My First Self-Guided Hiking Tour: Reflections from the Tour du Mont Blanc

I’ve always loved hiking. The crunch of gravel underfoot, the smell of alpine air, the feeling of moving under your own power through some of the most beautiful places on earth. It’s addictive. But I’d never done a self-guided hiking trip before. Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would I feel lost? Would it be lonely? Would it feel like too much to manage?

Now, having just returned from a self-guided Tour du Mont Blanc trek, I can tell you this: it was one of the most freeing, fulfilling, and empowering travel experiences of my life. And if you're even slightly considering a self-guided hike, especially if you're like me (experienced on the trails but new to this format) then this trip will change you in the best way.

Freedom Without the Guesswork

What surprised me most was how effortless it all felt. Before setting off, I had visions of squinting at a folded map in the rain, second-guessing whether I’d taken a wrong turn somewhere. But the GPS app that I was assigned quickly became my best trail companion. It was intuitive, easy to follow, and clearly built for hikers, not techies. That said, the trip notes and paper maps were far from obsolete. Using them together gave me a sense of depth and connection to the route I wouldn't have had otherwise - and a few helpful tips I might’ve missed if I’d relied on just one source.

Knowing I had these tools made me feel capable. But more importantly, it let me relax. There’s something quietly powerful about being able to find your own way, knowing you're supported but not micromanaged.

The Joys of Going Your Own Way

What I didn’t expect was how personal the experience would feel. Without a group to keep pace with or a guide setting the schedule, I could start early or linger over a coffee in a mountain hut. One morning, I sat for over an hour watching the clouds lift off the peaks near Lac Blanc, which is something I’d have missed on a rigid itinerary. That kind of freedom is rare on guided tours, and it made every moment feel mine.

But that doesn’t mean I was alone. I crossed paths with other hikers, shared a few meals, even chatted with locals at some of the more out-of-the-way lodges. There was a sense of connection, but it was always on my terms. And for someone who values independence but appreciates a safety net, that was the sweet spot.

A Perfect Place to Rest Your Head

Every night, I arrived at accommodations that were exactly what I needed after a full day on the trail: clean, comfortable, and full of local charm. These weren’t cookie-cutter hotels, they were inns, refuges, and family-run guesthouses with hearty meals and warm hospitality. I never felt like I was compromising on comfort. In fact, those evenings spent tucking into a raclette in Courmayeur or sipping a beer in the garden of a Chamonix chalet were just as memorable as the days on trail.

The Confidence to Keep Exploring

There’s something incredibly satisfying about completing a challenging route like the Tour du Mont Blanc on your own terms. And while I was technically self-guided, I never once felt unsupported. Knowing that 10Adventures had already booked my stays, transferred my bags, and provided detailed route info gave me the confidence to focus on what mattered: soaking up the journey.

If you’ve ever dreamed of a hiking adventure that balances structure with spontaneity, security with solitude, this is it. I didn’t just complete the Tour du Mont Blanc, I discovered a new way to travel.

Thinking of trying your first self-guided adventure?

I’m honestly not sure that I would have been able to make all of the arrangements for my TMB without the folks at 10Adventures, so if you are on the fence about it and need a bit of a push to make the jump, consider contacting one of their travel advisors to help plan your trip.

Take it from someone who just did: it’s not only doable, it might be the most rewarding trip you’ve ever taken.