieux, you’ll take the bus to Ville des Glaciers and continue on the trail to the Refuge des Mottets. The refuge sits in a superb position just below the Col de la Seigne (2516m). Although the climb to the col is steep in places, you soon find yourself crossing the French–Italian border and entering Italy. From the col, you descend into the beautiful Val Veny, following easy paths through the hanging valleys to Lac Combal. From here, you continue down to La Visaille and take the shuttle bus to Courmayeur.

  Daily stats:

  Distance: 14k | Height gain: +700m | Descent: -700m (with shuttle bus)

  Distance: 24k | Height gain: +1100m | Descent: -1700m (full route)

  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 and take in the far-reaching views in to Italy & Switzerland, just wonderful!

  Accommodation:

  Accommodation: 3* Hotel, private en-suite rooms, B & B

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  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.

  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.

  Accommodation:

  3* Hotel private en-suite rooms, B & B

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  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 & has a worthy place as of one of the worlds top 10 long distance walks.