The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is one of the world’s most legendary multi-day treks, and its fame and allure seem to grow with every passing year.
Starting in Chamonix, the 170-kilometre trail passes through France, Italy, and Switzerland, circling the highest mountain in Europe. Along the way, hikers can stay in a range of accommodations including mountain huts, auberges, and/or hotels.
Booking accommodation early is essential, as spots fill up quickly. You can take on the TMB independently, book a self-guided trek, or join a guided group. Below, I’ll walk you through each option to help you decide which one fits your budget, time constraints, and sense of adventure best.
- Where to Start: Chamonix, France
- Closest Airport to Chamonix: Geneva Airport, Switzerland
- When to Hike: July – early September
- When to Book: August – December the year before
- Self-Guided and Guided Trips: Chamonix-based Adventure Base has a little something extra just for our readers! Book any of their guided or self-guided treks and grab your bonus by filling out this inquiry form or popping in the code MOONANDHONEY at checkout.
Book the Tour du Mont Blanc Independently (DIY)
Booking the Tour du Mont Blanc independently comes with plenty of advantages. It’s the most budget-friendly way to complete the trek, and by researching the trail yourself, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the route, its variants, and possible shortcuts: knowledge that will serve you well once you’re on the trail. You’ll also have complete freedom to choose your own pace, deciding exactly how far you want to hike each day.
If you have the time and motivation to plan it yourself, there’s no reason not to go the independent route. Just keep in mind that accommodation fills up fast, so it’s important to start booking as early as possible to secure your preferred overnight stays.
Hikers often start booking their Tour du Mont Blanc as early as October the year before, especially for popular refuges and peak summer dates.
- Step 1: Purchase the Cicerone Tour du Mont Blanc guidebook and trail map.
- Step 2: Learn about the trail. Here’s our guide to hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc. Read about all the possible variants and shortcuts. Decide if you’ll hike the trail clockwise, or counter-clockwise.
- Step 3: Map out your desired itinerary with preferred as well as backup accommodations for the end of each stage
- Step 4: Decide when to go: late June – mid September.
- Step 5: Book your accommodation on montourdumontblanc.com. This year they opened up bookings for the next year in October.
- Step 6: Communicate any dietary restrictions to accommodation during the booking process.
- Step 7: Book air travel to Geneva Airport in Switzerland.
- Step 8: Book accommodation in Chamonix before/after the trek: Chalet Hôtel Le Prieuré (budget-midrange), Hôtel de L’Arve (midrange), Alpina Eclectic Hotel & Spa Chamonix (midrange), Heliopic Hotel & Spa (midrange), Hôtel Mont-Blanc Chamonix (luxury)
- Step 9: Book shuttle transfer from Geneva Airport to Chamonix before/after the trek.
Our TMB Itinerary
This was our TMB itinerary. I recommend building in a rest day in Courmayeur (we regret not doing so).
- Stage 1: Chamonix – Le Brévent – Les Houches – Skip this stage if you have sensitive knees, because this stage entails a brutal 1542-meter descent. For most hikers, it’s better to start the hike in Les Houches.
- Stage 2: Les Houches – Les Contamines-Montjoie (Col de Tricot Variant)
- Stage 3: Les Contamines – Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme
- Stage 4: Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme – Cabane du Combal (Col des Fours Variant)
- Stage 5: Cabane du Combal – Courmayeur – Rifugio Bertone
- Stage 6: Rifugio Bertone – Grand Col Ferret – Alpage de La Peule – I would stay in Rifugio Elena instead.
- Stage 7: Alpage de La Peule – Ferret – La Fouly – Champex-Lac
- Stage 8: Champex-Lac – Trient (Fenêtre d’Arpette Variant)
- Stage 9: Trient – Col de Balme – Aiguillette des Posettes – Tré le Champ
- Stage 10: Tré le Champ – Lac Blanc – La Flégère – Chamonix
Book a Self-Guided Tour du Mont Blanc Trek
For hikers who prefer to trek independently but would rather skip the hassle of planning itineraries and booking accommodations, a self-guided trek is the perfect option.
Self-guided hiking companies specialize in arranging accommodations along popular trails like the TMB. With their extensive insider knowledge, they can design personalized itineraries tailored to each client’s preferences (private lodgings versus dormitories) and travel constraints.
For example, if you have limited time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc, they can craft an itinerary that fits your schedule, skipping the less scenic stretches and focusing on the most spectacular parts of the trail.
If you book a self-guided Tour du Mont Blanc trek, you can usually add optional services such as luggage transfers, airport shuttles, packed lunches, and pre- or post-trek accommodations, making the entire planning process much more convenient.
Another reason to book the Tour du Mont Blanc with a self-guided company is if you’re trekking with a larger group, since securing accommodation for multiple people can be challenging.
Naturally the self-guided booking option will be more expensive than booking the trek yourself. You’re paying for the convenience.
The biggest drawback of booking a self-guided hiking tour is that it can encourage a lax approach to preparation. By outsourcing the planning, hikers may neglect to learn the route in advance and end up unprepared for challenges like bad weather or alternate exit routes.
Recommended Self-Guided Tour Operator: Adventure Base
We highly recommend booking your Tour du Mont Blanc trek with Adventure Base, a Chamonix-based company renowned for their expert support, intuitive navigation app, and consistently outstanding reviews. Our readers get an exclusive perk.
Self-guided hikers have 24/7 support communication with their Chamonix based team. Knowing they’re on the ground and ready to assist if you get lost, need advice, or face an unexpected issue brings real peace of mind. Their team isn’t just responsive, they’re experienced alpinists who understand what it’s like to trek in ever-changing mountain conditions.
Another reason we really like Adventure Base is their easy-to-use navigation app, which includes
- Offline maps for every stage of the route, including possible variants, waymarks, water sources, places to eat
- Practical tips and logistics, all neatly organized for easy access
- Built-in SOS feature that displays your exact GPS location, lets you share it via SMS, and provides direct access to local emergency numbers
Adventure Base is offering an exclusive perk to our readers who book any of their self-guided or guided treks. Claim your perk by filling out this inquiry form or using the coupon code MOONANDHONEY at check-out.
Recommended Self-Guided Hiking Operator: Alpenventures UNGUIDED
Another option for self-guided treks is Alpenventures UNGUIDED, which stands out for their flexible itineraries and high-customization capabilities. They can book Tour du Mont Blanc treks later than most companies, even in spring, thanks to their adaptable approach.
They also offer comfort packages featuring mostly private rooms, appealing to hikers who prioritize accommodation quality.
However, unlike Adventure Base, their team is entirely remote, so while support is available, it is more limited.
Guided Tour du Mont Blanc Treks
The Tour du Mont Blanc is well-marked and generally easy to navigate, so getting lost is uncommon. That being said, booking a guided trek offers several compelling advantages.
First, it’s the safest option. With an experienced guide making informed decisions about routes, weather conditions, and contingencies, you can relax and enjoy the trek without worrying about unexpected challenges.
Second, it’s ideal for solo hikers or anyone who enjoys the camaraderie and social energy of a group. A guided trek ensures you’re part of a shared experience, with built-in support, encouragement, and companionship along every stage of the trail.
Additionally, guides often enrich the trek with local knowledge, insights into the culture and history of the region, and practical tips that enhance the overall experience.
I recommend booking guided Tour du Mont Blanc treks with Adventure Base. With a nearly perfect 4.9/5 Trustpilot rating, hikers consistently praise this Chamonix-based company for their friendly, knowledgeable guides, seamless organization, and incredible on-the-ground support in Chamonix. If you’re interested in booking a tour with Adventure Base, don’t miss your exclusive perk for Moon & Honey Travel readers.
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