What Is the Tour du Mont Blanc?
The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is a 170-kilometre hiking trail that circles the Mont Blanc massif through France, Italy, and Switzerland. It passes through alpine meadows, over mountain passes exceeding 2,500m, past glaciers, and through charming European villages.
It's widely considered one of the top 5 long-distance hikes in the world, and for good reason: the combination of accessibility, scenery, cultural variety, and infrastructure is unmatched.
Key Stats
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| -------- | ------- |
| Distance | ~170 km |
| Total ascent | ~10,000 m |
| Total descent | ~10,000 m |
| Typical duration | 7-12 days |
| Highest point (standard) | Col de la Seigne, 2,516m |
| Countries | France, Italy, Switzerland |
| Season | Mid-June to mid-September |
Who Can Do the TMB?
Anyone with reasonable fitness and hiking experience. You don't need technical climbing skills — the TMB is a walking trail, not a mountaineering route. However, you do need to be comfortable with:
- Walking 15-20km per day
- Ascending and descending 800-1,200m daily
- Carrying a 7-10kg backpack for hours
- Variable weather (rain, cold mornings, hot afternoons)
If you're unsure about your readiness, take our TMB Fitness Test.
Where Do You Sleep?
Mountain Refuges (Refuges/Rifugi)
The backbone of TMB accommodation. These mountain huts offer dormitory beds, hot meals, and cold beer at altitude. Most offer half-board (dinner + breakfast + bed) for €50-80/night. They range from basic to surprisingly comfortable.
Hotels and Gîtes
In valley towns (Chamonix, Courmayeur, Champex-Lac, Les Contamines), you'll find hotels and gîtes d'étape offering private rooms. More expensive but more comfortable.
Camping
Designated campsites exist along the route. Wild camping is restricted but bivouacking (set up after 7pm, pack up by 7am) is generally tolerated outside national parks.
What Does It Cost?
Budget €80-150 per day depending on your accommodation style. A 10-day trek typically costs €800-1,500 for accommodation and food, plus flights and transport to/from the trailhead.
When Should You Go?
- Late June: Quiet, wildflowers, possible snow on high passes
- July: Best weather, biggest crowds
- August: Hot, afternoon storms, still busy
- Early September: Our pick — fewer people, autumn colours, cool and clear
How Do You Get There?
Fly to Geneva (GVA), then bus or shuttle to Chamonix (~90 minutes, €20-45). See our detailed transport guide.
Clockwise or Anti-Clockwise?
Most hikers go anti-clockwise from Les Houches. This is the traditional direction with the best guidebook support and refuge timing. Clockwise works too and has fewer crowds on some stages.
Start Planning
Ready to go? Our interactive planner lets you build a custom itinerary, see all refuges and variants on a 3D map, and download GPX files for navigation.
Ready to Plan Your TMB?
Use our interactive planner to build your custom itinerary, find refuges, and download GPX files.
Start Planning