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Highlights
Explore Courmayeur to Chamonix on this lower-cost self-guided TMB trek
Explore the Alpine trails of Italy, Switzerland and France on this world-class self-guided trek in the Alps.
Revel in the views of snow-capped peaks, jagged glaciers, and sprawling woodlands each day on the trails.
Break for picnics in tiny hamlets and charming villages as you trek from one mountain town to the next.
Unwind in cozy mountain hotels and traditional Refugio’s where you can kick-back and relax each evening.
The 8-Day Self-Guided Trek the Tour du Mont Blanc on a Budget tour invites you to explore the stunning alpine terrain of the magnificent Italian, French and Swiss Alps – all at an affordable and budget-friendly price!
This trek is designed for those looking to keep the costs of their TMB trek as low as possible, without sacrificing any of the beauty and thrill of this world-class trekking route. On this trek, you’ll still enjoy key inclusions such as accommodations, several meals, and self-guided navigation materials.
A ‘no frills’ trek isn’t for everyone, so if you’re looking for more inclusions on your TMB trek such as luggage transfers, check out the Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights in Hotels, or the Complete Tour du Mont Blanc Trek.
Trek the Tour du Mont Blanc on a Budget tour, you’ll enjoy 6 full days of world-class hiking from Courmayeur to Chamonix, taking in the wondrous natural landscapes and charming mountain villages that make this route so special. From snaking rivers to charming woodlands and snow-capped peaks, each day on the trail will be filled with adventure as you tackle one of the most famous treks in Europe on the Tour du Mont Blanc.
Don’t want to splurge on a TMB trek? Book the 8-Day Self-Guided Trek the Tour du Mont Blanc Tour and uncover the beauty of this remarkable trekking region in just over 1 week.
The 8-Day Self-Guided Trek the Tour du Mont Blanc on a Budget tour invites you to explore the stunning alpine terrain of the magnificent Italian, French and Swiss Alps – all at an affordable and budget-friendly price!
This trek is designed for those looking to keep the costs of their TMB trek as low as possible, without sacrificing any of the beauty and thrill of this world-class trekking route. On this trek, you’ll still enjoy key inclusions such as accommodations, several meals, and self-guided navigation materials.
A ‘no frills’ trek isn’t for everyone, so if you’re looking for more inclusions on your TMB trek such as luggage transfers, check out the Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights in Hotels, or the Complete Tour du Mont Blanc Trek.
Trek the Tour du Mont Blanc on a Budget tour, you’ll enjoy 6 full days of world-class hiking from Courmayeur to Chamonix, taking in the wondrous natural landscapes and charming mountain villages that make this route so special. From snaking rivers to charming woodlands and snow-capped peaks, each day on the trail will be filled with adventure as you tackle one of the most famous treks in Europe on the Tour du Mont Blanc.
Don’t want to splurge on a TMB trek? Book the 8-Day Self-Guided Trek the Tour du Mont Blanc Tour and uncover the beauty of this remarkable trekking region in just over 1 week.
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Trek the Tour du Mont Blanc on a Budget Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Courmayeur
Arrive to and spend an evening in a beautiful Courmayeur to get ready for your trek.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Courmayeur
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Hike towards Rifugio Elena
Your day will begin with a steep and challenging hike towards Rifugio Elena, which is located close to Swiss Border. You can either start it from Courmayeur for a long day’s walk or take a bus to Lavachey. You’ll pass through Refugio Bertone where the best views begin from.
Overnight Location: Refugee near Courmayeur
Distance: 6.6km – 20.5km, 424m – 1,600m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 3 Trek to the Col du Gran Ferret and La Fouly
Rise in the mountains this morning, breathing in the fresh alpine air afforded by the Alps. This morning you’ll begin with a steep ascent past several abandoned farms, marking the beginning of your trek into Switzerland. The route ascends gradually before a challenging climb to Rifugio Elena, then on to the Col du Gran Ferret (2,537m/8,323ft) where you’ll find the crossing to Switzerland.
Take in the awe-inspiring vistas of the snow-capped Aiguille de Triolet (3,870m / 12,696ft) and the receding Pre de Bar glacier as you prepare to descend to the tiny hamlet of Ferret, then on to La Fouly where you’ll find tonight’s remote hotel.
Overnight Location: Hotel in La Fouly
Distance: 6 hours, 18km, 700m of ascent, 715m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 4 Trek to Champex-Lac
After several challenging days, you’ll enjoy an easier walk today on a lengthy section, but one without significant elevation gains and losses.
Set out from La Fouly, tracing the river through pretty woodlands to reach Les Arlaches, a lovely little hamlet with traditional homes. Continue the trail to Orsieres, finally descending to tonight’s accommodation at Champex-Lac, a gorgeous mountain village perched on the lake.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Champex-Lac
Distance: 6 hours, 18km, 700m of ascent, 715m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 5 Trek to Trient via the Fenêtre d’Arpette and Glacier du Trient
The Swiss Alps are yours to discover today as you trek the Fenêtre d’Arpette (2,665m/8,743ft), then descend via the Glacier du Trient. The small village of Trient is nestled on the pass road between Martigny and Chamonix. You’ll enjoy stunning alpine meadows and pretty woodlands on your way to Trient, where you’ll spend the night in a restored country house.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Trient
Distance: 7 hours, 16km, 711m of ascent, 1125m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 6 Trek to Argentière
Savour every moment of today’s trek, as this journey to Argentière marks your final up-close views of magnificent Mont Blanc. Bound for France this morning, you’ll hike towards Lake Charamillon, with the colossal Glacier du Tour as your guide. Enjoy a thrilling trail along the mountain crests, soaking up the imposing glacier and surrounding valley views.
Arriving at the Swiss-France border, stop to revel in the views of Mont Blanc and its rugged ivory-coloured peaks, which contrast remarkably with the brilliant blue sky.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Argentière
Distance: 4 hours, 14.5km, 985m of ascent, 906m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Final Hike and Return to Chamonix
Set out through the enchanting small village of Les Frasserands, where you’ll take in the typical wooden houses characteristic of the French Alps. Then, a brief climb will guide you into the Aiguilles Rouges Natural Park. You can either climb up to La Blanc from the park before descending to La Flegere or descend directly to La Flegere.
Hiking towards Planpraz, you’ll encounter a stellar lineup of remarkable mountain views, including the Aiguille Verte, the Drus, the Aiguille du Midi, and Mont Blanc du Tacul. From Planpraz, return to Chamonix via cable car, where your trek concludes.
Chamonix is an excellent place to celebrate a successful trek of Mont Blanc! Enjoy this bustling alpine town’s unique atmosphere with a farewell dinner, followed perhaps by some celebratory drinks at one of Chamonix’s buzzing bars or nightclubs.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Chamonix
Distance: 7-8 hours, 18km, 1623/1443m of ascent, 971m/789m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 8 Departure
Your Tour du Mont Blanc concludes this morning. Check out of your hotel in Chamonix and depart.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Departure on June 17th – September 19th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: EUR1310
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR1280
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR870
- Sharing a triple room: EUR850
Accommodation on Trek the Tour du Mont Blanc on a Budget Tour
This tour is based hotels and rifugios. Hotels on this trip are 2 and 3-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
What’s Included in the Trek the Tour du Mont Blanc on a Budget Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts and 4 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour does not include any transfers. Luggage transfers are not included.
Also Included
- Digital route notes and maps
- GPS App
- Tourist information on all places of interest
- Tourist city tax
- 24/7 emergency phone support
Not included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas if required
- Guide services
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Transfers
- Luggage transfers
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before, during or after the tour
- Airport transfers
- Printed tour materials (in addition to digital)
- How hard is the Tour du Mont Blanc on a Budget Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Italy or France?
- Are meals included on the FTour du Mont Blanc on a Budget Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- Is the Tour du Mont Blanc on a Budget Tour in English?
- Where does the Tour du Mont Blanc on a Budget Tour end?
- I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
- Will I be able to buy my lunches on the Tour de Mont Blanc along the route?
- When should I book the Tour du Mont Blanc?
- What’s the earliest I can hike the Tour du Mont Blanc?
- Where does the Tour du Mont Blanc on a Budget Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to France or Italy?
- Are there any travel restrictions for France or Italy?
We rate this tour a 5/5. Hikers should be able to spend about 6-8 hours per day on well-established trails and expect to climb up to 1400m in elevation and/or cover 20km in distance. Fit, active participants with prior hiking experience will be able to get the most out of this tour.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
7 breakfasts and 4 dinners are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your travel insurance.
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
Mention where tour ends and how they’re getting to the airport with airport code mentioned.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Since lunches are not included on your tour you will need to make your own arrangements, luckily there are some great options! You can purchase a bagged lunch from your refuge before you leave in the morning. You’ll also pass many refuges along your trail where you can stop for a nice meal. Another great option is to stop in one of the villages you pass to purchase a baguette, some cheese, and cured meats and have a nice picnic lunch on the mountain.
The Tour du Mont Blanc is extremely popular, and early booking provides a much higher chance of finding suitable accommodation on the Tour du Mont Blanc. During booking, the itinerary may need to be changed to find accommodation.
Most hikers on the Tour du Mont Blanc don't start until the second half of June. The reason is that there is the possibility of snow remaining on the trail, making this trip more challenging and in some cases, dangerous. In addition, many refuges don't open until the middle or end of June.
The tour ends in Chamonix. You can return to Geneva Airport (GVO) by bus or train at the end of the tour, book a private transfer in advance as a supplement, or arrange your own private transfer.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Customer Ratings
With 25 years of experience running walking and biking tours in France, S-Cape France has a team full of energy and fresh ideas. Their multinational team can assist in various languages, and their large collection of itineraries means you’ll be able to find your dream adventure in France.
