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Journeys worth taking

France, Italy

Tour du Mont Blanc: Half Tour (West)

The Alps

Chamonix to Courmayeur in 5 Stages

Lodging

Hotels, Refugios

Nights

6

Trip Details

Self Guided

Price

From $1,850 USD per person

Transport

Baggage Transfers

Pygmy miles

2,718

Experience
Experience
Itinerary
Pygmy miles
Accommodation
Practical info

Experience

Journey

The Tour du Mont Blanc features stunning vistas, charming hamlets and a chance to commune with nature. A half tour of the TMB should be no different. This itinerary features the western half of the circuit, which takes you to the most remote parts of the TMB. 

The half-tour of the TMB's western flank is perfect for hikers that can't dedicate a full two weeks, however would still like to visit the more isolated sections of the trek. The tour begins in Chamonix; your first hiking day takes in the grandeur of the massif from probably the most famous viewpoint of the tour at Le Brevent. You then will hike from Les Houches to Les Contamines via Col de Voza, which provides a great viewpoint of the Chamonix Valley. From there, you'll conquer Col de la Croix du Bonhomme, probably the most isolated section of the tour, in route to Les Chapieux, a tiny mountain hamlet with a smattering of buildings and farms. Finally, you'll cross the international border of France and Italy at Col de la Seigne, finishing your tour in the chic town of Courmayeur.

As always, we customize the tour to fit your budget and preferences, so we can add or subtract days, to create your perfect itinerary. 

Itinerary options

Adjusting the hike to your budget and preferences

BUDGET FRIENDLY

From $2,125 USD per person
  • 11 Nights / 10 Stages
  • Three Nights at 3-Star Hotels
  • Eight Nights in Dorms

IN COMFORT

From $3,395 USD per person
  • 12 Nights / 11 Stages
  • Three Nights at 4-Star hotels
  • All Private Rooms
  • Baggage Transfers

IN LUX AND STYLE

From $4,850 USD per person
  • 13 Nights / 11 Stages 
  • Four Nights at 5-Star Hotels
  • All Private Rooms
  • Baggage Transfers
  • Private Airport Transfers
  • One Rest Day
  • First Day Guide 

BEST OF THE TMB

From $2,450 USD per person
  • 8 Nights / 7 Stages
  • Six Nights at 3-Star hotels
  • All Private Rooms
  • Baggage Transfers

HALF TOUR: EAST

From $2,050 USD per person
  • 7 Nights / 6 Stages
  • France, Italy and Switzerland
  • Great Infrastructure 
  • 4-Star Hotels and Private Rooms

HALF TOUR: WEST

From $1,850 USD per person
  • 6 Nights / 5 Stages
  • France and Italy
  • More Remote
  • 4-Star Hotels and Private Rooms
Explore the charm of France and Italy on this five stage tour.

Activities

Trekking

Trek over 50 miles miles (80 km) around the largest mountain in Europe with an altitude gain and loss of over 3 miles (5 km).

Wildlife Viewing

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), and the Marmot (looks a bit like a beaver).

And also

You will visit tiny hamlets hidden deep in the mountains, experience awe inspiring views and challenge yourself along the storied and picturesque Alps. 

Place

 

Itinerary

Track

Itinerary

Day-1

Transfer, Overnight in Chamonix

Optional transport to Chamonix. Enjoy the onsite spa and pool during the day. Get plenty of rest, because tomorrow your journey begins. Overnight at Le Morgane or similar 4 star hotel.

Day-2

Chamonix to Les Houches

Climb on the gondola to ride from Chamonix Valley to the top of Le Bréventat 8,284 feet(2,525 meters). On your very first day, weather permitting you will have a clear view of Mont Blanc. After savoring the view, you will make your way downhill to Les Houches(3,300 feet / 1,007 meters). At 3 hours, today’s hike is short in order to ease your body into the physical demands of mountain hiking. (B,D) Overnight at Hotel du Bois or similar 3-star hotel.

Day-3

Les Houches to Les Contamines

Today’s hike via Bionnassay will take between 5 and 6 hours and you will cross over your first Col (or saddle) at Col de Voza (5,423 feet / 1,653 meters). Although there are some stretches of road walking today, you will be rewarded with a view of the spiky Aiguilles that guard Mont Blanc and a view of Dôme du Goûter with an impressive glacier ripping down its side. For more experienced hikers, an alternative route via Refuge de Miage offers even more breathtaking high mountain views. (B, D) Overnight at La Chemenaz or similar 3-star hotel.

Day-4

Les Contamines to Les Chapieux

A beautiful, yet difficult stage, today you will be heading over Col du Bonhomme. Please note that you are now entering a more wild section of the TMB - there will be no ATMs until you reach Courmayeur. Still, there are quite a few shelters along the way. After passing by Refuge Nant Borrant and Refuge de la Balme, you will reach Col du Bonhomme. From there, it is still another 2 km to go before you reach Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme. Stop in and have a Belgian beer or perhaps a home-made cake from Coco, to gather your strength. You can then descend 5.3 km to Les Chapieux within 1.5 to 2 hours. (B, D) Overnight at Auberge de la Nova in private en suite accommodation.

Day-5

Les Chapieux to Cabane du Combal

The day starts with a gradual ascent in the Viille des Glaciers. There is a new trail off to the side of the road, located around 20 minutes from Les Chapieux. It takes about two hours to get to Refuge Les Mottets. Afterwards, there will be a lot of elevation gain as you will be passing over Col de la Seigne, which has a height of 2,509 meters. At the top, you will have a view of both France and Italy, quite stunning! It’s then a steady descent down to Refugio Elisabetta, which sits at 2,195 meters above sea level on the side of a mountain. You can then descend further into the Val Veny, along the waters of Lake Combal. At the end of the lake, in a privileged position, sits Cabane du Combal.) Overnight at Rifugio Elisabetta.

Day-6

Cabane du Combal to Courmayeur

Ciao Bella! You are in Italy. Today's hike begins with an undulating terrain and ends with a downhill section to reach Courmayeur in the valley (height gain of 1,509 feet / 460 meters and height loss of 5,118 feet / 1,560 meters). A stunning day of scenery lies before you, with views of Glacier de Miage, Lac Combal and Mont Blanc itself. Courmayeur is the Italian equivalent of Chamonix and enjoys a rich history of alpine climbers, as evidenced by the varied sculptures hanging out by the central cathedral. Today, it is a high class resort town both in the winter and summer. You could do worse than spending an extra day here (please mention the request in your inquiry).

Pygmy miles

Pygmy Miles Total

Challenge
Hiking
Bicycle
Sustainability
Miscellaneous
1650pygmy miles

Base Miles

You earn 1 Pygmy Mile for each $1 you spend with us.

500pygmy miles

Hiking Distance

You earn 10 Pygmy Miles for every mile that you hike. Get fit and get rewarded.

468pygmy miles

Benefit Local Communities

A 25% bonus is given for supporting the economies of small hamlets, villages and locally owned refugios that may otherwise be missed if not for making the trek.

Total Pygmy Miles

2618pygmy miles

Accommodation

 

Le Morgane

Chamonix

In the heart of Chamonix, the style and the concept of the 4 star Boutique Hotel Le Morgane differs from traditional alpine hotels. Located in central downtown, Le Morgane will be your base for your first and last night on tour.

Hotel du Bois

Les Houches

Three star hotel in the heart of Les Houches offering a spa, restaurant and pool.

Hotel Gai Soleil

Les Contamines

You'll find Hotel Gai Soleil in a charming, old wooden farmhouse dating back to 1823, in the heart of Les Contamines. This three-star chalet-hotel offers a tasty breakfast, homemade pastries, and gourmet dinner at Maison Noêl.

Auberge de la Nova

Les Chapieux

This refugio sits serenely in the hamlet of Les Chapieux. It features both dormitories and private rooms with en suite facilities.

Cabane Du Combal

Lake Combal

Cabane du Combal is located in a beautiful location right next to Lake Combal. It features 2, 3 and 4 person rooms with ensuite bathrooms.

Lo Scoiattolo

Courmayeur

This small, 3-star boutique hotel offers 22 rooms divided into single rooms, standard double rooms as well as comfort double rooms with extended services and junior suites, all surrounded by spacious balconies. Lo Scoiattolo has a restaurant, bar and small spa on site.

Practical info

When

jan
feb
mar
apr
may
jun
jul
aug
sep
oct
nov
dec
not available
average
optimal

The trek is only possible in the summer months, when the passes are clear of snow and ice. In late June, the Tour du Mont Blanc shows off its color with wild flowers, but there is no presence of snow and ice on the passes. Heavy travel periods are between the middle of July and the end of August. September can be a great time for the TMB, when the temperature is a bit cooler and there are fewer hikers on the road.

How

Self guided

Self guided does not mean you are alone. We help you coordinate and plan your trip beforehand. Once you are on the trail, we provide 24-hour customer service in case there are any urgent issues with your bookings.

Service Category

Pygmy Itineraries

PYGMY ITINERARY BENEFITS

  • Price Transparency: see where your money is going with line-item pricing
  • Never Lose Your Deposit Guarantee: 50% refund, 50% credit to future trip
  • Customized Handbook with Journey Details: maps, elevation profiles, tips and more
  • Destination Book Digital Travel App: everything in your handbook, in digital form
  • One Year Premium GAIA GPS Membership: your GPS routes, on your phone
  • Complete Itinerary Customization: build the trip you want to take
  • Special Meal Requests: we'll help you stick to your diet of choice
  • Before-You-Go Email Series: helpful emails to get you prepared for your trek
  • Transportation Options Information: timetables, routes and contact info
  • 24/7 Phone Support for Urgent Issues: give us a call if anything goes wrong
  • WhatsApp Support (9 AM to 5 PM, ET): rapid response to your inquiries
  • Email Support (24-hour turnaround): answers for not-so-urgent questions
  • Virtual Pre-Hike Briefing: one-on-one briefing with your travel consultant
  • Baggage Transfers (where applicable): your bags, delivered to your accommodation

Challenge Level

Technical Ability

Level : Medium

Mental Strength

Level : Medium

Physical Conditioning

Level : High

  • According to the La Chamoniarde, a society dedicated to the prevention and rescue of mountain activities in France, the Tour Du Mont Blanc "... is adapted to any well-trained hiker used to hiking on mountain trails and familiar with carrying a backpack. This well-maintained and well-marked route can be tricky if hiked before the end of June/ early July, when mountain passes may still be covered in snow (light crampons, trekking poles, and ice axe may come in handy)". If you have little previous trekking experience, a group tour or privately guided tour is suggested. When the passes are free of snow, no technical mountaineering equipment is necessary. Still, you should be able to use a compass and a map. As such, the tour is rated as medium for technical ability.
  • Mental Strength is rated at medium because one must keep good spirits to complete the trip without transfers. Furthermore, the communal nature of the mountain huts can be loved... or hated. It depends on the mind frame of the traveler.
  • Lastly, physical conditioning is rated at high if no transfers are taken. Using public transport, ski lifts and private transport, the physical conditioning can be reduced significantly. We can provide a thorough explanation of transport options on the route.

Price

Approximately $1,850 per person, based on double occupancy

Approximately $2,350 for single travelers

After initial consultation, we will customize your itinerary to meet your fitness level, budget, accommodation wishes and schedule. Depending on the journey, it might be possible to skip stages, rearrange their order, substitute accommodations, and add or subtract transfers. Find more information on the base itinerary and possible customizations below.

Base itinerary

  • 2 nights in 4-star hotels
  • 2 nights in 3-star hotels or inns
  • 2 nights in high mountain huts (in private accommodation, where possible).
  • 6 breakfasts, 4 dinners
  • Turn-By-Turn Guidebook
  • Two IGN maps

CUSTOMIZATIONS

  • Convert to 3-star or 5-star accommodation in Chamonix or Courmayeur
  • Convert private accommodation to shared accommodation
  • Include more nights in huts, either in shared or private accommodation
  • Increase or decrease number of hiking days, depending on fitness and motivation
  • Add public transport to shorten stages
  • Add in rest days 

 

Optional Add-ons

  • Shared airport transfers between Chamonix and Geneva Airport
  • Private airport pick-ups and drop-offs
  • Daily guide: first day or round-trip for hike over Bonhomme Pass early in the season
  • Travel insurance
  • Free days in Chamonix, Courmayeur or anywhere in between 
  • Extensions to Switzerland

Not included

  • Airfare
  • Lunches
  • Dinners in Chamonix and Courmayeur
  • In-situ transportation fees

Talk to our Adventure Expert

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.