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Holidays

Self-Guided Tour du Mont Blanc

France, Italy, Switzerland
Available Departures: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

12 days from

US$2,900

without flights
Walk & Trek
Self-Guided
CHALLENGING CHALLENGING

Experience the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc route, staying in comfortable hotels and trekking in the freedom of your own pace on this self-guided holiday

Trip Code: SGTM
Holiday Grades
          

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

 1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Self-Guided Tour du Mont Blanc

Highlights
  • Complete the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc trek at your own pace

  • Hike through three countries in just one week: Switzerland, France and Italy

  • Savour delicious regional Alpine cuisine to fuel you on your way

  • Stay in comfortable hotels in private rooms

  • Delight in spectacular rail journeys in Switzerland


At a Glance
  • Self-Guided
  • 10 days trekking
  • Max altitude 2537m
  • Daily departures available
  • Suitable for 2+ travellers
  • Join In Martigny

Accommodation & Meals
  • 11 Breakfasts
  • 11 nights Hotel
Overview

Alpine flowers, high passes, traditional mountain huts and towering peaks. This self-guided walking holiday follows the classic Tour du Mont Blanc, arguably the most prominent long distance trail in Europe and a definite bucket-list adventure.

Starting your trip in Martigny, you will whet your appetite for the big mountains on your scenic rail journey into the heart of the Valais region of Switzerland. Over ten days of trekking, you will conquer high mountain passes, drink in the stupendous views of majestic peaks and idyllic Alpine meadows, contemplate the peace at tranquil glacial lakes, and travel on foot through three countries, enjoying the subtle cultural and gastronomic differences along the way. This trip has been designed with comfort in mind, staying in welcoming hotels of a 3* standard in private rooms each evening.

Is this holiday for you?

This trip is perfect for you if you are an active walker looking for a challenging trek without the constraints of joining a group trip, or the hassle of making the arrangements yourself. You will walk an average of 5 to 6 hours daily and tackle up to 1,400m ascent in a day on well-established paths. This is a fantastic mountain trek and while routes are well marked, a sound knowledge of map re …

This trip is perfect for you if you are an active walker looking for a challenging trek without the constraints of joining a group trip, or the hassle of making the arrangements yourself. You will walk an average of 5 to 6 hours daily and tackle up to 1,400m ascent in a day on well-established paths. This is a fantastic mountain trek and while routes are well marked, a sound knowledge of map reading and mountain navigation is required. The flexibility of undertaking the TMB as a self-guided trip allows you to go at your own pace with only your daypack to carry while we transport your luggage.

Why KE?

Experience the world-class long distance TMB trail independently, safe in the knowledge that all the arrangements have been made for you.

With a carefully curated range of Tour du Mont Blanc treks on offer, both guided and self-guided, you can choose the itinerary that best suits you.

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Itinerary

Your holiday starts at your hotel in Martigny in the Valais region of the Swiss Alps. This little town, close to the River Rhone, is rich in history and culture - you might like to spend some extra time here if you can. Depending on the time of your arrival, you may get a chance to pay a visit to the La Batiaz district and climb the ramparts of the medieval castle where you can gain a 360 degree panorama over the valley and the surrounding peaks. Beneath, the last arched wooden bridge still in use in the Valais spans the Dranse river - a real tangible piece of the region's history. In the evening, take your pick from the number of excellent restaurants available to enjoy a taste of the local specialties, perhaps with a glass of locally produced wine.

Accommodation

Hotel

Wake up full of excitement, for today you will embark on your very own tour of Mont Blanc. From Martigny, a bus transfer takes you to Trient where your trek commences, aiming for the Col de Balme pass (2,191m) and the French border. Arriving at the pass, you are rewarded with magnificent views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix valley beneath. You might like to take a lunch stop at the refuge at the pass before you make your way to Col des Posettes. Taking the spectacular ridge path via the summit of Aiguillete des Posettes (2,201m), you will have incredible views of the Mont Blanc massif and its glaciers. A descent on steep and rocky terrain takes you into the valley, where you will make your way to your hotel in Argentiere, surrounded by the giants of the Alps.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Ascent

1200 M

Descent

1100 M

Time

5-6 hours

Distance

15 KM

You have another breath-taking day in store today. Your hike takes you via a section of ladders to reach the famous Lac Blanc, where you can drink in the views of the magnificent peak of Mont Blanc reflected in its cool blue waters. An alternative route is available for those who might prefer to avoid the laddered section. As you continue your way on the superlative Grand Balcon path along the flank of the Aiguilles Rouges, the sumptuous views will no doubt have you in raptures. Arriving to Planpraz, you can prolong your enjoyment of the splendid views at the welcoming café here, before taking the cable car down to Chamonix.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Ascent

1300 M

Descent

600 M

Time

6 hours

Distance

14 KM

Taking the cable car this morning to reach Planpraz (2,000m), you will pick up the trail ascending to the Col du Brevent and on to the summit station at Le Brevent (2,525m), from where you can enjoy some of the best views to Mont Blanc and the Chamonix valley below. Back on the hiking trail, you pass the glacial lake of Brevent and descend to the refuge at Bellachat for a quick refreshment stop. From here, a steep climb takes you over the ridgeline before you start your descent through forest into the valley. Tonight you will stay in one of the small hamlets in the municipality of Les Houches.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Ascent

550 M

Descent

1570 M

Time

5 hours

Distance

12 KM

This morning, the cable car from Les Houches takes you up to the Bellevue Pass high above val Montjoie. Here you can marvel at the engineering feat of the Mont Blanc Tramway - the highest cogwheel train in France, built to carry passengers on an impressive rail journey from Fayet in the valley to the incredible heights of Mont Lachat and the famous Eagle's Nest Refuge at 2,372m. From Bellevue, you will hike through forests of pine and gain views of the spectacular Bionassay Glacier and the Aiguille de Bionassay towering above the valley. Taking a Nepali suspension bridge across the torrent, you are accompanied by wonderful views of the glacier. Make sure you have your camera handy! From here, your route takes a steady ascent up Col de Tricot (2,120m) from where you can see your final goal for the day, the valley of Les Contamines Montjoie. Your route continues along a lovely path through charming Alpine meadows, before a final ascent taking you over a col to Le Truc (1,750m) and a welcoming refuge. After a short rest at the refuge, you end your day with a descent through tall pines to the colourful Alpine town of Les Contamines.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Ascent

550 M

Descent

1290 M

Time

5 hours

Distance

11 KM

After breakfast you say farewell to Les Contamines Montjoie and head south passing the beautiful church of Notre Dame de la Gorge, before ascending on the old Roman road to the mountain hut at la Balme (1,705m). Here you can enjoy the view and perhaps a delicious Alpine delicacy before heading up the Col de Bonhomme (2,469m). This is a steady plod as you make your way between the massifs of Mont Blanc and Beaufortain, and over the Croix du Bonhomme pass (2,433m). Your efforts on the ascent are rewarded with the sight of Mont Pourri (3,779m), before you gently descend through Alpine pastures to the charming hamlet of Les Chapieux. Here you will pick up a transfer to take you to Bourg Saint Maurice for your overnight stay.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Ascent

1385 M

Descent

960 M

Time

7 hours

Distance

19 KM

Your day starts with a transfer from Bourg Saint Maurice to La Ville des Glaciers. From the trailhead, you will tackle the Col de la Seigne pass (2,516m) and cross from France to Italy. Fantastic panoramic views accompany you as you walk through lush meadows dotted with Alpine flowers. On the descent, the Rifugio Elisabetta (2,195m) makes for a welcoming stop; plus the Lac du Miage is just a short side trip off the main route. Nestled among glacial moraine, the turquoise waters makes this a very photogenic spot indeed. Reaching the end of the trail at the Chalet du Miage, you will pick up a transfer to Courmayeur, where you can settle in for the next two nights.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Ascent

765 M

Descent

915 M

Time

5 hours

Distance

15 KM

Striking out from your hotel, you will hike up the flanks of Monte de la Saxe, passing the Rifugio Bertone (1,970m) as you approach the world-famous Bonatti Hut (2,056m). The way is incredibly scenic, with splendid views of the snow-capped peaks of the Mont Blanc range urging you on. Arriving to the hut, you can relax on the terrace with a refreshing drink and some of hut specialties as you bask in the stupendous views. Once you are rested and ready to make your way, continue along the high path, over bridges and streams toward Val Ferret at the head of the valley. Arriving to Arnouva, pick up a transfer to return you to Courmayeur for the evening where you can enjoy the atmosphere of the resort town.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Ascent

1160 M

Descent

640 M

Time

5 hours

Distance

17 KM

Pick up a transfer from the valley to take you back to the trailhead at Val Ferret. Today marks another border crossing as you tackle the Col du Grand Ferret (2,537m) to leave Italy and re-enter Switzerland. From the pass, you can gain views of the snow-capped Grand Combin (4,090m) and also Mont Dolent (3,823m), the peak of which is shared by France, Switzerland and Italy. From the pass, you will descend through meadows filled with wildflowers and the sound of ringing cowbells, to reach La Fouly where your cosy Alpine hotel awaits.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Ascent

775 M

Descent

1025 M

Time

5 hours

Distance

14 KM

A lovely day is in store for you today as you walk surrounded by achingly pretty Swiss scenes. Following the course of the river Dranse, the path along the valley takes you in and out of meadows and forests and through picture-postcard villages. After a climb through wooded trails, you emerge at the picturesque village of Champex (1,468m), where its crystal-clear lake, peaceful forests and traditional chalets cannot fail to charm you.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Ascent

670 M

Descent

850 M

Time

4-5 hours

Distance

15 KM

Set off from your hotel today for your final day of trekking on this classic circuit. Leaving the village, you descend gently on a beautiful forest path and along quintessential Swiss pastures, dotted with languidly grazing cows. Making your way up to the lodge at Bovine (1,987m), you can gain wonderful views of the Rhone valley and the surrounding jagged peaks from its delightful terrace. You will definitely want to stop here for a refreshment and a snack - the rosti has a legendary status and is not to be missed. Feeling sated, your trek continues through the idyllic setting to the Col de la Forclaz, and then a further short way to Trient for you to complete your tour of Mont Blanc. A transfer takes you back to Martigny - tonight you can enjoy a celebratory dinner in a restaurant of your choice, and raise a toast to your achievement with a glass of delicious locally produced wine.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Ascent

830 M

Descent

1070 M

Time

5-6 hours

Distance

16 KM

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out of your accommodation and making your onward journey. Additional nights can be arranged if you wish to stay longer in Martigny, just speak with our sales team for more details.

Meals

B
Download Trip Notes
The Route
Point Point
Peaks Peaks
Direction Direction
Trek
Transfer

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

  • All accommodation as described

  • Meals as described in the Meal Plan

  • Self-guided information pack containing your map and route notes

  • Luggage transfers between hotels

  • Navigation App and GPX tracks available

  • Travel insurance

  • Travel to/from Martigny

  • Any local transfers required by bus/rail/cable car

  • Visas (if applicable)

  • Tourist Taxes may apply and are usually under 5 Euros per person per night

  • Some meals as described in the Meal Plan

  • Personal equipment

  • Any additional activities/excursions indicated as optional

Each self-guided holiday comes with comprehensive route notes and a map or pocket guidebook of the area you are exploring. The route notes contain information about the places you will visit and the local transport you might need, along with the detailed route notes for your daily walks or cycle rides. We even include some tips for the best places to stop for lunch.

You can expect to receive your Self-Guided Pack containing your route notes, a map or guidebook, and all your relevant documents, no later than 3 weeks before your holiday start-date. We will send your documents using a signed-for courier so that you can track your package and know that it is safely on its way to you. For bookings of more than 4 people we will send an additional Self-Guided Pack. If you do not need this additional pack please inform our Sales Team. Your pack will be sent to the lead booker, so please remind them to pack it before setting off.

Should your self-guided trip be part of a longer adventure requiring you to leave home more than three weeks before your holiday start-date, please inform our Sales Team so that we can make alternative delivery arrangements.

Our Self-Guided Holidays are perfect for your next family holiday and are suitable for children of all ages.

Our partner hotels and accommodations are able to provide cots for young children, and some offer family rooms. We can also arrange hire of children’s bikes and tag along bikes for most of our self-guided cycling trips and with trips such as Lake Constance and the Danube offering routes on designated cycle paths you can rest assured in keeping your family safe.

As a parent we trust that you know your own child’s capabilities, so please read the itinerary details to ensure the distances covered each day are suitable for your family. If this is a first time walking holiday for your family, a centre based trip is a fantastic option as it allows you to easily opt out of a days walking if a day of building sand castles, swimming in the pool or visiting museums is calling instead.

Please discuss this further with our sales team who will be happy to assist in picking the best trip for your family.

The trip starts and ends at your hotel in Martigny. All of our self-guided holidays are sold on a Land Only basis allowing you the flexibility to choose the travel method which best suits you. The nearest airport for this trip is Geneva Airport with many departures from regional UK airports.

The Swiss Federal Railways network is incredibly efficient and offers excellent connections all over the country (https://www.sbb.ch/en).

From Geneva Airport, you can take the train to Martigny and enjoy the incredibly scenic journey along the shore of Lake Geneva. There are regular direct services that take less than 2 hours.

It is also possible to travel flight-free from the UK via the Eurostar to Paris and on to Geneva, from where you can make use of the highly efficient Swiss Railway service to travel around Switzerland.

This trip is arranged on a bed & breakfast basis to allow you the most flexibility during your holiday.

When in the towns and villages all tap water is drinkable. In mountain huts there is usually not a sustainable drinking water supply. Water in plastic bottles is brought in to the hut. All huts have a recycling point. If you have to purchase water in plastic bottles please buy the largest bottle you can so as to use less plastic. Please take purification tablets or a filter bottle (such as a Water-To-Go bottle) to treat your water if you can fill from a local stream. Bottled water is not provided. We do not encourage the purchasing of single use plastic bottles. Local authorities are working to find solutions to using plastic water bottles in huts. We monitor the situation carefully for updates.

A continental breakfast buffet is served at the hotels, occasionally with some cooked items available.

You can purchase supplies for a picnic lunch from local shops, or you can pre-order a packed lunch from your accommodation the evening before. Alternatively, there are plenty of mountain huts along the route where you can enjoy the local delicacies. Not all huts can take card payments so having a supply of cash would be recommended. It would also be a good idea to bring a few additional trail bars and snacks with you; these can of course be purchased along the way but it is sometimes nice to have your favourite hill food with you.

For your evening meals, you can either dine in the hotel restaurant or at your choice of restaurants available in the towns you will stay at. You can be sure to find a variety of delicious food available in restaurants and hotels in France, Italy and Switzerland to replenish the calories burned while trekking.

On this holiday, you will stay in carefully selected traditional Alpine hotels and guesthouses of typically 3* standard, where you can be sure to have a warm welcome and comfortable spaces in which to relax after your day’s hike; most also have an outdoor terrace or a garden where you can drink in the surrounding views and the fresh Alpine air. Your stay will be arranged in private twin or double rooms, very occasionally with shared bathrooms. Single rooms can be requested for a supplementary cost, subject to availability. All hotels offer Wi-Fi connectivity and a continental breakfast to fuel you each morning.

If you would like to extend your stay in this magnificent region, it is also possible to arrange additional nights accommodation Martigny. Please speak to one of our sales team for further details.

This holiday involves going to moderately high altitude.  During the course of your trip you will reach altitudes in excess of 2500 metres.  Most people will have no difficulty with this level of altitude but before coming on the holiday, we recommend you read the advice on trekking at high altitude.  You can also talk to one of our trekking experts if you have any concerns about altitude.

Your main luggage will be transferred between each of your hotels while you are out on your walk. We ask that you please ensure your luggage is limited to one piece under 15kg per person. You should use a soft bag such as a duffle bag. Please ensure that your luggage is ready for collection in the morning. You will also need a daypack to carry your daily essentials such as waterproofs, etc with you.

 

Europe

Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:

  • less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)

  • valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

For the latest details on visiting countries within the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA), please check the UK Government website

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

Vaccinations

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations.

GHIC / Medical cover

UK residents should carry a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment when you're visiting an EU country or Switzerland. This is not a substitute for medical travel insurance which is vital when travelling overseas.

Getting some additional exercise before coming on an active holiday makes a lot of sense. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable you will find the experience. You should be aerobically fit and comfortable with walking 5 to 6 hours for consecutive days. Hill walking, with a good amount of ascent and descent, is the best training. Running, cycling and swimming are also good for developing cardio vascular fitness and stamina.

Temperatures in the Alps between June and July are typically 15°C to 25°C during the day. It can be cool in the evenings at our highest overnight stopping places, falling close to freezing point at night. The weather is usually stable during July and August, but mountainous areas do generate their own weather systems and occasional rain and even stormy weather cannot be ruled out. You should be prepared for all eventualities.

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that before travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates directly from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

  • Tour of Mont Blanc. Trekking Guide. Kev Reynolds

  • Walking Guide to the Tour du Mont Blanc. Andrew Harper

  • Tour du Mont Blanc Topo Guide, Publisher: Federation Franaise de la Randonnee

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

  • Hiking boots with good grip soles

  • Functional base layer

  • T-shirts

  • Hat

  • Windproof jacket

  • Fleece / extra layer

  • Long/short hiking trousers

  • Hiking socks

  • Waterproof jacket

  • Waterproof trousers

  • Rucksack (approx. 20 l)

  • Small first aid kit inside your rucksack

  • Sunscreen

  • Water bottle or hydration pack

  • Camera (batteries/memory card)

  • Mobile Phone (ensure your data package covers your destination)

  • Power bank

  • Waterproof phone cover

  • Sun glasses

  • Personal wash kit

  • Reusable cloth bag for shopping to avoid the use of plastic bags

  • Tupperware for picnics

  • Walking poles

  • Headtorch & spare batteries

  • Your self-guided route notes

Cotswold Outdoor Red PantonMany of the Equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive 12.5% discount voucher from Cotswold Outdoor and other retailers.
>> Find out more

Reviews


Self guided TMB

By Rory from Maryport | 09 September 2023

Traveller Reviews

Self guided TMB

By Rory from Maryport | 09 September 2023

DATES & PRICES

2025

Dates

Adults from

Deposit

More Information

More Information

Land Only Information

With high demand for the Tour du Mont Blanc each year, early booking is highly recommended!

Please note our 'from price' listed is based on 4 persons on twin or double occupancy, however this trip is suitable for groups of 2 or more travellers, contact our sales team for a quote.

All of our self-guided holidays are sold on a Land Only basis allowing you the flexibility to choose the travel method which best suits you. You may even wish to make this holiday part of a bigger adventure or pair it with one of our other holidays. We can arrange additional nights accommodation before or after your self-guided trip, ask our sales team to find out more about this.

Our sales team will be happy to provide you a quote for scheduled flights or alternatively you may wish to book your own flights with a low cost carrier from your nearest regional airport.

Please DO NOT book your flights before you have received your booking confirmation and your deposit has been taken.

ZEN_HOLIDAY_DATES_PRICES_LAND_ONLY_USD_NOTICE

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)


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