
Itinerary
Day 1: Champery to Bonavau
Distance: 7kms, 580m up/ 66m down
Time: 4 hours hiking
Itinerary: We will meet at Champery train station at noon, reachable from Geneva Airport on the Swiss train and tram network in 2.5 hours.
From there we will check and loan equipment before we start our circumnavigation.
We will climb slowly and surely away from the Swiss village to a remote mountain valley and our home for the night.
Our home for the evening, Bonavau Refuge, has a real "Heidi" feel as we settle down, enjoy the view down the valley, and eat home-cooked food.
Highlights: Suspension Bridge over a Waterfall and Evening View Down the Valley

Day 2: Bonavau to Salanfe
Distance: With the summit 14km 2000m up/ 1730m down, without the summit 11kms, 1400m up / 1130m down
Time: 8 hours Hiking.
Itinerary: This is a big day that starts early as we climb up through the Pass d'Encel, a squeeze through the rocks where we have to watch our feet and even use the provided chain supports. After a couple of hours, we can get a break, coffee, and cake at the Cabane Susanfe. Then we continue to climb to the Col du Susanfe.
Here, we have two options. If conditions allow, we can choose to go to the summit. The summit of the Dent de Midi is at 3300m and looks down the valley to Lake Geneva. Climbing it requires sure feet and confidence. This diversion adds 600m and 4 km to the day.
After the Col du Susanfe, it is carefully scrambling downhill to Lake Salanfe and the cabin at the dam. We are in a secluded valley for the night and can watch for Marmots and Ibex.
Highlights: Pas d'Encel Squeeze, Susanfe Tart, Dents De Midi Summit.

Day 3: Salanfe to Chindone
Distance: 15kms 1100m up / 1300m down.
Time: Approx 7 hours hiking.
Itinerary: On our third day, we turn the corner over the Col du Jorat, passing through woods and along a mountain stream before traversing mountain paths to Chindone. There, we can sit on their terrace and contemplate what we have already achieved. If we are feeling fit, we have the option of extending the day to summit the Dent de Valerette.
Highlights: Col du Jorat view, woodland walking, Swiss village.

Day 4: Chindone back to Champery
Distance: 17km 1000m up/ 1650m down
Time: Approx 6 hours hiking
Itinerary: On our final day will head back to Champery along the south-facing side of the mountain. We have the opportunity to climb up to the Signal de Soi to begin before crossing ancient shepherds' paths down the mountain to the Restaurant les Rives for lunch. We will finish by cutting through the famous Galerie Defago which leads us back to Champéry and our starting point.
Highlights: Galerie Defago cliff walk, Swiss lunch.
We should be back in Champery by 4 pm. This allows you to fly back from Geneva from 8 pm.


Kit List
Clothing
Please make sure that you have non-cotton clothing for trekking.
- 2/ 3 x shirts
- 3 x hiking socks (invest in Merino socks)
- 3 - 4 pairs of underwear
- 1 x fleece
- Light down or Primaloft jacket
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Hiking trousers/ shorts
- Sun Hat, Warm Hat and gloves
- Buff or scarf - we will give you a team one!
- Swimming shorts/costume
Footwear
- Trekking boots/ shoes: 3 or 4 season lightweight
- Optional Lightweight shoes for the evening (or borrow hut slippers)
Documents
- Passport
- Boarding pass for flights
- Money (CHF / EUROS)
- Credit/Debit Card
Sleeping
- Sleeping bag liner (you can buy from us)
- Ear Plugs
Other
- A day bag: 35 - 40 litres - all your kit should fit into this bag
- Travel towel
- Dry bag or liner
- Water bottle: At least 2L
- Sun protection: Sunglasses, suncream and sun hat
- Personal medication
- Toiletries - slim this down you do not need much
- Electronics - headtorch, travel adapter, phone and charger
- Hand sanitiser
- Hiking poles (Available to rent for 10 Euros - just ask your guide)

Difficulty Rating
Moderate

What's included
Your trip includes:
- Guides - UIMLA Professional Mountain Leader
- Accommodation - Unique mountain hut experience
- Food - Alpine Breakfasts and 3 Course Dinners

Not included
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Personal Expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.

Videos

FAQ's
Do I need a Visa?
This depends on the country you are coming from. European/EU/EEA should not. Non-EU countries (including the UK) will need an ETIAS from 2025. Please view updates about this new regulation on ETIAS.COM. This needs to be sorted out online well before you travel and has a small fee. (7 Euros). Please make sure you get this from the official website as there are scam websites charging more. It's up to individuals to ensure that travel requirements are met.
Do you cater for most dietary requirements?
We try to, whether you're vegetarian, vegan or have allergies. You must inform your guide via your dashboard about your dietary requirements at least 30 days prior to the trip. We will inform the accommodation to prepare for you.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes - you must have travel insurance including search and rescue, with hiking up to 3000m. We are not certified insurance agents and therefore cannot legally answer questions about insurance. Popular providers clients have used in the past include the British Mountaineering Council (Trek policy, UK if a BMC Member), Snowcard (UK residents) and the Austrian Alpine Club (All nationalities, an annual policy comes with other benefits). You may have insurance as part of an annual policy - please check this includes mountain rescue upto 2500m. These do require organising before you leave so that you get all the details. Price comparison websites will provide this. Typical costs seem to be around 20 EUR for a week. We are sorry that we can't recommend Insurance providers from every country. The Austrian Alpine Club seems to cover most countries, and its annual fee is 62 Euros.
Do I need walking poles and how can I rent them?
YES - Poles come highly recommended by us. All of our guides use them and that is for a reason. Check out the video to explain why. We find that after just half a day, customers who haven't used them before love them and buy them as soon as they get home. Our guides all give lessons on how to use them efficiently. Research shows that they give you a 20% improvement. You can rent them for the bargain price of 10 Euros for the trip. Your guide will have them ready for you at the Vert Lodge and you can pay cash there. This saves you having to get them through the airport if you are already an avid pole user.
How much cash should I bring, and in which currency?
The currency used in France and Italy is Euro’s. In Switzerland, they use the Swiss Franc, chfs, but normally accept Euros at a poor exchange rate. We recommend changing your money before you arrive as it is not possible once you've left the airport. You WILL need money for lunches, drinks, souvenirs and tips . Alpine refuges do not always take cards or digital payments. We recommend: 100 euros & 150chfs per person, depending on how much you eat and drink extra. At the very least use the cash points at the airport to get Swiss Francs (chfs)
Do I need walking boots?
Yes we highly recommend wearing walking boots rather than trainers, as they provide more grip and help to prevent any sprains/injuries. This is a safety concern so please take this seriously. If you are used to walking in trail shoes or similar that can be fine unless there is snow on the ground in early season - then we insist you wear boots.
What to do If my flight is cancelled or delayed?
If you experience a delay or cancellation to your flight, please get in contact with the AlpsAdventures guide team by WhatsApp/ phone at the number on your confirmation/dashboard. This is the quickest way to get a response. You can call or send a WhatsApp message. We can then look at the options available to you.
Should I tip the guide?
If you feel your guide has done a good job, a tip is always appreciated as a way to recognise the care, skill, and energy they put into making your trip enjoyable and safe. Guiding involves much more than leading the way – your guide also manages logistics, navigates changing conditions, supports the group, and creates a memorable experience. While tipping is entirely at your discretion, it is a meaningful way to show your appreciation. We would recommend a 20 Euro per person minimum.
What's the terrain like?
The trek involves a lot of ascent and descent on a mix of trails. This includes – rocky terrain, forest trails and sometimes gravel tracks. It is important that you are steady on your feet and have experience walking on mountain paths. Do try and get some practice in before you come. We go at a slow steady pace that everyone can keep up with.
Can I join you as a solo traveller?
Absolutely! We get lots of solo travellers - it's a great way to meet like-minded people.
What kind of accommodation do we stay in?
We'll stay in mountain huts in secluded locations. The rooms are dormitory style with shared bathrooms. You can expect electricity and Wifi. What kind of accommodation do we stay in. Bedding (duvet and pillow) will be provided for you in each hut, but you do need to bring a thin sleeping bag liner. Towels, toiletries and other facilities, such as hairdryers, that you often find in hotels are not available at our mountain huts.
Do I need to carry all my things?
You just need to carry clothes for the entire trip, as well as a few things for the specific day such as a bottle of water, waterproofs and toiletries. Your full bag should be around 5kg plus water. Pack as light as possible but do plan to bring all the items on the packing list.
How fit do I need to be?
Our trips are sustained challenges, not holidays. For the Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights, you’ll need a solid base level of fitness - think 8+ hours of trekking a day with an 8kg rucksack. Mental stamina is as important as physical - be ready to keep moving uphill for long stretches.