Tour du Mont Blanc – A Classic Multi-Day Circular Hike in the Alps
The iconic Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is one of the most popular long-distance treks in the Alps. Hike around the entire Mont Blanc Massif, through breathtaking scenery in three countries – France, Switzerland and Italy. Walk a distance of 170 km including 10,000 m of vertical drop, the Tour du Mont Blanc is 7 to 10 days of high-altitude walking adventure!
Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc | © chamonix.com
Tour du Mont Blanc Overview
The Tour du Mont Blanc, or TMB, is undoubtedly the most famous multi-day trek in the Alps. As the name implies, this is high altitude walking around Europe’s highest mountain. You hike a total distance of 170 km and cover more than 10,000 m of vertical drop. You’ll see the majestic Mont Blanc from every angle and be rewarded with an ever changing mountain landscape with stunning views over snow-capped peaks, glaciers, lakes, valleys and meadows. The Tour du Mont Blanc should be on every serious walker’s hit list.
The trail passes through 3 countries (France, Switzerland and Italy) and 8 Alpine valleys. Traditionally, the route starts in Les Houches near Chamonix in France and heads anti-clockwise through Les Contamines-Montjoie, Courmayeur (Italy), La Fouly (Switzerland), Champex, Le Tour (France) and ending in Chamonix. However, nothing is forcing you to do it in this direction, and there are lots of variations to this route for walkers who are more or less intrepid.
Even if the highest point on the trek is just 2,650 m, you’ll still need to be in good physical shape to enjoy 10 consecutive days of mountain walking. The best time of year to do the trek is from June to October, but whatever time of year you do it, you’ll need to be prepared for sudden changes in the weather.
Highlights
Col de la Seigne. Col de la Seigne, at an elevation of 2,516 meters marks the crossing into Italy and gives you your first spectacular view of the Italian side of the Mont Blanc. This panoramic pass unveils a dramatic alpine landscape of rugged peaks, sprawling glaciers, and deep valleys. The approach to the pass is a scenic journey through alpine meadows, alongside streams, and over rocky paths, culminating in a breathtaking vista that rewards you with awe-inspiring views and a good sense of achievement.
See wildlife up close. Whilst hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc you’ll have a high chance of seeing a wide variety of wildlife, including marmots, chamois, ibex, and various bird and reptile species, all thriving in their natural alpine habitat.
Pass through remote mountain hamlets. The Tour du Mont Blanc will take you through several typical alpine towns and villages, with Courmayeur in Italy’s Aosta Valley and Chamonix in France’s Haute-Savoie being the largest. However, it’s the smaller, idyllic hamlets, particularly those nestled in Switzerland’s pastoral landscapes, that truly captivate. A highlight is Champex-Lac in Switzerland.
Tour du Mont Blanc Trekking Guides
Available to all fit and adventurous walkers, guided Tour du Mont Blanc treks run between June and September. The full tour takes approximately 14 days and you can expect to walk about 15 km per day with 1000 m+ vertical ascent each day. The cost generally includes guiding, accommodation in mountain huts and most meals.
