- See the Northern Lights in Greenland
- Fly in a helicopter
- Go snowshoeing in the mountains
- Travel by dogsled
- Enjoy remote stays in mountain huts
East Greenland Dog Sledding Expedition
For thousands of years dogs have played a crucial role in hunting communities in East Greenland and they still play an important part for local hunters today. This dog sledding expedition travels on an amazing journey through the magnificent Ammassalik island. Explore the island with native mushers and their dogs, driving up and down glaciers and mountains and riding on the icy fjords whilst enjoying the breathtakingly beautiful icy scenery. Visit a small settlement and experience the way of life in this very remote part of the Greenland. Go snowshoeing up mountains for a magnificent view over the Sermilik ice fjord with all its icebergs, and also go look for seals with a local Inuit.
This trip is a unique opportunity to explore the magnificent, raw and icy wilderness in the most authentic way possible so conditions are quite basic. Travellers should be in good physical condition and be physically active on a regular basis (i.e. 2-4 hours per week). Nights are spent in mountain huts and a full packing list will be given to you.
Tour Itinerary
Fly to Reykjavik and transfer to your hotel in the city centre. Spend the evening exploring one of the world's most northerly capital cities, filled with a cosmopolitan mix of museums, galleries, restaurants cafes and bars.
Make your way to Reykjavik's domestic airport (about 10 minutes by taxi from the city centre) for your flight to Kulusuk where you will transfer to Tasiilaq by helicopter (subject to weather conditions this may be done by boat). The island of Ammassalik is in the remote eastern corner of Greenland and is home to just 2,000 people. You will be met and taken to your guesthouse and after settling in enjoy dinner and discuss the plans for the trip with your guide. If the conditions are right you can step outside with the hope of seeing the northern lights. (B,D)
Meet your dog team after breakfast and head out to King Oscar's Fjord via Qordlortoq lake. Head through the mountain valleys, climbing up to 500 metres. Enjoy views of the Sermilik Ice Fjord before descending and spending the night on the shores of the fjord itself. Whilst the accommodation may be basic you will hear nothing but the creaking ice and the voices of your fellow travellers. (B,L,D)
Have time free today to explore your local surroundings, or simply relax and take in the majestic beauty of your location. You can sit and watch the icebergs float past whilst being blanketed by the silence of a true wilderness. If you are feeling energetic you could head out on snow shoes and, weather permitting, head out in the evening to see the aurora borealis, one of the best places on earth to see this celestial phenomenon. (B,L,D)
Head to the settlement of Tiniteqilaq, ascending and descending the steep fells and crossing the Tinit glacier. Stop regularly throughout the day for refreshments and to take photographs of the landscape. Depending on the weather you may have the chance on arrival in the settlement to head out by boat in the fjord before dinner with a local family. (B,L,D)
Leave Tiniteqilaq behind and head up the 10km long Kugarmit Valley, passing large glaciers, crossing lakes and descending to the Imaila Fjord. Stay over night in the settlement of Qernetivartivit where the accommodation may be basic but the setting next to the sea ice is unbeatable. (B,L,D)
The return journey to Tasiilaq takes you over high glaciers and involves hard work for the dogs, mushers and passengers alike. Return to Tasiilaq and take advantage of the more modern facilities before enjoying a hearty dinner with your travelling companions whilst reflecting on your adventure. (B,L,D)
Have a free day to explore Tasiilaq - there are walking trails leading from the settlement, craft workshops and the town museum gives you the chance to learn about local history and culture. (B,D)
Take the helicopter back to Kulusuk for flight to Iceland. On arrival transfer from Reykjavik City Airport to your hotel and check in for a night. (B)
Transfer back to the international airport for your flight back to the UK. (B)
Pricing Information
Price Includes
- Return flights in economy class with Icelandair from London Heathrow
- All airport taxes
- Return airport transfers by the ‘Flybus’ + Shuttle
- 2 nights accommodation in a three-star hotel in Reykjavik
- Return flights in economy class with Air Iceland from Reykjavik City Airport
- Return helicopter flight Kulusuk to Tasiilaq
- Accommodation in hostel in Tasiilaq and in huts during the dogsledding trip
- Meals as specified (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=Dinner)
- English-speaking guide in Greenland
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Price Notes
This tour runs with a minimum of 2 people and due to the nature of the weather in Greenland the itinerary may be subject to change - this will all be discussed at your meeting before dinner when you arrive in Greenland. If you would like to add extra nights in Tasiilaq or Kulusuk please let us know.
East Greenland is a remote location where accommodation often has shared facilities and whilst dog-sledding some shared sleeping bag accommodation - this trip is designed for adventurous travellers looking to explore the wilderness and a reasonable level of fitness is required.
Sled dogs in Greenland are working dogs, used by the local population for transport and hunting, and as such are very much working dogs and unlike the sled dogs you might expect to see in places such as Lapland which are often used primarily for tourist trips.
Tour Route Map
- Iceland, Reykjavik
- Greenland, Kulusuk
- Greenland, Tasiilaq
- Greenland, Kulusuk
- Iceland, Reykjavik
Image Gallery
