Hiking The Tour du Mont Blanc

By: Eunice Wu & Alex Huang

The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is an internationally renowned hiking trail, literally meaning a trek around the highest peak in the European Alps, Mont Blanc. This world-class classic trail spans the borders of Italy, France, and Switzerland, covering a total distance of 170 kilometers with an overall ascent and descent of approximately 10,000 meters (more than the height of Mount Everest!).

Eunice soaking up the breathtaking landscape

As one of Europe's most popular trails, it attracts tens of thousands of outdoor enthusiasts who come every year to pilgrimage in this epic mountainous Mecca. Trails spanning three countries certainly appealed to me, and since this was my first trip to Europe, it was perfect to get to know the place through my favourite way - hiking. Anyone with a real interest in mountains will undoubtedly be tempted to experience the breathtaking views around Mont Blanc but it’s hard to explain quite how good it really is.

Eunice at the Col du Bonhomme - the first big pass on the TMB

Depending on the chosen route, the journey involves crossing 10 to 11 mountain valleys, each with its unique features and unforgettable scenery, such as the bustling Chamonix Valley centred around tourists, the sparsely populated glacier valleys, and the tranquil Ferret Valley in Switzerland.

Now, let's delve deeper into an introduction to the TMB. We chose to embark on the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) in a counterclockwise direction, spanning 11 days, including one rest day. This was our day-by-day itinerary:

Day 1: Les Houches → Les Contamines 

Day 2: Les Contamines → Les Chapieux 

Day 3: Les Chapieux → Courmayeur 

Day 4: Rest day 

Day 5: Courmayeur → Rifugio Bonatti 

Day 6: Rifugio Bonatti → La Fouly 

Day 7: La Fouly → Champex 

Day 8: Champex → Col de la Forclaz 

Day 9: Col de la Forclaz → Tre-le-Champ 

Day 10: Tre-le-Champ → Refuge La Flégère 

Day 11: Refuge La Flégère → Les Houches 

It was a wonderful hiking journey with fantastic weather. To prevent sunburn, it's essential to wear a hat on such exposed trails. I'm pleased to have completed the entire trail with the VÅGA Club Cap!

For more from Eunice and Alex, check out their website here for travel snaps and stories.

Photos: Alex Huang