Classic Tour du Mont Blanc

Challenge level

• Graded Challenging—expect steep climbs or descents (up to 1500m daily) and up to 8 hours of hiking each day on uneven, rocky trails. Moderate exposure to changing weather and altitude may occur.
• Best suited for physically fit hikers with prior trekking experience who are comfortable with sustained effort on varied alpine terrain, including steep ascents, descents, and rocky sections.
• Trekking poles are highly recommended.

Accommodation

• 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Chamonix (twin rooms, ensuite).
• 6 nights in shared dormitories in traditional mountain refuges with showers (limited hot water in remote areas).
• Bedding provided; bring a sleeping bag liner.

Food & drink

• Full board except dinners in Chamonix.
• Enjoy ample, authentic meals in refuges—think fondue, pasta, soups, and regional specialities.
• Packed lunches made with local produce. Drinks not included.

Visas & vaccinations

• No visa required for UK, EU or US citizens.
• No mandatory vaccinations; standard travel health recommended.

Best time to go

• Departures available June to September, during the peak alpine trekking season with warm days and stable weather.

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

9-Day Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrive in Chamonix

  Transfer from Geneva to Chamonix, check into your hotel, and wander the alpine town. Savour local specialities like tartiflette or raclette.

• Day 2 | Chamonix to Les Contamines

  Take the cable car to Bellevue, cross Col de Tricot, and descend to Les Contamines.

• Day 3 | Les Contamines-Montjoie to La Vallée des Glaciers

  Follow the river to Notre Dame de la Gorge, ascend Col du Bonhomme, and descend into La Vallée des Glaciers, enjoying views throughout.

• Day 4 | La Ville des Glaciers to Val Veny

  Cross from France into Italy via Col de la Seigne for striking views of Monte Bianco, then descend into Val Veny.

• Day 5 | Val Veny to Val Ferret

  Tour Courmayeur before trekking into the remote Italian Val Ferret. Overnight in a mountain refuge enveloped by dramatic peaks.

• Day 6 | Val Ferret to Champex

  Enter Switzerland via Grand Col de Ferret, soak in panoramic glacier views and Mont Dolent, and finish beside Lake Champex.

• Day 7 | Champex to Argentière

  Traverse the scenic Bovine Route or Fenêtre d’Arpette, take in sweeping Rhine Valley views, and re-enter France.

• Day 8 | Argentière to Chamonix

  Hike through Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve to Lac Blanc for classic Mont Blanc views before descending to Chamonix.

• Day 9 | Departure

  Morning transfer to Geneva Airport for departure.

Included

• Return transfers between Geneva and Chamonix
• Professional mountain guide
• 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Chamonix
• 6 nights in mountain refuges
• Full board (except dinners in Chamonix)
• Luggage transfers throughout the trek

Not Included

• International flights
• Dinners in Chamonix (Days 1 & 8)
• Drinks, snacks and personal expenses
• Trekking equipment and insurance
• Tips for your guide

Costs

Meeting point

Genève Aéroport
Route de l'Aéroport 21
Le Grand-Saconnex
Geneva
1215
Switzerland

getting there

• The adventure begins and ends in Chamonix, France.Fly into Geneva International Airport (GVA), where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in Chamonix (around 90 minutes). Airport transfers are included on the first and last days of the itinerary only.
• For sustainable travel, train and coach options are available from London and major European cities via Paris and Chambéry. A pre-trek briefing is held at your hotel at 6pm on the evening before your trek begins.

Organiser is rated 4.8/5 on Trustpilot based on 1,121 reviews.

... you only need to show up and be ready to have a wonderful time hiking. The hotel in Chamonix was very, very nice and all the refuges along the way were above my expectations. All had hot showers, great (and plenty!) food, and a warm place to sleep. 2021 trekker.

This was made extra special by all the staff from Kandoo, each and everyone was so friendly, helpful and I would do this trip again in a heartbeat, but only with Kandoo. Thank you for best adventure! Nohlene F

Very well organised trek thank you! Professional, experienced, and importantly fun guides! Jayden H

Superb experience, everything was excellent. Huw C

This was a great life experience that was both challenging and rewarding for my wife and I. The reward was the ongoing cascade of spectacular mountain scenery. John J

This trip takes responsibility seriously and ‘goes the extra mile’ to ensure that your presence in this country is entirely positive.

Central to this

• Caring for the crew
• Caring for the local environment
• Caring for the local communities

All guides and partners are hand picked to ensure that every aspect of your trip operates to the highest standard and reflect the strong values, ethics and joy of travel.

This commitment to Responsible Travel is mutually beneficial without compromising the countries and communities touched or the depth and uniqueness of your adventure.

Key values of this trip

• Leave nothing behind
• We’re the visitors, let’s be respectful at all times
• Deliver a breathtaking experience
• Let’s benefit local communities and environments

Let’s help keep these wonderful places precious.

Porters and crew

All crew are paid proper wages and are treated with respect and dignity. This trip with IMEC, IPPG and KPAP, all not-for-profit organisations that focus on improving the working conditions of porters.

Friends of Conservation

Travellers are given the opportunity to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of flying by supporting community and conservation initiatives.

Travellers Against Plastic

This trip is a proud supporter of the Leave No Trace and Travellers Against Plastic campaigns, which help educate travellers on the impact of travel and provide practical guidance for enjoying the outdoors responsibly.