Trek the Tour du Mont Blanc on a Budget

Arrive to and spend an evening in a beautiful Courmayeur to get ready for your trek.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Your Tour du Mont Blanc concludes this morning. Check out of your hotel in Chamonix and depart.