Mont Blanc Encompassed Hike

Name: Mont Blanc Encompassed Hike
Brand: UTracks
SKU: MBE
Rating: 4.53 (104 reviews)

Views of the Trient Glacier | Ryan Graham

The stunning village of Trient is a day's walk from Chamonix | Sue Badyari

Walking towards Trient | Jac Lofts

Mont Blanc region, Switzerland | David Smith

Hiking the Alps

First views of Switzerland when walking around Mont Blanc | Caity Wallace

On the trail in the Mont Blanc region | Erin Williams

Hiking to Lac Blanc in France

Views of the Trient Glacier | Ryan Graham

The stunning village of Trient is a day's walk from Chamonix | Sue Badyari

Walking towards Trient | Jac Lofts

Mont Blanc region, Switzerland | David Smith

Hiking the Alps

First views of Switzerland when walking around Mont Blanc | Caity Wallace

On the trail in the Mont Blanc region | Erin Williams

Hiking to Lac Blanc in France

moderate to challenging

MODERATE to CHALLENGING – GRADE 4 During this hike you will ascend over 9000 vertical metres - more than the height of Mount Everest. The hiking is graded moderate to challenging (4) with daily guided hikes of around 5-9 hours, between 8 and 20km and maximum ascents / descents of 1700 metres per day. There are some challenging stages during the hike 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 hikers 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.

Traveller Rating

Activities

guided alpine walk

Accommodation

9 nights in mountain refuges/gîte-hostels

Meals

9 Dinners
10 Lunches
9 Breakfasts

10 Days£1560GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: MBE

Trip 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
Sharing your hiking day with a group of like minded travellers

There is something unique about a circumnavigation of the Mont Blanc massif on foot. Perhaps it is a feeling of exhilaration from being immersed in some of the most beautiful mountain scenery on earth while a quaint village is only a few hours away. Or perhaps it’s the daytime forays where you and your companions tough it out over a glacial pass to descend to your evening accommodation for a nice quiet ‘local red’ to reflect on the days adventures. This is trekking at its most civilized! The route is always inspiring, ambling through flowering meadows, dipping into old oak forests and breaking out above the tree line into high alpine pastures which showcase the snowy peaks of the Mont Blanc Massif. The finishing touch... the opportunity to sample the warm mountain hospitality of the French, Swiss and Italian villages along the way.

Countries:

France, Italy, Switzerland

Starting Point:

Chamonix Valley

Finishing Point:

Chamonix

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Arrive in Les Houches, begin hike to Miage (6-8hrs)

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 hike. 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

Meals: L,D

Day 2
Hike to Bonhomme (6-8hrs)

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: Hike to Refuge Nant Borrant (4-6hrs, approx 10km, 660m/2165ft ascent, 550m/1804ft descent)

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
To Elizabetta (6-8hrs)

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: Hike to Les Chapieux via the Col de Bonhomme (6-7hrs, approx 16km, 1025m/3362ft ascent, 930m/3050ft descent)

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
To Berthone via Courmayeur (5-7hrs)

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: Hike to La Visaille via the Col de la Seigne (Italian border), bus to Courmayeur (12km, 7hrs, 1000m/3280ft ascent, 700m/2300ft descent)

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
To Elena (5-7hrs)

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: Hike to Chalet Val Ferret (5-6hrs, 18km, 750m/2460ft ascent, 550m/1800ft descent)

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
Hike to La Fouly (5-6hrs)

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 hike. 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: Hike to La Fouly (6hrs, 15km, 750m/2460ft ascent, 1000m/3280ft descent)

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7
La Fouly to Lac Champex, (5-7hrs)

Today's walk highlights some amazing natural beauty. Dry meadows, pools of fresh water, herds of cows and wonderful chalets surrounded by flower-filled gardens greet you. Swiss village life is all around and whilst the dramatic scenery of previous days is not as apparent, it is a chance to experience the wonderful “Valais des Hommes”. Distance 15km, +500m/1640ft, -600m/1969ft

Meals: B,L,D

Day 8
Hike to Trient via the Col de la Forclaz (5-6hrs)

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). Descend to the village of Trient, a tiny village in the Val Trient. Distance 15.5km/9.5mi, +700m/2296ft, -700m/2296ft

Meals: B,L,D

Day 9
Hike to Trélechamps (6hrs)

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 Charamillon Alpine meadows before ascending a short distance to Tre le Champ. Distance 13km/8mi, +900m/2952ft, -1000m/3280ft

Meals: B,L,D

Day 10
From Trélechamps to Lac Blanc then gondola to Les Praz/Chamonix, trip concludes (5hrs)

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. A gentle descent by cable car to Les Praz concludes this epic hike at around 2pm. Distance 6km/4mi, +900m/2952ft, -480m/1575ft

Meals: B,L

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

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 6kgs nett (+ the provided duffle bag) - early and late season departures use luggage van for transfer (up to 15kgs)
Experienced mountain guide
Internal transfers as per itinerary

What's not included

Travel to Les Houches and from Chamonix
Drinks and snacks eg trail mix, protein bars
Travel insurance - mandatory
Storage of luggage
Transfers not noted as included
Items of a personal nature

Accommodation

Mountain Gite: Double Rooms

This option offers privacy but not always a private bathroom. 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. Single travellers should take the dormitory option. Blankets are provided.

Mountain Gite: Dorms

Beds are often bunks but can also be one long platform with separate mattresses or one long continuous mattress. Blankets are provided. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Whilst the double room option offers the privacy of your sleeping quarters, often the bathrooms will still be shared.

Mountain Gite

Accommodation is mixed dormitory style in mountain refuges or Gîte hostels with an option to upgrade to a private double room for two people travelling together on some nights (supplement applies, see below). Please note that from July to mid September, groups will be organised according to accommodation style chosen. This should be kept in mind when travelling with friends as you will be split up if you choose different styles of accommodation (dorm or rooms). When staying in dorms, there can be up to 40 people in one room in some refuges but less on most nights (around 10 to 12).

Suitability

moderate to challenging

Departure dates

Notes

Note:

Please ensure you read the downloadable trip notes prior to booking. Hours indicated do not include rest stops.

Note:

Option to upgrade to 3 nights dorm, 2 nights quadshare, 4 nights double room - supplement applies. No single room option available.

Note:

Walking boots with good ankle support are recommended for this walk.

The Chamonix Marathon is held in late June, and TMB Ultra Marathon in late August. We recommend making your pre- & post- trip accommodation reservations well in advance. See Trip Notes for more information.

Priceper person from

£1560GBP

Options & Supplements*

Double room supplement - 4 nights dorm / 1 nights quad / 4 nights double where availableGBP£250

*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

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