13-Day Tour du Mont Blanc: Complete Circumnavigation Hike Through France, Italy & Switzerland
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
13 days (170 km)
Fitness Level
High level of cardiovascular fitness and endurance for consecutive long hiking days; comfortable with sustained ascents/descents up to ~1,300 m.
Overview
Walk the full Tour du Mont Blanc in 13 days—170 km of high passes, glacier views, and cross-border alpine culture. This fully guided trek pairs certified mountain guides with luggage transfers and boutique hotels for a focused, multi-day alpine experience.
13-Day Tour du Mont Blanc: Complete Circumnavigation Hike Through France, Italy & Switzerland
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A morning in Chamonix feels like a held breath before motion—coffee steam against a crystal-blue sky, bellies full of croissants, and the massif of Mont Blanc pressing the horizon into sharp white. The first day’s orientation is gentle, but the next hours and twelve days to follow demand attention: 170 km of trails, alpine passes that crest above 2,400 m, and a rhythm of climbs and descents that will test lungs and patience in equal measure.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Train your legs
Prepare with multi-hour hikes and back-to-back long days to mimic 5–9 hour trail days; focus on endurance and downhill control.
Layer for volatility
Carry a breathable base, insulating midlayer, and waterproof shell—storms can sink temperatures quickly above 2,000 m.
Protect knees on descents
Use trekking poles and practice descending with weight on the outside edge of the boot to reduce impact.
Hydrate and snack often
Carry at least 2–3 liters per day and eat small snacks every 45–60 minutes to maintain energy at altitude.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Alpine ibex
- Marmot
History
The trail follows centuries-old mountain passes used for trade and pilgrimage; Roman roads and medieval shepherd tracks still shape many valley routes.
Conservation
The Mont Blanc massif is managed across three countries with strict trail maintenance and waste policies—pack out what you pack in and respect seasonal grazing areas.
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Adventure Hotspots in Chamonix
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof breathable shell
Protects against sudden alpine rain and wind while remaining breathable on steep climbs.
Sturdy backpacking boots (broken-in)
Support and traction for mixed alpine terrain and long downhill sections.
Trekking poles
Reduce knee stress on descents and aid balance on scree and stream crossings.
2–3L hydration system and high-calorie snacks
Keeps fluids and electrolytes up along long, exposed stretches between huts.