For hiking enthusiasts seeking a new challenge, it is hard to beat the Tour du Mont Blanc. Considered the ultimate alpine classic, this is an incredible 165km loop that takes you through France, Italy, and Switzerland and is typically done in 9-14 days. Mont Blanc hiking tours will take you through stunning scenery with the ability to stay in charming alpine huts along the way. The route is well-marked, but logistics will be key to a fun, rewarding, safe, and memorable expedition. Here are a few other options when it comes to the Tour du Mont Blanc.
Luxury & Boutique: Hidden Mont Blanc – the 5-Star Hiking Tour
For those seeking a luxury hiking experience, you can indulge in an 8-day, 8-day luxury guided tour of the area. Guided by National Geographic-trained guides, this will give you a unique Mont Blanc experience with stays in luxury spas, stunning glacier walks like Lac d’Emosson, and the ability to indulge in tantalizing local cuisine – perfect for recharging after a long day of walking.
Haute Route & Hiker’s Variants: Beyond the Standard TMB
Another option worth considering is the iconic Haute Route, which connects Chamonix to Zermatt and is typically completed over 7-12 days. This is a great alternative to the standard TMB route that will allow you to go through dramatic high passes and remote alpine terrain. This is generally considered to be a route that is a little bit more challenging than TMB, so a good alternative is the Walkers’ Haute Route, which allows you to enjoy the stunning mountain scenery without the tricky glacier travel. Both are great options for those seeking a lesser-travelled option than the often busy TMB.
Self-Guided & Flexible: Rambler & Hut-to-Hut Tours
Finally, for adventurous types, there are self-guided options that give you the freedom and flexibility to plan your own expedition. For example, UTracks has a 7-day Classic itinerary and a more relaxed Rambler walk, which gives you the ability to go at your own pace while still benefiting from curated accommodations, which provide the best of both worlds. There are also 11-day hut-to-hut treks that can work well for independent hikers who want pace control of their hikes with the peace of mind of pre-booked stays.
As you can see, there are a lot of good options when it comes to hiking Mont Blanc. Whether you opt for the classic TMB circuit, a luxury experience, a more challenging high-altitude itinerary, or a self-guided option, you are sure to have an incredible time exploring this stunning part of the world. With its incredible landscapes, well-developed infrastructure, and many great places to stay, Mont Blanc is the perfect place for a hiking adventure, and it is sure to be a trip that you find to be highly rewarding, fun, and memorable, no matter what option you pick.
