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All photos are original to the author unless otherwise noted.
This blog post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for any purchases made through these links. Click here for the disclosure statement.
All photos are original to the author unless otherwise noted.
If you like hiking and exploring unique countries and cultures, you need to add the Tour Du Mont Blanc (TMB) to your bucket list. The Tour Du Mont Blanc is a famous international trek consisting of a 103-mile loop encircling the mighty Mont Blanc. As you make your way through this hike, you will pass through the French, Italian and Swiss alps witnessing stunning views every step of the way. If you aren’t convinced yet, here are five reasons to hike the Tour Du Mont Blanc on your next vacation
What’s cool about the TMB is that you will be hiking through THREE countries during your trek. Them being France, Switzerland, and Italy.
Unlike your typical backpacking trip in a remote wilderness, on the Tour Du Mont Blanc, you will frequently pass through small rural hamlets, each with its unique architecture, traditions, and food. As you pass through these hamlets, you will get a feel for the traditional ways many of these villages high in the mountains carry out their daily lives by tending to farms and their domesticated livestock.
As you walk through each country, you will constantly see unique breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in Europe. Keep in mind this hike is by no means easy. The TMB typically takes anywhere from 7-11 days to complete with an elevation gain of over 35,000 feet. No question, this hike will be a haul. But with every mountain pass you climb and valley you descend, you will catch unforgettable views the entire way.
As I said, the Tour Du Mon Blanc hike is one of the most popular treks on the planet. If you are friendly and keep an open mind, you are bound to meet other like-minded people and make new hiking buddies from all over the world. When I hiked the TMB solo in 2021, my hiking group consisted of a New Yorker (myself), a military commander from the Israeli military, and a French priest who resided in the Vatican! We were three walkers coming from all walks of life!
Many world-class mountain huts (also known as refuges or rifugios) are scattered along the TMB trail, catering to those taking on this trek. While they vary in price and quality, each offers its unique character and style. You can stay in all kinds of refuges, from converted dairy barns to a hut with a cliffside view, and there is even one located on the famous Lac Blanc itself!
Perhaps my favorite part about staying in these mountain huts was the meals! Not only were you getting a delicious local meal, but each dinner was served family style. Imagine you and twenty to forty other hikers from all across the globe sharing a meal. I have made some of my fondest memories of this hike at the dinner table of these huts.
Hiking the Tour Du Mont Blanc is an achievement of a lifetime. Trekking over 103 miles through three countries with tens of thousands of feet of elevation gain is no easy feat. Completing this trek is a remarkable achievement and a testament to your persistence and will.
Before heading out on this trek, you must ensure you have the right gear. The TMB is not to be taken lightly. You want to ensure you have high-quality equipment to keep you safe and comfortable when hiking Mont Blanc.
Planning your Tour Du Mont Blanc adventure can take a lot of time. The big things you need to plan are:
Check out this amazing guide to help plan your Tour Du Mont Blanc adventure!
You do not want to take on this challenge haphazardly. The Tour Du Mont Blanc requires you to be in excellent shape if you plan on conquering its many mountain passes and high mileage. Going unprepared can be painful and potentially dangerous.
Author Bio
Dylan Lopez
Dylan is a Physician Assistant from NYC. Although he didn’t grow up hiking or backpacking, he found his love for the outdoors later in life. He now travels around in his self-converted camper van, hiking and backpacking everywhere and anywhere he can. Dylan’s goal is to help others discover their own love for the great outdoors through his website wonderfarr.com where he provides gear recs, hiking tips, and national park guides. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow his journey on Instagram.
