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Biodiversity Botanical excursion in the Mont-Blanc Massif

Duration: 3 days
Level:

Level 1: You have never practiced.

Level 2: You have some initial experience.

Level 3: You practice occasionally.

Level 4: You practice regularly.

Level 5: You have a sustained practice.

Price from: 560€
For more information, contact Pôle Alpinisme :
General information

Nestled at an altitude of 3000 meters, the 'Jardin de Talèfre' bears witness to the transformation of high mountains in response to climate change, evident through shifts in flora and pronounced glacier melting. Frequented in the 19th century by naturalist guides and travelers, this location remains exceptional today for its beauty, isolation, and the diverse richness of its alpine flora, preserved within the heart of glaciers. Over three days, you will not only have the opportunity to traverse mountain terrain but also to observe and deepen your understanding of these landscapes and the splendid alpine flora of the Mont-Blanc Massif.

This excursion is tailored for experienced off-trail hikers with a curiosity for nature, and no prior naturalist knowledge is necessary. Our mountain guides, specialized in botany, will accompany you during this immersion in the Talèfre basin, with the iconic Couvercle refuge as our base camp. The itinerary includes glacier walks, traversing moraines, and navigating steep trails with the use of ladders. The envisioned summit experience promises wonder and discovery, facing a mountain that continues to evolve while preserving its enduring beauty and mystery.
 

 

Group booking

Group session associates several people who don’t know each other. It allows for a planned program to benefit from an attractive price on fixed dates. This formula is ideal for people looking for the friendliness of a group.
 
Dates : See below for the group booking module

Price 2024 : 620€ per person, based on a minimum of 4 persons

Including in the package :
- mountain guiding services
- 2 nights in mountain hut with half-board
- lift tickets

Not included in the package :
daily lunches & snacks, drinks
- personal equipment
- mandatory repatriation insurance

 

Private booking

Private hiring is the historical relationship that binds a guide to his/her client. It allows you to be alone, or in a constituted group, with your guide that meets your specific needs. It is undoubtedly the ideal formula to realize your projects because it guarantees you a maximum of comfort. You are free to choose your departure date (depending on the availability of the huts) and the itinerary can be adjusted, according to your specific expectations.

Prices 2024 :
2 people : 1215€ per person
3 people : 885€ per person
4 people : 720€ per person
5 people : 625€ per person
6 people : 560€ per person

Including in the package :
- mountain guiding services
- 2 nights in mountain hut with half-board
- lift tickets

Not included in the package :
daily lunches & snacks, drinks
- personal equipment
- mandatory repatriation insurance

Further information

In this section, find all the information about this activity. To prepare your trip effectively, refer to the guides’ tips. They share their expertise and recommendations, ensuring you have a great experience.

Meeting point : Meet at 8.30 am at the Compagnie des Guides office in Chamonix.

Physical level : Suitable for experienced hikers. Daily hikes involve a vertical gain of up to 1000 meters and last 5 to 6 hours per day.

Technical level :  Navigating through challenging terrains demands proficiency in off-trail hiking. Moreover, experience in via ferrata is recommended, given the numerous ladder passages.

Guiding policy : 4 to 6 people. Minor, only accompagnied by a parent.

Accommodation : During the trip, you will stay in huts for 2 nights on a half-board basis.
Before & after the trip: We have some hotel partners in Chamonix with special prices for our customers.

Documentation : Participants must have mountain sports insurance with repatriation cover. We strongly recommend that this also includes cancellation cover. You can take out insurance when you sign up. Participants must also take valid ID with them.

Equipment

We recommend you take particular care over you choice of equipment, as it plays a large role in the success of your trip. Weight is critical, and you must always evaluate the weight-to-comfort ratio to find the best compromise.
 
Equipment
- 35-litre backpack
- A pair of sturdy high-top shoes

- Telescopic trekking poles
- Crampons suitable for your shoes with anti-balling plates; helmet, harness
 
Clothing
- Warm hat that can be worn under a helmet
- Sun hat or cap
- Neck protection such as a ‘Buff’
- ‘Micro-fibre’ style long-sleeve base layer
- Fleece
- ‘Gore Tex’ style shell jacket with hood
- Down jacket
- Base layer leggings
- A trekking trousers,
- A short,
- ‘Gore Tex’ style over-trousers
- Warm specialist walking socks
- Lightweight specialist walking socks
- Ski gloves or good quality mitts
- Leather or fleece gloves
- Change of clothes at your discretion
 
Accessories
- Category 4 sunglasses
- Ski goggles
- Headtorch
- Sheet sleeping bag
- Water bottle (minimum 1.5l) and thermos bottle
- Personalised first aid kit with a minimum of: sun cream, lip balm, cotton buds, blister kit, antisickness medication
- Watertight bag to contain your ID/passport and Euros

NB : you can load your electrical devices in every hut
 
Our Rental Partners : You can rent your equipment with our rental shops partners and benefit from special price Sanglard Sports, Ravanel & Co & Concept Pro Shop
Our Equipment Partners : Millet, Dynastar, Julbo, Grivel & Monnet

 

Itinerary

Day 1

Walk up to the Couvercle refuge
We take the cogwheel train to reach Montenvers at an altitude of 1,913 meters. From there, the new cable car transports us to the Mer de Glace, located at 1,700 meters. Our progression continues on the glacier, where we reach the ladders that lead us to higher elevations. A winding trail, adorned with ladders, guides us through the foothills of the Aiguille du Moine, providing exceptional panoramic views. Our final destination is the Couvercle Refuge, beautifully renovated in 2023, perched at an altitude of 2,679 meters.
Elevation gain: 1000m

 

Day 2

Round Trip to the Jardin de Talèfre
Our excursion begins with a trail leading us to the Talèfre Glacier at an altitude of 2,500 meters. From there, we navigate through a maze of rocks partially covering the glacier. Eventually, we reach the Jardin de Talèfre, nestled between 2,700 and 3,000 meters above sea level. Over the past centuries, this site has never been covered by glaciers. Framed by two imposing lateral moraines, the garden harbors remarkable alpine flora, including unique species specific to this location. This preserved area offers an exceptional immersion into a pristine natural environment, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding alpine landscapes.
Elevation gain: 500m - Elevation loss: 500m

 

Day 3

Return to Montenvers via the Leschaux Refuge
We retrace our steps on the Talèfre Glacier, crossing it until we reach the vicinity of Pierre à Béranger (2,500m), the starting point of a trail leading towards the Leschaux Refuge at 2,431 meters. The location provides an opportunity to encounter crystal hunters actively engaged in their craft. From the refuge, a series of ladders allows us to descend to the Leschaux Glacier (2,300m), partially covered with stones. We navigate through this chaotic environment, reaching the Mer de Glace (2,000m), and then begin the descent to the Montenvers cable car. This stage concludes our adventure with a panoramic descent offering unforgettable views of the majestic alpine landscapes.
Negative elevation: 1000m

 

Booking

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CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 52 kg. Learn out more about the footprint calculation of this activity

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