Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) Self-guided
Circular Trek
Private Room Options
Luggage Transfer Available
Optional Lifts and Shuttles
Easy Navigation
Towns and Villages
The Tour du Mont Blanc trek (TMB) is the Alps’ iconic multi-day hut-to-hut hike. Circling the 4,808 m. Mont Blanc Massif over roughly 170 km and 10,000 m., the route traverses through scenic villages and over alpine passes in France, Italy and Switzerland. Accommodation along the route is in a mix of cozy mountain huts, simple hostels and hotels. The Tour du Mont Blanc offers many comforts that are rare when multi-day hiking, including a coordinated luggage transfer service, available as an optional add-on, a strong selection of accommodation options with private rooms and lifts and bus options that allow you to skip sections of trail. Despite these comforts, the Tour du Mont Blanc is a physically demanding hike and hikers need to be prepared for significant elevation gain and loss daily. Along the way, you’ll share the trail with hikers from all over the world, trade stories over hearty dinners, and wake up to jaw-dropping views.
Thanks to its popularity, the accommodations on the TMB are filling out earlier every year. For this reason, we recommend you book the Tour du Mont Blanc as early as possible for the best itineraries. Our skilled team of Adventure Planning Experts will be able to successfully book Tour du Mont Blanc itineraries even after the hiking season has already started, but as a general rule, the earlier you book the better your itinerary will be.
If you’d like similarly spectacular scenery with fewer crowds, consider our Tour des Combins (best for backcountry), the Bernese Oberland Traverse (best for private rooms), or an authentically Swiss hut-to-hut experience on our Hut to Hut in Switzerland (best for authenticity and delicious food) itineraries.
Location
Chamonix, France Courmayeur, Italy
Airport
Geneva, Switzerland
Season
mid-June to mid-September
Responsible Travel Score
GO Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc
Tour du Mont Blanc Self-guided Itineraries
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Ultralight • Classic • Comfort
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Quick Facts About Our Tour du Mont Blanc Itineraries
Clockwise or Counterclockwise?
Our Tour du Mont Blanc itineraries all travel counterclockwise on the Tour du Mont Blanc. We do this for several reasons:
- The ladder section above Argentière: Doing the Tour du Mont Blanc in the counterclockwise direction means you ascend the ladders, which tends to be more comfortable than descending. It also allows most hikers to reach the ladders early enough in the day to avoid 2-way traffic on the ladders.
- The Fenêtre d'Arpette variant: Doing this in the counterclockwise direction is more comfortable and it is easier to follow the trail.
- Encounter less hikers: Doing the Tour du Mont Blanc counterclockwise also means you'll encounter less hikers on a daily basis, because the majority of Tour du Mont Blanc hikers will be traveling with you and not against you.
Start at Les Houches or at Le Brévent?
Our itineraries that cover the full Tour du Mont Blanc begin at the Le Brévent gondola station above Chamonix, instead of where most hikers begin at Les Houches. We do this for a couple reasons:
- Starting at Le Brévent means you have the best views of the entire tour on the first and on the last day. This is not only a much more spectacular way to start the tour than by starting at Les Houches, but it also splits up the days on the Grand Balcony (the two days above Chamonix before Les Houches), so you have better chances to have great weather and views from this stretch at least once during your tour.
- There are no private rooms or luggage deliveries available along the Grand Balcony. Splitting the Grand Balcony onto the bookends of the tour increases the nights where private rooms are available for customers who book the Classic and Comfort Package.
The downside of starting at Le Brévent is that your first day is has a lot of downhill. If you would like to start in Les Houches instead of at Le Brévent, please just let us know when you submit your booking. We can easily set up your itinerary this way.
North or South?
If you only have time to do half the route, here are the factors to consider when deciding which section of the Tour du Mont Blanc to hike:
North: Starting in Courmayeur and ending at the Le Brévent gondola station above Chamonix
- This section is less remote and travels more through civilization
- The accommodation along this stretch is more comfortable. There are more hotels along this stretch
- There are more accommodations on this stretch where luggage can be delivered
- Because this stretch spends more time in civilization, there are more options for accommodation, which means there is more availability than on the southern stretch. This also applies to private rooms.
South: Starting at the La Flégère gondola station above Chamonix and ending in Courmayeur
- This section is more remote than the northern section and has a more wild and backcountry feeling
- There is a long stretch in the south where mountain huts are the only option for accommodation. This makes the accommodation more rustic along this stretch
- There are less accommodations where luggage can be delivered
- Because of the remote nature of this stretch, accommodation options are limited, and there is less availability than on the northern stretch. This especially applies to private rooms. This sometimes makes longer hiking days necessary
More Tour Photos from our Facebook Album
Take 20% off the Tour du Mont Blanc! 🏔️
Booking the TMB is incredibly hard due to its popularity. But you`re in luck! Not only do we have space, but we`re offering 20% off 🎉
We have 2 TMB itineraries on sale:
1️⃣ Tour du Mont Blanc / 11-day Stretched Itinerary / + 2 rest days
2️⃣ Tour du Mont Blanc / 14-day Relaxed Itinerary / + 1 rest day
These tours can be located in our Yard Sale at www.alpenventuresunguided.com/yardsale.
These tours were booked & cancelled by previous clients. The tour needs to be taken AS IS and we do have a limited capacity and booking deadlines. There will not be any itinerary adjustments.
All Yard Sale itineraries must be booked online, by following the green button, "GO Book the Tour" for the itinerary you choose. Yard Sale itineraries are first-come, first-served according to online booking.
Head to www.alpenventuresunguided.com/yardsale to claim your TMB Yard Sale tour!
#alpenventuresunguidedTMB #alpenventures #tourdumontblanc #TMB #alpshiking
Families that hike together, stay together. That`s the saying, right? 😉
Our Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary is perfect for adventurous families.
Looking for challenging terrain? ✅️
Looking to experience multiple cultures in one hike? ✅️
Looking for cozy hut accommodations post-hike? ✅️
Looking to meet other hikers from around the globe? ✅️
If you and your family are looking for an unforgettable trek in the Alps, get it touch and visit the link below 👇️
🔗 www.alpenventuresunguided.com/tmb
#alpenventuresunguidedtmb #tourdumontblanc #tmb #alpenventures #alpenventuresunguided
If you missed our Alta Via 1 webcast, you’ll definitely want to tune in for our upcoming Tour du Mont Blanc sessions TOMORROW.
Whether you’re planning your hike or simply dreaming about the TMB, these webcasts will walk you through everything you need to know—from terrain and logistics to hut life, preparation, and more.
Can’t make it live? Register anyway! Everyone who signs up will receive the full recording after the session.
Send us a DM if you`d like to register for one of our two TMB webcasts.
#alpenventuresunguidedtmb #alpenventuresunguided #tmb #tourdumontblanc
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The Alps may be covered in snow right now, but that just means one thing: it’s the perfect time to start planning next year’s adventures! 🙌
With the Tour du Mont Blanc being THE most popular trek in the Alps, early planning and booking are essential!
Join us for our upcoming Tour du Mont Blanc webcasts on December 11th at 10am GMT and 5pm GMT. Send us a DM to get registered—if you can’t attend live, you’ll still receive the full recording afterward.
Already set on hiking the TMB? Book your trek here: https://www.alpenventuresunguided.com/tmb
📸 Alpenventures client @thekellysong
#alpenventuresunguidedTMB #alpenventuresunguided #alpenventures #alps
A pink church, a gnome garden, and lakes you can paddle board on...
Do you know which trail these photos are from? 👀
Hint: It`s one of our most popular treks & we are hosting 2 webinars on hiking this route.
📸 Alpenventures client @thekellysong
#alpenventuresunguided #alpenventuresunguidedtmb #alpenventures
The Alta Via 1 (AV1) and the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) are two most popular tours — and for good reason! 🏔️
The AV1 and the TMB are both legendary treks through the Alps, filled with incredible landscapes, rich culture, and that unmistakable European mountain charm.
🇮🇹 Alta Via 1 (AV1): Deep in the Italian Dolomites, the AV1 showcases a different side of the Alps — dramatic limestone towers, high plateaus, and golden light bouncing off jagged peaks. Each day brings new mountain passes, hearty Italian meals, and that distinct Dolomitic landscape that feels almost otherworldly.
🇫🇷 🇮🇹🇨🇭Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB): Circling Western Europe’s highest peak, this route winds through France, Italy, and Switzerland — three countries, three cultures, and endless alpine views. One day you’re passing through a Swiss meadow dotted with cows and wildflowers, the next you’re sipping an espresso in an Italian mountain village. The TMB is full of variety — in scenery, food, and the people you meet along the way.
Both trails are busy for a reason: they’re breathtaking, well-loved, and unforgettable in their own ways.
So… which would you choose — the three-country charm of the TMB, or the raw drama of the Dolomites on the AV1? 👇
#alpenventuresunguidedTMB #alpenventuresunguidedAV1 #alpenventuresunguided #alpenventures #alps
There’s nothing quite like crossing from France into Italy on the Tour du Mont Blanc — an iconic moment that feels equal parts summit and celebration ⛰️🇮🇹
After taking in those sweeping views from Col de la Seigne, continue just 50 minutes down the trail and you’ll find Rifugio Elisabetta waiting to welcome you with glacial views, good company, and maybe a beer (or two) 🍻
Because some milestones deserve to be toasted!
📍 Alpenventures UNGUIDED`s Tour du Mont Blanc
🔗 www.alpenventuresunguided.com/tmb
📸 @summer_atwood & @kendraslagter
#alpenventuresunguidedTMB #TourduMontBlanc #AlpenventuresUNGUIDED #RifugioElisabetta #TMB #HikeEurope #HutToHut #MountainMagic #AdventureAwaits
Circling the Mont Blanc massif through France, Italy, and Switzerland, the Tour du Mont Blanc is one of Europe’s most iconic long-distance treks — a 170-kilometre journey through alpine meadows, rugged passes, and glacier-carved valleys 🇫🇷🇮🇹🇨🇭
The sweeping views draw people in — the jagged peaks, the wildflowers, the endless horizon — but it’s the mountain huts that make the experience unforgettable. From hearty pasta in Italy to tartiflette in France and creamy rösti in Switzerland, each stop brings warm hospitality, good wine, and stories shared over a view that never gets old. 🍷✨
Hut pictured: Rifugio Elissabetta
📍Alpenventures UNGUIDED`s Tour du Mont Blanc
🔗 www.alpenventuresunguided.com/tmb
#alpenventuresunguidedTMB
"We finished the TMB this time around! Three countries, 105 miles and 34,000 feet of elevation gain over 11 days." 🎉
Did you tackle the Tour du Mont Blanc this summer? Which section was your favourite?
📍Alpenventures UNGUIDED`s Tour du Mont Blanc
🔗 https://www.alpenventuresunguided.com/tmb/
📸 Alpenventures client @snake562
#alpenventuresunguidedTMB #alpenventures
TMB P5. Back to France. Our last two days were some of our favorites. We had clear views and the most beautiful blue skies to see Mount Blanc in all its glory. It was just epic. I think we each took a couple hundred photos of Mount Blanc alone, lol ❤️ We had a blast tackling the notorious ladders section and finally finished our 105+ miles of hiking. We met so many interesting and wonderful people along the trail. The food and drinks were amazing. Can’t say enough about this adventure. Highly recommend using AlpenVentures to plan. My biggest thanks 🙏 goes to snake562 for all the research and planning and prep that went into this - and also for the balls and desire to go back after last year’s mishap 👀 #tourdumountblanc #alpenventuresunguidedtmb #tmb
TMB P4. Hiking into Switzerland. Trekking through Ferret, La Fouly, Orsieres, and Trient. More sweeping scenery. Stops at mountain huts along the TMB for lunch and beers. The magical sounds of clanging bells and so many funny cows 🐮 I was hoping to bring one home! There was also stunning Champex-Lac with a beautiful and very cold alpine lake. We just couldn’t pass up the chance to paddle in Switzerland 🏄🏻♀️ #tmb #tourdumontblanc #alpenventuresunguidedtmb snake562
TMB P3. Hiking Italy up towards Switzerland. From the perfect pizzas in Courmayer to well-deserved beers at Rifugio Bonatti to delicious dessert in Val Ferret, we were fueled by cheese and beers for the entire trek! #tmb #tourdumontblanc #alpenventuresunguidedtmb snake562
TMB P1. Grateful to have the opportunity to complete this unbelievable hut-to-hut hike. After a failed 1st attempt last year due to circumstances out of our control, this was our “do-over”. And we finished. We hiked over 105 miles around the majestic Mount Blanc in 11 straight days w 34,000 ft of ele change. It was hot. It was hard. And it was absolutely perfect ❤️ these first few pics are from France making our way to Italy… #tmb #tourdumontblanc #alpenventuresunguidedtmb snake562
"Dramatic, serene, and staggeringly beautiful, the Swiss Alps demanded a special kind of reverence—one rooted in the realization that only nature can deliver this kind of divine beauty 🏔️
(& only a refuge at the top of a Col can make a brownie that I will literally dream about for the rest of my life)"
📍 Alpenventures UNGUIDED`s Tour du Mont Blanc tour
🔗 https://www.alpenventuresunguided.com/tmb/
📸 @summer_atwood & @gage.atw
#alpenventuresunguidedTMB #alpenventuresunguided #alpenventures
Fun fact: Hiking with your sibling is basically the ultimate way to level up any adventure—good vibes, nonstop banter, and memories that last a lifetime 😎
📍 Alpenventures UNGUIDED`s Tour du Mont Blanc tour
🔗 https://www.alpenventuresunguided.com/tmb/
📸 @summer_atwood & @gage.atw
#alpenventuresunguidedTMB #alpenventures
Sometimes the best part of the trail is the pause: sitting back in a mountain hut, taking in the view before embarking on the day`s journey.
On the Tour du Mont Blanc, every window frames a different masterpiece—and every view is a reminder of why we hike.
📍 Alpenventures UNGUIDED`s Tour du Mont Blanc tour
🔗 https://www.alpenventuresunguided.com/tmb/
📸 Alpenventures` client, @summer_atwood
#alpenventuresunguidedTMB #alpenventures
