Hiking East Greenland

East Greenland is one of the most isolated and unspoilt regions in the world. This trip is a an opportunity to gain unique insights into Inuit culture and local traditions as we explore the hidden gems of this coastal wilderness. This adventure includes daily guided hikes, we will depart each morning from our comfortable hotel accommodation to explore dramatic mountains, icebergs and glaciers; local wildlife, valleys and rivers. Join us on the walking holiday of a lifetime and experience true quietness in this truly remote wilderness destination.

Itinerary

Day 1 Kulusuk

Welcome to Greenland! We will greet you at Kulusuk airport and escort you to your accommodation in the centre of this eastern Greenlandic town. Kulusuk is a small settlement found on a rocky island with the same name, the waters surrounding it are almost always speckled with floating icebergs. Tonight we offer a free walking tour to uncover more about the local culture, history and traditions of this traditional Greenlandic hunting and fishing village.

Activities: Walking tour 2-3 hours
Transport: Transfer from airport
Accommodation: Hotel Kulusuk
Day 2 Walking the valley of flowers

This morning, after breakfast, a scenic cruise will take us to Tasiilaq and the valley of flowers. Keep your eyes open for whales during the boat trip - it is not uncommon to meet humpback and fin whales on this route! In the summer it really is as magical as it sounds here! Enjoy an afternoon guided hike to uncover the hidden gems in this enchanting area with it’s a vast array of colourful plants, arctic birds and fascinating geology.

Activities: 2-3 hour guided hike
Transport: Boat trip
Accommodation: Hotel Ammassalik
Day 3 Views of Tasiilaq and Sermilik Fjord

This morning we have the chance to explore the Inuit village Tasiilaq, discover the local traditions and meet local people and animals. Todays walk should give a true sense of the scale and vastness of the wilderness around you. Get ready for views of towering granite mountain ranges and the famous Icebergs of Sermilik Fjord (the ice fjord) as you climb up to a panoramic viewpoint.

Activities: 2-3 hour guided hike and free walking tour of Tasiilaq
Accommodation: Hotel Ammassalik
Day 4 Tasiilaq Fjord

Today, an off-trail hike to discover the wonders of Tasiilaq Fjord awaits us with views of classic Greenlandic scenery: dark rock and blue waters speckled with bright white ice. Today is a chance to fully explore the wilderness here and uncover a surprisingly fertile Greenland as we forage for wild berries and discover the lush vegetation that thrives here. Dwarf Fireweed (Chamaenerion Latifolium) Greenlands national flower, is a rich pink colour and sometimes (particularly during June) it floods the shorelines of the Fjord with colour. In this land of harsh contrasts it is a truly spectacular sight in the otherwise grey, white and blue landscape. Today you can also opt to take a boat trip through the icebergs to Hann glacier.

Activities: around 4 hours of walking. Optional boat trip.
Accommodation: Hotel Ammassalik
Day 5 Sermiliq trail around Mount Priest

Todays’ hike is perhaps the most magical of the whole trip; it is a bit more challenging than the previous walks and includes some stream crossings so get ready for an adventure! The hike begins following a scenic coastal path up to the Fjord where we will pick up the husky trail ‘Sermilikvejen’. We will continue through a beautiful valley and up into the mountains where a truly unique scene awaits. Nestled among dramatic granite peaks, with small glaciers perched on top, are a hidden cluster of bright blue lakes. Here you are in true Greenlandic wilderness and can observe all of its breathtaking contrasts. The hike ends by circling the distinctive Aammangaaq Mountain and following a track back to your accommodation.

Activities: 7-8 hour guided hike
Accommodation: Hotel Ammassalik
Day 6 Icebergs Walk

Enjoy a walk along the Fjord south of Tasiilaq today before our boat trip back to Kulusuk. This walk perfectly showcases Greenlands variety of Icebergs in all their glory plus if you are lucky you might well spot some of the animals who live in this untouched area like arctic foxes and bowhead whales. Keep your eyes open for whales during the boat trip back. It is not uncommon to meet humpback and fin whales on this route!

Activities: 5-6 hour guided hike
Transport: Boat Trip
Accommodation: Hotel Kulusuk
Day 7 Isikajjia Panoramic Viewpoint

Todaywe will climb Isikajjia, famous for the US built radar station on its summit this peak offers spectacular panoramic views and a lovely walk with a huge variety of wildflowers. As always we are keen to share our wealth of knowledge about the environment around us. Decode the history of the area from colourful lichen on the rocks, discover which wildlife thrives in this remote destination and enjoy views of some of the most impressive geological features in the world.

Activities: 5-6 hour guided hike
Accommodation: Hotel Kulusuk
Day 8 Farewell Greenland

Airport transfer

The details in this programme are updated regularly but imponderables and unpredictable circumstances may result in inaccuracies. In order to provide the adventure which is best suited to your demands, the weather and the operational conditions, changes to the itinerary may be made. For safety reasons, we reserve the rights to interrupt your participation at any time if your technical level or fitness is deemed unsuitable or if you are seen as a danger to yourself or to those around you. This will in no case give rise to refunds or compensation.

Other trips you may like

Hiking in the Kingdom of Ice: This adventure is ideal for those who love hiking and want alternate between the intimacies of camping in the wilderness with the comforts of local accommodation. Explore Greenlands enormously varied landscapes from volcanic islands to flowery valleys; from beaches to glaciers; from vibrant settlements to remote snowy peaks...

Dates & prices

International departures:

No departure for now

Trip code: GROC

Included

All in-country transfers as detailed in itinerary
Hotel accommodation as detailed in itinerary
Full board
Full supervision by an expert Altai guide
Free walking tour of Kulusuk
Two boat trips through Greenlands iconic waters

Not included

Registration fee: €18 (free for under 12s)
International flights
Insurance

Notes

For many years, we put our know-how and our experience of nature and adventure travel in Greenland to the service of travelers from different horizons. You may find yourself in an international group with participants from our various partners.

Comfort - 5/5Luxury

Our luxury trips include hotel accommodation with private rooms and en-suite options.

Level - 2/5 Moderate

This trip is accessible to everyone with a sense of adventure and a positive attitude. Physically, you should be able to walk 2-6 hours per day, our hikes are not technically difficult but may venture off-trail. Please note that your help during the trip with tasks like cooking is much appreciated and expected - we want you to be a part of our team. Please note that our difficulty ratings may vary depending on the weather.

Terms and conditions

Booking conditions

Booking a trip with Altai Greenland implies acceptance of the terms and conditions of sale. Each customer is required to complete a registration form and, subject to availability at the time of registration, travellers are expected to pay a deposit of 30% of the total price to complete their booking. Payments can be made online or by bank transfer. You will receive an e-mail with your booking confirmation.

Invoice procedure

Once your booking is confirmed you will receive an invoice by e-mail. The full balance of the trip must be received at least 30 days before your departure date. We reserve the right to cancel your booking, free of charge, if this deadline is not respected.

Cancellation policy

If for any reason you have to cancel your trip, Altai Greenland requires written confirmation of your decision. The money you have paid will then be refunded according to the following deductions:

Cancellation received more than 30 days prior to the departure date: a sum of €50 per person will be retained
Cancellation received 30 to 21 days before the departure date: your deposit, 30% of the total trip price will be retained
Cancellation received 20 to 14 days before the departure date: 50% of the total trip price will be retained
Cancellation received 13 to 7 days before the departure date: 75% of the total trip price will be retained
Cancellation received less than 7 days before the departure date: 100% of the total trip price will be retained

Special cases:

Please note that, regardless of the date of cancellation or modification if you have agreed to pay for services such as hotel reservations, flights or additional activities, these services are usually non-refundable so additional fees may apply.

Fixed airfares: if your airline ticket was issued in advance, often done to avoid significant surcharges, you will be charged 100% of any non-refundable fees if you wish to change or cancel your flight plan.

Fixed in-country costs: early charges for firm bookings will be charged if you cancel or modify your trip.Insurance costs: if you have taken out comprehensive or cancellation insurance, the cost of insurance is due and cannot be refunded.

Please note that fees apply according to the date we receive your cancellation or modification request in writing.

If we have to cancel a departure due to an insufficient number of participants, you will be informed no later than 21 days before departure and a full refund will be issued, you will not be entitled to further compensation. We reserve the rights to cancel departures due to exceptional circumstances which may impact the safety of participants. Such circumstances include those amounting to 'force majeure' in which case participants will receive a full refund but they will not be entitled to any compensation.

Changes to travel contract

If you wish to make a change to your booking please contact Altai Greenland in writing; you will be expected to pay any fee which might arise from this change. In the event of unforeseen external events, Altaï Greenland may change some aspects of the travel contract. If any changes are necessary you will be informed as quickly as possible.

Pricing

The prices on our website are updated regularly and all of the prices we advertise are accurate when published. We reserve the rights to make changes to any of these prices. Before you make a booking we will give you the up-to-date price of your chosen holiday including any supplements, upgrades or additional activities you may have requested. If the number of travellers is fewer than the indicated number of participants on the website, a small group surcharge may be applied. For all of our trips we include details of services, prices and what is/is not included but please be aware that changes to the prices may be necessary in accordance with exchange rates or price changes of various components of the journey.

Contract transfer

If you are unable to travel for any reason, you can transfer your booking to another person in which case our modification conditions apply. Both the transferor and transferee will be jointly and severally liable for payment of the total holiday price and other associated expenses. Some airline carriers treat name changes as cancellations and you may be required to pay for the cost of a new ticket.

Practical info

Staff

You will be welcomed at the airport by a representative from our friendly team and accompanied for the duration of your holiday. Armed with an abundance of experience and a wealth of expert knowledge our professional Greenland team know the country inside out. All activities are lead by our qualified guides. They are all English speaking outdoor practitioners with a passion for everything Greenlandic. Please note that this adventure takes place in an isolated polar environment which can be hostile - your guide will explain safety rules which must be followed.

Food

This trip includes full board - we are proud of the varied, fresh and frankly delicious food we provide. Meals are based on a selection of local products and you will have the opportunity to try Greenlandic delicacies such as cod, arctic char and mussels.

Each day will start with a hearty breakfast accompanied by plenty of tea and coffee. You will help prepare and carry a picnic lunch for the day from a buffet style array of options - everyday there will definitely be sandwiches, hot drinks and cakes among other options. Each evening meal will be provided by our hotel.

Vegetarian options are available; please let us know about any dietary requirements when you book the trip and we will work with you to cater for your needs.

Accommodation

During this trip you will have the chance to stay some of Greenlands finest hotels.

Hotel Kulusuk is by the sea and near to Kulusuk village, it has simple but comfortable en suite rooms. Hotel Ammassalik has beautiful views and en suite rooms. Both provide hot buffet meals with vegetarian options available on request. Wi-fi payable locally.

Transportation

In Greenland we use local boats, specially adapted for ice navigation, to cross fjords.

Budget & exchange

The currency in Greenland is the Danish Krone (DKK)

Please budget for two evening meals: from €25 / 200DKK per person. Alcohol is very expensive in Greenland, if you want to enjoy an evening drink after your days adventures, we recommend buying Duty Free alcohol in the airport.

Tips

Although the custom is not widespread here, if you are satisfied with the services of your guide, tipping is always appreciated - it is not obligatory and should be left to the discretion of each individual.

Vital equipment

A warm sleeping bag
Walking boots
Waterproof jacket (with a hood)
Waterproof trousers
A warm jumper or two
Suitable underwear, t-shirts and walking trousers
Thermals - top & long johns
A swimsuit
Warm gloves and hat (even in the summer - evenings can be chilly)
Sunhat and sun cream
Sunglasses (UV 400)
Any personal medication
Towel & toiletries
A water bottle
A small rucksack to use as a day bag
Warm pyjamas
Head torch & spare batteries (although it is nearly always light in the summer months)

Material

We prefer that you do not wear cotton clothing, including underwear, when participating in activities. When cotton gets wet from water or sweat it ceases to insulate and it does not dry fast. The best materials for outdoor activities are fast drying materials like polyester or materials which are warm when wet like wool. The most powerful materials against the wind and rain are 'breathable' materials like Gore-Tex or Nikwax.

Our advice for keeping warm

Winter in Greenland can be very cold, please think carefully about what clothes you bring, although we will provide warm outer layers, the layers you wear next to your skin make the biggest difference. We recommend:

No cotton
Bring dry spares of everything, even underwear and gloves
Wear multiple layers including:
1. A warm breathable base layer
2. A second thermal layer
3. Wind and waterproof protective out layer (we provide an additional quality jacket and over trousers)

Helpful equipment

You may also consider packing

Your camera
Binoculars
A notepad and pencil
A thermos flask
Plastic bags for wet/dirty clothing
A comfortable evening outfit
Walking poles
Inflatable pillow
Insect repellant

Luggage

Please bring a small rucksack to use as a day bag. You can bring this as hand luggage on the aeroplane. You will carry your lunch, water, spare layers and any personal medication with you each day in this bag. You will also need a larger bag to store your other clothes and belongings in, please ensure that this is a soft bag like a ruckack or holdall rather than a hard cased suitcase because it is more practical to transport. We recommend packing all of your clothes in plastic bags so that they stay dry in the event of bad weather.

Medicine

Your guide is a trained first-aider and will carry a full first aid kit at all times during the trip in case of emergencies. We recommend that you bring a small personal first aid kit containing any medication you may need such as inhalers, plasters, antiseptic and painkillers.

Passport

Most travellers require a passport that is valid for at least three months after the return date. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific passport requirements and please be aware that proof of onwards travel may be required.

Visa

Most travellers do not need a VISA to travel to Greenland but proof of onwards travel may be required. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific visa requirements.

Mandatory vaccines

There are no specific health risks.

Health information & recommendations

It is your responsibility to check that your personal health insurance covers everything in this trip. A consultation with your doctor is a prerequisite for any trip.

Weather

Year round the temperatures in Greenland can range from -25°C to more than 20°C (-13°F to +68°F). The air is low in humidity which means that the temperatures do not feel as cold as you might imagine and that the views are amazing, it appears that you can see further. Generally speaking Greenland is not very windy and the warmest months are June - August.

The length of the day varies significantly throughout the year. The shortest day of the year is 21st December with no sunlight! The longest day, with 24 hours of sunlight, is 20th June. You can see the midnight sun from May - July and the Northern Lights in the darker months.

Electricity

Greenland uses Northern European electrical standards (50Hz/220 volts) and the standard Europlug socket with two round prongs.

Local time

Most of Greenland uses Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) -3 hours in the winter and GMT -2 during Daylight Saving.

Topography

Area: 836,300 mi²

Population: 56,186 inhabitants (2016)

Capital: Nuuk

Languages: Kalaallisut or West Greenlandic, Danish is also widely used

Regime: Part of the Kingdom of Denmark but politically autonomous

Part of the continent of North America, Greenland is the largest island on Earth and it is covered by the largest ice sheet in the world outside of antarctica.

Sustainable tourism

As adventure and wilderness travel experts who run trips to some of the most remote parts of the world, we take responsible tourism very seriously.

We respect the ‘Leave No Trace’ outdoor ethical code and try to explore this beautiful location whilst causing minimal environmental damage.

The Leave No Trace policy can be summarized in 7 simple steps which we hope you will follow during ourtrip...

Be prepared
Stick to trails and camp overnight right
Stash your trash and pick up waste
Leave it as you find it
Be careful with fire
Respect wildlife
Be considerate of other visitors

Over the years we have built up good relations with our local suppliers and we are keen to support local businesses as much as possible. We are a small company and we pay our local partners and suppliers directly insuring fair rates.

Our small group sizes not only provide a more intimate adventure but also cause less impact on the environment and local communities.

We expect all who travel with us to support and uphold our Sustainable Tourism philosophies.

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