Mont Blanc Trek

Arriving at Geneva Airport we transfer in just over an hour to our Chalet in Chamonix. There are spectacular views of the Chamonix Valley and the Mont Blanc range.

Overnight Chalet (H+)

The start point of today’s walk is just a short bus ride from the town centre. We make our way up through larch and fir forest until we reach the beautiful Lac de Cheserys. The area is home to Ibex and these are sometimes seen near the main trail. As we climb, we are rewarded with increasingly better views of the whole Mont Blanc range and the great glaciers that descend towards the Chamonix valley. Enroute we will stop for lunch and maybe spot marmots or chamois which live at these higher altitudes. Our goal is Lac Blanc (2350m), justifiably regarded as one of the most beautiful places in the Alps taking 3-4 hours. The descent is via a different route and for those with sore knees there is a cable-car to the valley floor. Total distance 10-12km.

Overnight Chalet (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Walking from Chamonix we ascend, steeply at times, through a forest of larch and spruce. Taking time to enjoy the forest flora and the occasional glimpse of the Chamonix Valley we emerge above the tree-line at the Plan de l’Aiguille (2233m) for panoramic views of the Aiguilles Rouges and the Chamonix Aiguilles. These huge granite monoliths are magnets to world-class climbers. Having climbed 1100m we have a well-deserved break before continuing along the Grand Balcon Nord. The path traverses the hillside emerging at Montenvers – a railway station at 1900m – served by a cog railway. We then descend back to Chamonix through the forest or for those who prefer, you can take the train back to Chamonix at their own expense.

Overnight Chalet (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

We take a bus through the Mont Blanc Tunnel to Courmayeur in Italy and on to the head of Val Veny (1540m) where we begin our 3-day trek on the Tour du Mont Blanc. A well used track takes us past the glacial Lac Combal and up to the Elisabetta Soldini mountain hut: perched on the moraine it has great views of the surrounding glaciers and is a perfect place for a tea break. The path from here takes us past the old Customs house and onto the broad Col de la Seigne (2516m) and back into France. On a very clear day it is possible to see the Matterhorn. We follow an old mule track down to Ville des Glaciers and then a short road walk to the hamlet of Les Chapieux (1549m). Note: Your luggage will be left in Chamonix. Therefore you need to carry what you need for the 3 day trek with 2 overnight stays. This is light backpacking.

Overnight Basic Hotel (H) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Leaving Les Chapieux, we climb towards the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2479m) passing a mountain hut en-route. The path winds through a rocky and wild valley and then traverses a rocky path to the Col du Bonhomme (2329m). This is a great place to see high-altitude Alpine flowers and animals such as marmots, stoats and chamois. Our descent is a combination of steep narrow paths and wide open tracks through alpine pastures. As we reach the Les Contamines valley we pass the ancient church of Notre Dame de la Gorge before a level walk to Les Contamines (1165m).

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Continuing on the TMB we climb through a forest to the Chalets du Truc (1740m) where there are extensive views of the valleys below. We then head on to Les Chalets du Miages (1559m) – a mountain hut in a spectacular setting with steep mountain walls and glacial streams – where we can get a hot chocolate. A stiff climb brings us to the Col de Tricot (2120m) and then down a gentle combe with old farming settlements and beautiful azaleas. Crossing a suspension bridge at the snout of the Bionnassay Glacier we head up to the Bellevue Telecabine and descend quickly to Les Houches before a short bus ride to Chamonix.

Overnight Chalet (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today you can relax at the chalet, go into town, take a walk or take part in some optional activities. Activities include a ride up the spectacular cable car to the Aiguille du Midi at 3842m for arguably the finest view in the Alps. At this height you are among the great Alpine peaks and glaciers with unimpeded views from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn almost 100km away. Other activities include rock climbing, mountain biking and visiting Chamonix’s Alpine museum. We have our last night’s dinner at one of Chamonix’s many excellent restaurants.

Overnight Chalet (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Tour ends.

Included meals: Breakfast