Merveilles du Groenland en randonnée

Ce circuit sur la côte ouest du Groenland est parfait pour une première découverte du Groenland. Nous voici tout d'abord face à Sermeq Kujalleq, le glacier qui vêle le plus de glaces de tout l'hémisphère nord, et qui n'a d'autre équivalent qu'en Antarctique. Puis découverte d'Eqip Sermia, autre glacier spectaculaire par son imposante paroi verticale qui tombe directement dans la mer. Plusieurs journées de randonnée seront ensuite nécessaires pour découvrir l'île de Disko, tant ses paysages sont variés et différents du reste de la région de Disko...

Vous pourrez apprécier la richesse de sa faune : ses hautes falaises sont en effet le repère de nombreux oiseaux marins et les baleines à bosse sont souvent au rendez-vous au large de l'île. Ce sera également l'occasion de découvrir Qeqertarsuaq et la vie paisible d'une petite ville de pêcheurs du Groenland... Enfin, un court vol intérieur vous permettra de découvrir en randonnéen, la région de Kangerlussuaq, haut lieu pour l'observation des rennes et boeufs musqués et l'occasion unique d'évoluer sur la calotte polaire, à l'image des grands explorateurs arctiques.

Programme

  • Jour 1 Ilulissat

    Ilulissat Welcome to Greenland! We will greet you at the airport and escort you to your accommodation in the centre of Ilulissat. Located approximately 220 miles north of the Arctic Circle Ilulissat is an interesting place - it has as many sled dogs as people! Discover more about the local culture, history and traditions on a walking tour of this iconic Greenlandic city.

    Activities: Free walking tour of Ilulissat
    Accommodation: Hostel or Guesthouse

  • Jour 2 Qeqertatsuaq and whales

    This morning we will join local Greenlanders on board a ferry to sail across Disko Bay to the island of Disko, also known as Qeqertarsuaq. It is a scenic crossing with views of impressive 1000m cliffs and the chance to see whales. Tonight we will sleep in typical Greenlandic accommodation in the town of Qeqertarsuaq where traces of settlements from five to six thousand years ago have been found. After dropping off our bags we can enjoy a walking tour of this charming village to learn more and we can visit the local museum about discover everything about this fascinating place and its traditional fishing techniques. This afternoon, we will hike to a ‘look-out’ observation spot in the south of the island with amazing views. From here we should be able to see whales playing in the waters below and a whole range of marine wildlife!

    Activities: 2 hours of walking & museum visit
    Transport: 4 hours 30 sailing across Disko Bay
    Accommodation: Hostel

  • Jour 3 Disko Bay cruise

    This morning we will board an old traditional fishing boat which has been renovated with comfortable passenger transportation in mind. Today we will explore the wonders of Disko Bay, an area known as a sea of ice where it is said that in the summer months there are more whales than icebergs! Majestic humpback, minke and fin whales all frequent in this area. Keep your eyes open as the boat weaves between icebergs and the scenic journey continues to Eqip Sermia glacier and its impressive +200m vertical ice wall!

    Transport: 7-10 hour boat trip
    Accommodation: Hostel or Guesthouse

  • Jour 4 Hiking on Disko Island

    Thanks to its range of landscapes and rich varieties of fauna and flora, Disko Island attracts an array of professionals including geologists, biologists and botanists. Today we will go hiking amoung some of this islands most impressive features starting with Blaesedalen ‘the valley of the winds’, a superb U-shaped glacial valley with impressive waterfalls. Cross beaches with icebergs which have run aground and explore Kuannit with its fields, hot springs and volcanic cliffs.

    For those who wish, this hike can be replaced by an optional climb to Lyngmark Glacier (790m height gain) here not only to find a breathtaking panorama of the entire island but also to go on an exciting dog sledding trip.

    Late this afternoon we will regroup and take the boat back across to Ilulissat.

    Activities: 4-5 hour walk (+310m/-310m)
    Additional Optional Activities: Lyngmark Glacier hike and dog sledding (+790m/-790m)
    Transport: 4 hours 30 sailing across Disko Bay
    Accommodation: Hostel or Guesthouse

  • Jour 5 Hiking in Ilulissat Icefjord UNESCO World Heritage Site

    Today we will hike through dramatic scenery and discover Ilulissat Icefjord UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ilulissat Icejford is home to one of the largest glaciers in the northern hemisphere and it is mesmerising watching hundreds of icebergs break free and pile up in the fjord before drifting into the ocean. Today we will explore the ancient archaeological site of Sermermiut Valley which is now part of the World Heritage Site. Abandoned since 1850, the old Inuit settlement was used by Saqqaq, Early Dorset, and Thule cultures, a stunning area with a fascinating history.

    Activities: 4-5 hour walk (+460m/-460m)
    Accommodation: Guesthouse or hostel

  • Jour 6 Glacier walking in the footsteps of polar explorers

    This morning we will fly south to Kangerlussuaq (not included). The largest expanse of ice in the northern hemisphere is found in Kangerlussuaq and today you have the unique opportunity to walk on this ice sheet! An all-terrain vehicle will take us across the tundra towards the polar ice cap. Keep watch for reindeer and muskox as we hike in this second to none location and walk on the polar ice cap! After a final day in Greenlandic wilderness, surrounded by stunning views and curious wildlife it is time to head to Kangerlerssuaq for our final evening. Here you can enjoy an evening at leisure and discover the culinary specialities of Greenland with a meal in a traditional local restaurant (optional/payable locally).

    Activities: 1 hour of Glacier Walking (+150m/-150m)
    Transport: 4 hour all-terrain vehicle transfer
    Accommodation: Hostel

  • Jour 7 Kangerlussuaq and flight home

    Today you can enjoy a free morning in Kangerlussuaq before your afternoon flight. This could be your final opportunity to walk with rivers of cast irons in the tundra and hills where muskox and reindeer roam. Or perhaps you want to embark on a muskox safari or visit the city museum? We have lots of suggestions for your final morning in Greenland.

    Optional Activities: museum visit or muskox safari

  • Jour 8 Discovery the polar ice cap

    Morning flight to Kangerlussuaq, further south in Greenland. Today will not be a day like any other since we will walk on the ice sheet, the largest expanse of ice in the northern hemisphere.
    An all-terrain vehicle takes us across the tundra to the moraine stretches adjacent to the polar ice cap. We walk in this mineral chaos to the dead part of the glacier, then we will evolve on this majestic universe for a few hours. On the way, we will try to observe reindeer and muskoxen, massive animals emblematic of Greenland that live in high concentrations in the area. Free evening on Kangerlerssuaq.

    4 hours of transport by off-road vehicle

    Accommodation: Guesthouse Walking time: 4 hrs

  • Jour 9 Kangerlussuaq - Home

    Free morning in Kangerlussuaq. The opportunity to explore the surroundings on foot with its melting rivers, hills and tundra where muskox and reindeer graze.
    Flight home

The details in this programme are regularly updated 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. Additional optional activities are not included in the price, please see 'Dates & Prices' for more information.

Other trips you may like

Whale watching among icebergs in Greenland 
Disko Bay Kayaking Adventure: An unforgettable Greenlandic experience living like Inuits in one of the most remote and enchanting places in the world. This action packed adventure in the iconic Disko Bay area includes full board and 3 days in the wilderness kayaking and hiking from your remote campsite about as far 'off the beaten track' as you can possibly get.

Dates & prix

Départs internationaux :

Pas de départ pour l'instant

Code voyage: EGROW1C

Le prix comprend

  • In-country transfers as detailed in itinerary
  • Full board (except first and last dinners)
  • Accompaniment by an English-speaking Altai guide in the Disko Bay region
  • Activities in Kangerlussuaq supervised by an English-speaking Activity Leader
  • Free walking tour of Ilulissat
  • Disko Bay whale watching day cruise (7-10 hours)
  • 2x boat trips across Disko Bay to Disko Island
  • Walking tour of Qeqertarsuaq town
  • Qeqertarsuaq museum entrance fee

Le prix ne comprend pas

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

Additional Options
Please let us know if you would like to reserve any of the following optional activities:
  • Greenlandic meal in traditional restaurant from: €25
  • Lyngmark Glacier hike & dog-sledding excursion: from €220 (+790m/-790m)
  • Kangerlussuaq muskox safari: from €40
  • Kangerlussuaq Museum: from €8

Remarques

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: 4/5 Comfortable

Well-equipped accommodation options like basic hostels or charming guesthouses are rated 4/5 for comfort. Please note that this does not guarantee private bathroom and kitchen facilities. Any ‘special’ accommodation options  like our especially built wooden sailing boat in Greenland are rated 4/5 for comfort.

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.

Conditions de paiement et d'annulation

Booking conditions

Booking a trip with us 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 35 days before your departure date.
For Polar Cruises, we require a deposit on the day of registration, 30% of the balance 3 months before departure and the full amount at least 45 days before departure. If registration is less than 35 days before departure then an invoice will be attached to this travel contract and the full amount must be paid upon registration. If registration is less than 15 days before departure, payment is only accepted by credit card or cash. If registration is less than 8 days before departure you may be charged an additional free for sending your ticket. If the full balance of the trip has not arrived 35 days before departure, Altaï Greenland reserves the right to cancel your registration without compensation.

Cancellation policy

If for any reason you have to cancel your trip we require a written confirmation of your decision so please contact us by e-mail, fax or letter.The money you have paid will then be refunded according to the following deductions:
  • Cancellation received more than 30 days before the departure date: 15% of trip price will be retained
  • Cancellation received 30 to 21 days before the departure date: 45% of trip price will be retained
  • Cancellation  received within 20 days of the departure date: 100% of trip price will be retained
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 may 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 us in writing. If your change is requested after our confirmation has been issued and more than 30 days prior to the departure date, your change will be subject to an amendment fee of 45€. If you request a change within 30 days of departure it will be treated as a cancellation of the original booking and will be subject to cancellation charges.

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, subject to the following conditions:
a) you must notify us in writing
b) the transferee must fulfil any conditions that apply to the booking
c) Change and cancellation fees 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.

Assurance

We strongly recommend that you take out personal travel insurance for your trip with Altaï Greenland as soon as your booking is confirmed. We advice you to 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 necessary documents and information with you (name of the company, name of the contract, insurance policy number, telephone number...)

Infos pratiques

Encadrement

You will be welcomed at the airport by a representative from our friendly team and accompanied by an Altai guide for the duration of your stay in the Disko Bay region. When in Kangerlussuaq, activities will be run by a qualified English-speaking guide. Armed with an abundance of experience and a wealth of expert knowledge our professional Greenland team know the country inside out. 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.

Alimentation

This trip includes full board apart from the first and last evening meals - 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. Then you will prepare your own picnic lunch for the day from a buffet style array of options - everyday there will definitely be sandwiches, hot drinks and cakes among the other options. Each 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.

Hébergement

This trip uses hostel, guesthouse and communal house accommodation. All are well equipped with shared facilities, heating and hot showers available. Please bring a sleeping bag.

Déplacement et portage

In Greenland we travel by foot or use local boats, specially adapted for ice navigation, to cross fjords. This trip includes a flight to Kangerlussuaq in a small aircraft designed for Greenlands harsh winter conditions - we love this scenic flight in an adorable aircraft!

Budget et change

The currency in Greenland is the Danish Krone (DKK)
Please budget for two dinners from €25 / 200DKK. 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.

Pourboires

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.

Equipement fourni sur place

We provide you with the technical equipment you will need for this adventure - all you need to bring are your hiking boots. We will provide crampons for walking on the ice sheet.

Equipement indispensable

  • 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)

Matériel

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)

Equipement utile

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
  • Blister plasters
  • Tissues

Bagages

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.

Pharmacie

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.

Passeport

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.

Vaccins obligatoires

There are no specific health risks.

Santé / recommandations sanitaires

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.

Climat

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.

Electricité

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

Heure locale

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

Géographie

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.

Tourisme responsable

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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Elodie

Mon agent local
Elodie

  • Outdoor activities enthusiast
  • Adventure travel expert
  • Logistics expert
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Région
Baie de Disko Cercle polaire
Activité
Eté Observation des baleines Randonnée
Durée
9 jours
Groupe
5 à 12 personnes
Code
EGROW1C
Prix
A partir de 3 440 €
Niveau
2/5
Confort
4/5
Langue(s)
anglais

Points forts

  • Explore Disko Bay, Qeqertarsuaq, Ilulissat & Kangerlussuaq
  • Under the guidance of an expert professional guide
  • Quality technical equipment provided
  • See whales, muskox and icebergs; enjoy city tours, hiking and boat trips...

L'avis du guide

'An ideal trip for your first time in Greenland'

Niveau requis

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.
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