Taking you deep into the arctic world of East Greenland

• Video
• Tour Description

  Highlights of the Tour

  • Traditional Inuit Dog Sledding
  • Great Chances of Northern Lights
  • Meet the locals in Inuit Hunters Village

  8 day dog sledding adventure on Ammassalik Island

  East Greenland is probably the most isolated part of this great country. It is also a place where old traditions are still very much upheld. The way of life primarily requires hunting and ice fishing in the winter, coupled with dogsledding as the means of transportation. For visitors dog sledding is a great way to experience the magnificent unspoiled landscape of this isolated area as well as get a feel for the traditional arctic way of life. On this tour we will set out from Tasiilaq for a tour of the Ammassalik Island. We will see the Sermilik ice fjord, visit the small settlement of Tiniteqilaaq where we will dine with a local family. Before turning back through the middle of the Ammassalik Island to Tasiilaq. There we have time to visit the town or to go on an (optional) snow-shoe hike to the valley of flowers. This is a tour that takes you deep into the arctic world of East Greenland.

  Included: Helicopter transfer from Kulusuk to Tasiilaq and pick up in Tasiilaq. 4 days of guided dogsledding (two persons per sled), 1 day of guided snowshoeing, full board. 3 nights in guesthouse in Tasiilaq, 2 nights in cozy little cabins at the Sermilik Icefjord, 1 night in a hut and 1 night in sleeping bag accommodation in Tiniteqilaaq, snowshoes (for the snowshoe-hike).

  Read about Pam's exhilarating dog sledding adventure with us in the winter of 2016. 

  Not included: Flights to/from Kulusuk, personal equipment, insurance and expenses.  

  Flights for Reykjavik-Kulusuk-Reykjavik are from 585 Euros + taxes. The price depends on the available flight seat on the concerned date.
  You are allowed to check in 20 kg. of luggage + 6 kg. handluggage on the plane. But on the dogsled, you can bring 10 kg. It is possible to leave luggage behind in the guesthouse in Tasiilaq. 

  Please Note - to this tour apply special terms
  
  
  

  If you have more questions, please check our FAQs. If you do not find the answer please contact us: [email protected]

  For a shorter dog sled adventure check out our self guided tour Greenland Winter Highlights.

• Tour Itinerary

  Day 1: Reykjavík - Kulusuk - Tasiilaq
  The tour starts at Reykjavík airport. From here you will board the plane for the Two hour flight to Kulusuk. From Kulusuk you take the helicopter over to Tasiilaq on Ammassalik island where you will be met by our local partner who will take you to your accommodation. In the evening a local chef will prepare a dinner for the group in your shared guesthouse, and your guide will brief you on the comming days. This will also be an opportunity for you to go over your equipment with the guide. Night in Guesthouse.

  Day 2: Tasiilaq - The Sermilik Coast
  Today we’re head out so get ready for the big adventure! Your will be picked up at the guest house and taken to the outskirts of Tasiilaq where our dog team is waiting. The guide will show you the basics of dog sledding, and how to behave with the dogs. With 2 persons per sledge, we will then head, north over King Oscars fjord and up to the big lake Qordlortoq between the granite mountain ranges. There we have short break before continuing to a place called the coffee shop.  This is not really a shop though, but a gathering of a few huts in the middle of the Ammassalik island, where everyone travelling on dogsled or snowmobile usually takes a break, to drink a coffee or have a snack.  Turning west in the direction of the Sermilik fjord, we head on through the snow-covered landscape and up to an altitude of 500m. From this altitude we have a spectacular view over the Sermilik Ice fjord. Our dogs then take us downhill through a beautiful riverbed to the small cabins that will serve as our base for the next two nights. Sitting on the edge of the Ice fjord we will have view over the fjord and the ice.
  Night in camp Qatoo - Camp Qatoo is a constellation of five small 2-persons cabins and a collective cabin with a fully equipped kitchen, dining area and a lounge. The cabins are rustic and cosy, and very comfortable. The camp is located by the marvelous Icefjord Sermilik and each cabin has an icefjord view.
  Dog sledging: 6 hours total

  Day 3: The Sermilik Coast
  Today will be devoted to the exploration of the surrounding area and peaks. We will venture out up on a close by peak (in snowshoes), in an attempt to get a superb view of the Sermilik Ice fjord and the great Greenland Icecap across the fjord on the horizon. How far and high we will be able to go depends on the snow conditions but none the less this day is certain to be an adventure!
  Night at the same cabin.
  Snow shoeing: 4-6 hours

  Day 4: The Sermilik Coast - Tiniteqilaaq
  After a hearty breakfast we pack up our sledges and head up along the coast towards the north and to the small settlement of Tiniteqilaaq (approx 125 hab.). Here we have time to visit the village and get some insight in to the Inuit way of life in these harsh arctic conditions. We will spend the night in sleeping bag accommodation at a house in the settlement with basic facilities (shower is in the local service house). 
  Dog sledging: 4 hours

  Day 5: Tiniteqilaaq - Pitserpaajik
  Today we start our way back south. We go over the straight that separates Tiniteqilaaq and Ammassalik Island and turn slightly east into a valley that is a riverbed. The ride down this riverbed is one of the most beautiful on the island. On both sides we are surrounded by peaks and glaciers as we speed over the snowfields.  Our route takes us over a fjord and all the way down to Pitserpaajik peninsula where a hut awaits us.
  Night in a hut or in tents which can actually be warmer. The hut is used for preparing meals and eating).
  Dog sledging: 6 hours

  Day 6: Pitserpaajik - Tasiilaq
  From the Pitserpaajik peninsula we head west in the direction of the lakes. Our way then takes us over the snow straight through Ammassalik Island until we come back to the town of Tasiilaq. After leaving the sledges and saying goodbye to the dog teams you will be taken back to your accommodation. Night in guest house.
  Dog sledging: 6 hours

  Day 7: Tasiilaq
  Free day to explore the town of Tasiilaq or go for an optional tour on snowshoes to the valley of Flowers. The town of Tasiilaq is the administrative center of East Greenland.  It has an interesting museum and some shops. Above the town lies the valley of Flowers in its winter coat offering an opportunity to enjoy a snow hike in the arctic environment up to a view point over the town.
  Night in guest house.

  Day 8: Tasiilaq - Kulusuk - Reykjavik
  After saying farewell to all we have a helicopter transfer to Kulusuk, where we get on our flight back to Reykjavík where the tour ends at the airport.

  
  NB. It is likely that you will see northern lights during your stay, but we can of course not guarantee it as it depends on the aurora activity and the cloud cover in the area.

• Equipment List

  Dog Sledding - Greenland

  For your own wellbeing and safety we strongly suggest following the advice of our equipment list, this includes having good quality rain-gear, tops and bottoms! Also respect that cotton clothing is not appropriate for any strenuous outdoor activity – this includes jeans and t-shirts. Modern outdoor clothing is by far more comfortable and will greatly improve your experience. 
  

  The winter in Greenland is cold but dry. You should prepare for this before your arrival. Make sure you bring plenty of warm clothing. The different layers need to be worn together so your outer layers should be roomy enough to accommodate plenty of insulating layers underneath. Make sure that you are able to cover any exposed skin (face mask / buff & ski-goggles). After the face, hands and feet are most prone to cold injuries, so a selection of good gloves and mittens is an absolute must as well as good insulated polar-boots. An insulated overall, a sleeping bag and polar boots can be rented through [email protected]

  Boots and clothing:

  • Insulated boots; can be rented
  • Sorel or comparable made for extreme cold. Roomy enough to wear thick socks underneath and still have good room for toes
  • Thermal underwear shirt & long-johns – preferably wool
  • Thick wool or fleece sweater/jacket
  • Possibly two of different thickness that can be worn together
  • Trousers – thick softshell or fleece pants
  • Jacket with a good hood – windproof, and breathable
  • Gore-Tex or similar – big enough so that multiple layers of insulation can be worn underneath
  • Insulated jacket, ski-jacket or down jacket that fits over other layers
  • An insulated overall is also available on location, free of charge
  • Over-pants – windproof and breathable
  • Gore-Tex or similar – big enough so that multiple layers of insulation can be worn underneath
  • Insulated over pants, e.g. ski-pants
  • An insulated overall is also available on location, free of charge
  • Ski-gloves; 2 – 3 pairs of warm windproof gloves
  • Mittens; Large and well insulated expedition mittens
  • Down, fleece of fibre insulation – wind and waterproof, Consider bringing 2 pairs of different weight
  • Linger gloves, thin fleece or wool gloves that can be worn under mittens or ski gloves
  • Socks – Wool or synthetic socks, thick – few pairs
  • Warm hat – Wool or synthetic
  • Balaclava – fleece or wool that can be used to cover the face also
  • Warm jacket/sweater – Wool or fleece (3rd layer)

  Other gear:

  • Backpack – small pack for gear you will need to access during the day
  • Duffel bag – for your gear. Max weight 10kg. Hard suitcases are not permitted
  • Sleeping bag – a warm 4 season sleeping bag
  • A sleeping bag can be rented
  • Ski-goggles
  • Towel – light weight and packable
  • Sunglasses & sun protection
  • Change of clothes – e.g. long and short underwear
  • Water container – thermos flask 1L
  • Head lamp
  • Camera, spare batteries and a memory card or films
  • Prescription medication and other personal health items
  • Toiletries; toothbrush, toothpaste, soap etc.
  • Lip balm and hand cream (not water based), the fatter the better. This will keep your lips and skin healthy in the cold & dry climate

  Optional gear:

  • Buff or scarf for protecting your neck and face
  • Gaiters
  • Pen knife
  • Earplugs
  • Heart-warming spirits
  • Slippers for indoor use
  • Power bank / Solar Phone Chargers
  • Book

  Should you have any questions regarding this equipment list or the equipment on our tours feel free to contact [email protected]

   

• Map
  
• Tour Dates Details

  2021 Departures	Availability
  24 - 31 March 2021	Confirmed - 1 seat left!
  31 March -7 April 2021	Available
  7 -14 April 2021	Available