TMB Trip Explained

Tour DU MONT BLANC Trip Explained

“We have to walk in a way that we only print peace and serenity on the Earth."

The Tour du Mont Blanc, one of Europe’s most beautiful hiking circuits, winds through the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps, presenting an ideal setting for a silent meditation retreat. Designed for physically fit individuals eager for a serene yet challenging journey, this retreat will be led by the monastics of Plum Village, allowing participants to cultivate mindfulness and compassion in the heart of nature.

Each day begins with a morning meditation, setting intentions with the monastics before stepping onto the trail. The journey is intentionally designed to allow you to focus on mindful walking without concerns over logistics—transfers, luggage handling, accommodations, and meals are all taken care of by our team. Evenings include Dharma talks, shared silence during meals, and reflections, giving you space to connect meaningfully with yourself and with the sangha, or spiritual community, around you.

The Paths of Happiness journey along the Tour du Mont Blanc is a powerful blend of Plum Village mindfulness practices and a rewarding trekking experience through some of Europe’s most stunning landscapes. Supported by professional guides and Plum Village monastics, this retreat offers you the chance to challenge yourself physically, reconnect with nature, and experience peace within, surrounded by the extraordinary beauty of the Alps. Each moment on this journey invites you to be present, to find joy in simplicity, and to connect with the world around you in stillness and gratitude.

The Paths of Happiness Journey at the Tour Du Mont Blanc will cover 65 miles of walking and a few days of rest in between. It is important to note this detail as it will not be the full 103 mile walk but the loop will be a balance of walking, resting and bus rides to accommodate both experiencing the TMB region, long hikes and restful meditation.

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Retreat Leaders: Plum Village Monastics

The TMB Retreat will be led by Monastics from PlumVillage: Brother Phap Xa, Brother Dao Hahn, Br. Chan Phap Chung

Total Hiking

We will walk approximately 70 miles of the total 103 Mile Hike. This has been done to balance walking and resting. Day 1 - Arrive and Connect. Day 2 and 3 are long walking days. Day 4,5 and 6 will primarily be lazy days with shorter hikes, sitting meditations and bus rides to refugios. Day 7, 8 and 9 are easier downhill walking days. Day 10 is departure.

Organizers

The trip leaders will be Hemant and Joydeep who have led previous Paths of Happiness journeys and are experienced hikers. Additionally the group will be supported by Aidan and Will who will help to ensure that the journey is smooth and safe for everyone.

DETAILED itinerary

Day to Day Walkthrough

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DAY 1: 21-JUN-25, SAT: ARRIVAL IN GENEVA AND TRANSFER TO LES HOUCHES

95 KM/59 MI, 1.5 HRS DRIVE

Upon arrival at Geneva International Airport (People based in Europe are welcome to meet directly in Les Houches if thats easier), you will be welcomed by the organizing team, ready to transport you to Les Houches, France.

Following check-in at RockyPop Chamonix, you'll gather for an evening welcome with the monastics, setting your intentions for the journey. A gear check will ensure everyone is well-prepared for the hike ahead.

Accommodation:
RockyPop Chamonix- 3 Star
1476 avenue des Alpages, 74310 Les Houches, France
Standard Double or Twin Rooms (Single Beds)
Check-in: 21-Jun-25, 3 PM ; Check-out: 22-Jun-25, 11 AM
Private bathroom, Free toiletries, Shower, Air conditioning, Safety deposit box, Toilet, Towels, Linen, Socket near the bed, Desk, Soundproofing, Video, TV, Telephone, Ironing facilities, Iron, Pay-per-view channels, Heating, Flat-screen TV, Hairdryer, Carpeted, Cable channels, Wake-up service, Wardrobe or closet, Toilet paper. Free parking, Free High Speed Internet (WiFi), Bar / lounge, Game room, Skiing, Books, DVDs, Shuttle bus service.
Activities: Welcome orientation, gear check, and intention setting with the monastics.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Elevation: Geneva (375 m/1,230 ft) to Les Houches (1,008 m/3,307 ft)
Bus Transfer: Geneva Airport to Hotel RockyPop Chamonix

DAY 2: 22-JUN-25, SUN: LES HOUCHES TO LES CONTAMINES-MONTJOIE

25 KM/16 MI, 8-9 HRS HIKE | ELEVATION ↑ 646 M/2,119 FT. ↓ 643 M/2,110 FT.

Your journey begins with a mindful hike from Les Houches to Les Contamines-Montjoie.

The trail will take you through serene alpine paths and the scenic Col de Voza, where you can immerse yourselves in quiet reflection. Guided meditations and hydration stops will keep you refreshed and connected. Some hikers choose to take the Bellevue cable car to avoid the initial 600-meter climb from Les Houches to the Col du Voza. Others may choose to take a gondola to save some miles and ascent.

Accommodation:
Refuge de la Balme
Chemin du col du Bonhomme 74170 Les Contamines Montjoie, France
Mixed Dormitory (Single Beds)
Check-in: 22-Jun-25, Before 6 PM ; Check-out: 23-Jun-25, 11 AM
Picnic Lunch, Evening meal, Breakfast, Free drinking water, Hot water for thermos, Paid hot showers, Weather information, Electricity (220v), Equipment, Bar, Terrace.
Activities: Morning meditation, guided silent walking, hydration and rest stops.
Trek Details:
- From: Les Houches (1,008 m/3,307 ft.)
- To: Refuge de la Balme (1,700 m/5,577 ft.)
- Distance: 23 km/13 mi, 7 hrs
- Difficulty: Moderate (alpine paths, gradual ascents)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner & Packed Lunch
Elevation:
- ↑ 646 m/2,119 ft.
- ↓ 643 m/2,110 ft.
Luggage Transfer: No Luggage transfer to Refuge de la Balme. Overnight bag to be carried.

Bag to be picked at the next destination - Hotel Maison Doron, Beaufort.

DAY 3: 23-JUN-25, MON: LES CONTAMINES-MONTJOIE TO BEAUFORT, LES CHAPIEUX

21 KM/13 MI, 7-8 HRS HIKE | ELEVATION ↑1,316 M/4,318 FT. ↓929 M/3,048 FT.

Day three will take you to Les Chapieux via the Col du Bonhomme, a serene mountain pass that provides awe-inspiring views and ideal moments for silent contemplation.

After a full day’s walk, you’ll arrive at Maison Doron in Beaufort, where the rustic charm of the lodge will welcome you.

Accommodation:
Maison Doron- 2 Star
Place de l'Eglise, 73270 Beaufort, France
Mixed Dormitory, Double and Twin Rooms
Check-In: 23-Jun-25, 3-7 PM ; Check-Out: 24-Jun-25, 11 AM
Free parking, Free High Speed Internet (WiFi), Breakfast available, Private bathroom, Mountain view, City view, Free toiletries, Inner courtyard view, Toilet, Bath or shower, Hardwood or parquet floors, Towels, Linen, Socket near the bed, Hypoallergenic, Desk, Soundproofing, TV, Heating, Flat-screen TV, Hairdryer, Wake up service/Alarm clock, Wake-up service, Wardrobe or closet, Toilet paper.
Activities: Morning meditation, mindful stretching, and intention setting.
Trek Details:
- From: Refuge de la Balme (1,700 m/5,577 ft.)
- To: Maison Doron, Beaufort (1,553 m/5,092 ft.)
- Distance: 21 km/13 mi, 7-8 hrs
- Difficulty: Moderate (ascent to Col du Bonhomme and descent)
Meals: Breakfast
Additional Meals: Dinner & Packed Lunch
Elevation:
↑ 1,316 m/4,318 ft.
↓ 929 m/3,048 ft.

DAY 4: 24-JUN-25, TUE: LES CHAPIEUX TO PRÉ-SAINT DIDIER, COURMAYEUR - WITH BUS TRANSFER

123 KM/76 MI, 2.5 HRS DRIVE | ELEVATION ↑1,464 M/4,803 FT. ↓1,818 M/5,964 FT.

Today you will rest your feet with a scenic bus transfer into Italy, arriving in Pré-Saint-Didier near Courmayeur.

You’ll use the day for reflective meditation by a lake or stream, followed by gentle movement and breathing exercises led by the monastics.

Accommodation:
Hotel Bucaneve- 3 Star
Avenue du Mont Blanc 30/32, 11010 Pré-Saint-Didier, Italy
Double or Twin, Quadruple Rooms (Single Beds)
Check-in: 24-Jun-25, 2 PM ; Check-out: 25-Jun-25, 9-10:30 AM
Private bathroom, Balcony, Mountain view, Free toiletries, Bidet, Toilet, Sofa, Bath or shower, Towels, Socket near the bed, Hypoallergenic, Tile/marble floor, Desk, TV, Satellite channels, Tea/Coffee maker, Heating, Flat-screen TV, Hairdryer, Electric kettle, Wardrobe or closet, Upper floors accessible by elevator, Clothes rack, Toilet paper, Sofa bed.
Activities: Rest and rejuvenation, sitting meditation, nature walk.
Trek Details:
- From: Maison Doron, Beaufort (1,553 m/5,092 ft.)
- To: Pré-Saint-Didier, Courmayeur (1,004 m/3,294 ft.)
- Distance: 123 km/76 mi by bus, 2.5 hrs
- Difficulty: Easy (bus transfer day)
Meals: Breakfast
Additional Meals: Dinner & Packed Lunch
Elevation:
↑ 1,464 m/4,803 ft.
↓ 1,818 m/5,964 ft.
Bus Transfer: Maison Doron, Beaufort to Hotel Bucaneve, Pré-Saint-Didier

DAY 5: 25-JUN-25, WED: PRÉ-SAINT DIDIER TO HOTEL VALLÉE BLANCHE, COURMAYEUR

8 KM/5 MI, 2 HRS HIKE | ELEVATION: NO CHANGE

After a nourishing breakfast, you will embark on a shorter, scenic hike into Courmayeur. With majestic views of Mont Blanc as your backdrop, you will walk in mindful silence, absorbing the beauty of the Italian Alps and settling in for the evening at Hotel Vallée Blanche.

Accommodation:
Hotel Vallée Blanche- 3 Star
Fraz. La Palud 38, 11013 Courmayeur, Italy
Triple, Double and Twin Rooms (Single Beds)
Check-in: 25-Jun-25, 3 PM ; Check-out: 26-Jun-25, 8-10:30 AM
Private bathroom, Mountain view, Free toiletries, Safety deposit box, Bidet, Toilet, Bath or shower, Towels, Socket near the bed, Desk, TV, Telephone, Heating, Flat-screen TV, Hairdryer, Carpeted, Wardrobe or closet, Upper floors accessible by elevator, Clothes rack, Toilet paper.
Activities: Mindful walking, evening meditation, group reflection.
Trek Details:
- From: Pré-Saint-Didier (1,000 m/3,294 ft.)
- To: Courmayeur (1,224 m/4,016 ft.))
- Distance: 8 km/5 mi, 2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy (scenic day walk)
Meals: Breakfast
Additional Meals: Dinner & Packed Lunch
Elevation:
No change

DAY 6: 26-JUN-25, THU: COURMAYEUR TO LA FOULY - WITH BUS TRANSFER

104 KM/65 MI, 2 HRS DRIVE | ELEVATION ↑895 M/2,936 FT. ↓1,410 M/4,626 FT.

Today you will take a bus transfer from Courmayeur to La Fouly, crossing into Switzerland.

The day’s activities will focus on a guided nature walk, sitting meditation, and sangha sharing to deepen your practice.

Accommodation:
Gite de la Léchère- Refuge
La Léchère Dessous 2/ 1944 La Fouly, Switzerland
Mixed Dormitory (Single Beds)
Check-in: 26-Jun-25, Before 6 PM ; Check-out: 27-Jun-25
Picnic lunch, Evening meal, Breakfast, Free tap water, Free hot showers, Wifi (free), Weather information, Terrace, Bike and mountain bike storage area.
Activities: Nature walk, long sitting meditation, sangha sharing.
Trek Details:
- From: Courmayeur (1,224 m/4,016 ft.)
- To: La Fouly (1,610 m/5,249 ft.)
- Distance: 108 km/65 mi by bus, 2 hrs
- Difficulty: Easy (day includes bus transfer)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Additional Meals: Packed Lunch
Elevation:
↑ 895 m/2,936 ft.
↓ 1,410 m/4,626 ft.
Luggage Transfer: No Luggage transfer to Gite de la Léchère. Overnight bag to be carried.

Bag to be picked at the next destination - Pension en Plein Air, Champex-Lac

DAY 7: 27-JUN-25, FRI: LA FOULY TO CHAMPEX-LAC

21 KM/13 MI, 5-6 HRS HIKE | ELEVATION ↑420 M/1,377 FT. ↓565 M/1,853 FT.

You will journey from La Fouly to Champex-Lac, walking through verdant Swiss forests and meadows. The trail is gentle, offering peaceful surroundings and time for reflection. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to relax by the serene Champex Lake.

Accommodation:
Pension en Plein Air- Refuge
Route du Lac 45 / 1938 Champex-Lac
Twin rooms & Dormitory (Single Beds)
Check-in: 27-Jun-25, 4-6 PM ; Check-out: 28-Jun-25, 9 AM
Picnic Lunch Evening meal, Breakfast, Free tap water, Hot water for Thermos, Area for drying clothes, Possible to wash clothes, People transport, Free hot showers, Wifi (free), Weather information, Electricity (220v), Bar, Terrace, Bike and mountain bike storage area.
Activities: Morning meditation, mindful forest walk, lake reflections.
Trek Details:
- From: La Fouly (1,600 m/5,249 ft.)
- To: Champex-Lac (1,470 m/4,823 ft.)
- Distance: 21 km/13 mi, 5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate (gentle forested trails)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner & Packed Lunch
Elevation:
↑ 420 m/1,377 ft.
↓ 565 m/1,853 ft.

DAY 8: 28-JUN-25, SAT: CHAMPEX-LAC TO TRIENT

16 KM/10 MI, 5 HRS HIKE | ELEVATION ↑742 M/2,434 FT. ↓682 M/2,237 FT.

Your trail from Champex-Lac to Trient will take you through alpine woods and offers striking views of the Trient Glacier. Evening meditation and reflection will complete your day, embracing the quiet of this quaint Swiss village.

Accommodation:
Auberge Mont Blanc- Hostel
Planpro 1, 1929 Trient, Switzerland
Mixed Dormitory (Single Beds)
Check-in: 28-Jun-25, 2:30 PM – 7 PM ; Check-out: 29-Jun-25, 9 AM
Picnic lunch, Lunchtime meal, Evening meal, Breakfast, Free tap water, Hot water for Thermos, Pub, Restaurant, Wifi, Garden, Sauna, Dishes, Area for drying clothes, Free hot showers, Wifi (free), Weather information, Electricity (220v), Dining Area, Private Parking, Bar, Terrace, Bike and mountain bike storage area.
Activities: Scenic hike, glacier viewpoints, evening meditation.
Trek Details:
- From: Champex-Lac (1,470 m/4,823 ft.)
- To: Trient (1,300 m/4,265 ft.)
- Distance: 16 km/10 mi, 4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate (alpine forest paths)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Additional Meals: Packed Lunch
Elevation:
↑ 742 m/2,434 ft.
↓ 682 m/2,237 ft.

DAY 9: 29-JUN-25, SUN: TRIENT TO CHAMONIX - WITH BUS TRANSFER

13 KM/8 MI, 2-3 HRS HIKE | ELEVATION ↑896 M/2,940 FT. ↓983 M/3,225 FT.

You will walk from Trient to the Col de Balme before a final bus transfer to Chamonix for your celebratory farewell dinner. This closing day is a time to reflect on the journey and share insights with the group in the lively mountain town of Chamonix.

Accommodation:
Chalet Hôtel le Prieuré & Spa- 4 Star
149 Allée Recteur Payot , Chamonix City Centre, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France
Single Beds
Check-in: 29-Jun-25, 2:30 PM – 4 PM ; Check-out: 30-Jun-25, 11 AM
Private bathroom, Balcony, Mountain view, Free toiletries, Safety deposit box, Toilet, Bath or shower, Towels, Linen, Socket near the bed, Desk, TV, Telephone, Ironing facilities, Satellite channels, Coffee machine, Tea/Coffee maker, Iron, Radio, Heating, Flat-screen TV, Hairdryer, Dressing room, Wake up service/Alarm clock, Electric kettle, Outdoor furniture, Cable channels, Wardrobe or closet, Upper floors accessible by elevator, Clothes rack, Toilet paper, Entire unit wheelchair accessible.
Activities: Morning walk, farewell dinner, group reflections.
Trek Details:
- From: Trient (1,300 m/4,265 ft.)
- To: Chamonix (1,035 m/3,396 ft.))
- Distance: 13 km/8 mi hike + bus transfer
- Difficulty: Moderate (final walk with bus transfer)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Elevation:
↑ 896 m/2,940 ft.
↓ 983 m/3,225 ft.
Bus Transfer: Col de Balme to Chalet Hôtel le Prieuré, Chamonix

DAY 10: 30-JUN-25, MON: DEPARTURE FROM GENEVA

Departures from Geneva International Airport as you conclude the Paths of Happiness journey. Private shuttles will ensure a smooth return to the airport, marking the end of a transformative experience in the Alps.

Activities: Airport transfer, farewells.
Trek Details:
- From: Chamonix (1,035 m/3,396 ft.)
- To: Geneva (375 m/1,230 ft.)
- Distance: 88 km/55 mi, 2 hrs by shuttle
- Difficulty: Easy (departure day)
Shuttle Service: Chalet Hôtel le Prieuré, Chamonix to Geneva Airport