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Walk the classic circuit through France, Switzerland and Italy
From our hotel in Chamonix we walk to Les Praz and take the cable car to La Flégère (1,860m – 6100). The trail today is named the 'Grand Balcon' and is on the opposite side of the valley from Mont Blanc, affording excellent views of the whole massif lying to our south. Initially we contour and then climb to reach the high point of the day, Lac Blanc (2352m - 7715ft). The trail descends and then contours high above the valley before dropping steeply to the hamlet of Les Frasserands and Montroc (1,371m - 4500ft). In the afternoon there is a very short section of ladders/steep steps with handrails to descend. We return to our hotel in Chamonix in the afternoon. 8.00 hours walking. 500m – 1640ft up, 980m – 3220ft down * *
Distance in Km: 11
Distance in Miles: 7
We travel back to Montroc at the top of the Chamonix valley where we begin our ascent to the Aiguillette de Posettes (2201m – 7200ft), descend a little and then climb towards the Col de Balme (2191m – 7190ft) from where we follow one of the paths across the border from France to Switzerland. Excellent views all morning of Aiguille d'Argentière and Aiguille du Tour and its glacier. After lunch we walk through to the small Swiss hamlet of Trient (1296m – 4250ft). Good views of the Trient Glacier. A sting in the tail today as we finish with a steep climb from Trient to our hotel at the Col de la Forclaz (1527m – 5010ft). 8.5 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 1190m/3900ft up, 1060m/3466ft down
Distance in Km: 15
Distance in Miles: 9
We leave the Col de la Forclaz, where we can look directly down into the Rhône valley and the Swiss town of Martigny and follow an historic path used to take the cows to high pasture, the 'Bovine route' (2049m – 6720ft). Our trail takes us through meadows and high alpine pastures before we descend to the charming town of Champex (1486m – 4880ft) set beside a picturesque alpine lake. 7.5 hours walking, 680m – 2230ft up, 720m – 2360ft down
Distance in Km: 15
Distance in Miles: 9
Now on the east side of the main Mont Blanc Massif we walk south, descending through woods to the Val Ferret and on to Issert (1055m – 3460ft) and other small, pretty, alpine farming villages. This is quite a good day for flowers, including orchids. We continue up the valley to the remote village La Fouly (1600m - 5250ft). This is at the foot of Mont Dolent, whose summit is at the meeting point of France, Switzerland and Italy. 6 hours walking, 440m – 1450ft down, 540m – 1780ft up
Distance in Km: 15
Distance in Miles: 9
Still following the same valley and the river 'La Drance', we climb to the 'Grand Col Ferret' (2537m – 8320ft), the highest pass of the tour. Now in Italy, the valley is also called 'Val Ferret'. The mountain views from the Col are stunning with the Grandes Jorasses dominating the scene. We walk down the valley to Arp Nouva (1770m – 5800ft) then travel by bus to our hotel in La Palud near Courmayeur. (BLD) 7 hours walking, 970m - 3180ft up, 800m – 2600ft down
Distance in Km: 14
Distance in Miles: 8
The nearby ex-spa towns of Courmayeur and Entrèves have picturesque older sections, which are worth a visit, especially for the keen photographer. There is a cable car from Entrèves to Point Helbronner (3461m – 11350ft) and on across the glacier to Aiguille du Midi (and in fact on down to Chamonix). This is a splendid (optional) excursion, which gives close-up views of all the big peaks. Alternatively you might wish to relax and recover in the Spa bathes at Pre Saint Didier a short bus ride from Courmayeur.
We start with a short bus ride to pick up the TMB and from the road (1675m – 5500ft ) climb up to the Bonatti refuge (2025m – 6640ft). Today we follow a beautiful contouring path around Mont de la Saxe to Courmayeur. The views of the south Mont Blanc massif are exceptional as are those of the towering, peaks of the 'Grandes Jorasses' and the glaciers which crowd the northern flank of the Val Ferret. In the afternoon we have a long, steep descent to Courmayeur (1230m – 4030m) (superb ice creams!) from where we take a short bus ride into the spectacular Val Veny (1530m – 5020ft). 8 hours walking. 500m – 1640ft up, 900m 4400ft down
Distance in Km: 14
Distance in Miles: 9
Today we are heading for the Val Veny and the start of our walk at La Vissaille (1660m – 5450ft). We’ll reach this by bus to then start climb gently along good paths beneath the massive glacier de Miage and pass Lac Combal before the gradient becomes steeper as we follow the old Roman road and head for today's pass: the 'Col de la Seigne' (2516m – 8250ft), which marks our re-entry into France. A fairly steep descent brings us through la Ville des Glaciers (1789m – 5870ft) and finally after quite a long walking day to Les Chapieux (1553m – 5090ft), a small remote hamlet inhabited only during the summer months. 8.5 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 870m – 2840ft up, 970m – 3180ft down
Distance in Km: 20
Distance in Miles: 12
We have now reached the southwest corner of the circuit and turn north to climb once again. Today is a longer day; first we make a steep climb to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2478m – 8130ft) and then contour around to the Col du Bonhomme (2328m – 7640ft). We then descend (again on a Roman road) to our campsite in Les Contamines (1180m - 5900ft). A short bus ride down the valley takes us to the pretty village of St Gervais, the perfect place for a day off. 8.5 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 930m – 3050ft up, 1340m – 4400ft down
Distance in Km: 17
Distance in Miles: 11
A well-earned rest day. There are many options to fill your day including taking the cog railway to Le Nid d’aigle – the Eagles Nest - a popular start point to climb Mont Blanc, or browsing around the local market of Les Contamines. There are plenty of optional walks in the area or one can simply relax around the pleasant town of St Gervais or even treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa.
Today is a challenging day with plenty of ups and downs. From St Gervais we have a 10 min transfer to re-join our route before ascending to the Chalets de Miage (1560m – 5120ft). From here we take a trail that climbs steeply to the Col de Tricot (2119m – 6950ft) before descending very close to the snout of the Glacier de Bionnassay. Good views of the north side of the Mont Blanc Massif. Eventually we make another ascent to reach the Col de Voza (1652m – 5418ft) where we re-enter the Chamonix Valley and make our final descent to the village of Les Houches (993m - 3225ft). 8.5 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 1200m – 3980ft up, 1370m – 4500ft down
Distance in Km: 16
Distance in Miles: 10
We cross to the north side of the Chamonix Valley and climb steeply through pine forest and then on open mountainsides to reach the high point of the day at Brevent (2525m – 8290ft). This is a long walking day but will probably afford the best views of the French side of Mont Blanc and its neighbouring peaks that we shall have on the whole trek. We descend to Plan Praz (1970m - 6460ft) and take the cable car to Chamonix (1061m) for a well-deserved beer. 7.5 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 1500m – 4921ft up, 520m – 1690ft down
Distance in Km: 13
Distance in Miles: 8
Free day in and around Chamonix. There are several good walks in the Chamonix valley. Chamonix itself is also a great place to spend a day. The most popular excursions, weather depending, would be the spectacular ascent by cable car to the Aiguille du Midi or the Montenvers cog railway.
* 14 nights hotels/pensions/village inns
* 10 days point-to-point walking with baggage transfers
* 8 days challenging and 2 days moderate walking
* Altitude maximum 2537m, average 1525m
Included in the trip are all breakfasts, 10 picnic lunches and 12
hotel/restaurant dinners. On free days 7, 11, 14 and both transfer days lunch
is not provided. On the free days 7 and 14 dinner is also not included and
needs to be bought locally. We take our evening meals in the hotel in which
we are staying or in a nearby restaurant. These meals are usually arranged as
a 'menu' for the whole group and as they are based on special negotiations
made by us represent better value than eating independently. Please note that
should the times of flights change to arrive earlier, or depart later,
additional meals will not be included. Please also note that no refund will
be given for meals not taken or taken other than where designated.
*Typical Meals *
Continental Breakfast: Will normally include coffee, tea, hot chocolate,
French bread, croissant and conserves.
Picnic-Style Lunch: Generally include bread, cold meat, cheese, tinned fish,
fresh salad vegetables and fresh fruit. You may wish to bring (or buy
locally), snack bars for an extra energy boost throughout the day.
Evening meal: A first course of soup, salad or charcuterie, a main course of
meat with one or two vegetables or rice or pasta, a dessert course. Beer,
wine, bottled water, other drinks, coffee or tea are not included in the
price of evening meals taken in restaurants.
Vegetarians: We happily cater for vegetarians but please inform us at the
time of booking.
If you take a vegan diet you should expect that variety of food may be
limited whilst on this trip. As this kind of diet is relatively uncommon in
this region we cannot guarantee that the hotels and restaurants will provide
meals that have the necessary variety to be considered satisfying when on a
more restricted diet.
Drinks: Please note that drinks are not included and you will be expected to
pay directly for any wine/tea/coffee taken at dinner.
* 14 nights hotels/pensions/village inns
* 10 days point-to-point walking with baggage transfers
* 8 days challenging and 2 days moderate walking
* Altitude maximum 2537m, average 1525m
This trip is graded Activity Level 4 (moderate/challenging) - it involves 10
days of walking; 2 days at a Moderate level and 8 days at a Challenging
level. Most of the days are long, quite often involving an ascent of
900-1200m (or 3000 - 4000 feet), equivalent to 3 to 4 hours walking uphill,
followed by a similar descent. Although the paths are well maintained there
are sections that are rough underfoot. On day 2 there are 2 metal ladders
to descend en route from Lac Blanc, these are secured against the rock,
consist of approximately 12 steps and are not difficult to climb. The route
throughout is non-technical however we will be walking mountain paths
throughout and this trip is not advised for severe vertigo sufferers.
Please be aware on days 6 and 8 we take a short bus transfer to avoid
trekking on busy roads.
Most people trek the TMB anti clockwise. From years of experience we have
discovered that trekking the route clockwise allows for quieter trails and
avoids a tough ascent of the first couple of days. The views and walks are
still just as beautiful in this direction.
As this is a group holiday you need to be confident that your fitness will
allow you to enjoyably walk at a consistent and steady pace that matches the
group average, therefore allowing the group to finish the day at a reasonable
time. You will also enjoy the trek a great deal more if your fitness allows
you to walk the route in relative ease. A Challenging graded day would be
equivalent to walking between 3 to 5 hours uphill and a similar time
descending downhill, so up to 9 hours in total depending on the pace
(including breaks). Due of the lower altitude, climate, and overall comfort
of this trek, it is graded Level 4 (moderate/challenging). The Activity
level reflects that overall endurance of the trip, not just the ease of any
particular walk. Other treks with a higher Activity level, requiring a higher
overall endurance due to their remoteness, lack of facilities or average
weather etc, may have shorter easier walks. Please read the daily itineraries
below when make comparisons to other walks/trips you may have done before.
If you are unable to walk during the itinerary and want to opt out of a day,
please take note that this can sometimes be a little tricky dependent on
where on the circuit you are. To reach the next point you will need to take a
public bus (which run at limited times) or taxi (which can be expensive when
in a more remote location). Our support vehicle is not suitable for taking
passengers so please be aware of this when deciding to book this trip.
Download our Fitness Training Guide [1] for more information on our Activity
Levels.
All ascents, descents and walking distances listed below are approximates. We
have decided the most accurate method is to map the routes carefully using
google earth. That said it is impossible to obtain a completely true figure
of the distances walked. Regarding GPS - due to the inherent inaccuracies of
defining an exact waypoint with a GPS and the cumulative overall inaccuracy
this causes, you may find that our distances and GPS distances you obtain on
trek with your personal GPS/phone, may differ by quite a margin. Timings
stated include lunch and photo stops and will vary depending on the pace of
your group.
Your main luggage will be transported for you between accommodations but
please note that you will be expected to carry this to your room.
Please note: On this trip it is essential to have helicopter evacuation
cover within your travel insurance.
[1] https://www.exodus.co.uk/sites/exod/files/exodus_wt_fitness_training_guide_1.pdf
Hotels, Pensions, Inns & Auberges
Throughout the trek we use long-established family run 2 or 3-star hotels,
except for 3 nights where we use local auberges. One of the hotels has a
Jacuzzi and sauna for guests. Most of the hotels have stunning locations
often with panoramic vistas over the mountains and culturally represent the
countries and environment they are in. These hotels are a vital source of
income to the local community. All are clean and well run and set up with the
needs of the trekker in mind.
Please be aware that room sizes (twin, double or triple rooms) and facilities
will vary from hotel to hotel and sometimes from room to room within one
hotel. On 11 of the nights facilities are en suite whilst the others have the
possibility, depending on availability and group size, of shared bathroom and
toilet facilities 'on the landing'. Couples will always have their own room
but we cannot say whether this will be twin or double. Very occasionally a
room will have bunk beds. Single clients must be prepared to share with one
or occasionally two other members of the same sex. We are unable to accept
bookings for single rooms due to the small size of the hotels used and the
fact that we are usually staying only one night in each hotel. The Auberge
does not provide soap and you may wish to bring a towel, as those provided by
continental hotels are sometimes small. On rare occasions the group may be
split over two different accommodations but these will be of the same
standard and within walking distance.
Hotel 
We provide a qualified International Mountain Leader to escort the group on
each walking day. Our walking leaders are true mountain professionals as well
as being skilled group leaders. This not only helps to assure safety on the
mountain but also that your leader has experience and knowledge in wider
mountain environment such as flora and fauna, geology, weather and local
customs. Our support leaders will transfer your main luggage from hotel to
hotel each time you move on. Please note that your baggage is not carried to
your room.
Included in the trip are all breakfasts, 10 picnic lunches and 12
hotel/restaurant dinners. On free days 7, 11, 14 and both transfer days lunch
is not provided. On the free days 7 and 14 dinner is also not included and
needs to be bought locally. We take our evening meals in the hotel in which
we are staying or in a nearby restaurant. These meals are usually arranged as
a 'menu' for the whole group and as they are based on special negotiations
made by us represent better value than eating independently. Please note that
should the times of flights change to arrive earlier, or depart later,
additional meals will not be included. Please also note that no refund will
be given for meals not taken or taken other than where designated.
*Typical Meals *
Continental Breakfast: Will normally include coffee, tea, hot chocolate,
French bread, croissant and conserves.
Picnic-Style Lunch: Generally include bread, cold meat, cheese, tinned fish,
fresh salad vegetables and fresh fruit. You may wish to bring (or buy
locally), snack bars for an extra energy boost throughout the day.
Evening meal: A first course of soup, salad or charcuterie, a main course of
meat with one or two vegetables or rice or pasta, a dessert course. Beer,
wine, bottled water, other drinks, coffee or tea are not included in the
price of evening meals taken in restaurants.
Vegetarians: We happily cater for vegetarians but please inform us at the
time of booking.
If you take a vegan diet you should expect that variety of food may be
limited whilst on this trip. As this kind of diet is relatively uncommon in
this region we cannot guarantee that the hotels and restaurants will provide
meals that have the necessary variety to be considered satisfying when on a
more restricted diet.
Drinks: Please note that drinks are not included and you will be expected to
pay directly for any wine/tea/coffee taken at dinner.
All transport mentioned in the itinerary and cable cars (except where these
are marked as optional) are included. Transport and excursions on the three
static days are not included. A private coach is normally used for the
transfers between Geneva airport and Chamonix, other Exodus groups heading
out to trek in the Alps may share this transfer. We will use a public bus
for the few journeys to and from our hotels.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 15 days*
The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the
itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of Swiss International Airlines
(depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly
we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to
confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later
date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.
*Travelling land only: 15 days starting and ending in Chamonix*
Your trip normally starts at the hotel in Chamonix on Day 1 of the itinerary.
Details of how to reach the start point are provided it the Final Joining
Instructions - sent approximately two weeks before departure.
*Low cost airlines*
It is possible to fly direct to Geneva with some budget airlines. It is
likely that flights from regional airports will arrive at different times to
the group flight from London; where this is the case a wait at the airport
for the group transfer, or alternative transfer arrangements at your own
cost, may be necessary (see below).
Alternative flight options: Bristol, Manchester, Gatwick, Luton, Liverpool,
Edinburgh ‐ Easyjet. East Midlands ‐ BMI baby. Heathrow ‐ BA. City,
Heathrow ‐ Swiss Air.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able
to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the
arrival time of the group flight ‐ please check the group flight details 2
weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you
must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
*Airport Transfers for land only itinerary*
Those arriving/departing on non‐group flights can join the group transfer
free of charge (by prior arrangement only) if your flight arrives before or,
at the end of the holiday, departs after the group flight. Please note that
transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight, even if
it has been booked for you by Exodus. Please check with the Exodus office if
you are unsure whether or not a transfer is included. As mentioned group
flights can be rescheduled, so you must check the group flight details 2
weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you
must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
For those arriving at different times to the group flight it is very easy to
book a bus transfer with a local company and you should do this at least a
week before your departure date. A shared transfer (with others who have
booked with them also) will cost approximately €30 one way if booked in
advance with our partner Mountain Drop Offs. Book on their website ‐
www.mountaindropoffs.com [1] and quote the following promotional code EXOCHX.
Unfortunately the discounted rates only run from 3 June to 13 September.
Outside this time the full price will be charged.
*Take The Train*
Both Geneva Airport and Chamonix are easy to reach by train. If you book a
train to coincide with the group flight timings there is a station inside
Geneva airport itself. You are then welcome to join our free group transfer
to Chamonix (by prior arrangement only). We recommend that you allow at
least 1 hour for travel across Paris by Metro. Alternatively it is possible
to get a train direct to Chamonix, the campsite is a 8 minute walk from the
station. It is only possible to reserve train seats 3 months before your
departure date and our sales team will be happy to book this for you in
cooperation with Rail Europe.
[1] http://www.mountaindropoffs.com
From late June to early October fair weather is to be expected, but all
mountain ranges create their own weather patterns and the Alps are no
exception. It can and does rain and especially on the high passes it can be
surprisingly cold at times. Expected daytime temperatures are in the range of
15 to 25ºC in the valleys (although it can sometimes reach 30ºC in
July/August), 5 to 15ºC on the passes (though it will feel colder if wet and
windy) and 5 to 15ºC in the valleys at night; possibly a little lower early
and late in the season. There is always the possibility of lying snow,
especially in the early season, and snowfall even in August and September
when we may find new snow on the passes. Please note that on late season
treks (September) the days are shorter and we will need to make early starts
to make the most of the available daylight hours.
As well as casual clothes for travel and days off we recommended you bring
the following;
* Walking boots with good ankle support and a strong sole
* A good quality waterproof/windproof jacket and waterproof trousers
* Hat and gloves (even for August)
* A warm 2/3 season fleece jacket or lightweight down jacket
* Day sack with 30-40 litres capacity
* Sun cream, sun hat, sun glasses 2 litre water bottle/Camelbak Walking
poles
All luggage is transported between the hotels by a support vehicle (but not
to your room). Please note that we must limit you to one item of luggage,
weighing a *maximum of 15kg per person* to be carried in the support vehicle.
Excess baggage can be left in the hotel store in Chamonix. You should pack
your belongings in a sturdy kitbag or holdall; suitcases should not be used,
as they cannot be packed easily in our support vehicle. On Swiss Air flights
the baggage allowance is 20kg with a maximum of 2 bags per passenger, this
will be confirmed on your tickets. If you are booking other flights please
check luggage allowances shown on your tickets. As advice about luggage
allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject to change, we suggest
you check www.baa.com [1] and/or the airline’s website for the latest
information prior to your departure.
[1] http://www.baa.com
* Swimming costume/trunks (be aware some swimming pools in this region
insist males wear fitted trunks/speedos)
* Comfortable shoes for the evenings
* Towel
* Umbrella
* Gaiters
* Travel kettle
* Tupperware if you prefer a bit more protection for your packed lunch and
to reduce plastic waste
* Snack bars for an extra energy boost throughout the day
The cost of the extra lunches varies depending on whether you want to picnic
or eat in a restaurant and an average of €17 per lunch should suffice. For
the free dinners allow €25-30 each. You will also need money for drinks in
cafés or huts during the day's walk and drinks in restaurants where we take
our evening meal. Typically a large café au lait or a soft drink would cost
between €5-6, and a glass of beer €6-8. A bottle of wine can be bought
for approximately €10-16 in these restaurants.
For cable cars not included (that are optional to take dependent on the time
of year) you should budget €30.
There are a number of extra excursions available in Chamonix, exact prices
and details will be confirmed locally, but the following provides a guide to
what is normally available:
* Tandem paragliding flight: €130 from Brevent or Aiguille du Midi middle
stations.
* Return ride on Aiguille du Midi cable car from Chamonix or the Skyway to
Helbronner from Courmayeur from €67 per person
* Mont Blanc Tramway, Saint Gervais - Nid d'Aigle €40 return
* Montenvers cog railways - Mer de Glace €33 return
Although optional, a tip for the walking and support crew at the end of the
trip is greatly appreciated. The sum you choose to give is entirely personal,
but as a reasonable starting point, we suggest a contribution from €35 per
person (US$38) per leader. Smaller groups may wish to give a little more per
person. It is customary and appreciated to leave a small tip when settling
your drinks bill at group meals in restaurants.
* Travel insurance
* Visas or vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
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