For those who want a comprehensive TMB experience, this 12-day version will do it. Covering more places and offering a longer total distance, this version provides a more in-depth experience of the Mont Blanc region. Everything, except for length, remains very similar in terms of inclusions, but this tour goes the extra mile, including a memorable night at a mountain hut and a leisure day in Chamonix for added relaxation.
Day 1 of our special hiking tour is reserved for arriving and settling in. Make sure to reach Chamonix by 6 pm, because that’s when you’re meeting your guide and the group at the Residence. Once we’ve all gathered, we’ll have a welcome dinner at 7 pm. Then a good night’s sleep and—the adventure begins!
Meals: Dinner at Le Monchu
We’ll kick off the trip by stepping through history, hiking the geological trail of old Émosson, with panoramic views and traces of dinosaurs dating back 240 million years ago. Departing from the VerticAlp funicular, we’ll go to Lake Émosson and walk along it for about 1.5 km (1 mile). Then we’ll go towards Gorge de la Veudale, where spectacular views await, followed by the famous dinosaur footprints site. The return is via Vieux Émosson Lake to return to the same path, so we can finish the hike at the top of the Émosson Dam. We’ll learn a bit about glaciers, their melting and the environmental context, and then return to Chamonix.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Distance: 12,4 km / 7.7 miles
Hiking: 5-6 hours
Elevation gain: 833 m / 2,733 ft
Day 3 is for a beautiful, 10.5-kilometer (6.5 miles) loop hike near Cordon in Haute-Savoie. We’ll get to appreciate the whole massif from afar and move into the pre-Alps area. Let your guide tell you a bit about the valley, the times of settlement, and how it grew popular. We’re going to avoid the crowds by going on this moderately challenging route, with otherworldly views. Then we’ll retreat back to Chamonix for the night.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Distance: 10.5 km / 6.5 miles
Hiking: 5 hours
Elevation gain: 819 m / 2,687 ft
Today we’ll be going to Lake Pormenaz. We’ll take the Route de la Côte until the first bend, and continue walking towards Gorges de la Diosaz, crossing the Souay torrent. We’ll go up, leaving the paths of the Tête de la Fontaine and the Bajulaz on the right, then follow a long, steep slope to a pyramid-marker to reach the Chalets des Alpages de Pormenaz. We’ll cross over towards the Chalets de Chavanne-Neuve and the peak Pointe Noire de Pormenaz—where we’ll find some geological curiosities— and then go to the Lac de Pormenaz.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
Hiking: 5-6 hours
Elevation: +1,061 m / +3,481 ft | -839 m / -2,753 ft
The trail today will take us to the Bonatti Circuit and Val Veny. Look forward to an Aperol Spritz with a view of Grand Jorasses at the Bonatti hut! The hut was named after a legendary Italian mountaineer who helped set it up. We’ll have a leisurely afternoon in Courmayeur’s downtown—don’t miss out on the local Focaccia and gelato! After a banger panorama of the whole Chamonix, it’s time to return to your accommodation in Chamonix.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Distance: 7.2 km / 4.5 miles
Hiking: 4 hours
Elevation gain: 545 m / 1,788 ft
Starting from Col de la Fenêtre, today we’ll be touring around Les Contamines-Montjoie—the only Nature Reserve in the whole of Mont Blanc! Apart from enjoying some quintessential Alpine scenery, we’ll also visit the charming village of Les Contamines-Montjoie, with its historic appearance, its Baroque churches, and traditional architecture. More than 70% of old farmhouses have been renovated to honor the typical Savoyard style. Return to Chamonix.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
Hiking: 5-6 hours
Elevation gain: 423 m / 1,388 ft
The last hiking day takes us to the massive Bossons Glacier, Needles of Chamonix, Vallée Blanche, Les Drus, going towards the seracs of the Argentière Glacier and ending in Montroc. We’ll constantly be moving in nature reserves—their historical significance of being gaming reserves—and learning about their protection. We’ll return back with a Planpraz telecabine and then a train from Montroc to Chamonix. You’ll get to enjoy your last evening in this charming town.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles
Hiking: 4-5 hours
Elevation gain: 520 m / 1,706 ft
It’s time to say goodbye to Mont Blanc and the Chamonix area. If you’d like to stay longer, your guide will be happy to give you recommendations!
Meals: Breakfast
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
While hiking the hidden gems of Mont Blanc doesn’t require any special skills, you still need to be fit enough for hiking 10 km (6 miles) per day on average for 6 days in a row, while carrying a daypack filled with things you’ll need throughout the day. You can expect the elevation gain to be between 500 and 800 m (1,640-2,625 ft). Your guide can always make the day hikes easier or harder depending on the group.
If you’d like to take on one of Europe’s most iconic routes, check out our guided Tour du Mont Blanc trek or Haute Route trek. More of a winter type? Go off piste skiing in Mont Blanc or if you’re up for a real challenge, check out ski touring in Gran Paradiso and Mont Blanc or alpine climbing the Mont Blanc massif.
Here’s a list of personal items you need to bring:
Here’s a list of clothing we suggest you bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
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Group sizes and prices:
Hiking in Mont Blanc can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Chamonix, most people fly into Geneva International Airport (GVA), one hour away. Check out Mountain Drop Offs—they provide door-to-door service in their comfy and spacious shuttles. Use the code 57HCHX to get a 5% discount! There will be two shuttles (included in the price) on the first and on the last day of the tour that will take you to Chamonix.
On Day 1, shuttles will depart at 11 am and 4 pm towards Chamonix. On Day 8, shuttles taking you to the Geneva Airport will depart at 7 am and noon.
Once you get to Chamonix, you will meet your guide and your team at the 5-star Résidence Le Cristal de Jade or Heliopic Hôtel & Spa at 6 pm on Day 1, or at your chalet if you’re joining as a private group.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance.
With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.
We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!