Frequently asked questions about the TMB
Short answers to the questions everyone asks before setting off. For the detail, follow the links.
The route
How long is the Tour du Mont Blanc?
About 165 km for the main loop, with 9,451 m of ascent, based on our calculation from the OpenStreetMap track. Variants can add a few kilometres and several hundred metres of ascent.
How many days does the TMB take?
Classically 10 to 11 days. Strong walkers do it in 7 to 9 days, very fit hikers in 5 or 6, and trail runners in fewer than 4.
Which direction should I hike the TMB?
Anticlockwise from Les Houches is the most common and the guidebook direction. Clockwise works just as well and lets you pass the flow of hikers rather than follow it.
Which countries does the Tour du Mont Blanc cross?
Three: France (Les Houches, Les Contamines, Chamonix), Italy (Courmayeur, Val Veny, Val Ferret) and Switzerland (La Fouly, Champex, Trient). Carry ID.
Preparation
Is the TMB difficult?
It is not technical, but it is physical: about 800 to 1,000 m of climbing a day over 11 days, and as much descent. A fit hiker who has trained will manage fine.
What is the best time to hike the TMB?
From mid-June to mid-September. July and August offer the easiest conditions but the biggest crowds; early September is often the best window. In June, watch for snow on the passes.
Can you hike the TMB in June?
Yes, from mid-June, but some huts are not yet open and snow patches often cover the passes above 2,400 m. Bring poles and microspikes, and check every opening date.
How much does the Tour du Mont Blanc cost?
In huts and hostels, expect roughly €60 to €95 per person per night half board, plus €12 to €18 a day for a packed lunch. Camping cuts the budget sharply. Indicative ranges, to be checked.
Do I need a guide for the TMB?
No. The trail is well waymarked and easy to follow independently, with a map or GPX files. A guide can be reassuring early in the season or for a first trek.
Accommodation
When should I book TMB huts?
For July–August, as soon as bookings open, often between January and March. For June and September, one to three months ahead is usually enough. Start with the most popular huts.
Where do you sleep on the Tour du Mont Blanc?
In mountain huts, hostels, village hotels, campsites or bivouac areas. myTMB lists 141 of them along the trail.
Is the Croix du Bonhomme hut open?
No: it is closed for renovation from August 2026 to spring 2029 (FFCAM). Alternatives are Nant Borrant, La Balme, Les Chapieux, or Les Mottets via Col des Fours.
Can you wild camp on the TMB?
Partly. In France, bivouac is tolerated from evening to morning, but limited to designated areas in nature reserves. In Italy it is tightly regulated, and in Switzerland wild camping is banned in most municipalities on the route.
On the trail
Do I need Swiss francs?
It helps: in Switzerland some places and refreshment stands charge in Swiss francs or do not take every card. Also keep euros in cash for the huts.
Is there phone signal on the TMB?
In villages and on most passes, yes, but not everywhere. Watch for roaming charges in Switzerland, which is outside the European Union.
Can you hike the TMB with a dog?
It is tricky: dogs are banned or must be on a lead in the nature reserves on the route, and many huts do not accept them. Check reserve by reserve and place by place.