| Summer 2008 > Mont-Blanc Tour > Tour du Mont-Blanc / Half Tour / South part |  |
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The TMB is undoubtedly the most reknown Alpine tour. The great alpine classic which any hiker would be proud to have accomplished. These are just some of the reasons we are so attracted to the TMB : the great number of prestigous glaciers and summits such as the Bionnassay, the Peuterey, the Grandes Jorasses, the Mont Dolent,… and of course the grand daddy of all of them, the Mont Blanc, the highest point in continental europe. Add to this the variety of countryside, crossing three countries, excellent pathways, and our mountain leaders who know every inch of the terrain and who will guide you through the magnificent corners of this region. The TMB is not a hard hike with 6 to 8 hours walking per day at an average of 1000m altitude change daily, but is more enjoyable for those in good shape. A bit of training beforehand should ward off any unpleasant surprises ! The half tours were conceived to allow you to complete the entire loop in one or two tours. If you are thinking of doing the whole loop we offer you a night in Courmayeur between the two. Difficulty : 6 days of walking, 5 nights in gites or refuges (dormitories) carrying a light day pack (for midday pic nic etc) Overnight affaires are transported by minibus (change of clothing, toiletries etc) Minibus support allows not only to go light but also to go longer. This formula is idea for composite groups and for the best of walkers who will discover all the variations as well as for the more modest walkiers who can take advantage of the minbus service to shorten the day. |
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ITINERARY JOUR 1 : CHAMONIX - LES HOUCHES To start the tour what better viewpoint than the Brevent. We get there via the Col du Brevent having taken the cable car to Planpraz. From the summit (2525 m), the view of the Mont Blanc in incomprable. However we have to descend and we go via Bel Lachat and Merlet. A short transfer brings us down to the valley to spend the night in Las Houches. JOUR 2 : LES HOUCHES - LES CONTAMINES From Les Chavants we climb up to the col de Voza then to Bellevue. From there great views of the Aiguille du Gouter then a charming traverse passes right at the foot of the Bionnassay glacier. A rope bridge across a river and up to the col du Tricot (2120 m). On our way down to Contamines we will no doubt stop in at the chalets de Miage before getting to the val Montjoie. Night in Contamines. JOUR 3 : LES CONTAMINES – NANT BORRANT via Tré la Tête When there is time it is fun to take detours and this one is not oftent taken by walkers on the TMB. From the village we will walk up to Armancette lake and the Claudius Bernard panoramic pathway brings us to Tré la Tête refuge (1970 m). We descend on the Combe Noire and join the regular itinirary of the tour and the Nant Borrand chalet refuge to spend the night. JOUR 4 : NANT BORRANT – LES CHAPIEUX Early departure toward the col du Bonhomme. A little higher, the Croix du Bonhomme. The climb continues to the col des Fours (2665 m). A bit of extra effort and we discover the magnificant viewpoint from the Tete nord des Fours (2756 m). On descending we discover , a little off the track, the pretty little lake Mya. We arrive at les Chapieux via the petit Mont Blanc pasture. |
JOUR 5 : LES CHAPIEUX – REFUGE ELISABETTA A short transfer brings us toVille des Glaciers (1789 m). A cheese making visit is required : here Beaufort is king ! We reach the val d’Aoste via the col de Seigne (2516 m) and from there we see a most imposing view of the south face of the Mont Blanc. A path leads us around the Limestone Pyramids to reach the morraine of the Estelette glacier. Balow this is the Elisabetta refuge where we spend the night. JOUR 6 : REFUGE ELISABETTA – COURMAYEUR This last day is without doubt the most spectacular. It begins with a small descent to get to lake Combal. The way up to the Arp Vieille (2420 m) is easy and takes us onto a magnificent blacony. Mont Blanc sits enthroned above the Brouillard and Freney glaciers and summits such as the Innominata and the Aiguilles de Peuterey – all epic names in alpinism. Descent to the col Checroui then to Courmayeur. End of the tour and return to Chamonix in the afternoon via thMont Blanc tunnel. NB. The guide or mountain leader may modify the itinerary if conditons necessitate Misc :Bring some euros and swiss francs for personal expemses Meeting point : Departure will be from the Compagnie des Guides’office in Chamonix There will be a predeparture meeting with your guide or mountain leader the night before at 6pm at the guides offices. Price summer 2008 : 590 € per person minimum 6 people) This price includes : -The mountain guide, the mountain leaders (12 people max per mountain leader) -Half board in refuges (dormitories) - drinks not included -Midday picnics -Lift tickets -Transportation to the end of the tour -Luggage transportation Proposed departures for summer 2008 : Monday 7, 28 July and 18 August 2008 |
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