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Journeys worth taking

Andrew Delmenhorst

8 Reasons why you should hike the tour du Mont Blanc

1) The view

The Tour de Mont Blanc is a long distance hike in the Alps. Trekking the standard route, the highest point on the Tour de Mont Blanc is 8,478ft. This is considered mid-mountain elevation, but even at this height, you gain spectacular views of the valleys and surrounding mountain peaks. 

2) You VISIT THREE COUNTRIES

The complete circuit is approximately 107 miles (170 km) and travels through Italy, France and Switzlerand. On one day you will be saying bonjour and the next ciao! 

3) To see the highest mountain in Europe

As the name suggests, the Tour de Mont Blanc circles the Mont Blanc (or Mont Bianco in Italy) Massif. Mont Blanc itself sits at 15,771 ft and is the 11th highest mountain in the world by geographic prominence (the measure of the independence of a peak). The Tour is designed to highlight the entire massif and trekkers actually hike on the mountains and hills surrounding it in order to gain a better view. 

4) See wildlife surprisingly close

Along the trek, it is not uncommon to spot several species of wildlife native to the Alps. Of note are the chamois (a goat-antelope type species), the marmot (looks a bit like a beaver, pictured below) as well as several snakes and lizards. 

5) Charming Mountain Hamlets

The TMB crosses through many villages and towns. Courmayeur in the Aosta Valley, Italy and Chamonix in Haute Savoie France are the two biggest. But it is the smaller mountain hamlets, especially in pastoral Switzerland that will charm you. Pictured below is Champex du Lac in Switzerland. 

6) To ascend more vertical feet than Everest

One great reason to hike the TMB is for the accomplishment you will feel at the end of it. With over 35,000 feet in elevation gain (and loss), completing the trek requires more vertical feet than Everest is tall! 

7) It's extremely accessible

Although the TMB is quite challenging, there are numerous ways to reduce the physical strain for those that wish it. On many parts of the tour, trekkers can opt for gondolas, chairlifts, taxis or buses. For those worried about the physical requirement of the trek, the transportation options can ease the load. Furthermore, it's possible to hike the tour on a budget, in comfort or in luxury

8) Hut to Hut Hiking

One of the charms of the hike is to feel totally connected with nature, yet be able to sleep in a warm bed every night. The mountain huts on the TMB are referred to as Refuges in France and Switzerland and Rifugios in Italy. All provide dormitory style sleeping arrangement with hearty three course meals (fondue is popular in Switzerland) and some even have private, ensuite rooms. If you know where to look.

Andrew Delmenhorst

After leaving his corporate gig, Andrew has been traversing the world, finding adventure wherever he goes - like walking 500 miles (800 km) across Spain on the Camino de Santiago, hiking the 5 sacred mountains of China, biking 800 miles from Brussels to Florence and taking a 1850 miles (3000 km) road trip through Bolivia.

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Our Managing Director, Andrew, has been to over 40 countries in his quest for the perfect adventure. He has biked the death road in Bolivia, trekked 500 miles across northern Spain on the Camino de Santiago, cycled from Brussels to Florence and hiked the five sacred mountains of China. Pygmy Elephant is how he spreads his love for adventure and self discovery in the world.