Greenland expedition holiday
| country: | Greenland |
| departures: | This trip can be tailormade at a time to suit you and can be adapted to suit your interests, budget and requirements as necessary |
| price: | From £4500 (17 days) including Iceland - Greenland flights only, as per itinerary. We can help arrange flights from the UK |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
the amazing things you'll be doing
A north to south skiing traverse of Liverpool Land - a little explored peninsular on the east coast. Situated at a latitude of 71 degrees north it is well inside the Arctic Circle.
Over 15 days we shall trek approximately 75 miles and experience the Arctic in all its raw natural beauty. Along the way we will enjoy the mountain range of Liverpool Land and views to the west of Hurry Fjord and Jameson Land. We will start at the frozen coastline and travel over sea ice, glaciers and valleys. It will be a physically and mentally challenging expedition and will instill a fantastic sense of achievement. Travel to the start of the trek will be via skidoo and at the end we will experience an exhilarating helicopter flight with stunning views over sea ice, mountains and the distant ice cap.
Expedition highlights include:
The east coast of Greenland is sparsely populated by Inuits and has the world’s largest system of fjords (inlets), which are a stark contrast to the mountainous terrain rising steeply up from them.
Until relatively recently Liverpool Land was believed to be an island, as pioneering explorers of the area believed Hurry Inlet (named in 1822) formed a channel with Carlsberg Fjord.
Greenland has eight species of whale around its coastal waters, over two million seals, reindeer, walruses, polar bears, artic hares, wolves and a large variety of sea birds. We may see any of these animals during the expedition.
Over 15 days we shall trek approximately 75 miles and experience the Arctic in all its raw natural beauty. Along the way we will enjoy the mountain range of Liverpool Land and views to the west of Hurry Fjord and Jameson Land. We will start at the frozen coastline and travel over sea ice, glaciers and valleys. It will be a physically and mentally challenging expedition and will instill a fantastic sense of achievement. Travel to the start of the trek will be via skidoo and at the end we will experience an exhilarating helicopter flight with stunning views over sea ice, mountains and the distant ice cap.
Expedition highlights include: - Trek over 70 miles through remote polar wilderness
- Experience living and travelling in polar conditions
- Be part of a real expedition with an objective
The east coast of Greenland is sparsely populated by Inuits and has the world’s largest system of fjords (inlets), which are a stark contrast to the mountainous terrain rising steeply up from them.
Until relatively recently Liverpool Land was believed to be an island, as pioneering explorers of the area believed Hurry Inlet (named in 1822) formed a channel with Carlsberg Fjord. Greenland has eight species of whale around its coastal waters, over two million seals, reindeer, walruses, polar bears, artic hares, wolves and a large variety of sea birds. We may see any of these animals during the expedition.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Arrive Iceland. Transfer to our warm and friendly guesthouse, meet expedition leader and team and run through itinerary and equipment together. This afternoon and evening will be spent at leisure shopping for any extra equipment and getting to know the team. |
| Day 2: | Constable Point. We take a scheduled flight to Constable Point on the east coast of Greenland. We will sort and familiarise ourselves with the expedition equipment and safety procedures. Then we set off on an exhilarating skidoo journey to the northern tip of Liverpool Land. On this 30 mile trip, which will take about three hours, we shall enjoy stunning views of Hurry Inlet and Jameson Land. On arrival we shall set up our camp and prepare our first meal in the porches of our tents. |
| Day 3: | Liverpool Land. At the northern tip of Liverpool Land we will be able to see outstanding views of sea ice and icebergs. At 71 degrees north we will be well inside the Arctic Circle. Today we take a short ski trip to the top of a nearby peak to practice our technique and safety procedures. We will prepare our pulks ready for the start of our traverse. |
| Day 4: | Begin traverse. Commencing our trek we head south, starting the day with a small ascent and fairly easy terrain to acclimatise. On our first day of the traverse we aim to cover approximately 10 km depending on weather conditions. Each day will be spent traversing the snow on skis, pulling our equipment on pulks. Each night we will set up our polar camp and cook on stoves in the porches of our tents. Tonight’s camp will be set up in the middle of the sea ice ready for our progress along Carlsberg Fjord. |
| Day 5: | Carlsberg Fjord. We head due south down Carlsberg Fjord at sea level. We take lunch alongside some of the icebergs that dominate the landscape in the middle of the Fjord before continuing south. Navigating by map, compass and GPS, we will pass some of the extensive range of peaks that stretch the length of Liverpool Land. |
| Day 6-9: | Traverse. Continuing along the valley at a reasonable pace, we should make good progress down this easy section and aim to reach the Istorvet Glacier in the next few days, depending on weather conditions and team fitness. |
| Day 10: | Istorvet Glacier. Today we shall begin a steep climb up onto the Istorvet glacier which, at 920 metres high, will test our endurance. This tiring uphill struggle will be rewarded by wonderful views to the west over the wide expanse of Jameson Land. |
| Day 11: | Istorvet - Pedersens. We shall summit the Istorvet Glacier this morning and then undertake an exciting downhill ski into the next valley. After an invigorating morning, we shall pass frozen lakes as we begin the trek up the next valley. We then climb up the Bjering Pedersens glacier and shall camp part way up – approximately 200 metres above sea level. |
| Day 12: | Pedersens Glacier. We shall climb the remaining 500 metres of the 700 metre high Pedersens glacier, enjoying grand views of our unique surroundings. We hope to take lunch on the peak looking out over the expanse of sea ice below before sking down to camp for the night. |
| Day 13: | Age Nielsens Glacier. Today we will start our final ascent which is likely to take two to three hours of fairly steep climbing to the top of Age Nielsens glacier. We shall then ski down to the sea ice at Lillefjord where we aim to set up camp for the night. |
| Day 14-16: | Complete traverse. Over our last few days we aim to complete the first longitudinal traverse of Liverpool Land, ending our travels at Scorbysund where, time permitting, we have the opportunity to take a dog sledge journey, experiencing the traditional method of travel in Greenland. Having traversed alpine valleys, icecaps and sea ice you will now have experienced a truly significant polar expedition. You may even have experienced the thrill of seeing the 'King of the Arctic' – polar bears - yes they really do exist here! Upon arrival at Scorsbysund we shall check into our warm and cosy guesthouse where we shall celebrate the successful completion of our journey, sort out our kits and enjoy our first hot showers for over two weeks! |
| Day 17: | Constable Point. Today we board a helicopter and return to Constable Point for our flight back to Iceland. |
how this holiday makes a difference
 This is a wildlife expedition that attempts to be the first to cross the peninsular of Liverpool Land. Leaving behind only our sled tracks on the ice and taking away only great memories, everything we take in comes out. We employ environmentally sensitive camping procedures – such as leaving nothing behind - and are aware of the fragile eco system we are travelling in. We stay in guesthouses that are run by local people and the helicopter company, Air Alpha, is run and staffed by locals. As with all our tours, we pay all accommodation owners and other staff a fair (well above the average rate) and prompt wage. We treat every individual equally and with respect and we expect clients to respect and observe this policy. We want to ensure this trip has a minimal impact on the environment, therefore there will be only be four to eight team members and the itinerary is a one-off so will not be repeated. You will be issued with instructions as to how you can help to preserve the environment and will be given a full briefing by your expedition leader on cultural sensitivities for the local region. We hope that you will follow our advice to help make a difference. |
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