Mont Blanc Encompassed Hike

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~~$1748~~

$1693

Mont Blanc Encompassed Hike

10 Days Starting in Chamonix Valley, France and ending in Chamonix, France

Visiting: Les Houches, Contamines-Montjoie, La Ville des Glaciers, Courmayeur, Mont Blanc, La Fouly, Champex, Trélechamps, Chamonix

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

MBE

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

6 - 14

Physical rating:

moderate to challenging

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Active, Adventure Tours, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking

Interests:

Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours

From: $1748 $1693 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$55

NB: Prices correct on 31-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an exhilarating journey with the "Mont Blanc Encompassed" tour, a breathtaking circumnavigation of Mont Blanc that takes you through the stunning landscapes of France, Italy, and Switzerland. Experience the thrill of trekking in the European Alps, traversing high passes, and savoring local culinary delights like Raclette. Share your adventure with like-minded travelers as you stay in mountain refuges and gîte-hostels, enjoying the camaraderie of dormitory-style accommodations. With an experienced mountain guide leading the way, you'll conquer challenging trails, witness awe-inspiring glaciers, and soak in panoramic alpine views. This unforgettable trek promises a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and physical challenge.

Highlights

Circumnavigation of Mont Blanc
Experiencing the exhilaration of trekking in the European Alps
Traversing high passes and walking through three countries
Enjoying the culinary specialties such as Raclette
Walking through the beautiful Nature Reserve of Contamines
Exploring the City of the Glaciers (La Ville des Glaciers)
Admiring the views from the Grand Col Ferret, marking the border of Switzerland and Italy
Visiting the charming village of La Fouly

Itinerary

tourhub | UTracks | Mont Blanc Encompassed Hike | MBE | Route Map

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Day 1 : Arrive In Les Houches, Begin Walk To Miage (6-8Hrs)

Location: Les Houches

Accommodation Name: Refuge

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

This morning we rendezvous with the group at Les Houches, and have a briefing with our guide before commencing the ‘Tour du Mont Blanc’, the official name for our 10 day walk. The route begins with an ascent to the Voza passage (1653m) and then across the Bionnassay glacier in order to join up with the “knitting pass”, or Col de Tricot (2120m). As we descend into this high mountain pasture area, which is a mesh of fields, we find ourselves in a truly fabulous setting – face to face with the stunning domes of the Miage. Overnight Refuge with shower.
Distance 16-18km/10-11mi, +1100m/3609ft, -914m/2999ft

Day 2 : Walk To Bonhomme (6-8Hrs)

Location: Contamines-Montjoie

Accommodation Name: Refuge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we will pass by the chalets of Truc and then the pretty village of Contamines-Montjoie. Our route continues along the ancient Roman road that leads us into the beautiful Nature Reserve of Contamines. We make our way through the “Bonhomme” mountain passage and have some fun making our way around Beaufortin and Tyrol, two mountains which form part of the French Alps. Overnight Refuge with shower.
Distance 18km/11mi, +1300m/4265ft, -500m/1640ft
Possible Spring Variant: Walk to Refuge Nant Borrant (4-6hrs, approx 10km, 660m/2165ft ascent, 550m/1804ft descent)

Day 3 : To Elizabetta (6-8Hrs)

Location: La Ville des Glaciers

Accommodation Name: Refuge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Descending through luscious pastures, there may be opportunities to buy Beaufort cheese from the shepherds. We later pass through the City of the Glaciers (La Ville des Glaciers) – a magnificent place where the green of the pasture is covered-up by the ice. Following a steady ascent we reach the Seigne passage (2516m) where the ruins of a customs hut remind us that we are crossing into Italy. Here there is a first glimpse of the Mont Blanc massif from the southern perspective, and descending to the Vallon de la Lée Blanche, there are good views of the fabulous limestone and snow pyramid of the Grand Combin and the Estelette and Lée Blanche glaciers. In the afternoon we will enter a rocky landscape in stark contrast to the lush pastures of this morning ........welcome to the Mineral Kingdom! Overnight Refuge with shower.
Distance 15km/9.3mi, +960m/3150ft, -998m/3274ft
Possible Spring Variant: Walk to Les Chapieux via the Col de Bonhomme (6-7hrs, approx 16km, 1025m/3362ft ascent, 930m/3050ft descent)

Day 4 : To Berthone Via Courmayeur (5-7Hrs)

Location: Courmayeur

Accommodation Name: Refuge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the enchanted valley of Veni, the enormous Miage glacier flows down into the beautiful Lake Combal. This is the Italian side of Mont Blanc that is offered to you from a truly beautiful standpoint and is perhaps the most enjoyable on the route. The trail continues along the flat valley floor overlooked by the serrated rock pinnacle of Aiguille Noire de Peuterey (3773m). There are some steep climbs, rewarded by magnificent alpine views, before we arrive in the town of Courmayeur, where you should definitely make the most of the amazingly delicious Italian Gelato (ice cream). Before arriving at the Berthone refuge (1970m) for the nights accommodation, we have a tough but rewarding 2-3 hour ascent. Overnight Refuge with shower.
Distance 23km/14mi (possibly partly by bus), 1100m/3609ft ascent, 1200m/3937ft descent
Possible Spring Variant: Walk to La Visaille via the Col de la Seigne (Italian border), bus to Courmayeur (12km, 7hrs, 1000m/3280ft ascent, 700m/2300ft descent)

Day 5 : To Elena (5-7Hrs)

Location: Mont Blanc

Accommodation Name: Refuge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we have a major but scenic crossing to make, with great views over the 'Grandes Jorasses'. We begin by ascending to the flanks of Mont de la Saxe, followed by a steep ascent to a col immediately below the summit of Tete de la Tranche (2584m). From here the southern face of Mont Blanc is really quite spectacular. We will pass through the high mountain pastures of Arminal, Malatra and Arnuva, before climbing up to Elena refuge where there are excellent views to the glacier and mountains beyond. Overnight refuge with shower.
Distance 16-18km/10-11mi, +704m/2310ft, -631m/2070ft
Spring Variant: Walk to Chalet Val Ferret (5-6hrs, 18km, 750m/2460ft ascent, 550m/1800ft descent)

Day 6 : Walk To La Fouly (5-6Hrs)

Location: La Fouly

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The sight of the Pré de Bar glacier, (a glacier that boasts a perfect tongue formation), is with us all the way as we make our way to the Grand Col Ferret (2537m), and the whole atmosphere is out of this world, and despite the climb is a very rewarding section of the walk. The col marks the border of Switzerland and Italy and the trail becomes wider and more defined on reaching the border. The ascent from the pass takes you to the valley floor and eventually the charming village of La Fouly. Overnight Hotel with shower.
Distance 13km/8mi, +624m/2047ft, -1100m/3608ft
Possible Spring Variant: Walk to La Fouly (6hrs, 15km, 750m/2460ft ascent, 1000m/3280ft descent)

Day 7 : Bus To Champex, Walk To Trient (5-7Hrs)

Location: Champex

Accommodation Name: Refuge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we take a short bus transfer to the pretty lakeside town of Champex. From here we ascend through woods along the main TMB trail to reach the barns of Bovine (Alp Bovine) (1987m). Absorb the sweeping views of the Rhone Valley, Grand Combin and the Bernese Alps, then descend to the Col de la Forclaz (1526m). There is then the option (guides discretion) of a walk to the Chalet du Glacier and a bit beyond for fine views of the Trient Glacier, before descending to the village of Trient. Trient is a tiny village in the Val Trient.
Distance 15.5km/9.5mi, +900m/2952ft, -800m/2625ft

Day 8 : Walk To Tréléchamps (5-6Hrs)

Location: Trélechamps

Accommodation Name: Refuge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The route we take today is dependent on weather. Usually we make our way to the Col de Balme with impressive views of the Glacier du Trient and Glacier des Grande. After pausing at the border between France and Switzerland, we descend to the village of Le Tour before ascending a short distance to Tre le Champ.
Distance 13km/8mi, +900m/2952ft, -800m/2625ft

Day 9 : Walk To Lac Blanc (5Hrs)

Location: Chamonix

Accommodation Name: Refuge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The route taken between Lac Blanc and Tre le Champ may include short parts on ladders enabling an ascent of a sloping rock section. These ladders are considered safe but do require care. Alternatively, the guide may use a longer route along the the Col des Montets variante route where no ladders are involved. You should have your cameras at the ready as you are afforded a fabulous view out over the Mont Blanc chain: you will be able to take some impressive pictures of “La Verte”, the Drus and the Needles of Chamonix. Crossing the “Grand Balcon” by the “Aiguilles Rouges”, (or the Red Needles), one is afforded different views out over the Mont Blanc massif.
Distance 6km/4mi, +900m/2952ft

Day 10 : Walk To Chamonix, Bus To Les Houches, Trip Concludes (4Hrs)

Location: Chamonix

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

In order to reach the Chamonix valley, we take the 'Balcon' path, which looks out onto Mont Blanc. Prepare yourselves to come across many different nationalities here...the linguists amongst you will definitely appreciate it! You will encounter day walkers from Chamonix who have ascended to the path from the Brévent cablecar. The views continue to be inspiring and we will encounter many downhill ski runs as we descend into the valley. We plan to walk into Chamonix in the afternoon at approximately 2pm. Your trek luggage will await your return at the station in Chamonix and you can depart the trip on its collection. If you have stayed in Les Houches before the trip, take the train or free local bus back to Les Houches.
Distance 15km/9.3mi, -700m/2300ft

What's Included

Accommodation
9 nights in mountain refuges/gîte-hostels
9 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 9 dinners (does not include drinks) – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. Lunch is picnic style. Dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses which include regional specialities
9 nights accommodation in mountain refuges/gîte hostels on a dormitory share basis. It is possible to spend 4 nights in a double room, 1 nights quadshare, 4 nights dorm – additional cost applies.
Luggage transfer by mule (max 7kgs - early and late season departures use luggage van for transfer (up to 15kgs))
Experienced mountain guide
Internal transfers by local bus
Travel to Les Houches and from Chamonix
Drinks and snacks eg trail mix, protein bars
Items of a personal nature
Storage of luggage
Transfers
Travel insurance

What's Not Included

Drinks

Drinks are not included.
Personal Items

Items of a personal nature are not included.
Luggage Storage

Storage of luggage is not included.
Transfers

Transfers are not included.
Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not included.

Accommodation

9 nights in mountain refuges/gîte-hostels. Accommodation is mixed dormitory style in mountain refuges or gîte hostels. There can be up to 40 people in one room in some refuges but less on most nights (around 10-12). Beds are often bunks but can also be one long platform with separate mattresses or one long continuous mattress. Blankets are provided, but you will need to bring a sleep sheet. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Whether staying in dormitory accommodation or the double rooms option, the group will stay together in the same accommodations each night. Whilst the double room option offers the privacy of your sleeping quarters, often the bathrooms will still be shared. The double room option is not available for single travellers. In alpine huts if there is a free bed it will be sold regardless of whether you as an individual have requested a single room. To avoid this likelihood we do not offer a single option in this category. Single travellers should take the dormitory option.

Grading

MODERATE to CHALLENGING – GRADE 4
During this walk you will ascend over 9000 vertical metres - more than the height of Mount Everest. The walking is graded moderate to challenging (4) with daily guided walks of around 5-9 hours, between 8 and 15km and maximum ascents / descents of 1700 metres per day. There are some challenging stages during the walk with steep uphills, descents, and many sections of the trail which require care (eg steep drops, rocky terrain). There are more challenging variant sections of the TMB route which may require climbing ladders for short stages - the guide will use his/her discretion as to groups abilities and weather conditions to determine which route will be taken each day. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions and walking pace). You will need a good to excellent level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced walkers who are sure footed with a good walking pace. If your pace is slow in mountainous terrain we recommend you book on our Rambler trip.
If for any reason during the trip the guide considers, in his or her sole discretion, that your fitness or mental or physical health is likely to cause danger, distress or annoyance to others, he or she may direct you not to continue and you must follow the guide’s instructions. In this case you will not be entitled to any refund.
Early in the season (June) you may encounter snow on the passes which may be quite deep and alter the grading of the trip to challenging. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds.
As with all our moderate to challenging programs, we expect participants to be regular outdoors people, enjoying aerobic sport around four or five times a week over some period of time. Preferably this has been a long term interest but if not, you have set a program of fitness preparation with at least three months lead in time to your trip. The fitter you are for your trip, the more of a holiday it will be. Activities as close to the actual activity on your trip are the best training; in this instance walking with and without a pack. This builds leg strength, aerobic capacity and confidence in your ability to travel comfortably with a pack for extended periods. At the same time, you are also comfortable with the layers you like to wear and footwear. Important note: good quality walking boots with ankle support are strongly recommended for your participation. Runners or shoes without ankle support are not ideal for the conditions encountered on this walk.

Mode of Transport

Internal transfers by local bus. Travel to Les Houches and from Chamonix. Luggage transfer by mule (max 7kgs - early and late season departures use luggage van for transfer (up to 15kgs)).

Check out our Q&As

What type of accommodation is provided during the Mont Blanc Encompassed tour?

Accommodation is provided in mountain refuges or gîte hostels, typically in mixed dormitory style. Some nights may have up to 40 people in one room, but usually around 10-12. Beds are often bunks or one long platform with separate mattresses. Blankets are provided, but you will need to bring a sleep sheet. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. There is an option for double rooms for four nights, but this is not available for single travelers.
What meals are included in the Mont Blanc Encompassed tour?

The tour includes 9 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 9 dinners. Continental breakfasts usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea, and juices. Lunch is picnic style, and dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses featuring regional specialties. Drinks are not included.
Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?

Yes, luggage transfer is provided by mule with a maximum weight of 7kg. For early and late season departures, a luggage van is used for transfer, allowing up to 15kg.
What kind of physical fitness is required for the Mont Blanc Encompassed tour?

The tour is graded as moderate to challenging, requiring a good to excellent level of fitness. Participants should be regular outdoors people, enjoying aerobic sports around four or five times a week. The tour involves daily guided walks of around 5-9 hours, with ascents and descents of up to 1700 meters per day. It is suitable for experienced walkers who are sure-footed with a good walking pace.
What happens if the guide considers my fitness or health to be a concern during the tour?

If the guide considers that your fitness or mental or physical health is likely to cause danger, distress, or annoyance to others, they may direct you not to continue. You must follow the guide's instructions, and in this case, you will not be entitled to any refund.

Are there any special equipment requirements for the tour?

Good quality walking boots with ankle support are strongly recommended. Runners or shoes without ankle support are not ideal for the conditions encountered on this walk.
What should I expect in terms of weather conditions during the tour?

Weather conditions can be variable, and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun, and extreme winds. Early in the season, you may encounter deep snow on the passes, which may alter the grading of the trip to challenging.
How fit do I have to be?

Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
What happens if something goes wrong?

On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

J. Griffin(Fort Myers, United States)

Mont Blanc Encompassed Hike

23 Jul 2024

This was a life-changing trip. It was so hard and so epic. I am grateful for the guide, Yohan, who knew the terrain and all the ways to keep us safe. 100% recommend this journey.

E. Duffield(Braunton, United Kingdom)

Mont Blanc Encompassed Hike

23 Jul 2023

Very good Tour du Mont Blanc, well planned and Nicole was an excellent, experienced guide.

M. Hearn(New Zealand)

Mont Blanc Encompassed Hike

23 Jul 2019

It was an amazing experience to be so high up in the Alps and see Mt Blanc from so many different angles. We were fortunate with the weather having only one wet day. Having the mule walk with us to carry out overnight luggage was very special. The spring meadow flowers were wonderful to see. Our guide took us on alternative routes which enhanced the whole experience. There was a variety of accommodation, of which some were a lot more comfortable than others. Our guide was friendly, very helpful and extremely knowledgeable. He provided us with great tasty lunches en route. We enjoyed the camaraderie of being in a group. We would definitely recommend this trek.

E. Watson(Australia)

Mont Blanc Encompassed Hike

2 Sep 2022

Incredible trip, absolutely great value for money which was reflected throughout. Accom and food was fab, guide was lovely and struck gold with such an amazing group. Very prompt responses to any queries prior to the trip, and lots of support which was wonderful.

B. Shin(Burlington, Canada)

Mont Blanc Encompassed Hike

30 Aug 2022

Mont Blanc Encompassed was an amazing ten days of hiking the circuit. It was well organized, the refugios were excellent, and we were fed well. Gonzague, with patience and years of experience, led our group through gorgeous parts of the circuit, and it is an experience that will stay with me for a lifetime.

J. Lawrence(UK)

Mont Blanc Encompassed Hike

08 Sep 2019

The lunches were exceptional and far beyond what I was expecting.

B. Alston(East Ballina, NSW)

Mont Blanc Encompassed Hike

17 Oct 2018

The Mont Blanc Encompassed trip was excellent. The use of a mule 'Takine' to carry our extra gear between huts added to the hike. Our French guide, Madelaine was first class, value added to the experience and made the trip lots more fun than I expected. She introduced us to the culinary flavours of France, Italy and Switzerland through the local cheeses used for the lunches and the tasty salads she prepared, all different. Madeleine had a ready smile, a great sense of humour, an easy manner and was knowledgeable about all the peaks of the Mont Blanc range and the flora. Madelaine genuinely cared about us and our walking experience. She helped us through niggling injuries and over a high pass almost every day. The trip was physically demanding with 4 tough days in the 10 day hike over 170km in total. This is a classic European mountain hike that you will treasure for life. The views of Mont Blanc superb, the refugio experience builds camaraderie along the trail and the moods of the mountains and glaciers ever-changing. Just do it! Thanks Madelaine; possibly the best guide we have ever encountered and 'keep smiling'.

N. Khatri(London, United Kingdom)

Mont Blanc Encompassed Hike

20 Aug 2024

I recently finished 10days circuit of Mont Blanc. I had the best time of my life. We had fantastic company of the best guide Julien and the mule. I loved the challenge of each day and I would highly recommend doing 10 days. Accommodations were best and as a solo traveler I did not have any issues sharing dormitories. It was comfortable with best views. This was my birthday gift from my husband and the best so far. All members from the company were highly supportive and prompt at answering any questions by both emails and on calls. I did not have any trouble from very first payment for booking to the entire journey and back home safe and sound. Our group became besties now and we may plan more trips together. I just want to say thank you to UTracks for making the entire experience very special and memorable.

I. Goldenberg(New York)

Mont Blanc Encompassed Hike

21 Sep 2021

The 10-day TMB is much harder than expected!!! The elevation ascent and descents are brutal. Definitely train for this trip! - The trip overall was difficult but also very fun, and I'm happy I did it. Our guide was skilled, prepared and knowledgeable.

L. Fang(Netherlands)

Mont Blanc Encompassed Hike

6 Jul 2022

Well organized hiking.

Read all 72 reviews

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~~$1748~~ $1693