Internationale groepsreis Tour du Mont Blanc Camping Trek

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a great trek with amazing views and chosing to camp along the route provides a great atmosphere for the group. We were very lucky with the weather (30 degrees most days) but even the one very wet day we had was still a great day of walking.  

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

After crossing the Col de Balme on day two and teetering downhill on the snow high on the mountain and then zigzagging through the woodland, there was nothing more magical for our first camp in Switzerland than La Peuty. Located on the edge of the village the rough camp spot was quiet (thankfully not the one near the cement works which other reviews have complained about) and more importantly we could sit next to a field of wild flowers in the evening with a small campfire and a well earned beer. I was very surprised about the amount of snow still around having not walked in the Alps before, but it made the trip all the better; especially on the last day and after a tough ascent of Le Brevent we could slid on bums back down to Plan Praz.   

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader Simon had a relaxed style which was great and meant that we were able to walk at our own pace and meet at specific check points (usually refuges for food and drink stops). This meant that a trip that could have felt like bootcamp still felt like a holiday. Simon also had the unfortunate task of looking after some group members feet when they suffered from blisters which i though was over and above what i would have expected from a group leader. Ben our logistics coordinator was also really great. Being the only vegetarian i expected that i would be eating similar food every day, but i ate very well and was well catered for.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Get fit and break in your boots! Most walking days have around 1000m of ascent and also descent which is often quite steep. The upside is that there is always a refuge somewhere enroute to treat yourself to a coffee/hot chocolate/ cake. The Refuge Bonatti has the best hot chocolate and well worth sampling! Also, make the most of the rest days. The cable cars, especially up the Auguille de Midi are well worth the money to get close to Mont Blanc and watch alpinists on the snow. It is also very easy to find somewhere to paraglide in Chamonix on the last day.   

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The campsites are all very good, even the two rough camps aren't really wild in that there are facilities available, just no showers. Having group tasks on the camping option - like washing up, means that getting to know one another happens right way.  I am usually a purist about walking the whole of a route. However when we had to endure a long road slog from the refuge after the Grand Col de Ferret (about 7 km of road) to the camp, even i would have been grateful if the buses hadn't still been on a 'winter' timetablen and were running up the valley. Yes there are some short sections where buses are used - for us this was only on two of the days due to the bus timetables at the start of the summer season. There is also a section from Cormayeur which is missed -but then this would have been walking up a ski road so not necessarily the most enjoyable walk i imagine.  Most people who organise this trip themselves would stay at the refuges which means that by camping you are covering extra distance every day anyway to get right down to the valley floor. As such this more than makes up for the odd bus trip.  The second to last day walk involved 3 cols and over 1000m of ascent and the steepest zigzagged path I've ever walked. This is marked on the map as a variant path and is more challenging than the main route, and is therefore a very rewarding acheivement, and the chance to see the glacier so close up and to cross the rope bridge across the river made it worth the effort. 

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

Not a walk in the park, but the rewards are phenomenal

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The last day was rainy and misty. We went ahead with the climb to Aguillette des Houches in spite of low visibility. Just as we arrived on the col, the clouds parted and the top of Mt Blanc came into view: what a moment...

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent guide.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Get fit before the trip: this makes it so much easier to enjoy even the harder parts.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

You have to JUST DO IT!

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

Fantastic first Exodus Holiday! Sensational scenery and walking, terrific group leaders and wonderful band of people on trip!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

So much of the trip was inspirational hard to pick, however the optional climbs and challenges that the group leader Graham Hickman allowed us to do must be among the best! Completing them with trip members Ovi and Kamal added so much, they were excellent company! The Col du Tricot climb plus the views from the Tete Nord des Fours must have a special mention and will live with me for a long time!  The whole group of people on the trip were an inspiration too! 

What did you think of your group leader?

Graham Hickman and Lewis were a tremendous team, Graham being the excellent mountain leader and motivator for "extra challenges" and Lewis the wonderful camp  organiser and cook. I enjoyed their company and knowledge of the area immensely. Would join another of their trips!  

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do not hesitate to go on the camping tour, the group dynamics and camaraderie is priceless! Great spread of ages and backgrounds among group. The sites were good too and certainly no hardships even at the two "basic" ones.   We were lucky with the weather any significant rain being overnight, however be prepared for some wet weather, as well as sun, it is mountainous after all! 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

One of the very best holidays I have experienced, what more is there to say!

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

This trip is not for the faint hearted, it is extremely challenging for all apart perhaps from the most seasoned Trekkers. There is something for almost everyone: I particularly loved the challenge of ascending col de tricot (600m of ascent in 1km) as fast as I could and I have never seen my 67 year old dad happier than after he realised he had completed the 161 km in 10 days... He couldn't stop smiling for days afterwards. The views take your breath away and the sheer variety of places in the three countries mean you are never bored.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Dad and I had a great time. Dad has never completed a physical challenge as daunting as this trip and he did not think he could make it almost until the very end when he made it to the top of Col de Voza on Day 12. His smile that day was definitely an inspirational moment for me. The group became really close and supportive of each other during the trip and certainly helped my Dad achieve his aim, with people from all walks of life with ages ranging from their twenties to their seventies lending a hand... Encouragement from the group definitely helped pull him and up and down some pretty steep terrain. Seeing Dad overcome his fears and doubts was really something quite awesome.

What did you think of your group leader?

Graham was superb. I believe that his greatest skill is closely observing people in the first couple of days, figuring out how to motivate each individual and working with each person to help them achieve what they are trying to get out of the trip. For example, after 5 days my 67 year old dad (who accompanied me on the trip) was struggling with the descents (of which there are many). Graham took Dad under his wing and worked with him, focusing on improving his descending technique using walking poles for several hours. Dad responded to Graham's patient instruction, learned a new skill and increased his confidence. This not only reduced his discomfort but also meant he could complete the trip with a smile on his face. Without Graham's assistance I am not sure he could have made it.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Two pieces of advice: 1. Do the camping trip. There is nothing like 2 weeks under canvas to get to know a diverse bunch of people and really experience the great outdoors. 2. Some training makes a huge difference to your enjoyment of the trip. If you come from London like me, make the effort to do dome big descents and ascents (like in Scotland) before you go. If you can't organise that, then an hour on the stepping machine at the gym really helps.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

It was an amazing trip - good scenery, great group, fantastic food and awesome guide!!! What more do you want?

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Getting on to the top of mountains with Ovi and Kevin. Many thanks to our guide/group leader "Grahem" to motivate us to make an extra effort to conquer the peak which was not even a part of the TMB route. Simply SUPERB!!!

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader "Grahem" was amazing throughout the trip. He was taking care of everybody, briefing us in the morning and providing us a lot of information on our way. I was amazed by his knowledge about all the surrounding mountains and the valleys. One of the things which I'll remember all my life about him is organizing a few uphill challenges. After his inspirational speech, everyone would jump into the challenge and enjoy it. Another great thing about him was that he was taking care of every single person. If someone would feel less motivated to walk, he would walk with him/her, talk to him/her and make him/her comfortable. He really made the whole group to walk together. It was fantastic! I also liked the fact that he did a good effort to organize a small party in a pub to celebrate Lewis' birthday. We had a great time there. We danced on Punjabi beats. We also went on to wear Punjabi turbans and danced. Amazing experience! GREAT WORK Grahem. I would love to go for any trip guided by him. One more thing: I really loved Lewis' cooking and his organization. Really a great great cook, and what a person! Awesome!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Many people do not bring walking poles with them. I think it is wise to buy a pair, as they are very helpful, especially walking downhill without putting extra pressure/load on your knees.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

ENJOY ENJOY & ENJOY!!!

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

If you are considering doing the MBC stop thinking and book it. It was fantastic, fantastic and fantastic! The Guide Graham Hickman was a truly inspirational man with a mass of knowledge of the mountain area. The trip is well organised and runs like clockwork. The campsites used were all good. The route and scenery is stunning and I wish I was still there.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The climb to the top of "The Col De Tricot" was really tough but satisfying.

What did you think of your group leader?

Graham Hickman is a splendid chap and very knowledgeable. He has a great sense of humour and nothing was too much to organise. His support worker Lewis Bates (Doc) was excellent throughout the trip. He made some fantastic food and even picks up some excellent wine on his shopping trips for provisions.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Book it now why wait?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I am going back to Chamonix later this year to climb Mont Blanc....can't wait!

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

Awesome mountains, serene forests,good company, billowing glaciers, clouds come and go into nirvana, we stayed grounded and giggled our way through french pastries and tea-amazing vibes...

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Looking at le Grand Jorasses from our camping site with fresh snow on top eary in the morning. Brevent /Grand Balcon trail: breathtaking views of Aigille du Midi and le Mt. Blanc Massif to feed mountain addicted eyes, the retina retains more echoes than the slackliner...

What did you think of your group leader?

Simon:Competent mountain skills (safety, ability, enjoyment), good communicator (briefing/debriefing of day) and excellent manager of interpersonal group dynamics. Ben:Good food and provision of special needs clients. Tents up and hot water without fail after a day of hiking... Thank you Simon and Ben

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be sure to check out grading/difficulty degree. Realistic estimate of own abilities to trip or any other EXODUS trip. Other than that you are in safe hands...

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Yes, have been going nuts already. Believe you got my review on grading and group photo etc. Enjoyabel trip, moderate yes, will be looking for some more challenging options... Thank you for all the info before trip, Keep up the good team work!

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

The scenery is spectacular throughout much of this hike, provided that the weather permits good visibility. At no point did I ever feel like I was in the "wilderness," but there were plenty of hot chocolate, cake, and pie stops to compensate for that. It was an enjoyable group holiday.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

One really cool moment for me was getting to walk around a Roman cryptoporticus in Aosta, Italy during one of the rest days. This was my first trip to Europe, so it was my first exposure to Roman ruins. I nerded out a bit.

What did you think of your group leader?

Simon was our guide and leader, and Ben was our logistics coordinator and cook. They were both solid guys who did their jobs well. Simply put, if you're going for a guided walk in the mountains, these are the kind of people you want to go with you. Our group had a relatively broad distribution of preferred walking speeds, and Simon dealt with it perfectly using a combination of patience and flexibility, taking care of the people toiling away in back and letting the people in front go at their own pace without getting too far afield. There was also a diverse and fairly restrictive assortment of special dietary needs that Ben was constantly scrambling to address. As far as I’m concerned, they both deserve medals for putting up with us.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Mountain trails involve elevation gain and loss, so it should almost go without saying that time you invest beforehand in physical conditioning will make you a happier camper on the trail. You do not need to be an iron man by any means, but physical distress can detract from enjoyment if it is experienced over the timescale of a couple weeks.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Do you like frequent hot chocolate, coffee, or tea stops while you're hiking? If so, this is your kind of trip. Many of the refuges also serve delicious cake and pie. If you want to gain weight while walking 100 miles, you can make that happen.

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

My first walking holiday with Exodus exceeded all expectations. The perfect combination of stunning scenery, challenging walks, a brilliant group of people and a really outstanding guide in Graham and cook and practical back-up from Lewis (hard to believe that this was his first time in the role!).

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were many! A favourite day involved a walk from the Val Ferret on a quiet but stunningly beautiful route over two cols and a summit back to Courmayeur. Great views and a profusion of alpine flowers. Another highlight was the impeccable timing with which Graham got us all to the summit of Bregent on the final walking day 10 minutes before the weather closed in. A real sense of achievement for the whole group.

What did you think of your group leader?

See above - couldn't fault either Graham or Lewis, both of whom did a superb job in their respective roles.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't be put off by the idea of camping - it was no hardship at all, in fact quite the reverse - would really recommend it.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

Stunningly beautiful with a huge sense of achievment at the end. I found it equally hard as Kili and Base Camp Everest, it certainly deserves to be on the Exodus big 5 list! The more you train, the more you will enjoy it.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Getting to the final summit and having a glass of bubbly, just awsome.

What did you think of your group leader?

I liked Mike but I did wish at times that he would let us at the back catch up a bit more often, quite sole destroying plodding along on your own, however I  do know that he had confidence in my ability or he would have waited and he certainly made sure I had his second pole every time we desended as he never forgot that my knee was giving me some grief. I certainly trusted him and would be pleased to have him as my guide again.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Train, train and train and don't underestimate how hard it it.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Jane was just amazing, she put so much effort into making sure us veggies were well catered for which is a rare and very welcome treat.

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

I have been on many walkig & Trekking holidays and I would like to say that Graham Hickman our Leader & Mountain Guide rated as the most friendly, compitent and encouraging leader I have ever met, this together with the new boy Lewis Bates, Driver, Camp Cook and all round good guy made a 15 day TMB trekking holiday a excelent experience I would recomend to anyone wishing to undertake this holiday.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching the numerous cols and taking in the magnificent view's coupled with a remarkable sense of personal achievement made a 65 year old very happy.

What did you think of your group leader?

As mentioned in the first section I wish Graham and Lewis all the best in their own future careers in the coming years, they made a wonderfull team.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Ensure you are as fit both physical and mental fit for this holiday, listen to your leaders and let them set the pace. The TMB is NOT a walk in the park but I believe I have proved that good preparation leads to sucessfull achievements.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I personally would trust Exodus to put together a holiday that would meet my requirements, they have for my last three breaks, and now I am planning a Iceland activity for next January,

Mont Blanc circuit

A very well organised trip with Exodus. Walking days were challenging but enjoyable with amazing views (weather permitting!). Days were organised well and our guide John always had alternative routes if necessary. Campsites were all good and particularly enjoyed the 2 'wild camping' sites. The food was excellent considering the conditions and the equipment that Graham had. We are both vegetarians and were superbly catered for! The curry was especially good!!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The Col de Ferret was a spectacular day and the beauty of Trient with its pink church! The scenery was spectacular and was exactly how we imagined it to be! The cable car to the top of the Aiguille du Midi was brilliant especially the blizzard conditions at the top!! Also had the pleasure of meeting Dawa Sherpa in Chamonix!! Would also recommend the chairlift to the Glacier des Bossons.

What did you think of your group leader?

John was an excellent leader. Extremely knowledgeable and always happy to tell stories and teach those who were interested, bushcraft/mountain skills. He was extremely patient and reassuring with me on exposed sections and I had the utmost confidence in him. I have learnt alot from him during the trip. Happy to give information about things to do on free days. Graham was superb. Always chatty and friendly and had lots of jokes to tell (we will let you be the judge as to whether they are good or not!!) Nothing ever too much trouble and his food could not be faulted! Charlotte was wonderful and always had the kettle on and the biscuit tin full for the end of our days walking!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take lots of pairs of socks and would highly recommend taking an umbrella (as odd as it may seem). The trek is certainly challenging in some places so definitely recommend being as fit as you can be. Walking poles are very helpful for the steep descents. Four seasons in a day is a definite possibility so be well prepared! On a free day in Chamonix the multi-pass for all of the chairlifts and cables cars is a must! Cake and tea during walking days adds up so budget for this.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Riet

Goed georganiseerd, goede gids en logistieke ondersteuning.

Stunning Trip

This is an outstanding trip, with stunning locations and views, which can not be highly recommended enough. The itinerary prepared by Exodus ensured that we got the most out of the trip. For us, the camping enhanced the mountain outdoor experience.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

This is a joint review & for me it is impossible to pick one inspirational moment - the whole trip truly was an inspiration. For my husband it was the culmination of the 1500m (4500 feet) ascent from Les Bossons to Brevent (like Where Eagles Dare!).

What did you think of your group leader?

Jeff was an outstanding leader. He clearly has a passion for everything outdoors. He not only guided but also fully informed you at every opportunity as to the flora, fauna and wildlife - his background in biology came through in the knowledge he was able to impart. He also managed the groups various skill and fitness abilities in a very delicate manner where everyone was made to feel that they had achieved. He was sociable outside of guiding and had a great sense of humour.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you are of a good level of fitness then this trip will require some effort from you but you will be able to enjoy it to the full. If you fail to prepare then you are preparing to make life very difficult for yourself and you won't get the full benefit of enjoying this amazing trip. Make sure you have good kit to equip you for rain or sunshine. There are washing machines and tumble driers at most of the camp sites so no need to over pack. Be prepared to muck in at mealtimes with preparing/packing away the dining area.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Following on from the specific comments about our guide Jeff, he was truly, well and worthily supported by Andy. He really ran an excellent camp, prepared excellent meals and went that extra mile to ensure that we were well and truly catered and accommodated for. It was clear he put in the extra effort to ensure each and every camp was special. In addition, I celebrated my birthday whilst we were away and he made extra arrangements to make it a memorable day.

TMB

It was our first trip with Exodus but definitely wont be our last, we had an amazing 2 weeks of walking amongst stunning scenery crossing 3 countries with a lovely group of people!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Too many to mention, from snow capped mountains to beautiful alpine flowers and meadows!

What did you think of your group leader?

John Briggs was a great group leader, professional, full of information (I now know how to identify the larch,spruce and fir trees!!), sharing useful walking tips and always there as a support to some members of the group who were maybe not as confident on certain types of terrain.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you love the outdoors, appreciate beautiful scenery, are reasonably fit and have a sense of adventure then just go for it!! (a bit of advice - the purchase of a small umbrella is an essential bit of kit!!!)

Is there anything else you would like to add?

on a 'rest' day if the weather is good go up in the Aiguille du Midi cable cars and over the glacier , absolutely stunning, worth every single penny.!!

Fantastic Trip - Do It!

The TMB trip was a great adventure - camping, wonderful scenery, great guide (Kim), fun group, laughter and fantastic memories. What a fortnight! If you're thinking of this then just do it, it's worth it!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The two "challenging" days; up to the Col de la Seigne and the Col du Bonhomme. Both involved longer days, lots of climbing and lots of snow. However we were rewarded with great views and got our best view of Mont Blanc at the Col de la Seigne.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our leader, Kim, was great! She took an interest and had time for everybody, was great fun and honest about what lay ahead. She was great during our first day baptism of fire in bad weather and lots of snow! We're all fully trained to "dig our toes in", "use our poles" etc when we see snow now!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure you're fit before you go. While the days vary in difficulty, added fitness will help you enjoy your trip. My knees suffered from the steep descents so I was glad to have lots of ibuprofen and some knee supports.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

It's a great trip - so go for it! The camaraderie was wonderful; lots of laughter and fun and everybody pitched in to help each other out. It was difficult to return to normal life afterwards!

Mont Blanc Camping Trek

A spectacular fortnight spent amongst some of the more dramatic mountain scenery in Europe. The camping aspect added increased sociability and everyone gelled together as a group.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Too many to count - probably seeing Mont Blanc for the first time 'up close' on day two, a beautifully sunny day walking up to the Col de Balme.

What did you think of your group leader?

Young at heart and heaps of fun, she did well to manage such a large group of differing speeds and abilities.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

A must-do trek for anyone not wanting to venture too far away, you won't regret it!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Tour du Mont Blanc camping trek

The whole trip was really amazing, challenging, scary at times, breathtaking scenery. Loved the camping and the bond with the team it gave. The leader John, was the best leader I have had, he was brilliant, would help any of the group at any time, no matter how big or small the problem. Very knowledgeable, and absolutely a natural at his job, I can't recommend him enough. Claire the cook and 'mum' back at camp was also fantastic, she would always be there to welcome us back, with drinks and snacks and info on the camp site. Always a brilliant three course dinner.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The Telepherique from La Palud to Aiguille du Midi was a trip not to be missed, truly amazing. The whole trip for me was just brilliant, with such different scenery, from meadows, woods to snow.

What did you think of your group leader?

Sorry just wrote that info above - brilliant, natural leader

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure you are fit!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This is a trip to do at least once.

Mont Blanc Circuit

An absolutely brilliant trip from start to finish. Fabulous scenery, a brilliant group of trekkers and great fun, despite some mixed weather and spectacular storms.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

It's hard to pinpoint one moment but I really enjoyed the extra 'optional' challenges that were set by our guide John. Huffing and puffing my way up the extremely steep 560m of the Col du Tricot faster than my target time felt like a massive achievement, as did completing the circuit after ten long days of hiking. It's a long way. 100% worth it but we definitely deserved a celebratory drink or two at the end.

What did you think of your group leader?

John was an excellent leader. Very approachable and patient, with a good sense of humour and a truly wonderful singing voice?! Graham was equally excellent back in camp, always welcoming us when we came back to camp after our walks and providing delicious food (plenty of it) and a very welcome bar. I should also mention his 'jokes' and spooky ghost stories...

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do take an umbrella! It might sound crazy for the mountains, but you'll need it. Warm clothes are a must for evenings in camp. Also, if you're not sure about doing this trip due to worries about camping...don't worry! I had never camped for this long before but learnt to enjoy it!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you to both leaders and my group for a fabulous two weeks.

Tour du Mont Blanc

Beautiful views, great camaraderie within the group and with Exodus guide and cook. A fantastic 2 weeks!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Lunch stop with view of Mont Dolent. Beautiful!

What did you think of your group leader?

I had confidence that in a crisis situation we'd be ok with him. Thankfully we never had a crisis situation. He paces the walks well, had local knowledge and also knowledge of flora and fauna

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

I was a bit worries about the camping as I hasn't been in a tent for 30 years. However, I'm sooooo glad I didn't do the hotel version of the trip. So much fun camping and the group were a hardier and more fun lot than the hotel group

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Graham's ( cook) jokes were diabolical along with his scary stories. But what fun!