The Haute Route du TMB is an original circuit, far removed from the usual itineraries. Intended for experienced hikers, it takes place in a wild setting while retaining the character of the Tour du Mont Blanc, with major panoramic views and the crossing of major passes.
A small group for greater dynamism, accommodation chosen for its proximity to the mountains, an enthusiastic guide - the cocktail is ready for an exceptional week close to the peaks.
Dates | Status | Prices | |
---|---|---|---|
From 01/08/25 To 08/08/25 |
Open departure | 1370 € | Book online |
From 09/08/25 To 16/08/25 |
1 places left !!! | 1370 € | Book online |
The price includes:
The price does not include:
The price is all inclusive from departure to end point.
Personalised tour available
Contact us !Meeting on Saturday at 8:45am in front of the Bellevue cable car in les Houches
LES HOUCHES - REFUGE DE TRE LA TETE
First easy ascent via the Bellevue cable car! Traverse the Bionnassay glacier tongue, then climb to Col du Tricot (2120m). Descend to the beautiful Miage pastures, traverse above the Contamines valley via the Armancette valley and the beautiful Claudius Bernard trail. Night at the Tre-la-Tête refuge at the foot of the glacier with your head in the stars at an altitude of almost 2000m, night without baggage.
7 hour walk / Elevation: +1350m -1150m
REFUGE TRE LA TETE - REFUGE ROBERT BLANC
The day begins with a nice descent to the Combe Noire waterfall. Cross the Tré la Tête river then climb up through the Bonhomme valley before leaving the classic TMB route for the Jovets lakes and the Enclave pass. A wild and technical route with a few cabled passages to reach the refuge on the mountain balcony.
Night at altitude at the Robert Blanc refuge, in dormitory, without luggage.
8 hour walk / Elevation: +1700m -900m
REFUGE ROBERT BLANC - REFUGE MONTE BIANCO
Wild and technical traverse with cabled passages to reach Col de la Seigne (2516m). Here we rejoin the classic Tour of Mont Blanc route and immediately leave it and cross to the Mont Fortin. Crests dotted with fortifications dating from WW2 with breathtaking views into the Val Veny below and the southern slope of the Mont Blanc massif. We leave these sumptuous landscapes to reach the mountain pastures and the accommodation for the evening.
Night at the Monte-Bianco refuge.
8 hour walk / Elevation: +500m -1300m
COL DE MALATRA - RIFUGIO FRASSATI
Transfer by local bus to Courmayeur, then in the Val Ferret to the hamlet of Lavachey where the hike begins. Climb up to the Malatra valley via the Bonatti refuge. At an altitude of 2,930 m, the Col de Malatra is a wild pass, sometimes still covered in snow until late in the season. Descend into the combe des Merdeux to reach the eponymous lake and the Frassati hut.
Night in refuge, without the luggages.
5 hour walk / Elevation: +1300m -410m
COL DE ST-RHEMY - HOSPICE DU GRAND-SAINT-BERNARD
The route continues down the Combe des Merdeux to the Combe de Thoules. Cross the Col de Saint-Rhémy, then traverse the balcony to the Col du Grand-Saint-Bernard. Arrive at the Hospice du Grand-Saint-Bernard, a thousand-year-old crossroads in the heart of the Alps.
5 hour walk / Elevation: +760m -830m
FENÊTRE DE FERRET - LACS DE FENÊTRE
Back to the Great St Bernard Pass to climb up to Fenêtre de Ferret. Descend due north to the Fenêtre lakes. If the sun is shining, you'll enjoy a breathtaking view of the high peaks of the northern part of the Mont-Blanc massif (Mont Dolent, Aiguille d'Argentière, Aiguilles Dorées, etc.). The route continues downhill until it reaches the Dranse de Ferret, which it follows to the hamlet of Ferret.
Transfer by bus to Champex-lac.
4.5 hour walk / Elevation: +360m -1120m
FENÊTRE D'ARPETTE - TRIENT
Cross the Bovine alpine pastures on a balcony trail overlooking the Rhône valley. Natural conditions and group fitness permitting, climb along the Glacier de Trient to reach the Fenêtre d'Arpette (2700 m), via a more “high mountain” route. Overnight in a gîte.
6h15 walking / Elevation: +790 m ; -1110m (via Bovine)
6h15 walk / Elevation: +1030 m; -1360 m (via Arpette)
COL DE BALME – AIGUILLETTE DES POSETTES - LE TOUR
Steady ascent to the Col de Balme, the border crossing between France and Switzerland and the entry point to the Chamonix valley. Passage to the Aiguillette des Posettes, the high point marking the end of this beautiful journey. Mont Blanc is once again in sight. A final descent brings us to the village of Le Tour and the end of this wonderful adventure.
5h walking / Difference in altitude: +900m -740 m
End of the hike around 3:00 pm at the foot of the Charamillon cable car at Le Tour.
Return by bus to Chamonix or Les Houches.
The itinerary is established according to the latest information available, the possibility of unknown factors affecting this itinerary is possible including situations beyond our control which may change the route, timings etc. (depending on the natural conditions and the fitness of the group).
Ascent: + 500 to + 1700 m on average per day.
Walking time: 7 hours per day.
Type of terrain: mountain trails with scree slopes and technical passages secured by cables.
You need to be in good general physical condition. Regularly practice an endurance sport such as walking, running or cycling, 6 to 8 hours a week. Your physical preparation will make your stay easier and more enjoyable.
Click here for a description of the different levels: hiking levels
Maximum 10 people in a group supervised by a qualified professional mountain leader and high mountain guide. The mountain leader may adapt the programme to suit the level of the group and/or the natural conditions. As a last resort, he is the sole decision-maker
To thank your guide, it is usual to tip him at the end of the trek, according to your satisfaction. It is not mandatory but, it is very appreciated.
8 nights in dormitory, in gites and refuges.
Breakfast and dinner are provided in each accommodation.
Picnics are included and are carefully prepared daily by your mountain leader and guide, comprising a variety of healthy salads and local products.
We do our best to accommodate special diets (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.). However, we encourage you to bring some additional products for your own picnics.
IGN Top 25 - 3630 OT - Chamonix and Top 25 - 3531 ET - Saint Gervais (1/25 000)
Meeting on Saturday at 8.45 am in front of the Bellevue cable car in Les Houches.
BY TRAIN / BUS
Inbound: departure from Paris-Gare de Lyon the day before at 12:45pm arrival in Chamonix at 7:50pm.
Return: departure from Chamonix at 3:50pm arrive Paris-Gare de Lyon at 9:50pm.
www.oui.sncf
There are regular buses throughout the whole Chamonix valley - with an hourly bus service between Montroc-le-Planet and Les Houches.
www.chamonix.montblancbus.com/en/bus-lines
Return night train: in progress...
Times given are indicative and should be verified at a train station or on the SNCF website.
BY CAR
Take the A40 motorway to Chamonix.
There is ample parking at chemin du Biolay, opposite the Montenvers train station in Chamonix.
If you wish to leave your car in a covered garage, contact:
Chamonix Auto Park: 04 50 53 65 71 (40 to 50€ per week).
The easiest option for your return is to leave your car at the end point of the tour in the free parking in the village of Le Tour and take the bus to the meeting point in Les Houches.
CAR-SHARING Get in touch with people to share a lift! Here are some website recommendations: www.blablacar.fr https://covoiturage-libre.fr https://www.laroueverte.com www.roulezmalin.com
CLOSEST AIRPORTS
Geneva (GVA)
1 hour by car to Chamonix.
Bus and minibus services direct to your accommodation (25-35€ pp each way)
Lyon (LYS)
2h15 by car to Chamonix.
Train every 2 hours to Chamonix, 4h15 journey (40-45€ pp return)
Paris (PAR)
7 hours by car to Chamonix.
Train every 2 hours to Chamonix / 5-6 hour journey (80-120€ pp return)
End of the trek on Sunday at 4:00pm at the bottom of the Charamillon gondola in Le Tour.
At the end of the tour the way back to the departure point in Les Houches or to Chamonix is easy via bus.
By request we can book a bedroom for you before and/or after your trek.
Les Houches - Hôtel St Antoine: +33 (0)4 50 54 40 10
www.hotelsaintantoine.com/accueil
Chamonix - Hôtel de l’Arve: +33 (0)4 50 53 02 31
www.hotelarve-chamonix.com
Chamonix Tourist Office : +33 (0)4 50 53 00 24
www.chamonix.com
If you book a night in the Chamonix valley, ask the hotel reception for a bus/train pass to use public transport for free in the Chamonix valley.
www.chamonix.montblancbus.com/en/bus-lines
In accordance with regulations, we are covered by Professional Liability Insurance. In no case can we be responsible for your own Personal Liability. If you chose to take out repatriation insurance with EUROP ASSISTANCE whom we propose, Altitude Mont Blanc will only serve as an intermediary between the client and the insurer. We cannot influence either party. We adhere to strict conditions of sale. You are responsible for compliance with the reporting procedures of any incident.
Before making any decision, contact EUROP ASSISTANCE.
If you are late please contact the agency as soon as possible: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07
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Clothing
Other Equipment
Bring a comfortable backpack of about 40 litres for your personal belongings for the day (warm clothes, waterproofs, water, plate and cutlery for your picnic, sunscreen and your identity papers) and please keep a little room to carry a picnic and snacks.
You are allowed 1 soft, sports type bag, with all your possessions inside, of 10kg maximum per person. Your luggage will be delivered daily, except on days 1, 2, 4 and 8. Access is not always easy. Baggage which is too heavy won't be accepted by the drivers, please think of their backs!
For nights 1, 2 and 4, you won't have your luggage at the accommodation (you'll find it the next day). Here's some advice on what to bring (around 2 kg is enough!):
- a small toilet bag
- your sheet-bag
- a change of clothes for the next day (just what you need!) and comfortable clothes/shoes for the evening.