Tour du Mont Blanc – A Classic Long-Distance Walk in the Alps

The iconic Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is one of the most popular long-distance treks in the Alps. Hike through 3 countries – France, Switzerland and Italy, and 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 pleasure!

The Tour du Mont Blanc, or TMB for those in the know, 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 190 km and cover more than 10,000 m of vertical drop. See the majestic Mont Blanc from every angle and be rewarded with an ever changing mountain landscape with stunning views over Alpine peaks, glaciers, 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 you still need to be ready for sudden changes in the weather.

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.