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The Tour Of Mont Blanc: A Complete Guide To Trekking The Highest Peak In Europe

If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding adventure in the Alps, the Tour of Mont Blanc (TMB) might be the perfect choice for you. The TMB is a circular route that covers about 170 km (106 miles) and crosses three countries: France, Italy and Switzerland. It takes you around the Mont Blanc massif, the highest peak in Europe at 4,810 m (15,781 ft), and offers stunning views of glaciers, valleys, lakes and forests.

The TMB is usually done in a counter-clockwise direction, starting and ending in Les Houches, a village near Chamonix in France. However, some trekkers prefer to do it in a clockwise direction, which has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will provide you with a complete guide to trekking the TMB in both directions, including the best time to go, the difficulty level, the itinerary, the accommodation options, the packing list and the safety tips.

Best Time To Trek The TMB

The best time to trek the TMB is from mid-June to mid-September, when the weather is generally warm and dry, and most of the mountain huts are open. However, this is also the peak season, which means that the trail can be crowded and the accommodation can be booked up quickly. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy more solitude, you can consider going in late May or early June, or in late September or early October. However, be aware that some huts may be closed or have limited services, and that you may encounter snow or ice on some sections of the trail.

Difficulty Level Of The TMB

The TMB is considered a moderate to difficult trek, depending on your fitness level, experience and pace. The total elevation gain and loss is about 10,000 m (32,800 ft), which means that you will have to climb and descend steep slopes every day. The average daily distance is about 15 km (9 miles), which can take from 5 to 8 hours of walking. The trail is well-marked and maintained, but some sections can be rocky, muddy or exposed. You will also have to deal with changing weather conditions, altitude effects and possible injuries or blisters.

To prepare for the TMB, you should have a good level of physical fitness and endurance. You should also do some training hikes before your trip, preferably with a backpack that weighs about 10% of your body weight. You should also familiarize yourself with the map and guidebook of the route, and learn some basic French or Italian words to communicate with the locals.

Itinerary Of The TMB

The TMB can be done in 7 to 12 days, depending on your pace and preferences. You can also customize your itinerary by taking shortcuts or detours, or by skipping some sections by bus or cable car. Here is a sample itinerary for both directions:

Counter-Clockwise Direction

• Day 1: Les Houches to Les Contamines (15 km / 9 miles)

• Day 2: Les Contamines to Les Chapieux (18 km / 11 miles)

• Day 3: Les Chapieux to Courmayeur (23 km / 14 miles)

• Day 4: Courmayeur to Rifugio Bonatti (12 km / 7 miles)

• Day 5: Rifugio Bonatti to La Fouly (20 km / 12 miles)

• Day 6: La Fouly to Champex (15 km / 9 miles)

• Day 7: Champex to Trient (18 km / 11 miles)

• Day 8: Trient to ArgentiÃre (14 km / 9 miles)

• Day 9: ArgentiÃre to La FlÃgÃre (10 km / 6 miles)

• Day 10: La FlÃgÃre to Les Houches (16 km / 10 miles)

Clockwise Direction

• Day 1: Les Houches 51082c0ec5