The TMB is a 106-mile hike that circumnavigates Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe, offering breathtaking views and unparalleled personal growth. The trail winds its way through France, Italy, and Switzerland, with most hikers traveling counterclockwise, driven by a sense of adventure and self-discovery. The hike is typically divided into 11 stages that start and end in the picturesque Chamonix Valley in France; we started and finished ours in Les Houches. Each stage is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience and determination. Every stage, or day, encompasses a 6-14 mile hike in the Alps with approximately 3,000-4,000 feet of elevation gain and about the same amount of descent. This was a journey that pushed me to new heights and challenged my inner strength. As you hike up in the morning and down in the afternoon, you’ll experience an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and pride in your ability to persevere. Along the way, we stayed in cozy mountain huts, known as refuges, where we found warm hospitality, nourishing meals, and a sense of community with fellow hikers. And yes, a glass of wine or a beer is always available to celebrate your triumphs and unwind from the day’s exertions. No matter how you experience it, for us, the Tour du Mont Blanc was an 11-day self-guided adventure that left us in awe, inspired by the beauty of nature and the depths of our own potential. (Bennett, thanks for planning the itinerary.) It was an adventure filled with awe, pain, sweat, tears, joy, support, awareness, and so much beauty. Twice, we lost our way finding our hotel, adding more miles to our trek, and I had bleeding blisters on my toes to the point of losing two toenails. Overall, it was a journey that transformed me from the inside out. The sounds of melodic cowbells motivated us the first few miles, and the rest of it, the encouragement of my friends and the gentle urging of my own heart reminded me to be patient, persistent, and kind to myself every step of the way. The TMB is truly life-changing, a journey that will awaken your senses, expand your horizons, and leave you feeling more alive, more connected, and more inspired than ever before. I am so grateful to my friends Bennett and Bang; without them, I wouldn’t have successfully completed this world-renowned TMB.
(August 17,2025-August 27,2025)