Tour du Mont Blanc East, half circuit, Self-guided 2024

The Eastern part of the Tour du Mont Blanc trek starts in Courmayeur in Italy, and follows the same itinerary as the classic Tour du Mont Blanc through Switzerland into France and finish in Chamonix Mont Blanc. The self-guided half-circuit Tour du Mont Blanc is perfect for those wishing to complete the full classic tour but prefer to do it in two shorter parts. It's also very suitable for anyone who is looking for their first independent walking holiday in the Alps.

Day : Meeting in Courmayeur
You arrive in Courmayeur and check in at your hotel. Your evening is free to explore the many bars and restaurants in Courmayeur. Night in hotel.

Day 2: From Courmayeur to Refuge Bonatti
From the town center of Courmayeur, you start your climb to the Bertone hut and the Mont de la Saxe ridge. You follow the ridge above the Ferret valley, enjoying breathtaking views of the towering peaks that form the Italian side of Mont Blanc. The night is spend in the splendid Bonatti hut. (B+D)

Day 3: From Refuge Bonatti to La Fouly 
From the Bonatti hut, you continue traversng above the Ferret valley until you drop down to Arnouva. Here. you start the ascend to Grand Col Ferret, pasing the Elena mountain hut on the way. You now enter Switzerland and descend into the idyllic Swiss Ferret valley to the village of La Fouly. (B+D)

Day 4: From La Fouly to Champex
A gentle day today, starting with a walk down the Swiss Ferret valley, along a gushing river and through charming old Swiss farming villages. A relatively short ascent takes you through wood land to the lake side village Champex. (B+D)

Day 5: From Champex to Trient
Leaving Champex, you have a choice of two routes. You can hike over the notorious Fenêtre d’Arpette - a narrow mountain pass cut into a rugged alpine ridge, or you can walk via the gentler and more idyllic Bovine mountain pastures. You descend to the small village Trient, where you spend the night in a bustling auberge, where you can share your experiences with other hikers. (B+D)

Day 6: From Trient to Argentiere
From Trient, you climb steadily up to the Balme pass, where you cross the border back into France and the Chamonix valley. You traverse the ridge line of the Aiguilette des Posettes, enjoying breathtaking views in all directions before descending to the village Argentiere for the night. (B+D)

Day 7: From Argentiere to Chamonix
You leave Argentiere for the last leg of your tour, ascending to the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve. A stunning walk takes you to the beautiful lac Blanc. From the lake, you continue via a stunning high level traverse with some of the finest views in the Alps. All too soon, you arrive at the Planpraz cable car station and your final descend to Chamonix. (B)

Day 8: Departure day
Breakfast in the hotel and the official end to your Tour du Mont Blanc trek. (B)

Option and Extras

Accomodation upgrade:
Add private rooms for ALL nights to avoid dorms. Contact us for details.

Rest days
Trek at your own pace and take as many rest days as you prefer. Contact us for details.

Luggage transfers:
Add bag transfers on some or all stages.
Contact us for details.

Mont Blanc Ascent:
6 days course to climb Mont Blanc after your trek. Click here for more information.

Guided Tour du Mont Blanc East trip:
This trip is available as a guided trip. Click here for details.