Dog-sledding Greenlandic Fisherman Immersion

East Greenland is probably the most isolated part of this great country, and here old traditions are still very much upheld. In winter, hunting and icefishing are a part of the way of life and dogsled- ges are used to travel between locations and for hunting. For visitors, dogsled- ding is a great way to experience both the magnificent landscape and nature of this isolated area and to get a feel for the traditional arctic way of life. On this tour we will set out from Tasiilaq -East Greenland‘s largest town - for a tour of Ammassalik Island powered by strong dogs and experienced mushers. We will see the Sermilik Ice Fjord and visit the small settlement of Tiniteqilaaq where we will dine with a local family before returning to Tasiilaq through the heart of the Island with its snowy peaks and enormous glaciers. In Tasiilaq we will have time to visit the town or to go on an (optional) snowshoe to the Valley of Flowers. Throughout the tour with some sun, clear skies and good luck we may be treated to the mesmorizing show of Northern Lights. This is a breath-taking tour that takes you deep into the arctic world of East Greenland.

Itinerary

  • Day 1 Welcome to East Greenland

    Welcome to East Greenland The tour starts at Kulusuk – gateway to East Greenland. From Kulusuk you take an exhilarating helicopter ride over to Tasiilaq on Ammassalik Island where you will be met by our local partner who will take you to your accommodation. Afternoon free to discover this village of 2000 inhabitants. We then meet with the rest of the group for a presentation of the expedition and verification of the material. Night in guest house.

    Accommodation: Guesthouse or youth hostel

  • Day 2 Tasiilaq- The Sermilik Coast

    Tasiilaq- The Sermilik Coast Today we’re heading out so dress warmly for the big adventure! You will be picked up at the guest house and taken to the outskirts of Tasiilaq where our dog teams are 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 Qordlortq between granite mountain ranges. There we will have a short break before continuing to ‘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 dog sled 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 IceFjord. Our dogs then take us downhill through a beautiful river valley to the small cluster of cabins that will serve as our base for the next two nights. Sitting on the edge of the Ice Fjord we will have a view over the fjord and the ice. Night in huts.

    Activities: 6 hours of dog-sledding
    Accommodation: basic mountain hut without shower

  • Day 3 The Sermilik Coast

    The Sermilik Coast Today will be devoted to the exploration of the surrounding area and peaks. We will venture to a near-by peak on 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!

    Activities: 4-6 hours of snow shoeing
    Accommodation: basic mountain hut without shower

  • Day 4 The Sermilik Coast - Tiniteqilaaq

    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 will have time to visit the village and get some insight into the Inuit way of life in these harsh arctic conditions. We will spend the night at a house in the settlement with basic facilities (shower is in the local service house) and dinner will be served by a local family.

    Optional
    You can go with a local hunter on a boat trip if fjord conditions allow. The boat trip is paid directly to the boat driver.

    Activities: 4 hours of dog-sledding
    Accommodation: mountain hut with a possibility to take shower

  • Day 5 Tiniteqilaaq - Pitserpaajik

    Tiniteqilaaq - Pitserpaajik Today we start on our way back south. We will go over the straight that separates Tiniteqilaaq and Ammassalik Island and turn slightly east into a riverbed valley. 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.

    Activities: 6 hours of dog-sledding
    Accommodation: basic mountain hut without shower

  • Day 6 Pitserpaajik - Tasiilaq

    Pitserpaajik - Tasiilaq From the Pitserpaajik Peninsula we head west in the direction of the lakes. Our way then takes us over the snowfields straight through the center of Ammassalik Island until we arrive back in the town of Tasiilaq. After leaving the sledges and saying goodbye to the dog teams you will be taken back to your accommodation.

    Activities: 6 hours of dog-sledding
    Accommodation: Guest House

  • Day 7 Tasiilaq

    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 and has an interesting museum and some shops. Above the town the Valley of Flowers in its winter coat offers an opportunity to enjoy a snowshoe in the arctic environment up to a view point over the town.

    Accommodation: Guest House

  • Day 8 Tasilaaq - Kulusuk - Reykjavik

    Retour vers Kulusuk en hélicoptère puis vol vers l'Islande.

Please note that this itinerary, including walking distances and times, is indicative. Our guides aim to provide the adventure that is best suited to the weather, your interests and the demands of the group. Please be aware that in order to achieve this, changes to the programme may be made.

Dates & prices

International departures:

No departure for now

Trip code: GROWCH

Included

  • All in-country transfers as detailed in itinerary
  • Full supervision by an expert Altai guide
  • Acommodation for 3 nights in a guest house in Tasiilaq
  • Dogsled tour for 5 days with full board and 4 nights of hut accommodation
  • Dinner upon arrival and on the last night

Not included

  • International flights
  • Helicopter transportation between Kulusuk airport and Tasiilaq (Service provided by Air Greenland)
  • Registration fee: €18 (free for under 12s)
  • Insurance
  • Optional activities
  • Drinks and personal expenses
  • Tips

Optional : Renting of sleeping bag, jacket or cold boots: to be reserved in advance and to be paied locally, Costs  50 dkk (or 7 eur) per day and per item rented.

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.

Level 2/5

4 to 6 hours of activity per day. No previous experience of any of the activities is necessary. You should be in good physical health and prepared for very cold temperatures.

Comfort 3/5

We love our back to basics no frills accommodation options which enable us to get close to nature. This trip uses accommodation with dormitories and shared facilities. Please be aware that some accommodation options do not have running water.

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.

Insurance

We do not provide Travel Insurance. We strongly recommend that you purchase a travel insurance policy which covers flight cancellations, luggage loss and emergency health care. Please look carefully at which activities are covered by your insurer and do not forget to bring all the necessary documents and information with you.

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 from lunch Day 1 to Dinner Day 7.
We are proud of the varied, fresh and frankly delicious food we provide. Meals are based on a selection of local products and you should have the opportunity to try Greenlandic delicacies including fresh fish.

Each day will start with a hearty breakfast accompanied by plenty of tea and coffee. Then you will prepare your own picnic lunch for the day from an array of options - everyday there will definitely be sandwiches, hot drinks and cakes among the other options. Each hot evening meal will include three courses- we try to offer fresh fruit and vegetables everyday but this is not always possible in Greenland!

Your help in the kitchen is expected and much appreciated, particularly in the evenings. We like when the whole group work as a team to cook dinner, it creates a pleasant atmosphere as we reflect on the days adventures together.

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

Tasiilaaq
We will be staying at the heart of the village. The houses can accommodate two people per room, in single beds. The house includes a living room, a fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom with shower and toilet.

Traditional Huts
Traditional back to basics Greenlandic hut accommodation in the wilderness with heating and shared facilities.

Tiniteqilaq:
We stay in a cabin. You sleep on beds (with your sleeping bag), and the toilets are outside. Possibility of taking a shower at the communal house of the village (for a few euros).

Transportation

The transportations are done on the sled, the musher remaining in the front will give you instructions to help you on the raids, that must be crossed to access the flat areas of pack ice. In order to help with the crossing, you will be asked to step  down the sled and run alongside to accompany, push or brake depending on the terrain. All our dogs are absolutely safe and non aggressive. However, it is advisable to ask permission of the musher before going to pet or play with them, especially when they are harnessed.

Budget & exchange

The currency in Greenland is the Danish Krone (DKK)

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

  • At least 3 sets of good thermals - top & long johns, one for activities, one spare set and one pair for sleeping in
  • A ski mask
  • A warm wind and waterproof jacket
  • Suitable warm  trousers - windproof ski style, soft shell or fleece lined mountaineering trousers are ideal
  • Suitable underwear, t-shirts and walking trousers
  • Warm jumper(s) and jacket(s)
  • Quality sunglasses (glacier glasses)
  • Sun cream for face and lips (not water based, water freezes)
  • A headtorch and spare batteries
  • Warm thick socks
  • Gloves - multiple pairs of under and over gloves - think warm, waterproof and windproof
  • A warm hat
  • A balaclava
  • Appropriate neck wear like a warm buff
  • Any personal medication
  • Towel & toiletries
  • A thermos/suitable water bottle
  • A sleeping bag liner
  • Warm snow boots

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
  • A pair of warm comfortable shoes for evenings in town
  • A swimsuit if you want to test Icelands hot springs/pools during your stopover or the saunas of Ilulissat
  • Extra gloves/overgloves
  • An extra jumper/fleece jacket
  • A warm sleeping bag liner
  • Energy bars
  • Wetwipes
  • Blister plasters 
  • A suitable camera
  • Plastic bags for wet/dirty clothing
  • A small inflatable pillow
  • Tissues

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 wet 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

This trip runs during March and April when temperatures normally range from -30°C to -10°C (-22°F - 14°F). Generally speaking Greenland is not very windy and we can anticipate calm weather with snow showers and perhaps sleet. Near the ice sheet temperatures can be very cold and there can be gusts of wind of up to 15 miles per hour. 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!

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. During March and April we can expect 16-20 hours of daylight. You can see the midnight sun from May - July and the Northern Lights year round when it is dark. 

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...
  1. Be prepared
  2. Stick to trails and camp overnight right
  3. Stash your trash and pick up waste
  4. Leave it as you find it
  5. Be careful with fire
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. 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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Region
East Greenland
Activity
Dog sledding Northern lights Winter
Duration
8 days
Group
1 to 5 people
Code
GROWCH
Price
From €3,995
Level
2/5
Comfort
2/5
Language(s)
English

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