How Much I Actually Spent on My 7-Day TMB Trek?
RM 9,134. That’s how much I spent on my 7-day Tour du Mont Blanc adventure, including return flights from Malaysia.
Was it expensive? Yes, especially when you convert everything into Malaysian Ringgit. HAHA.
But would I do it again? Absolutely.
Before hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), one of the things I struggled with most was figuring out how much the trek would actually cost.
The more I researched, the more I realised there wasn’t really a straightforward answer.
Some hikers camp along the way, while others stay in mountain refuges or choose the comfort of hotels. Some complete the entire circuit on foot, while others use buses and cable cars to skip certain sections.
With so many different ways to experience the TMB, it’s no surprise that everyone’s budget looks a little different.
So, instead of sharing another estimated TMB budget, I thought it would be more helpful to break down exactly how much I spent during my trip from 30 August to 7 September 2026.
From flights and accommodation to meals and the occasional transport shortcut that helped us complete our modified TMB itinerary in seven days, I’ll be sharing what I actually paid along the way.
Hopefully, this gives you a more realistic idea of how much to budget for your own Tour du Mont Blanc adventure, especially if you’re planning a similar route!
Here’s the breakdown of my actual Tour du Mont Blanc expenses in 2026.
| Expenses | Cost (MYR) |
|---|---|
| Return flights from Malaysia | RM 3,607.00 |
| Accommodation (8 nights) | RM 2,495.00 |
| Transport (buses, trains, cable cars & taxi) | RM 650.30 |
| Food & drinks | RM 895.50 |
| Insurance, luggage transfer, eSIM & miscellaneous | RM 1,485.90 |
| Grand Total | RM 9,133.70 |
Total with flights: RM9,134 per person
Total excluding flights: RM5,526.70 per person
A Little Context About Our TMB Trip
I trekked the Tour du Mont Blanc with three friends, so there were four of us in total.
One of my friends planned the rough route and booked our accommodation in advance, while the four of us decided along the way which sections to hike or skip based on our pace and how we felt.
It wasn’t a luxury guided tour or an ultra-budget camping trip. We stayed in a mix of mountain refuges and hotels, used public transport to shorten certain sections, and shared expenses like taxis and luggage transfers.
Our goal wasn’t to spend as little as possible, but to make the most of our seven days in the mountains.
All costs shared above are my personal expenses, not the total for our group of four.
Also, my flights were part of a longer trip to Switzerland, where I continued exploring after completing the TMB trek, and my eSIM covered two weeks. So this breakdown focuses on my TMB expenses rather than the cost of my entire holiday.
My 7-Day Tour du Mont Blanc Route
With limited annual leave, my friends and I chose to complete a modified 7-day Tour du Mont Blanc route instead of the full 170 km circuit.
We hiked counter-clockwise through 🇫🇷 France, 🇮🇹 Italy and 🇨🇭Switzerland, covering scenic highlights while using occasional buses, trains and cable cars to save time.
Although these shortcuts added to our expenses, they made the trek more manageable.
| Day | Route |
|---|---|
| 1 | Les Houches → Col de Tricot → Les Contamines |
| 2 | Les Contamines → Col du Bonhomme → Les Chapieux |
| 3 | Les Chapieux → Col de la Seigne → Courmayeur |
| 4 | Courmayeur → Arnouva → Rifugio Elena |
| 5 | Rifugio Elena → Grand Col Ferret → Ferret |
| 6 | Ferret → Champex-Lac → Bovine → Col de la Forclaz |
| 7 | Col de la Forclaz → Les Praz → Lac Blanc → Chamonix |
Want to know which sections we hiked, skipped and used transport for?
Read 🔗My Tour du Mont Blanc in 7 Days: A Shortened TMB Itinerary for the full journey.
That post explains the route in detail. In this article, I’m focusing on the money side of things.
1. Flights from Malaysia to Switzerland — RM 3,607
Getting to Europe from Malaysia is one of the biggest expenses when hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB).
My return flight cost RM3,607, including 25 kg checked baggage.
- Outbound: Kuala Lumpur → Doha → Geneva
- Return: Zurich → Doha → Kuala Lumpur
We flew into Geneva as it’s easy to reach Chamonix, France, a popular starting point for the TMB, by bus.
I chose to fly home from Zurich because I continued exploring Switzerland after the trek. If you’re visiting Europe just for the TMB, it’s worth comparing return flights from Geneva.
My tip: Don’t just compare airfares. Consider flight arrival times, baggage allowance, and the timing of transfers to Chamonix.
I’d also recommend spending at least one night in Chamonix before starting the trek. After a long-haul flight from Malaysia, you’ll appreciate having a day to rest before hitting the trails.
2. Accommodation — RM 2,495 for 8 Nights
Accommodation was my second biggest expense after flights.
One thing I learnt is that where you stay can affect both your route and budget.
Popular mountain refuges often get booked out months in advance, so accommodation availability can determine where you end your hike each day.
Here’s where I stayed and what I paid.
My TMB Accommodation Breakdown
| Date | Accommodation | Meals | My Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Aug | La Folie Douce, Chamonix | None | RM 170 |
| 31 Aug | Gite le Pontet, Les Contamines | Half-board | RM 347 |
| 1 Sep | Base Camp Lodge, Bourg-Saint-Maurice | None | RM 280 |
| 2 Sep | Hotel Funivia, Courmayeur area | Breakfast | RM 280 |
| 3 Sep | Rifugio Elena, Italy | Half-board | RM 336 |
| 4 Sep | Hotel du Col de Fenetre, Ferret | Half-board | RM 462 |
| 5 Sep | Hotel du Col de la Forclaz, Switzerland | Half-board | RM 430 |
| 6 Sep | La Folie Douce, Chamonix | None | RM 190 |
| Total | 8 nights | RM 2,495 |
These are my personal accommodation costs, not the full room rates.
The Accommodation Problem That Changed Our Day 2 Plan
One unexpected change happened on Day 2. We originally planned to stay in Les Chapieux after crossing Col du Bonhomme, but accommodation was fully booked.
Instead, we took a bus to Bourg-Saint-Maurice and stayed at Base Camp Lodge, before returning to the trail the next morning.
This added € 16 per person in transport costs:
- Les Chapieux → Bourg-Saint-Maurice: € 8
- Return the next morning: € 8
It wasn’t our original plan, but it worked out well.
My advice? Book your TMB accommodation before finalising your hiking itinerary. A fully booked mountain hut can affect not just where you sleep, but also your route, budget and hiking schedule.
Was Half-Board Worth It?
For me, half-board made trekking much more convenient. It usually includes dinner and breakfast, although this varies by accommodation.
During our TMB trek, we had half-board at:
- Gite le Pontet
- Rifugio Elena
- Hotel du Col de Fenetre
- Hotel du Col de la Forclaz
After a long day of hiking, having dinner ready was a relief, especially in remote areas with limited dining options. It also made budgeting easier since several meals were already covered.
Budget tip: Always check whether meals are included when comparing accommodation prices. A cheaper room doesn’t necessarily mean a cheaper overall stay.
3. Transportation — RM 650.30
€ 93.90 + CHF 41.80
One advantage of the Tour du Mont Blanc is its transport network. Buses, cable cars and seasonal shuttles connect several towns, so you don’t have to hike every section.
With only seven days, we used transport to shorten our route and make our itinerary more manageable.
My TMB Transport Expenses
| Transport | Cost |
|---|---|
| Geneva → Chamonix bus | € 15.40 |
| Chamonix station → hotel bus | € 2.20 |
| Chamonix → Les Houches bus | € 2.20 |
| Bellevue Cable Car | € 18.90 |
| Les Chapieux → Bourg-Saint-Maurice bus | € 8.00 |
| Bourg-Saint-Maurice → Les Chapieux bus | € 8.00 |
| Shared taxi to Le Gollier | € 12.00 |
| Ferret → Champex-Lac buses | CHF 12.00 |
| La Forclaz → Les Praz transport | CHF 14.80 |
| La Flegere gondola (return) | € 25.00 |
| Les Praz → Chamonix bus | € 2.20 |
| Chamonix → Geneva bus | CHF 15.00 |
Total: RM 650.30
These were our 2026 fares. Prices and seasonal services may change.
My takeaway: Transport may not save money, but it makes completing the TMB in fewer days more realistic.
4. Food and Drinks — RM 895.50
€ 156.50 + CHF 32
After hours of hiking uphill and downhill, food becomes one of the best parts of the day. HAHA.
For our seven-day trek, I spent RM 895.50 on food and drinks, excluding breakfasts and dinners already included in some accommodation bookings.
How We Managed Food During the Trek
We mixed supermarket groceries with occasional meals and treats along the way.
On Day 1, we stocked up at a supermarket in Les Contamines for the next day’s hike. This helped us save money and avoid relying entirely on mountain refuges.
On days with half-board accommodation, breakfast and dinner were already covered.
But we still made room for little treats, like good dinner and gelato in Courmayeur and two slices of pie at Champex-Lac before the Bovine hike on Day 6.
My takeaway: Hiking isn’t just about reaching the next destination. Sometimes, slowing down to enjoy good food and little moments makes the journey even better.
How Much Should You Budget for Food on the TMB?
Your budget will depend on your accommodation and eating habits.
Staying in half-board mountain huts can save on meals, while hotels without meals and dining out, especially in Switzerland, may cost more. Remember to pack snacks and food for longer hiking days, as some sections have limited places to buy supplies.
My takeaway: A mix of half-board accommodation, supermarket groceries and occasional cafe stops worked well for us, balancing cost and enjoyment.
5. Other Expenses — RM 1,485.90
Beyond accommodation, transport and food, there were a few extra expenses that were easy to overlook when planning the TMB.
From travel insurance and luggage transfers to small souvenirs, these costs added up to almost RM 1,500.
Here’s where the money went.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Travel insurance | RM 188.50 |
| Airalo eSIM (2 weeks) | RM 184.00 |
| Luggage storage in Chamonix | RM 117.50 |
| TMB luggage transfer service | RM 869.00 |
| TMB passport | RM 9.40 |
| TMB souvenir T-shirt | RM 117.50 |
| Total | RM 1,485.90 |
TMB Luggage Transfer — RM 869
As a group of four, we arranged luggage transfers for three bags at a total cost of € 739. My share was RM 869. It wasn’t cheap, but hiking with a lighter daypack made those long days and steep climbs much more manageable.
If you’re happy carrying everything yourself, this is one expense you can save on. Otherwise, luggage transfer can be worth it for the extra comfort.
Tip: Check whether the luggage transfer service covers all your accommodation, as some remote mountain refuges aren’t accessible by road.
Luggage Storage in Chamonix — RM 117.50
Before the trek, we stored our extra belongings at La Folie Douce Hotel in Chamonix for €25 per bag for six days.
Since I was also travelling around Switzerland after TMB, I didn’t want to carry everything into the mountains.
If you’re combining the TMB with a longer European holiday, arranging luggage storage beforehand can save you a lot of hassle.
Travel Insurance — RM 188.50
I spent RM 188.50 on travel insurance.
For mountain trekking, make sure your policy covers your hiking altitude, search and rescue, and helicopter evacuation.
Not all travel insurance policies include these, so always check the exclusions and altitude limits.
My advice: Don’t just choose the cheapest policy. Choose one that actually covers your trek.
eSIM — RM 184
I purchased a two-week Airalo eSIM for RM 184, covering both my TMB trek and Switzerland trip.
Since the TMB crosses France, Italy and Switzerland, make sure your eSIM covers all three countries.
Want to save on your Airalo eSIM? Use my exclusive discount codes:
- EXPLOREWITHCAI — 10% off for all users
- EXPLOREWITHCAINEW — 15% off for new users
Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
TMB Passport and Souvenir T-Shirt — RM 126.90
I spent € 2 (RM 9.40) on the TMB passport and € 25 (RM 117.50) on a souvenir T-shirt.
Not essential expenses, but I love bringing home little things that remind me of the adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tour du Mont Blanc Costs
Is your RM 9,134 TMB budget per person or for four people?
My total individual spending for this trip was RM 9,134, including return flights from Malaysia. Excluding flights, my on-ground expenses came to RM 5,526.70.
I travelled with three friends, and we shared certain expenses such as taxi and luggage transfers. Your costs may vary depending on your group size and accommodation arrangements.
How much does accommodation cost on the Tour du Mont Blanc?
I spent RM 2,495 on eight nights, staying in a combination of hotels and mountain refuges in France, Italy and Switzerland. My individual nightly costs ranged from RM 170 to RM 462.
The price depends on the type of accommodation, booking dates, room arrangements and whether meals are included.
Is the Tour du Mont Blanc expensive?
It can be, especially if you’re travelling from outside Europe.
For me, return flights and accommodation were the two largest expenses. Luggage transfer, transport and separately purchased food also made a noticeable difference to the budget.
However, you can adjust many of these costs depending on your hiking style, accommodation choices and the length of your trip.
Can you hike the Tour du Mont Blanc in seven days?
Yes, but our itinerary was a shortened version of the TMB rather than a complete continuous circuit. We used buses, trains and cable cars to skip selected sections while keeping several of the major mountain passes and scenic trails.
You can read our full route in my 🔗7-day Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary
Is food included in TMB mountain huts?
It depends on your booking. Some mountain refuges offer half-board, typically including breakfast and dinner.
I recommend checking these details before booking, as they can significantly affect your food budget.
Final Thoughts: Plan Your TMB Budget Around the Experience You Want
My seven-day Tour du Mont Blanc adventure cost RM 9,134, but that doesn’t mean yours has to. Your budget will depend on your hiking duration, accommodation, transport and personal preferences.
My advice? Plan your budget around the experience you want, not just the cheapest way to complete the trek.
Some hikers aim to complete the entire classic route, while others prefer lighter backpacks, comfortable stays or scenic detours. For me, it was about making the TMB possible with limited annual leave, without sacrificing the experience.
And looking back, every ringgit was worth it.
Planning your own Tour du Mont Blanc? 🏔️
Check out my 🔗Complete 7-day TMB itinerary for our trekking routes, accommodation and shortcuts.
I hope it helps you plan your own TMB adventure that fits your time, budget and hiking goals.
Happy trekking! 🥾
*All amounts are my personal expenses from August–September 2026. Prices, exchange rates, accommodation availability and transport services may change in future seasons. This is a personal travel budget, not a quotation for a guided tour or a guarantee of future costs.
