Your Self-Guided Adventure Starts Here
Create Your Self-Guided Tour du Mont Blanc Route Itinerary
Choose your pace, start point and direction — we'll build a personalised, self-guided day-by-day route itinerary with distances, ascent, descent and walking times for your Tour du Mont Blanc adventure.
Download GPX route files for every stage. Stops are based on access to accommodation including refuges (does not include camping).
How Our Planner Helps
- Choose Your Pace — Four speed profiles from trail runner to explorer.
- Set Your Dates — Pick a start date and daily walking hours.
- Add Rest Days — After generating your itinerary you can add rest days along the way.
- Interactive Map — View each day's segment with trail details.
- GPX Downloads — Export a free GPX file for each day of your trek.
Free Tour du Mont Blanc GPX Route Files
Download free GPX route files for the Tour du Mont Blanc, split by day to match your personal itinerary. Our planner generates individual GPX route tracks for each of your stages, covering all 165 km through France, Italy and Switzerland.
Each GPX file includes full elevation data and follows your chosen direction of travel. Load them onto Komoot, AllTrails, Garmin, OS Maps, or any GPS-compatible device. No sign-up required — just generate your itinerary and download.
Compatible with Komoot, AllTrails, Garmin, OS Maps, Maps.me, Apple Watch.
How Long Does the Tour du Mont Blanc Route Take?
The Tour du Mont Blanc route covers approximately 170 km (106 miles) with around 10,000 metres of cumulative ascent, circling the Mont Blanc massif through France, Italy and Switzerland. How long it takes depends entirely on how you choose to travel it. Based on averaging 8 hours a day on the trail, here's what to expect.
Most walkers complete the self-guided route in 10 to 13 days, averaging around 13 to 17 km per day with comfortable overnight stops in refuges, gîtes and valley towns along the way. This is the classic pace — unhurried enough to soak in the stunning Alpine scenery, enjoy a meal at the end of each day, and still feel the satisfying pull of progress through three countries.
For those who move light and fast, fastpacking the TMB route in around 8 days is a popular challenge. Covering 20 to 25 km a day with a stripped-back pack, fastpackers experience the route with a different kind of intensity — longer days on the trail and bigger transitions between valleys. It demands fitness and good mountain sense, but the sense of momentum is addictive.
At the sharp end, experienced trail runners tackle the entire route in as few as 5 days, running significant distances daily across some of Europe's most spectacular high mountain terrain. It's a serious undertaking that combines endurance, mountain skills, and mental resilience — but for those with the legs and the drive, it's one of the great trail running challenges in the Alps.
Our route planner lets you adjust daily hours and speed profile to find the perfect schedule for however you choose to travel. Whether you're planning a relaxed fortnight or a five-day push, we'll build you a day-by-day route itinerary that fits.
Tour du Mont Blanc Route: Sample Itineraries
Below are three sample self-guided itineraries generated by our planner, all starting from Les Houches in the traditional anti-clockwise direction at 8 hours per day. Use them as a starting point — you can customise your own in seconds using the planner above.
- Sample TMB 10-Day Itinerary for a Hiker — The classic Tour du Mont Blanc at a comfortable pace (165 km, 9,671 m ascent). Ten days is the most popular way to walk the Tour du Mont Blanc. Averaging around 16 km per day with roughly 8 hours of walking, this itinerary gives you time to soak in the views, enjoy mountain refuges, and cross three countries without pushing too hard.
- Sample 8-Day TMB Itinerary for a Fastpacker — Cover the full circuit with longer days and a lighter pack (165 km, 9,671 m ascent). Eight days at fastpacker pace covers the full Tour du Mont Blanc with longer stages averaging around 20 km per day. This schedule suits experienced walkers comfortable with sustained effort who want to complete the circuit in just over a week.
- Sample 5-Day TMB Itinerary for a Trail Runner — A fast circuit for experienced endurance athletes (165 km, 9,671 m ascent). Five days of trail running around Mont Blanc, averaging 33 km per day with significant elevation. This is a serious undertaking that demands endurance, mountain experience, and a light pack. The varied terrain — from valley paths to exposed alpine cols — makes it one of Europe's premier multi-day trail running routes.
What to Expect on the Tour du Mont Blanc Route
The Tour du Mont Blanc route is one of the world's most celebrated long-distance walking routes, circumnavigating the Mont Blanc massif through three countries: France, Italy, and Switzerland. Covering around 170 kilometres with approximately 10,000 metres of ascent, the route typically takes 7 to 11 days to complete and rewards walkers with an extraordinary variety of landscapes, from glacial valleys and rocky high passes to flower-filled alpine meadows and traditional mountain villages.
The trail is most commonly walked starting from Les Houches, just outside Chamonix, climbing through alpine meadows to Col de Voza before descending through pine forests toward the village of Bionnassay, where the dramatic Glacier de Bionnassay comes into view with Mont Blanc beginning to dominate the skyline.
The descent into the Vallée des Glaciers leads to the quiet hamlet of Les Chapieux, before the trail climbs again toward Col de la Seigne, the 2,516 metre pass marking the French-Italian border. The views here are breathtaking, with the full southern face of the Mont Blanc massif revealing itself in dramatic fashion.
Leaving Italy, the trail climbs over 800 metres out of Courmayeur to reach Rifugio Bertone, then continues along a high natural balcony above Val Ferret, with the jagged north faces of Les Grandes Jorasses filling the horizon.
The Swiss section brings a change in character, with gentler rolling pastures and the traditional wooden chalets of villages like La Fouly and Champex-Lac.
The final section back into France is among the most dramatic. The route crosses the exposed Aiguillettes des Posettes ridge before tackling a series of fixed metal ladders on the ascent to Refuge du Lac Blanc, perched above a glacial lake with exceptional reflections of Mont Blanc.
Best Time to Walk the Tour du Mont Blanc Route
The TMB route is a summer trail, with the main walking season running from late June to mid-September. Outside these months, high passes can be buried under snow and many refuges are closed.
July and August are the most popular months, offering the most reliable weather and fully open huts and services. The downside is crowds. Popular refuges book out weeks in advance, and busy sections like the Vallée de Chamonix can feel anything but wilderness. If you're walking in peak season, book accommodation as early as possible.
Late June can be magical if the snow has cleared, with wildflowers in full bloom and a fresher, quieter atmosphere on the trail. Some higher sections may still carry snow, so check conditions carefully and carry trekking poles.
Early September is arguably the sweet spot. The summer crowds thin out, temperatures are cooler, the autumn light is stunning, and the mountain colours begin to shift. Most refuges stay open until mid-September, though it's worth confirming individual hut closures before you go.
Avoid October onwards. The weather becomes unpredictable, snow returns to altitude, and services close. The TMB rewards those who time it well.
Lift your eyes from the trail. Every corner you turn is a different view, a different landscape. It shouldn't be a route march.
Getting There & Transport
How do I reach the start in Chamonix?
Chamonix is easily accessible from Geneva Airport, about 1 hour away.
By Transfer
The most common option. Shuttle companies run frequent services from Geneva Airport directly to Chamonix (around 1–1.5 hours).
By Train
You can take a train from Geneva to Chamonix via Saint-Gervais-les-Bains. The journey takes around 2.5 hours and is very scenic.
By Car
Driving from Geneva takes just over an hour. Parking is available in Chamonix, but long-term parking should be arranged in advance.
How do I get back at the end?
Since the route is circular, you'll typically finish where you started — most commonly Chamonix.
If you start elsewhere (e.g., Les Houches), local buses and trains connect all major points around the loop, making it easy to return to your starting location.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does your Itinerary Planner help me plan my adventure?
Plan Your Self-Guided Adventure, Day by Day, Without the Guesswork
One of the trickiest parts of planning a long-distance walk isn't choosing the route, it's working out where to stop each day. How far can you realistically cover? How long will that section actually take? Get it wrong and you're either limping to your stop exhausted or finishing the day with miles still to go.
Our free itinerary planner takes all of that off your plate.
Tell it a few simple things: your start date, how fast you move, and how many hours you want to be on your feet each day. Choose from four pace types — Explorer, Hiker, Fastpacker or Trail Runner — hit Generate Itinerary, and within seconds you'll have a personalised day-by-day plan.
Behind the scenes, the planner accounts for distance, terrain, and elevation to calculate realistic daily stages. Not just flat-map kilometres, but genuine moving time. Whether you're a weekend wanderer who likes to stop and soak up the view, or an experienced trail runner pushing through long days, the planner adapts to your style.
Once you're happy with your itinerary, you can download it complete with your actual dates, handy to have when you're sorting out your accommodation along the way.
The result is a personalised itinerary that tells you exactly where to aim each day, how long you'll be on the move, and how the route breaks down from start to finish. So you can stop worrying about the logistics and start looking forward to the adventure.
Ready to plan? Enter your details, choose your pace, and generate your itinerary in seconds.
How accurate are your time calculations?
Our timings are not based on simple distance calculations or generic 'average walking speeds.' Instead, we model each route using a structured performance framework that separates progress on flat terrain, climbing speed on ascent, descent efficiency, and the specific terrain profile of each individual trail. This matters because two routes of the same distance can feel entirely different depending on elevation gain, gradient distribution and surface type. By analysing these elements independently, we produce timing guidance that reflects how experienced walkers and runners actually move in the real world. Each trail is carefully reviewed and profiled rather than auto-generated. Terrain characteristics are factored in, not just headline ascent totals. Our pace categories are aligned with real-world outdoor performance, not arbitrary labels. The result is timing guidance that is fair, realistic and significantly more precise than standard rule-of-thumb estimates. This enables you to choose daily distances that match your ability and enjoy your adventure with confidence.
Can I download GPX route files of my itinerary?
Yes! After generating your itinerary, each day includes a free GPX download button. The GPX files are automatically split to match your specific daily stages, so you get an individual file for each day of your trek rather than one large file for the entire route.
Every GPX file includes full elevation data and follows your chosen direction of travel, whether you're walking the TMB clockwise or anticlockwise. The files are compatible with all major navigation apps and devices including Komoot, AllTrails, Garmin, OS Maps, Maps.me, Apple Watch and any other GPS-compatible device that supports the GPX format.
No sign-up is required. Simply generate your itinerary, review your daily stages, and download the GPX files you need. You can also download the complete route as a single file if you prefer.
I need assistance with my itinerary, booking accommodation and bag transfer
Big Trail Adventures Big Trail Adventures specialise in multi-day walking adventures with custom itineraries to suit your pace and requirements.
Whether you need help fine-tuning your daily stages, booking accommodation along the route, or arranging bag transfers between stops, their experienced team can take care of everything. They offer fully supported, self-guided packages so you can focus on enjoying the trail while the logistics are handled for you.
Get in touch with Big Trail Adventures to discuss your plans and let them build you a hassle-free Tour du Mont Blanc experience.
Is it harder than other long-distance trails?
Yes — it's considered moderately challenging to difficult. Expect around 10,000 m of total ascent, with frequent steep climbs and descents. The highest point on the standard route is around 2,665 m (Col des Fours variant), though most routes stay below 2,500 m. Good fitness and some mountain experience are strongly recommended.
Which direction should I walk it in?
Most people walk counterclockwise, starting from Chamonix. This direction offers more gradual ascents on key passes and aligns better with guidebooks and signage. Clockwise is perfectly possible but less common.
What are the hardest parts?
The biggest challenges are the repeated climbs and descents rather than any technical difficulty. Notable tough sections include the ascent to Col du Bonhomme, the climb from Courmayeur to Rifugio Bonatti, and the long climb to Grand Col Ferret into Switzerland. Weather and altitude can make these sections significantly harder.
Do I need to book accommodation early?
Absolutely — especially for refuges. Booking several months ahead is essential for peak season (July–August), and still recommended for June and September. Some key stages have limited options, and last-minute availability is rare.
Is the route well signposted?
Yes, generally well marked with consistent signage in all three countries. However, conditions in the mountains can change quickly, so carrying a map, GPX file, or guidebook is still strongly recommended — particularly in poor weather or on variant routes.
What footwear and other kit do I need?
Well-tested hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip. The terrain includes rocky paths, steep climbs, and occasional snow patches early in the season. Comfort and stability are key — and your footwear should be thoroughly broken in.
As for other kit, mountain weather in the Alps is unpredictable. A high-quality waterproof jacket and trousers are a must. Sudden storms, cold winds, and temperature drops are common, even in summer, so it's very important that you have the right kit. You can create a comprehensive kit list specific to the TMB using our kit list planner Hiking Kit List Planner — What to Pack for Multi-day Trails | Trailpack
Do I need to worry about altitude?
Altitude is noticeable but not extreme. Most of the route stays between 1,000 m and 2,500 m. Some people may feel mild effects (shortness of breath, fatigue), but serious altitude sickness is uncommon.
Where can I get food and supplies?
There are frequent opportunities to eat and resupply, especially at mountain refuges and towns such as Les Contamines, Courmayeur, and Champex-Lac. Many refuges serve meals, so you often don't need to carry much food beyond snacks for the day.
Can I wild camp?
Wild camping rules vary by country and region and are generally quite restrictive.
Allowed in some areas above certain altitudes (discreet bivouacking)
Prohibited or tightly controlled in others, especially near towns and protected zones
Using designated campsites or refuges is the simplest option. Always check local regulations and follow Leave No Trace principles.