West Greenland Trio

This itinerary will make you discover the many facets of Greenland: 3 stages, 3 atmospheres. Your journey begins in Kangerlussuaq, the ideal place to approach the ice cap without too much effort and have a chance to observe the muskoxen. Your journey continues to discover Sisimiut, Greenland's second-largest city, mixing modernity and traditions, with superb hikes on the heights. Then, you reach Ilulissat by sea, onboard the coastal boat. This means of transport is popular with Greenlanders, the ideal time for warm coffee get-togethers. Finally, Disko Bay will impress you with its ice giants and the opportunity to observe whales and seals.

Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to Greenland

We will greet you at Kangerlussuaq airport and escort you to your accommodation nearby. Depending on your arrival time this afternoon is a chance to explore Kangerlussuaq and the surrounding area.

Accommodation: Hostel
Day 2 Kangerlussuaq

Optional activities from Kangerlussuaq :
- Excursion as close as possible to the ice cap.
In a 4x4 vehicle, you drive through mountain landscapes, valleys and semi-desert plains to reach the Greenland Ice Cap (Inland). On your way, you may have the opportunity to observe muskox, ptarmigan or Arctic hare. Then, on foot, you will spend time exploring this world of ice. Duration: 5 hours. Price: 85 €/ person.
To enjoy the ice pack and crampons at your feet for longer, opt for the 8-hour excursion. Price: 140€ / person.
- Russel Glacier
By vehicle, you reach the glacier front of the "Glacier Russel", a huge 60m high ice wall. It is not uncommon this season to witness ice calving that is as impressive as it is noisy. The surrounding landscapes are spectacular. On your way, you may have the opportunity to observe muskox, ptarmigan or Arctic hare.
Duration: 4 hours
Price: 90 € / person

Optional Activities
Accommodation: Hostel
Day 3 Kangerlussuaq / Sisimiut

You take a flight (30min) to Greenland's second-largest city. Arrival in Sisimiut and installation in your accommodation. In the afternoon we recommend a visit to the museum near the port, which is full of details about the ancient Saqqaq culture (almost 4000 years ago).

Optional Activities: Midnight sun Boat Trip among icebergs (€102 )
Accommodation: Mini apartment or hotel
Day 4 Sisimiut

From Sisimiut beautiful hikes are possible. They will allow you to take a little height and have a view of the city and its colourful houses.

Accommodation: Hotel
Day 5 Boarding the Arctic Umiaq Line (Saturday)

You can enjoy the atmosphere of Sisimiut, its port, its small shops and its covered market. At 9pm, you board the Greenlandic coastal express: Arctic Umiaq Line.

Accommodation: Onboard
Day 6 Ilulissat

Arrival in the early afternoon in Ilulissat, the city of icebergs.
At the end of the day, optional: 2h30 sailing in the middle of icebergs at midnight sunshine time. Price 90 €/pers.

Accommodation: Hotel
Day 7 Ilulissat / Oqaatsut / Ilulissat

Departure in the morning by boat to Oqaatsut, located 15km north of Ilulissat, on a peninsula facing the island of Disko. It takes about 30 minutes to sail.
Oqaatsut means "cormorant" in Greenlandic. This village was renamed Rodebay in the 18th century by Danish whalers, probably because of the colour of the water after hunting.
Day to freely enjoy the surroundings and eat at the village restaurant (traditional cuisine) where we will be pleased to serve you.we suggest an optional activity (to be booked in advance):
-A day trip around Oqaatsut to enjoy the scenery: lakes, tundra, mountains, ice and small Inuit huts.
Price: 95€/person. Possible on Thursdays and Mondays. Minimum 2 participants.

Return boat to Ilulissat at the end of the day and overnight in Ilulissat.

Accommodation: Hotel
Day 8 Ilulissat / Glacier Eqi / Ilulissat

Crossing by boat towards the Eqi glacier. Another opportunity to get as close as possible to many icebergs. Departure around 9am for about 2 to 5 hours of navigation to the Eqi glacier. We approach the ice front, the engines are off to "hear" the glacier roar and see the ice blocks fall into the water. You will also see the cabin of polar explorer Paul Emile Victor (1907-1995), a base camp for French polar expeditions.
Return to Ilulissat and overnight in Ilulissat.

Accommodation: Hotel
Day 9 Ilulissat

Free day in Ilulissat to hike freely or join a guide.
- Hiking along the UNESCO classified Icefjord: A hike to the famous Kangia Ice Fjord. Walking through the Sermermiut Valley, you will gradually discover this spectacular fjord, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gigantic ice cathedrals remain blocked in the fjord, frozen by the ice pack, offering a breathtaking panorama. Price: 60€. Duration: 4-5 hours.
- Helicopter flight over the glacier that calves the most ice in the northern hemisphere: 470€/person.
- Whale watching outing. Price 160€. Duration: 3 hours.
-Exit to Pakitsoq, search for whales and hike to the heights to observe the glacier tongues and the Ice Sheet. Price: 290€/pers. Possible on Sundays. Minimum 2 participants.

Accommodation: Hotel
Day 10 Farewell Greenland

Transfer to airport

This itinerary, including walking distances and times, is indicative and fully flexible.

Other trips you may like

The West Coast of Greenland: This adventure includes 3 nights on board the coastal boat Sarfak Ittuk and is ideal for travellers who want to explore the beautiful South West of Greenland. The trip includes visits to a variety of interesting Greenlandic towns and settlements, fantastic hiking opportunities and several boat trips through Greenlands iconic ice-filled seas...

Period & budget

When to travel?

The best period for travelling is during the following months:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Price

Prices start from €2500 / person. This number is based on 2 travellers and our standard accommodation options

The budget is an indication of the price per person, subject to availability. Your local agent will send you a customized quote with the exact price. The price can vary according to availability, level of services, period of travel, number of participants, booking time frame and other items.

Included

2 nights in an inn in Kangerlussuaq, double room, shared sanitary facilities, breakfast
2 nights in hotel in Sisimiut, standard double room, breakfast
Sailing aboard the Sarfak Ittuk in a berth (1 night)
4 nights in Ilulissat in a single comfort inn, double room, shared sanitary facilities, breakfast
Boat trip to the Eqi Glacier (lunch on board included)
Airport/accommodation transfers to Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut
Ship transfers Ilulissat/Oqaatsut/Ilulissat
A travel notebook
24/7 telephone support available

Additional Options

Please let us know if you would like to reserve any of the following optional activities:

Russel Glacier: from €105 / person
Kangerlussuaq Tundra and wildlife tour: from €50
Sea-kayaking Oqaatsut: from €400
Ilulissat Museum: from €8
Greenlandic meal in traditional restaurant: from €30
Guided tour of Ilulissat city: from €44
Guided hiking in the Semermiut Valley: from €44
Helicopter flight over the glacier hich covers most of the northern hemisphere in ice: from €493
A Greenlandic fishing excursion: from €274
Whale-watching outing, picnic included: from €158
A three hour evening kayaking excursion: from €210

Please contact us for more information.

Not included

International flights
Registration free: €18 per person
Insurance
optional excursions
Comfort option (4 nights in a hotel in Ilulissat rather than the rustic inn, airport transfers included): +250€
Supplement for overnight stay in a cabin for 2 or 4 people on the coastal boat

Notes

To be paid on spot:

The meals Personal expenses
The drinks
Airport transfers to Copenhagen and Ilulissat
The actual additional accommodation costs in the event of flight modifications or due to bad 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

This is a self-guided trip. Armed with an abundance of experience and a wealth of expert knowledge our professional Greenland team are always on hand. All activities are lead by our qualified guides - 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 - safety rules must be followed.

Food

On board the coastal boat no meals are included. You can eat in the cafeteria:

Buffet breakfast buffet 70DKKK
Buffet Lunch 70DKKK
Dinner (hot dish) 90DKKK
2-course dinner 130DKKK
Snacks: Shrimp, salmon or halibut sandwich 42DKK
Cheese Sandwich 25DKKK
Hot dog 55DKKK
Salad 35DKKK
Coffee or tea 14DKKK
Beer 42DKKK
Wine Glass 35DKKK

In Ilulissat: You will need to plan what to eat. You can buy your food in grocery stores and supermarkets (budget ~20 €/day). You will also find small restaurants and cafés. (~35 €/ meal).

Accommodation

In Kangerlussuaq: Inn

In Sisimiut: in a hotel

Sarfak Ittuk was built in 1992 and modernized. It is 73 metres long and 11 metres wide. It can reach a speed of 13 knots. The crew consists of 22 people. The ship has a cafeteria, a lounge with panoramic windows, a games room and an infirmary. The vessel has a capacity of 249 passengers. The beds are distributed as follows: - 104 beds in single, twin, triple and quadruple cabins (bedding included, bathroom and private toilets) - 85 beds in compartments for 4 people (bedding included, bathroom and toilets shared in the corridor) - 60 berths (bedding not included) Internet on board: 100DKKK for 2 hours of connection.

In Ilulissat: we offer overnight stays in a youth hostel, located near the city centre, shops and the port. Simple comfort accommodation with shower and toilet on the landing in common. Access to a kitchen, telephone, washing machine and a living room with television. Breakfast included. We offer a comfortable option in a hotel in Ilulissat. In this case, airport transfers are included. In Greenland, accommodation is rare and most often small. In addition, since the summer season is short (about two months), it is difficult to find accommodation during the summer.

In Greenland, accommodation is rare and most often small. In addition, since the summer season is short (about two months), it is difficult to find accommodation during the summer.

Transportation

Transport in Greenland is by boat, a great way to enjoy the scenery.

Budget & exchange

The currency in Greenland is the Danish Krone (DKK)

We recommend a budget of around 2000DKK for food on this trip but this is widely variable. This number is based on a mixture of restaurant and supermarket food options. 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.

Supplied equipment

If you choose to participate in activities which require specialist equipment (like kayaking) all technical equipment will be provided.

Vital equipment

Walking sticks (optional)
A sleeping bag (comfort 5°C / 15°C)
High protection sunglasses
A small toilet bag (ideally biodegradable / natural products)
A personal pharmacy (elastoplast, aspirin, bandages...)
Moisturizing sunscreen (face and lips)- Toilet paper + lighter
A knife
An unbreakable thermos flask

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)

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. We recommend packing all of your clothes in plastic bags so that they stay dry in the event of bad weather.

Medicine

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 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)/ Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) -3; most areas use Daylight Saving Time (DST).

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.

Request a quote

My local agent
Elodie

Outdoor activities enthusiast
Adventure travel expert
Logistics expert

Request a quote

Region: Disko Bay
Activity: Self-guided Summer
Duration: 10 days
Code: EGROL14VA
Price: From €2,500

Strengths

The 3 essential regions of West Greenland
The Greenlandic coastal vessel Artic Umiaq
Muskoxen, whales and ice in all its forms

Required level

Easy

You are in good physical condition. You like to walk several days in a row, for an average of 3 to 5 hours a day (6 to 14 km) with a maximum altitude difference of 500 metres, you prefer hard, even rustic accommodation or short-term bivouacs in base camps.

Download trip details

Request a quote

West Greenland Trio