Day 1: Arrive in Les Houches
The group will rendezvous at our hotel/chalet in Les Houches, just a few kilometres from Chamonix. Lying beneath the stunning north face of Mont Blanc, the views are awesome from the start!. Before dinner, you will meet your trip leader to have an informal chat about the days ahead and have the chance to check out your clothing and gear and to decide if you will need to pick up any further items of equipment, before setting out in the morning. KE Land Only package services begin with the evening meal. Overnight at the hotel in Les Houches. Meals included: Dinner (D)
Day 2: Col de Tricot to Les Contamines
A very gentle introduction on this first day, with a cable car ride to Bellevue, where our trek starts in earnest. A short descent takes us to the start of the Bionassay Glacier with the Aiguille de Bionassay towering above. Crossing the torrent via a fine new suspension bridge, we climb easily to the Col de Tricot. Ahead lies the bulk of the Dome de Miage and below us is the idyllic summer hamlet of the Chalet de Miage which will take us 45 minutes or so to reach. After a welcome drink at the Chalet de Miage, a relatively short climb and easy descent takes us into the colourful village of Les Contamines. Approximate walking time 5.5 hours. (B,D)
Day 3: Col de Bonhomme to Les Chapieux
A leisurely wander by the river to Notre Dame de la Gorge is our start for today. Leaving the river our route then climbs steeply, following the ‘paved’ Roman road thought to have been a route taken by Hannibal in an early version of the Tour du Mont Blanc. Our next stop is at the refuge at Le Balme, a good place to contemplate the climb to the Col de Bonhomme. This is a long, steady plod and the pass itself often has snow patches early in the season. At 2469 metres (8100 feet), this is considerably higher than the Col de Tricot, but at least the climbing is over for the day, as we traverse round the Croix de Bonhomme before dropping gently down to Les Chapieux. Approximate walking time - 6.5 hours. (B,D)
Day 4: Courmayeur via the Col de la Seigne
A short section of road takes us out of Les Chapieux towards the refuge Le Mottet, which doubles as a donkey and mule sanctuary. Many of these animals earn their keep by transporting baggage to our next high point, at the Col de la Seigne (2513m / 8245ft). This is a significant col on the border between France and Italy and gives superlative views of the Brenva face of Mont Blanc. An easy descent takes us past the Elizabetta Refuge and down into the head of the Val Veni, under the awesome ridge of the Aiguille Noire de Peuterey. After lunch, we catch a bus down to the vibrant town and mountaineering centre of Courmayeur. We stay tonight in a hotel at La Palud above the town. Approximate walking time - 6 hours. (B,D)
Day 5: Via Monte de la Saxe Ridge to Arnuva
Leaving La Palud we climb towards the Monte de la Saxe Ridge. This is a spectacular grass ridge which provides fantastic views of the Italian side of Mont Blanc and the Grandes Jorasses. We pass above the Bertone Hut, and from here there are options depending on the weather. We can drop down to La Vachey and walk up the road, or we can cross another col - Deux Sauts - and go past the Bonatti refuge and contour round to Arnuva. 5 – 6 hours. (B,D)
Day 6: Col du Grand Ferret to La Fouly
We start the day with a short walk up to the Elena Refuge, which makes an excellent place to stop for morning coffee. After this pleasant interlude, we set off on the long climb to the Col du Grand Ferret (2530m / 8300ft). From this pass, there are views of the snow-capped Grand Combin (4090m / 13,419ft) and also Mont Dolent, the summit of which is shared by France Switzerland and Italy. Beyond the pass, we have entered Switzerland and the terrain is very different, less rugged, as we descend to La Fouly. We stay overnight in a hotel. Walking time - 5 hours. (B,D)
Day 7: An easy day to Champex
A relatively easy day, which starts off with a gentle downhill walk through woodland and typically Swiss villages. There are plenty of opportunities to sample the delights of local hostelries and a stop in Champex, the 'Chocolate Box Village', is a must. Approximate walking time - 5 hours. (B,D)
Day 8: Cross the Fenetre d’Arpette to Trient
The climb up to the pass known as the Fenetre d’Arpette (2670m / 8760ft) is perhaps one of the most demanding days of the tour, but there are compensations. On reaching the rocky col the spectacular view across the Trient Glacier is quite breathtaking. We will take time out at the pass to fully appreciate the position, looking down towards a veritable sea of seracs and crevasses. An alternative route for those with a less stout constitution (or indeed, a wet weather variation) is via the Bovine Route. This is a gem in its own right and provides spectacular views of the Rhone Valley. We overnight in a hotel at the Col de Forclaz. Walking time – 7 hours. (B,D)
Day 9: Col de Balme to Argentiere
We have a short descent into the Trient Valley and then start the climb up through fine woodland to reach the Col de Balme. Our route to the pass can be varied to take account of the prevailing weather conditions. The preferred route, via Les Grands, allows us to linger over views of the Trient Glacier and to better appreciate the exposed position of the Fenetre d’Arpette which we crossed on the previous day. On reaching the Col de Balme, we cross the border back into France where below us lies the Chamonix Valley, dominated by the Aiguille Verte at one end and Mont Blanc at the other. We descend from the Col de Balme to Argentiere. Approximate walking time – 6.5 hours. (B,D)
Day 10: Col des Montets to La Flegere
From Le Buet our path meanders up to the Col des Montets before heading off towards the cliffs of Le Chesery, where our route takes a seemingly impossible line helped on more difficult sections by cables and ladders. This is very easy and not something to be worried about! Leaving the cliffs behind, easier ground takes us to Lac Blanc where we take lunch. This is arguably one of the Chamonix Valley’s best viewpoints. We descend to La Flegere and use the transport system for the short drive back to our accommodation in Argentiere. (B,D)
Day 11: Via the Brevent summit to Les Houches
Today we complete our Tour du Mont Blanc. Returning to the end point of the previous day's walk we use the lift system to get back up to La Flegere and continue to climb on a superb trail to the Col du Brevent and on to the Brevent summit. The views across the Chamonix Valley to Mont Blanc are excellent and the walking is delightful. Finally, we descend via Merlet to Les Houches, the starting point of our trek! After a celebratory drink, we transfer back to Argentiere where we check into our chalet and have a final celebratory dinner to mark the end of our classic circuit. (B,D)
Day 12: Services end after breakfast
The KE Land Only package ends after breakfast. (B)