Tour du Mont Blanc - Mountain Kingdoms

Tour du Mont Blanc
Circuit Mont Blanc in style with the best route,
excellent accommodation and an experienced leader
The Alps – Trek
Val Veny towards Col de la Seine courtesy of Vic Chambers
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Accommodation: Hotels and Guesthouse
Grade:
Max trek altitude:
Vigorous/strenuous
2,665m/8,743ft
Duration:
13 Days, Geneva to Geneva
On Trek:
11 days
Min/Max group size: 6/12
Guaranteed to run for 6
Trek Leader: Mountain Kingdoms appointed
leader
Land only: Joining in Geneva or
Chamonix
2013 dates and prices:
Land only
Sun 23 Jun – Fri 05 Jul £1,965
Sun 04 Aug – Fri 16 Aug £1,965
Please note slightly different itinerary for the June
departure
Flights:
We strongly advise that you check with us first
that your holiday is 'up and running' before you
book your international flights.
The classic alpine trek encompassing
three countries – France,
Switzerland and Italy – nine high
passes and around 110 miles of
staggeringly beautiful scenery
tel: 01453 844400
fax: 01453 844422
info@mountainkingdoms.com
www.mountainkingdoms.com

Introduction
• The best route carefully selected to avoid the busiest paths and to leave the most strenuous ascents
till the end of the trek
• Daily luggage transfer leaving you free to carry just a day sack
• Accommodation in hotels and auberges chosen for their comfort and character
• Highly experience Mountain Kingdoms leader who has completed the circuit many times
The Tour du Mont Blanc is very justly considered to be one of the finest walks in the world. The Mont Blanc
Massif dominates the Western European Alps and this walk offers the unique experience of completing a
magnificent circuit of the mountain, approximately 110 miles through three countries, France, Switzerland and
Italy. The diversity of scenery, flora, language, culture and cuisine is truly remarkable. On this fine route you
will cross nine classic cols (passes) with a total ascent and descent overall of over 10,000m/33,000ft. We have
chosen a clockwise direction for the route as this means that the majority of the more strenuous walking days
then lie at the end of the trip.
The Tour du Mont Blanc has many variants. We try, where possible, to use less busy routes. As a rule paths are
well maintained and way-marked and you require no special mountain skills or equipment apart from stamina
and enthusiasm! We would only expect to deviate from the given itinerary if weather conditions or low-lying
snow posed a risk to safety.
Walking days vary in length and amount of climb. You will normally start your walk after an early breakfast and
expect to arrive at your destination between 4 and 6pm. Your kit bags are moved daily to your next overnight
accommodation, leaving you free to carry just a day sack.
F R A N C E
Forclaz
Champex
S U I S S E
HAUTE
SAVOIE
Le Brevent
Lac
Blanc
Le Haut
Aig.Verte
Aig.Tour
Aig.
d’Argentiere
Mt Dolent
La Fouly
N
Col de Voza
Les Houches
Chamonix
Aig.Du Geant
Aig.Du Midi
Grand
Jorasses
La Vachey
Les Contamines
Aig.des
Glaciers
Dome Du
Gouter
Mont Blanc
Mt Maudit
Dolonne
Courmayeur
TOUR DU MONT
BLANC
I T A L Y
Les
Chapieux
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Trek Leader
Winky O’Neale. Winky has been hill-walking, mountaineering and climbing since 1972,
progressing from the UK to the Alps and then to the Himalaya and Africa. She is a highly
qualified mountain and trek leader and has taken part in expeditions to Singu Chuli in the
Annapurna Sanctuary, Mount Kenya, and Mount Ararat in Turkey. In 1993, Winky made the
first British female ascent of Baljuri (5,950m) and Panwali Dwar (6,500m) in Gangotri, India.
In 2002 she did the Rolwaling Trek including the ascent of Parchemo (6,187m). In 2004 she
got to the top of Chimborazo and also led the Mera Peak trek and summit in October 2004.
She has led this particular trek for us several times.
Outline itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Geneva. Drive to Chamonix
Days 2-3 Take the Brevent Telecabine to Gares de Plan Praz and then trek to Trélechamps. Cross the Col de
Balme (2,191m/7,188ft) and enter Switzerland.
Days 4-5 Trek to Champex by the Bovine route. The next day reach La Fouly.
Days 6-7 Trek over the Monte de la Saxe ridge and cross to Courmayeur in Italy.
Day 8 Rest day in Courmayeur or optional trek to Col Checroui
Days 9-10 Climb to the Col del la Siegne and cross into France and Chapieux. Follow TMB to Col du Bonhomme
and descend to Les Contamines.
Days 11-12 Trek to Chamonix via Les Houches via the summit of Le Brevent (2,525m/8,284ft). Arrive back in
Chamonix for a celebration meal and beer.
Day 13 Departure from Chamonix to Geneva.
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Mountain Kingdoms Responsible Tourism Policy
Award winners
Mountain Kingdoms has a top five star rating for sustainable tourism from the Association of
Independent Tour Operators' (AITO) and is a previous winner of the prestigious annual AITO
Responsible Tourism Award.
Our commitment
Mountain Kingdoms is committed to responsible tourism, through policies and practices which permeate all
aspects of its business. Our policies aim to ensure that we and our clients act in a way which is socially,
environmentally and culturally sound. We feel strongly that all Mountain Kingdoms holidays should benefit local
communities, protect the environment by minimising pollution, and respect local traditions, religion and
heritage. We tread lightly - low volume, low impact trekking/touring is the best way of preserving the beautiful
and fragile places we visit.
We work with organisations such as Tourism Concern, International Porter Protection Group (IPPG), Tourism
Industry Carbon Offset Service (TICOS), AITO and various charities, to help achieve our responsible tourism
goals.
Our Initiatives
We support a number of Responsible Tourism initiatives and organisations in many of the destinations we visit.
Our main initiative is raising funds for schools in Nepal and to date we have raised over £14,000. Other examples
of our recent ongoing work are the Simien Mountains Mobile Medical Service, the Bridge Project in Zanskar and
support for the Village Education Project in Kilimanjaro. Further details of all our Responsible Tourism
initiatives can be found at www.mountainkingdoms.com
Porter Protection
In the countries where we use porters such as Nepal and Peru, we feel that the issue of porter
protection is immensely important. We support the work and the aims of the IPPG (International
Porter Protection Group) and as such we have a set of guidelines to adhere to and which we apply
worldwide.
Carbon off-setting
Working with the Tourism Industry Carbon Offset Service (TICOS) we offset the carbon emissions for every
Mountain Kingdoms holiday booked by clients that includes a flight. TICOS allocates this money to a school in
Ladakh, India which Mountain Kingdoms has supported for many years. Clients who book a Land Only trip with us
may like to make their own contribution via the TICOS website www.ticos.co.uk.
Further information:
When we receive your booking we send you a full Trek Dossier which contains details of visas and vaccinations
required, a suggested gear and clothing list and lots of useful information.
If you do have queries at this initial stage do ring us on 01453 844400 and we will be pleased to offer advice.
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Day-by-day itinerary
DAY 1 - SUNDAY: ARRIVE GENEVA. DRIVE TO CHAMONIX (1080m/3,543ft)
The group normally meets at Geneva Airport although you may choose to join in Chamonix. We normally arrange
the transfer from Geneva to Chamonix for between 12 and 2pm, depending on the flight times of the group so
please do not arrange for your flight to arrive after 2pm. The transfer to Chamonix will take approximately 1½
hours. Your trek leader will meet you in the hotel in Chamonix.
Chamonix is a very busy, attractive mountain town that has become a Mecca for lovers of the mountains, for
skiers and for climbers. The views of the Mont Blanc Massif from town are exceptional. There is always
something going on in Chamonix and it has a lively cafe and night life culture. Your trek leader will be able to
suggest somewhere to eat tonight.
Overnight Richemond Hotel.
DAY 2 - MONDAY:
CHAMONIX TO TRÉLECHAMPS 5-6 hrs.
(↓ 122m ↑ 475m ↓ 952m)
Today you take the Brevent Telecabine to Gares de Plan Praz (1,999m/6,558ft) and follow the Grand Balcon Sud
to Chalet de la Flegere (1877m/6,158ft). You now follow the TMB route to Chalet Du Lac Blanc
(2,352m/7,716ft). Today’s route gives the most extensive views of the Mont Blanc Massif. You can lunch by a
small lake and on occasion Ibex have been known to come down from the Aiguilles Rouge to drink. You descend,
at times steeply, to the Col des Montets (1,461m/4,793ft) and head south to Trélechamps (1,360m/4,462ft).
A short walk down the road brings you to Argentiere.
Overnight Hotel du Couronne. (Meals: B, L, D)
DAY 3 - TUESDAY:
TREK TO TRIENT 5-6 hrs.
(↑ 799m ↓ 202m ↑194m ↓865m)
You climb steadily onto the spine of Des Possetts (2,199m/7,214ft) stopping at a
high point to admire the Glaciers le Tour and Argentiere with their respective
peaks towering above. Dropping and climbing again you cross the Col de Balme
(2,191m/7,188ft) and enter Switzerland. Descending through meadows and pine
forest you reach the hamlet of Trient (1,326m/4,350ft). You then make a final
climb up to Col de Forclaz. You stay at the Hotel de la Forclaz here, overlooking
the village of Trient.
Overnight Hotel de la Forclaz (Meals: B, L, D)
DAY 4 - WEDNESDAY: TREK TO CHAMPEX 5-6 hrs.
(↑ 523m ↓ 583m)
Today you follow a varied route on undulating terrain as you walk to Champex by the Bovine route. You leave
the Col de la Forclaz and climb up through trees until eventually you come out at the route’s high point, the
Collet Portalo 2049m. You are now on open slopes of pasture land, Alp Bovine and will find refreshments
available here. You then descend steeply into the wooded Vallon de Six- Fours, then on to the farm buildings
Plan de L’Au with another opportunity for refreshments. Finally you come down into Champex D’En Haut and on
into the tranquil village of Champex –Lac where we stay in the elegant and aptly named Hotel Splendide a
traditional Swiss hotel dating from the heyday of Alpine tourism. The hotel has stunning views of the Grand
Combin and Ferret Valley.
(We no longer cross the Fenetre d’Arpette on this day as it has become rather hazardous in recent years.)
Overnight Hotel Splendide. (Meals: B, L, D)
DAY 5 - THURSDAY:
TREK TO LA FOULY 5-6 hrs.
(↓ 422m ↑ 538m)
You now turn south following the Val Ferret, passing through the ancient farming
settlements of Issert (1,055m/3,461ft), Les Arlaches and Praz de Fort. This is one
of the easier days with no col to cross. You continue to La Fouly (1,610m/5,226ft),
situated at the base of Mont Dolent and Glacier de la Neuve.
Overnight at Hotel l’Edelweiss, a small chalet style family run hotel. (Meals: B, L, D)
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DAY 6 - FRIDAY:
TREK TO LA VACHEY 6-7 hrs.
(↑ 944m ↓ 897m)
The route continues up the valley to the small farmstead of La Peule. (2,071m/6,795ft). From here the path
crosses wide, open pasture onto the Gran col Ferret (2,537m/8,323ft) and the border to Italy. The views of the
Grand Combin and Mont Dolent are spectacular. A steep zigzag brings you down to the Refuge de Elena and from
here a wide track continues to La Vachey (1,640m/5,381ft), situated beneath the Grandes Jorasses. You will be
transported from La Vachey to the Hotel Ottoz Meublé, an unusual hotel with amazing character in the medieval
village of Dolonne, and only 5 minutes’ walk from the town of Courmayeur.
Overnight Hotel Ottoz Meublé. (Meals: B, L, D)
DAY 7 - SATURDAY:
TREK TO COURMAYEUR 6-7 hrs.
(↑ 924m ↓ 1354m)
You will be transported back to La Vachey and from here you climb steeply to the Col Sapin (2,436m/7,992ft)
and Tête de la Tronche (2,584m/8,478ft) and gain access to the Monte de la Saxe ridge (2,348m/7,703ft)
enjoying elevated views of the Grandes Jorasses and les Dents de Géants. Your descent is punctuated by a stop
at the Refuge Bertone. After a cold glass of Italian beer or wine you descend to Courmayeur (1,230m/4,035ft)
and Dolonne.
Overnight at the Hôtel Ottoz Meublé. (Meals: B, L)
DAY 8 – SUNDAY:
Today you have 2 options :
REST DAY IN COURMAYEUR OR OPTIONAL WALK TO COL CHECROUI 5-6 hrs (↑↓
726m)
Option 1) A rest day in Courmayeur
A very pretty Northern Italian village, which is a hub of activity in both summer and winter. The upper cobbled
streets house loads of designer clothes and gear shops as well as superb ice cream parlours and pizza cafeterias.
Places to go:
* Courmayeur – Alpine Museum and Grivel Factory.
* Entreves – Telepherique to Helbronner. (There are Alpine Botanical Gardens on the first stop up.)
* Aosta – People can take the bus further on down the valley to Aosta (approx 1 hour by bus from Courmayeur),
a Roman town that still has its Roman Wall and Triumphal Arch (the Roman Arch of Cesar Augustus 25BC). The
Roman Forum and Theatre are in excellent condition. Well worth a visit for the bus journey alone.
Option 2) You can follow the TMB route
(Also known as the Bal D’Aoste) to Le Col Checroui (1,956m/6,417ft), thereby filling in the ‘missing section’ of
the TMB route. There are wonderful views of Mont Blanc from here but we do not include it because the route
has been marred by ski lifts, landslides and unpleasant scree. You descend back to Dolonne via Val Veny at the
foot of the Aiguilles Noire.
Overnight at the Hôtel Ottoz Meublé. (Meals: B)
June departure:
On the June departure you will not have a free day in Courmayeur but will instead have a free day in Les
Contamines, so June departure itinerary is:
Sunday – Trek to Les Chapieux
Monday – Trek to Les Contamines
Tuesday – Free day in Les Contamines. The hotel in Les Contamines is very pleasant with pool and Jacuzzi and
there are lots of good cafes and restaurants in town and nice walks in the surrounding area.
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DAY 9 - MONDAY:
TREK TO LES CHAPIEUX 7-8 hrs.
(↑ 976m ↓ 967m)
You are transferred to the top of Val Veny (1,540m/5,052ft) where you begin
your climb to the Col de la Seigne (2,516m/8,254ft) and the border back into
France. A well-used track takes you past the glacial Lac Combal and up to
the Rifugio Elisabetta Soldini. Perched on the moraine adjacent to the
Glacier de la Lex Blanche, this is a perfect tea break. The path from here
takes you past the old customs house and onto the broad Col. On a very clear
day it is possible to see the Matterhorn. You follow an old mule track down
to Chalet de Mottets and Ville des Glaciers. The final descent is by road to
the hamlet of Chapieux (1,549m/5,082ft) where you will spend the night at
the quaint Auberge de la Nova which serves delicious food.
Overnight Auberge de la Nova. (Meals: B, L, D)
PLEASE NOTE: The Auberge does not have many rooms and although we do book rooms a long time in advance
there may be the rare event when you may have to spend the night in dormitory accommodation.
DAY 10 - TUESDAY:
TREK TO LES CONTAMINES DE MONTJOIE 7-8 hrs.
(↑ 930m ↓ 1314m)
Your day begins straight up out of Chapieux to the Refuge and Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2,479m/8,133ft)
via Chalets de la Raja. The path winds through the ancient glacial eroded valley – a favourite for Marmots – and
then takes a rocky route down to the Col du Bonhomme (2,329m/7,641ft) proper. Your descent, now also the
GR5, is a combination of steep narrow paths and wide open tracks through Alpine pastures. As you reach the Les
Contamines valley you pass the ancient church of Notre Dame de la Gorge before a level walk to Les Contamines
(1,165m/3,822ft).
Overnight at the friendly, family-run Savoyarde chalet style Hôtel la Chemenaz. (Meals: B, L, D)
DAY 11 - WEDNESDAY: TREK TO LES HOUCHES 7-8 hrs.
(↑580m ↓141m ↑ 521m ↓ 394m ↑ 54m ↓ 787m)
You climb in a north easterly direction to the Chalets des Truc (1,740m/5,709ft) and then down to Les Chalets
du Miages (1,599m/5,246ft). This trail starts first through trees, opens up below the Dome du Miage and after a
short descent you can stop for a hot chocolate. From here you climb steeply up the Col de Tricot
(2,120m/6,955ft) and then follow the path down the Combe des Juments, a valley of old farming settlements
and beautiful Azaleas, to the snout of the Bionnasay Glaciers. As you cross a little suspension bridge it is often
possible to see the ice falling. A small rise takes you to the track of the Tramway du Mont Blanc. You follow it
down to the Col de Voza (1,652m/5,420ft) and continue on wide trails and road to Les Houches
(1007m/3,258ft).
Overnight at the Hotel Slalom. (Meals: B, L, D)
DAY 12 - THURSDAY: TREK TO CHAMONIX 7-8 hrs.
(↑ 1532m ↓ 526m)
Your final day’s walk contains the greatest single ascent, climbing to the
summit of Le Brevent (2,525m/8,284ft) on the northern side of the
Chamonix valley, for a final opportunity to see the entire Massif before
steeply descending to our start point, Les Gares de Plan Praz
(1,999m/6,558ft). You arrive back in Chamonix for a celebratory beer – the
leader will arrange a dinner location for your final night together.
Overnight Hotel Richemond. (Meals: B, L)
DAY 13 – FRIDAY:
DEPARTURE FROM CHAMONIX TO GENEVA.
In the morning you will be transferred to Geneva airport for your flight home. (Meals: B)
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Trip notes
Hotels:
Meal Plan:
Flights:
Additional
Expenses:
Transport:
Fitness:
On this trek we have carefully chosen hotels and auberges for their character, quality and
service as opposed to the much cheaper establishments that are on offer elsewhere. Most
rooms are on a twin-shared basis (though we cannot guarantee this) and where possible double
rooms will be sourced for couples who request them. If you would like a single room we will try
to provide this. If we are unable to provide a single room on any given night we will refund your
single supplement pro-rata
Accommodation is very limited on the Tour du Mont Blanc, and we reserve the right to change
accommodation when necessary.
Breakfast is provided on Days 2-13 and is continental style, normally tea, coffee or hot
chocolate, bread, croissants, preserves etc.
Lunches are provided on days as specified in the itinerary. They will take the form of a filled
baguette made from ingredients provided or as a picnic comprising of fresh vegetables and
local meats and cheeses and carried communally.
Evening meals are provided on days as specified in the itinerary. They will normally be three
courses, e.g. Soup, Main Course and Dessert. Hotels can provide simple vegetarian meals on
request. Please note that tea, coffee and bar drinks are not included with dinners.
Please note international flights are not included in the price. We strongly advise that you
check with us first that your holiday is 'up and running' before you book your international
flights. If we have to cancel the trek you have booked, we cannot be held liable for losses
incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.
Most days give the opportunity to buy a hot chocolate, soft drinks or pastries. Prices vary, but
typically a drink in a refuge along the way would cost between 2 -3 €.
The leader will give details regarding monies needed on arrival. There is an opportunity to
change money in Chamonix, Champex and then again in Courmayeur.
It is customary in this area to tip restaurant staff; this is of course discretionary.
Transfers to and from Geneva Airport are included in the cost although please note that this
will be one transfer at a fixed time normally midday on Day 1 and departing Chamonix at
8.30am on Day 13. Also all mountain transport, e.g. Telecabines and local transfers where
indicated.
Additional excursions are not included, e.g. The Aiguille du Midi Telecabine.
Most days on this circuit would compare to climbing a typical Scottish Munro, with an ascent
and descent of around 1000m. A peak such as Snowdon in North Wales should be comfortably
within your fitness level. Our leader will be very aware that this is a holiday and not a route
march, and will set a steady pace and where possible individuals will be able to walk at their
own pace. There should be ample opportunity for photographs and admiring the scenery. You
should be aware that if you are unable to walk (for whatever reason) on any day then transport
costs will be down to you. Some places visited on this circuit have no regular bus or train
service.
Important note:
Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary but as this is adventure travel, we cannot guarantee
it! By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected, particularly in remote and/or
mountainous regions. A variety of factors such as adverse weather conditions, difficulties with transportation
and the health of group members can all contribute to the need to make changes, often at the very last
minute. Changes can affect any part of the itinerary including overnight stops, duration of walking days, choice
of accommodation and routing. Your trek leader will make every effort to maintain the integrity of the original
itinerary and minimise the impact of any changes, but an easy-going and flexible nature is a real asset! Please
note that all timings and distances given are approximate.
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Mountain Kingdoms aims to offer the best value for money. We do not charge extra for meal packages or local
charges and try to ensure that all the key elements of your holiday are included - you won't get any nasty
shocks!
Therefore the price includes:
A Mountain Kingdoms' appointed leader
Hotel/airport transfers
Good standard hotel accommodation in
Chamonix, bed and breakfast basis
Best available hotels in outlying towns and
villages, often on full board
Transfer from Chamonix by private vehicle.
Local transfers where indicated.
Meals as detailed in Trip Notes
Cost of all luggage transfers
A free high-quality Mountain Kingdoms kit bag
The price does not include:
International flights
Optional trips
Travel insurance
Tips
Lunches and evening meals as indicated in the
itinerary
Optional single supplements - available for solo travellers who would prefer not to share accommodation
Single room: £275
Insurance: From: £49
(Please contact the office on 01453 844400 for details)
Will the trek run?
This trip is guaranteed to run for 6 people.
In the rare event that we cancel a holiday we will refund you in full and give you at least 6 weeks warning.
During 2012 many treks were full, therefore if you want to secure a place(s) on the dates of your choice we do
Advise you to book early.
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What our clients say about this trip:
The organisation was superb, thank you. The actual
route was really well thought through as (as it says
in your notes) going clockwise did give me a chance
to get fit before the last 2 very tough days. Also,
the variations to the route that have been chosen
(sometimes the "high route alternative") gave us
the chance to see amazing scenery and be away
from the other walkers. Really well chosen and
thought out - thanks. Mr N B, Hampshire
Reasons to book this holiday with Mountain Kingdoms:
‣ We have designed the very best version of this world famous route. It is definitely best to do
the Tour du Mont Blanc clockwise, as the hardest and most spectacular days, lie at the end.
‣ Carefully chosen hotels, chalets and mountain refuges of quality and character NOT just the
cheapest place available. A chance to achieve the Tour du Mont Blanc and the prospect of
thoroughly enjoying the overnight stays!
‣ Where no alternative exists we include the meals but you are not forced into 'all meals
included' – where there are choices we leave you free to choose. Your trek leader will have
lots of suggestions for those times.
‣ You only need to carry a day sack. This trip is supported by a vehicle which takes your main
baggage daily.
‣ You will enjoy the services of an experienced Leader who has done the trek many times.
‣ Transfers to/from Geneva included.
‣ The land only price allows you to take advantage of the 'no frills' airline prices.
‣ We impose a maximum group size of 12 persons plus your leader and as our minimum group
size is 6 this trip is extremely likely to get ‘up and running’.
‣ If you have any questions about this trip please contact Ann Sainsbury in the Mountain
Kingdoms office. Ann has done this circuit several times and should be able to answer any
queries which you may have.
Mountain Kingdoms Ltd, 20 Long Street, Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, GL12 7BT
Tel: 01453 844400 Fax: 01453 844422 Email: info@mountainkingdoms.com
www.mountainkingdoms.com
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