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TMB in 7, 9, or 11 days: how to choose
Last updated 25 October 2026 · Elom ESSAN, founder of Trekalto
In short
You can spread the Tour du Mont-Blanc over 5 to 12 days in the planner. Formats of 7, 9, and 11 days are the most popular. The loop is about 150.9 km and +11,240 m ascent (OpenStreetMap geometry via Trekalto). The shorter the trip, the longer the days — or the more useful lift/bus shortcuts become.
5–12 days: what actually changes
Fewer days usually means longer stages, less weather buffer, and sometimes lifts or shuttles. More days absorb fatigue and variants (Arpette, Lac Blanc). Dedicated pages: 7 days, 9 days, 11 days.
The classic counterclockwise direction (France → Italy → Switzerland) often has more services. See also clockwise vs counterclockwise.
Indicative counterclockwise stage lengths
Distances and elevation below are indicative references from the Trekalto stage catalogue (not field GPS). Always confirm on the map and on the ground.
- Les Houches → Les Contamines: ~16.2 km, +800 / −650
- Les Contamines → Les Chapieux: ~18.5 km, +1300 / −910 (no Croix du Bonhomme night — closed)
- Les Chapieux → Elisabetta: ~15.4 km, +1050 / −410
- Elisabetta → Courmayeur: ~14.8 km, +200 / −1170
- Courmayeur → Bonatti: ~12.5 km, +900 / −100
- Bonatti → La Fouly: ~19.2 km, +750 / −1170
- La Fouly → Champex: ~14.6 km, +650 / −780
- Champex → Trient (standard): ~15.8 km, +750 / −890
- Trient → Argentière: ~14.2 km, +900 / −980
- Argentière → Flégère: ~9.5 km, +750 / −120
- Flégère → Les Houches: ~16.8 km, +450 / −1320
Variants that lengthen the day
Fenêtre d’Arpette (Champex → Trient): ref ~14.6 km / +1300 m (measured ~14.4 km / +1476 m), max altitude ~2644 m. Lac Blanc (Argentière → Flégère): ref ~9 km / +1100 m (measured ~8.7 / +1265), max ~2365 m. Weather detail: bad-weather variants.
Transport shortcuts (names only)
On some plans: Les Houches–Bellevue gondola, Les Chapieux → Ville des Glaciers shuttle, La Fouly → Champex bus, Flégère / Brévent lifts. For 2027 hours and fares: check compagniedumontblanc.fr and chamonix.com each year — do not rely on invented prices.
FAQ
How many days for a first TMB?
Many hikers choose 9 or 11 days for buffer. 7 days is more demanding. The planner allows 5–12 days.
What is the total loop length?
About 150.9 km and +11,240 m ascent per Trekalto geometry derived from OpenStreetMap — confirm on the ground.
Should I do Arpette or Lac Blanc?
They are more committing variants (ascent and altitude). Save them for fair weather and fresh legs; otherwise stay on the standard route.
Where can I see a sample 9-day plan?
On the TMB 9 days page, then refine in the planner.
Related guides
Plan your self-guided TMB with Trekalto
Get a day-by-day split, critical nights flagged first, and official booking links. Unlock online (Essential €19 or Complete €29).
Plan my TMBSources: Autour du Mont-Blanc, OpenStreetMap copyright, Compagnie du Mont-Blanc, Chamonix.com. Figures may change; always confirm with the refuge or carrier before you leave. Method: /en/method.