Tour du Mont Blanc West, Self-guided
The Western circuit of the Tour du Mont Blanc, starting in Chamonix and finishing in Courmayeur undertaken independently by you with planning and support by us.
6 days holiday | 4 days hiking | flexible dates | configurable
Setting off from the famous mountain town Chamonix Mont Blanc in France, the Western half-circuit tour follows the same itinerary as the classic Tour du Mont Blanc into Italy and finish in the charming mountain town Courmayeur.
The half-circuit self-guided TMB is perfect for walkers wishing to complete the full classic Tour du Mont Blanc trek but prefer to do it in two shorter parts. It's also very suitable for anyone who is looking for their first independent walking holiday in the Alps.
If you’d like to learn some facts about the TMB you can visit our Tour du Mont Blanc Information page.
TRIP ITINERARY:
Day 1: Meeting in Chamonix
You arrive in Chamonix and check in at your hotel. Your evening is free to explore the many bars and restaurants in Chamonix. Night in hotel.
Day 2: Above Chamonix to Les Houches
Your trip starts with a cable car ride that takes you up to nearly 2000 meters. Here, above the tree line, you begin a stunning high level traverse above the Chamonix valley with exceptional views of Mont Blanc. You descend to the village Les Houches and your hotel for the night.
Day 3: From Les Houches to Les Contamines
You walk (or take a cable car) up through the ski area of Les Houches. A lovely traverse below the Aiguille du Gouter takes you to the snout of the Bionnassay glacier, which you cross via an airy suspension bridge. You climb to the Col de Tricot and descent to the Miage mountain pastures for lunch. After lunch, you have another short climb to the Chalets du Truc before the final descent to Les Contamines.
Day 4: From Les Contamines to Vallée des Glaciers
From Les Contamines you climb steadily up an old roman way towards the top of the Contamines valley. A stunning and wild walk takes you over a succession of mountain passes before your descent to the Vallée des Glaciers (the Glaciers Valley) and the final short stretch to your charming mountain hut.
Day 5: From Vallée des Glaciers to Courmayeur
You leave the hut and ascend to the Seigne mountain pass, where you cross the border into Italy and get the first views of the dramatic Italian side of Mont Blanc. It's a gentle descent into the beautiful Val Veny, before another climb takes you to Col Checrouit and, finally, the long descent into Courmayeur. Your evening is free to explore the many bars and restaurants in Courmayeur. Night in hotel.
Day 6: Depart Courmayeur
Breakfast in the hotel and the official end to your Tour du Mont Blanc West trek.
TRIP DETAILS:
Grade:
Suitable for experienced, independant mountain walkers with good fitness and stamina and an adventurous spirit.
Duration:
6 days holiday with 4 days walking
Accommodation:
4 nights in hotels and 1 night in mountain huts.
Group size and guides:
Min. 2 people. No max. size and no guide.
Options available:
Bag transfers
Extra nights
TRIP INCLUSIONS:
Inclusions:
Expert tour planning and support by Alpine Treks
Detailed route cards
Topographic maps (1:25000), NOT photo copies
Practical information pack
5 nights accommodation
Meals (5x breakfast and 3x dinners)
ABTOT bonding and passenger protection
Exclusions:
Travel to Chamonix and from Courmayeur
Lunches, snacks, drinks and meals not mentioned above
Cable cars and busses if/when used