For overnight stay, the refuges are the most popular option, hence due to their popularity between June to September, make bookings in advance. While Chamonix is the most popular starting point, Courmayeur in Italy, and Trient in Switzerland are also interesting places to stopover and explore. Pack extremely lightly because of the daily access to small villages along the trek route and ample availability of clean drinking water and food. Lastly, France, Switzerland and Italy are part of the Schengen area, and travelers from outside this area are required to present a valid passport or visa to enter.