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OVERVIEW

Enjoy a guided hike of the Tour du Mont Blanc over 13 days staying in comfortable rooms, trekking through France, Italy and Switzerland. Fully supported by an English-speaking guide and our team on the ground.

Follow the historic mountain route over high passes, through meadows and historic villages. Trek along high alpine trails and soak up the panorama of snow-capped peaks and glaciers of the Mont Blanc Massif. Cross the Col de la Seigne into Italy and hike in Switzerland over the Grand Col Ferret . Stay in the charming Swiss lakeside village of Champex and return to France by way of the Col de Balme at the head of Chamonix Valley.

Given solo walkers are unable to undertake our self guided trip for their own safety, this is a great option for those who don't know anyone else keen to do this amazing challenge!

Highlights

  • Relax and enjoy being guided around the complete Tour du Mont Blanc, Europe's most popular long-distance trek
  • Walk through La Vallée de Glacier and meet local Beaufort cheesemakers
  • Hike rugged trails, crossing the Col de la Seigne and Grand Col Ferret into Switzerland
  • Discover the rich mountaineering history of Chamonix and Courmayeur
  • Enjoy a great night's rest in private rooms with ensuites located in the heart of historic alpine villages and towns

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
GROUP GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
13 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Challenging to Strenuous

Grade 6 - Challenging  to Strenuous

Longer, tougher, steeper hill sections, rough terrain and many steps. Active lifestyle, good fitness and walking experience required.
PRICE FROM
$ 6195

per person twin/double share

DOWNLOAD PDF
Departure Dates
Book now

ITINERARY

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
  • Day 7
  • Day 8
  • Day 9
  • Day 10
  • Day 11
  • Day 12
  • Day 13

DAY 1
Arrive Chamonix

Bustling with outdoor enthusiasts, the French Alpine town of Chamonix is only a 90-minute transfer from Geneva Airport (we supply this – see the How To Get There section in General Info). Relax in the garden of your hotel under the incredible Mont Blanc massif before exploring the streets, pavement cafes and bars of this famous alpine town. Tonight we get together for a briefing on what is to come and enjoy a pre-hike dinner.

Meals: Group dinner
Accommodation: Chamonix

DAY 2
Les Houches to Les Contamines

Les Houches is the traditional start of the TMB. We take the cable car up to Bellevue (1802m) to start your walk. From Bellevue we take the high route over the Col du Tricot (2102m)  under the shadow of the Bionnassay Glacier to the picture-postcard Refuge de Miage (famed for their blueberry tart).

Distance: 19km
Elevation: +1540m / -1390m

By using the cable from Bellevue we reduce the walking by approx. 2 hours (6kms) and around 650m of ascent.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Les Contamines

DAY 3
Les Contamines to Les Chapieux

Begin the day by walking south from Les Contamines along the River Bonnant to the 17th-century church of Notre-Dame de la Gorge, which marks the start of the mountain path. The road gives way to a steep and roughly paved track, which climbs to Refuge de la Balme (a very well-timed rest!). From here the steep rocky path climbs over the Col du Bonhomme (2383m) and contours around to pass over the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2443m). Then descend to the small village of Les Chapieux for a short transfer to Bourg Saint Maurice for the night.

Distance: 20km
Elevation: +1340m / -950m
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Bourg Saint Maurice

 

DAY 4
Les Chapieux to La Visaille (Val Veny)

Start gently from Les Chapieux to reach the village of La Ville des Glaciers. Then it’s a steady uphill on a winding track to Col de la Seigne (2513m). At the pass, straddle the border between France and Italy and soak up views of the southern side of the Mont Blanc massif with its dramatic, jagged peaks. Descend through the Vallon de la Lee Blanche to Rifugio Elisabetta, a fantastic spot for a rest break. Continue on under tumbling glaciers into Val Veny. From here you will leave the main TMB route for a few km to reach La Visaille.

Distance: 21km
Elevation: +1130m / -1010m
The distance can be reduced by 5km by taking the shuttle bus from Les Chapieux.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Courmayeur

DAY 5
La Visaille (Val Veny) to Courmayeur

From La Visaille, rejoin the TMB near the Cabane du Combal. Follow the magnificent balcony trail to Rifugio Maison Vieille with many vantage points to soak up the stunning views over the Val Veny. Why not relax with a picnic lunch and look for marmots?  A long, steep descent to Courmayeur follows but you can save your knees by making use of the chairlifts and cable cars.

Distance: 15.5km
Elevation: +850m / -1310m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Courmayeur

DAY 6
Courmayeur to Val Ferret

Leave Courmayeur on foot and ascend onto the steep forested slopes of La Montagne de la Saxe. After arriving at Rifugio Bertone, we have two choices depending on the group’s ability. Either we follow the standard ‘Balcony Route’, which gives incredible unbroken views across Val Ferret to Mont Blanc and Grand Jorasses. Or take the High Route which is more challenging, but provides some of the most epic views on the walk. On reaching Rifugio Bonatti, the picnic terrace is great for sampling the famous Bonatti hot chocolate and taking in the majesty of the mountains around you. Then descend to Val Ferret.

Distance: 14km or 17km
Elevation: +1080m or +1730m / -580m or -1250
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Courmayeur

DAY 7
Val Ferret to La Fouly

From Arnuva, the head of the valley, tackle the straightforward but steep climb winding up to the Grand Col Ferret. Along the way, enjoy a break at the perfectly placed Rifugio Elena with a café latte and panoramic views back down Val Ferret. Crossing the Grand Col Ferret (2563m), you enter Switzerland. From this spot, views extend to the peak of Mont Dolent, which is shared between France, Italy and Switzerland. On your descent, pass typical Swiss chalets and flower-filled gardens as you enter the hamlet of La Fouly where you will spend the night.

Distance: 20km
Elevation: +980m / -1390m
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: La Fouly

DAY 8
La Fouly to Champex

A day of chocolate-box Swiss villages and one of the easiest stages of the circuit. The route passes through the timeless village of Arlaches. The medieval wooden houses adorned with bright flower boxes provide a window into a bygone era. A steep climb from the valley up to Champex follows. The beautiful lake with its picturesque cafes and bars is definitely worth a stop before heading to your hotel.

Distance: 15km
Elevation: +510m / -650m
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Champex

DAY 9
Champex to Trient

A choice of two stunning routes today. The Standard Route follows the Bovine Trail which ascends steeply through pine forests to take you over glacial streams and across high alpine pastures where the famous ‘Swiss fighting cows’ graze through the summer. Mid-way be sure to stop off at the L’Alpage Bovine which serves delicious homemade apple cake (with excellent views over to the Swiss Bernese Alps).  A short transfer will take you to Martigny for the night.

Distance: 15.5km
Elevation: +850m / -1040m
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Martigny

DAY 10
Trient to Chamonix

It’s back in France today with a hike to the border at Col de Balme (2192m). The route takes a steep but relatively short climb up to the Col.  From the Col de Balme, you’ll be rewarded with extensive views over Chamonix Valley and the familiar snow-capped peak of Mont Blanc. Relax on the terrace of the Refuge du Col de Balme and enjoy some refreshments. Continue on the TMB and tackle another ascent to the ridge summit of Aiguillette des Posettes before a long steep descent. End the day with a short bus or train ride into Chamonix to reach your accommodation for the night.

Distance: 14km
Elevation: +980m / -840m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Chamonix

DAY 11
Tre le Champ to La Flegere (with options for Lac Blanc and Lac Perseverance)

A spectacular day of mountain walking. Begin with an ascent up forested slopes to the foot of a short section of fixed ladders. Continue upwards on steeper ground with a good chance of spotting small herds of agile Ibex (“bouquetin”). Deep into the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve at the Tete-aux-Ventes track junction, we recommend taking the trail up to the idyllic Lac Blanc where a charming refuge overlooks the cobalt waters of this much-photographed lake. From here we have the option of a short there-and-back walk to see the stunning high alpine lake, Lac Perseverance. Continue on rocky trails to follow the famous “Grand Balcon Sud” path with its astounding vistas across the Chamonix Valley to the Mont Blanc Range to the La Flegere cable car station. We will descend by cable car to our hotel in Chamonix.

Distance: 8.5km (Add 3km for Lac Blanc and Lac Perseverance)
Elevation: +730m / -270m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Chamonix

DAY 12
La Flegere to Les Houches

The last day of trekking starts by returning to La Flegere by cable car. Re-joining the TMB, continue on the Grand Balcon walk to Plan Praz. A steep climb to the Col du Brevent and Le Brevent summit (2525m) follows. At the Le Brevent “Le Panoramic” mountain-top restaurant, the snow-capped peaks and glaciers across the valley seem within touching distance. From here, you can take the easier option and descend to Chamonix via the Le Brevent and Plan Praz cable cars. Continue on foot along rocky ridgelines before descending through alpine woodlands into the village of Les Houches. Return to Chamonix via train or bus. We will get to have our last group dinner in Chamonix together. Chamonix is a great place to celebrate and reflect on your completion of one of the world’s greatest treks.

Distance: 18.5km
Elevation: +900m / -1750m
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Chamonix

DAY 13
Onward Travel

Time to say goodbye today after breakfast, but depending on your onward travel arrangements, you might want to take a last walk around Chamonix village or indulge in a morning of freshly baked patisserie cakes and coffee before your departure. We arrange for your transfer back to Geneva. If you have time and the weather is clear, we highly recommend taking the cable car up to Aiguille du Midi.

Meals: Breakfast

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Pack-free walking

  • 30+ years experience

  • Customised

  • Eco Travel

  • 12 nights of good sleep in 3 star hotels with ensuites (on two nights you may have a shared bathroom)
  • An English-speaking guide
  • Seamless transfer from Geneva to Chamonix (please see the How To Get There in General Info) and back again
  • Walk with a light pack with luggage transfers from accommodation to accommodation
  • Cable Car fees to avoid some of the long downhill and uphill not-so-epic sections
  • 12 breakfasts and 7 dinners
  • Daily luggage transfers – access to your main luggage every evening

VIDEOS

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

During this tour, you will stay in 3* hotels, small family-run hotels or mountain auberges (small simple hotels). With the exception of nights 7&8, all rooms are private en-suite. On nights 7 & 8 bathrooms may be shared between the occupants of two adjacent rooms.  However from our experience, they are always clean with a plentiful supply of hot water!  Importantly you will have your luggage with you every night;  no need to buy and carry sleep sheets or towels and worry about what to carry with you for an overnight without your luggage.

All the accommodations are accustomed to welcoming trekkers and very well equipped to make your stay comfortable regardless of the weather conditions. Typically, rooms are simple but very comfortable. As many of the overnight stays are in small villages or towns, on occasion, we may have to book another similar accommodation of equal standard. We will discuss these options with you during the booking process.

Should you also request a double room, please note it is the norm in Switzerland for two separate single beds with individual bed linen to be pushed together or even placed into one large bed frame.

Please note: due to limited accommodation on this walk, single walkers will be matched with an Auswalker of the same gender in a twin share room. 

Dining

You will be provided with 12 breakfasts and 7 two-course dinners. If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please let us know at the time of booking so we can let your hosts know. Should you have severe food allergies, it’s always worth bringing a few of your own snacks with you, especially as ingredients and supplies can be hard to obtain in the mountains.

You will find in some of the smaller accommodations, dining is very often on communal tables with set mealtimes. This enables small kitchen teams to ensure everyone is fed on time and nobody is left hungry after a long day of trekking! Lunches can be purchased locally, which is a great part of the experience. The towns and villages you pass through are renowned for their specialty breads, cheeses and meats (many of which continue to be produced by hand). If you’re lucky enough to encounter a local farmers market, the choice and range of local foods are staggering. Many of your accommodations will also make a picnic lunch for you. A staff favourite is the Beaufort cheese from La Vallee des Glaciers, which you can purchase fresh from the farm.

  • NIGHT 1, 10, 11 & 12

  • NIGHT 2

  • NIGHT 3

  • NIGHT 4, 5 & 6

  • NIGHT 7

  • NIGHT 8

  • NIGHT 9

FITNESS GUIDE

It’s well worth investing some time and effort preparing for your walking holiday. The graph shows the average daily distance, elevation and terrain difficulty for your hike. The dotted line indicates the average across all our walks, which will give you a feel for how challenging your walk is compared to all – and the recommended type, and amount, of preparation needed.  Of course, you can adapt this according to your existing fitness levels and lifestyle.

The graph and the information below can be used in conjunction with the fitness guide to help you prepare for your walking adventure. Across all walks, average daily distance is 16.8km, average daily elevation is 448m, average terrain difficulty is 5/10.

ngraph

DISTANCE - ~AVERAGE

Distance training should be a consideration in your overall training program, so take every opportunity you can to walk. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.

Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 16km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row.

Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

ELEVATION - ABOVE AVERAGE

Elevation training is a major consideration in your overall training program. You must include walks with serious hill climbs.

If you do not have access to hills, it is essential to replicate the elevation level you will be undertaking in any way possible such as on a treadmill or stair climber. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand, or up and down small hills is incredibly useful. Also, prioritising resistance weight training will help you develop overall muscle strength.  Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems, opposed to distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking.

If high altitude is a factor, incorporate sessions at a higher altitude to acclimatise your body to reduced oxygen levels if you are able to. Ensure you can comfortably walk the average elevation per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

MOUNTAINOUS / UNDULATING TERRAIN

As terrain associated with mountain climbs is often somewhat uneven and rocky, balancing and core exercises are vital.

Try to also include some form of elevation in more than 50% of your walking and prioritise resistance training, whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up mountains or hills, up and down stairs at work, or up and down at a local oval with a grandstand is incredibly useful. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking. Concentrate on doing lots of squats and lunges to build your glute muscles.

GENERAL INFO

THE WALKING

Challenging to Strenuous, this is Auswalk’s second hardest grade. We are always concerned about your safety, so you must be able to walk on this trip, and you must prepare. You will have to be able to walk an average of 1200 m elevation a day- see the fitness guide on this page. Tracks and trails on this tour will have prolonged ascents and descents along sections of rough surface and steps.  An average of 16km, 1200m ascent and  descent each day. You may find some sections have narrow footpaths and for your guidance, on very rare occasions and short sections, safety cable lengths have been put in place for you to use as a handrail if needed. Having an active lifestyle and preparing or being an experienced walker will make the journey enjoyable. We would suggest an exercise regime that incorporates uphill walks at least 3 to 4 times weekly. See the Fitness guide for more detailed information.

Trails are well-defined, well waymarked and cover a variety of terrains which include forest tracks, high alpine pastures, rocky mountain paths and run through mountain towns and villages. It is also possible you may have to cross some snowy patches on the ascent or descent of higher mountain cols, so good mountain footwear is required! On days 10 and 11 there are short sections of metal ladders, handrails and foot rungs bolted into the rock which are very straightforward to follow. However, if you suffer from vertigo, or have any further questions about these sections, we’d be happy to discuss the options to get around these walks.

HOW TO GET THERE

This walk starts and ends in Chamonix. The closest airport to Chamonix is Geneva Airport. There is also a train station in Chamonix if you wish to arrive by train from Paris for example.

Geneva Airport to Chamonix & Return
Included in your package is a transfer from Geneva Airport to Chamonix at the start of the walk and a transfer back to Geneva Airport from Chamonix at the end of the walk. You will be advised of the transfer time. Please note that this transfer is shared. If you can not make the allocated transfers, you will be responsible for your own transfer.

Timings are subject to change for each departure, and you will be notified of the transfer time several months prior to departure.

A useful planning tool for travel is Rome2Rio should you be travelling from or to other destinations.

AVAILABILITY

In early July it is possible the trail might remain closed due to heavy snowfall. Should this happen we would do our very best to reschedule the tour for a later date (on occasion it is possible the tour might even be cancelled, but this is rare). Up until late July, some of the higher passes may still have snow on them (with the possibility of them being closed). Should this happen an alternative route and/or local transport will be arranged.

LUGGAGE

Each morning it will be up to you to place your luggage at the designated luggage pick-up point within the hotel by 8.00 am. This generally will be at reception or where you pick up your luggage the night before. Please consult your hosts if any details. Bags must be less than 15kg (this is French legislation) and be soft (i.e. not hard cases).

Any excess kilos can be stored for free at the luggage transfer company.

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

MAP

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    PER PERSON
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 5 Jul 2025
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $6195

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $0

    Singles will be matched with same gender in twin share room

    BOOK NOW
  • 19 Jul 2025
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $6195

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $0

    Singles will be matched with same gender in twin share room

    BOOK NOW
  • 2 Aug 2025
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $6195

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $0

    Singles will be matched with same gender in twin share room

    BOOK NOW
  • 16 Aug 2025
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $6195

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $0

    Singles will be matched with same gender in twin share room

    BOOK NOW

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Overview

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a guided hike of the Tour du Mont Blanc over 13 days staying in comfortable rooms, trekking through France, Italy and Switzerland. Fully supported by an English-speaking guide and our team on the ground.

Follow the historic mountain route over high passes, through meadows and historic villages. Trek along high alpine trails and soak up the panorama of snow-capped peaks and glaciers of the Mont Blanc Massif. Cross the Col de la Seigne into Italy and hike in Switzerland over the Grand Col Ferret . Stay in the charming Swiss lakeside village of Champex and return to France by way of the Col de Balme at the head of Chamonix Valley.

Given solo walkers are unable to undertake our self guided trip for their own safety, this is a great option for those who don't know anyone else keen to do this amazing challenge!

Highlights

  • Relax and enjoy being guided around the complete Tour du Mont Blanc, Europe's most popular long-distance trek
  • Walk through La Vallée de Glacier and meet local Beaufort cheesemakers
  • Hike rugged trails, crossing the Col de la Seigne and Grand Col Ferret into Switzerland
  • Discover the rich mountaineering history of Chamonix and Courmayeur
  • Enjoy a great night's rest in private rooms with ensuites located in the heart of historic alpine villages and towns

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
GROUP GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
13 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Challenging to Strenuous

Grade 6 - Challenging  to Strenuous

Longer, tougher, steeper hill sections, rough terrain and many steps. Active lifestyle, good fitness and walking experience required.
PRICE FROM
$ 6195

per person twin/double share

DOWNLOAD PDF
Departure Dates
Book now
Itinerary

ITINERARY

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
  • Day 7
  • Day 8
  • Day 9
  • Day 10
  • Day 11
  • Day 12
  • Day 13

DAY 1
Arrive Chamonix

Bustling with outdoor enthusiasts, the French Alpine town of Chamonix is only a 90-minute transfer from Geneva Airport (we supply this – see the How To Get There section in General Info). Relax in the garden of your hotel under the incredible Mont Blanc massif before exploring the streets, pavement cafes and bars of this famous alpine town. Tonight we get together for a briefing on what is to come and enjoy a pre-hike dinner.

Meals: Group dinner
Accommodation: Chamonix

DAY 2
Les Houches to Les Contamines

Les Houches is the traditional start of the TMB. We take the cable car up to Bellevue (1802m) to start your walk. From Bellevue we take the high route over the Col du Tricot (2102m)  under the shadow of the Bionnassay Glacier to the picture-postcard Refuge de Miage (famed for their blueberry tart).

Distance: 19km
Elevation: +1540m / -1390m

By using the cable from Bellevue we reduce the walking by approx. 2 hours (6kms) and around 650m of ascent.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Les Contamines

DAY 3
Les Contamines to Les Chapieux

Begin the day by walking south from Les Contamines along the River Bonnant to the 17th-century church of Notre-Dame de la Gorge, which marks the start of the mountain path. The road gives way to a steep and roughly paved track, which climbs to Refuge de la Balme (a very well-timed rest!). From here the steep rocky path climbs over the Col du Bonhomme (2383m) and contours around to pass over the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2443m). Then descend to the small village of Les Chapieux for a short transfer to Bourg Saint Maurice for the night.

Distance: 20km
Elevation: +1340m / -950m
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Bourg Saint Maurice

 

DAY 4
Les Chapieux to La Visaille (Val Veny)

Start gently from Les Chapieux to reach the village of La Ville des Glaciers. Then it’s a steady uphill on a winding track to Col de la Seigne (2513m). At the pass, straddle the border between France and Italy and soak up views of the southern side of the Mont Blanc massif with its dramatic, jagged peaks. Descend through the Vallon de la Lee Blanche to Rifugio Elisabetta, a fantastic spot for a rest break. Continue on under tumbling glaciers into Val Veny. From here you will leave the main TMB route for a few km to reach La Visaille.

Distance: 21km
Elevation: +1130m / -1010m
The distance can be reduced by 5km by taking the shuttle bus from Les Chapieux.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Courmayeur

DAY 5
La Visaille (Val Veny) to Courmayeur

From La Visaille, rejoin the TMB near the Cabane du Combal. Follow the magnificent balcony trail to Rifugio Maison Vieille with many vantage points to soak up the stunning views over the Val Veny. Why not relax with a picnic lunch and look for marmots?  A long, steep descent to Courmayeur follows but you can save your knees by making use of the chairlifts and cable cars.

Distance: 15.5km
Elevation: +850m / -1310m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Courmayeur

DAY 6
Courmayeur to Val Ferret

Leave Courmayeur on foot and ascend onto the steep forested slopes of La Montagne de la Saxe. After arriving at Rifugio Bertone, we have two choices depending on the group’s ability. Either we follow the standard ‘Balcony Route’, which gives incredible unbroken views across Val Ferret to Mont Blanc and Grand Jorasses. Or take the High Route which is more challenging, but provides some of the most epic views on the walk. On reaching Rifugio Bonatti, the picnic terrace is great for sampling the famous Bonatti hot chocolate and taking in the majesty of the mountains around you. Then descend to Val Ferret.

Distance: 14km or 17km
Elevation: +1080m or +1730m / -580m or -1250
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Courmayeur

DAY 7
Val Ferret to La Fouly

From Arnuva, the head of the valley, tackle the straightforward but steep climb winding up to the Grand Col Ferret. Along the way, enjoy a break at the perfectly placed Rifugio Elena with a café latte and panoramic views back down Val Ferret. Crossing the Grand Col Ferret (2563m), you enter Switzerland. From this spot, views extend to the peak of Mont Dolent, which is shared between France, Italy and Switzerland. On your descent, pass typical Swiss chalets and flower-filled gardens as you enter the hamlet of La Fouly where you will spend the night.

Distance: 20km
Elevation: +980m / -1390m
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: La Fouly

DAY 8
La Fouly to Champex

A day of chocolate-box Swiss villages and one of the easiest stages of the circuit. The route passes through the timeless village of Arlaches. The medieval wooden houses adorned with bright flower boxes provide a window into a bygone era. A steep climb from the valley up to Champex follows. The beautiful lake with its picturesque cafes and bars is definitely worth a stop before heading to your hotel.

Distance: 15km
Elevation: +510m / -650m
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Champex

DAY 9
Champex to Trient

A choice of two stunning routes today. The Standard Route follows the Bovine Trail which ascends steeply through pine forests to take you over glacial streams and across high alpine pastures where the famous ‘Swiss fighting cows’ graze through the summer. Mid-way be sure to stop off at the L’Alpage Bovine which serves delicious homemade apple cake (with excellent views over to the Swiss Bernese Alps).  A short transfer will take you to Martigny for the night.

Distance: 15.5km
Elevation: +850m / -1040m
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Martigny

DAY 10
Trient to Chamonix

It’s back in France today with a hike to the border at Col de Balme (2192m). The route takes a steep but relatively short climb up to the Col.  From the Col de Balme, you’ll be rewarded with extensive views over Chamonix Valley and the familiar snow-capped peak of Mont Blanc. Relax on the terrace of the Refuge du Col de Balme and enjoy some refreshments. Continue on the TMB and tackle another ascent to the ridge summit of Aiguillette des Posettes before a long steep descent. End the day with a short bus or train ride into Chamonix to reach your accommodation for the night.

Distance: 14km
Elevation: +980m / -840m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Chamonix

DAY 11
Tre le Champ to La Flegere (with options for Lac Blanc and Lac Perseverance)

A spectacular day of mountain walking. Begin with an ascent up forested slopes to the foot of a short section of fixed ladders. Continue upwards on steeper ground with a good chance of spotting small herds of agile Ibex (“bouquetin”). Deep into the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve at the Tete-aux-Ventes track junction, we recommend taking the trail up to the idyllic Lac Blanc where a charming refuge overlooks the cobalt waters of this much-photographed lake. From here we have the option of a short there-and-back walk to see the stunning high alpine lake, Lac Perseverance. Continue on rocky trails to follow the famous “Grand Balcon Sud” path with its astounding vistas across the Chamonix Valley to the Mont Blanc Range to the La Flegere cable car station. We will descend by cable car to our hotel in Chamonix.

Distance: 8.5km (Add 3km for Lac Blanc and Lac Perseverance)
Elevation: +730m / -270m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Chamonix

DAY 12
La Flegere to Les Houches

The last day of trekking starts by returning to La Flegere by cable car. Re-joining the TMB, continue on the Grand Balcon walk to Plan Praz. A steep climb to the Col du Brevent and Le Brevent summit (2525m) follows. At the Le Brevent “Le Panoramic” mountain-top restaurant, the snow-capped peaks and glaciers across the valley seem within touching distance. From here, you can take the easier option and descend to Chamonix via the Le Brevent and Plan Praz cable cars. Continue on foot along rocky ridgelines before descending through alpine woodlands into the village of Les Houches. Return to Chamonix via train or bus. We will get to have our last group dinner in Chamonix together. Chamonix is a great place to celebrate and reflect on your completion of one of the world’s greatest treks.

Distance: 18.5km
Elevation: +900m / -1750m
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Chamonix

DAY 13
Onward Travel

Time to say goodbye today after breakfast, but depending on your onward travel arrangements, you might want to take a last walk around Chamonix village or indulge in a morning of freshly baked patisserie cakes and coffee before your departure. We arrange for your transfer back to Geneva. If you have time and the weather is clear, we highly recommend taking the cable car up to Aiguille du Midi.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Pack-free walking

  • 25+ years experience

  • Customised

  • Eco Travel

  • 12 nights of good sleep in 3 star hotels with ensuites (on two nights you may have a shared bathroom)
  • An English-speaking guide
  • Seamless transfer from Geneva to Chamonix (please see the How To Get There in General Info) and back again
  • Walk with a light pack with luggage transfers from accommodation to accommodation
  • Cable Car fees to avoid some of the long downhill and uphill not-so-epic sections
  • 12 breakfasts and 7 dinners
  • Daily luggage transfers – access to your main luggage every evening
Videos

VIDEOS

Accommodation & Dining

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

During this tour, you will stay in 3* hotels, small family-run hotels or mountain auberges (small simple hotels). With the exception of nights 7&8, all rooms are private en-suite. On nights 7 & 8 bathrooms may be shared between the occupants of two adjacent rooms.  However from our experience, they are always clean with a plentiful supply of hot water!  Importantly you will have your luggage with you every night;  no need to buy and carry sleep sheets or towels and worry about what to carry with you for an overnight without your luggage.

All the accommodations are accustomed to welcoming trekkers and very well equipped to make your stay comfortable regardless of the weather conditions. Typically, rooms are simple but very comfortable. As many of the overnight stays are in small villages or towns, on occasion, we may have to book another similar accommodation of equal standard. We will discuss these options with you during the booking process.

Should you also request a double room, please note it is the norm in Switzerland for two separate single beds with individual bed linen to be pushed together or even placed into one large bed frame.

Please note: due to limited accommodation on this walk, single walkers will be matched with an Auswalker of the same gender in a twin share room. 

Dining

You will be provided with 12 breakfasts and 7 two-course dinners. If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please let us know at the time of booking so we can let your hosts know. Should you have severe food allergies, it’s always worth bringing a few of your own snacks with you, especially as ingredients and supplies can be hard to obtain in the mountains.

You will find in some of the smaller accommodations, dining is very often on communal tables with set mealtimes. This enables small kitchen teams to ensure everyone is fed on time and nobody is left hungry after a long day of trekking! Lunches can be purchased locally, which is a great part of the experience. The towns and villages you pass through are renowned for their specialty breads, cheeses and meats (many of which continue to be produced by hand). If you’re lucky enough to encounter a local farmers market, the choice and range of local foods are staggering. Many of your accommodations will also make a picnic lunch for you. A staff favourite is the Beaufort cheese from La Vallee des Glaciers, which you can purchase fresh from the farm.

  • NIGHT 1, 10, 11 & 12

  • NIGHT 2

  • NIGHT 3

  • NIGHT 4, 5 & 6

  • NIGHT 7

  • NIGHT 8

  • NIGHT 9

Fitness Guide

FITNESS GUIDE

It’s well worth investing some time and effort preparing for your walking holiday. The graph shows the average daily distance, elevation and terrain difficulty for your hike. The dotted line indicates the average across all our walks, which will give you a feel for how challenging your walk is compared to all – and the recommended type, and amount, of preparation needed.  Of course, you can adapt this according to your existing fitness levels and lifestyle.

The graph and the information below can be used in conjunction with the fitness guide to help you prepare for your walking adventure. Across all walks, average daily distance is 16.8km, average daily elevation is 448m, average terrain difficulty is 5/10.

ngraph

DISTANCE - ~AVERAGE

Distance training should be a consideration in your overall training program, so take every opportunity you can to walk. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.

Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 16km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row.

Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

ELEVATION - ABOVE AVERAGE

Elevation training is a major consideration in your overall training program. You must include walks with serious hill climbs.

If you do not have access to hills, it is essential to replicate the elevation level you will be undertaking in any way possible such as on a treadmill or stair climber. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand, or up and down small hills is incredibly useful. Also, prioritising resistance weight training will help you develop overall muscle strength.  Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems, opposed to distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking.

If high altitude is a factor, incorporate sessions at a higher altitude to acclimatise your body to reduced oxygen levels if you are able to. Ensure you can comfortably walk the average elevation per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

MOUNTAINOUS / UNDULATING TERRAIN

As terrain associated with mountain climbs is often somewhat uneven and rocky, balancing and core exercises are vital.

Try to also include some form of elevation in more than 50% of your walking and prioritise resistance training, whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up mountains or hills, up and down stairs at work, or up and down at a local oval with a grandstand is incredibly useful. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking. Concentrate on doing lots of squats and lunges to build your glute muscles.

General Info

GENERAL INFO

THE WALKING

Challenging to Strenuous, this is Auswalk’s second hardest grade. We are always concerned about your safety, so you must be able to walk on this trip, and you must prepare. You will have to be able to walk an average of 1200 m elevation a day- see the fitness guide on this page. Tracks and trails on this tour will have prolonged ascents and descents along sections of rough surface and steps.  An average of 16km, 1200m ascent and  descent each day. You may find some sections have narrow footpaths and for your guidance, on very rare occasions and short sections, safety cable lengths have been put in place for you to use as a handrail if needed. Having an active lifestyle and preparing or being an experienced walker will make the journey enjoyable. We would suggest an exercise regime that incorporates uphill walks at least 3 to 4 times weekly. See the Fitness guide for more detailed information.

Trails are well-defined, well waymarked and cover a variety of terrains which include forest tracks, high alpine pastures, rocky mountain paths and run through mountain towns and villages. It is also possible you may have to cross some snowy patches on the ascent or descent of higher mountain cols, so good mountain footwear is required! On days 10 and 11 there are short sections of metal ladders, handrails and foot rungs bolted into the rock which are very straightforward to follow. However, if you suffer from vertigo, or have any further questions about these sections, we’d be happy to discuss the options to get around these walks.

HOW TO GET THERE

This walk starts and ends in Chamonix. The closest airport to Chamonix is Geneva Airport. There is also a train station in Chamonix if you wish to arrive by train from Paris for example.

Geneva Airport to Chamonix & Return
Included in your package is a transfer from Geneva Airport to Chamonix at the start of the walk and a transfer back to Geneva Airport from Chamonix at the end of the walk. You will be advised of the transfer time. Please note that this transfer is shared. If you can not make the allocated transfers, you will be responsible for your own transfer.

Timings are subject to change for each departure, and you will be notified of the transfer time several months prior to departure.

A useful planning tool for travel is Rome2Rio should you be travelling from or to other destinations.

AVAILABILITY

In early July it is possible the trail might remain closed due to heavy snowfall. Should this happen we would do our very best to reschedule the tour for a later date (on occasion it is possible the tour might even be cancelled, but this is rare). Up until late July, some of the higher passes may still have snow on them (with the possibility of them being closed). Should this happen an alternative route and/or local transport will be arranged.

LUGGAGE

Each morning it will be up to you to place your luggage at the designated luggage pick-up point within the hotel by 8.00 am. This generally will be at reception or where you pick up your luggage the night before. Please consult your hosts if any details. Bags must be less than 15kg (this is French legislation) and be soft (i.e. not hard cases).

Any excess kilos can be stored for free at the luggage transfer company.

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

Map

MAP

Departure Dates

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
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    PRICE
    PER PERSON
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 5 Jul 2025
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    $6195

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    $0
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  • 19 Jul 2025
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  • 2 Aug 2025
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  • 16 Aug 2025
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