Deep into the Arctic

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 dogsleds are used to travel between locations and hunting.

For visitors dogsledding 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 wil set out from Tasiilaq for a tour of the Ammassalik Island.

We will see the Sermilik Icefjord, visit the small settlement of Tiniteqilaaq where we will dine
with a local family, before turning back through the middle of the Ammassalik Island to Tasiilaq.

There we have time to visit the town or to go on an (optional) snow shoe hike to the Valley of
Flowers. This is a tour that takes you deep into the arctic world of East Greenland.

Itinerary

Day 1: Reykjavík-Kulusuk-Tasiilaq
We will meet you at the airport at Tasiilaq. Ammassalik Island where you will be met by our local partner who will take you to your accommodation. Free evening in Tasiilaq. Night in guest house.

Day 2: Tasiilaq – The Sermilik Coast
Today we’ll head out, so get ready for the big adventure! You will be picked up at the hotel and taken to the outskirts of Tasiilaq where our dog team is waiting. The guide will show you the basics of dogsledding and how to behave with the dogs. With 2 persons per sled, we will then head, north over King Oscar’s Fjord and up to the big lake Qordlortq between the granite mountain ranges.

There we have short break before continuing to a place called 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 dogsled 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 riverbed to the small cabins that will serve as our base for the next two nights. Sitting on the edge of the Icefjord, we will have view over the fjord and the ice. Night in huts-sleeping bag.

Dog sledging: 6 hours total

Day 3: The Sermilik Coast
Today will be devoted to the exploration of the surrounding area and peaks. We will venture out up on a close by peak (in snowshoes) in an attempt to get a superb view of the Sermilik Icefjord 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 nonetheless, this day is certain to be an adventure!

Night at the same huts.

Snow shoeing: 4-6 hours

Day 4: The Sermilik Coast – Tiniteqilaaq
After a hearty breakfast, we pack up our sleds and head up along the coast towards the north and to the small settlement of Tiniteqilaaq (approx 125 hab.). Here we have time to visit the village and get some insight in to the Inuit way of life in these harsh arctic conditions. We will spend the night in sleeping bag accommodation at a house in the settlement with basic facilities (shower is in the local service house) and dinner will be served with a local family.

Dog sledding: 4 hours

Day 5: Tiniteqilaaq – Pitserpaajik
Today we start our way back south. We go over the strait that separates Tiniteqilaaq and
Ammassalik Island and turn slightly east into a valley that is a riverbed. 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.

Night in a hut (or in tents – which can actually be warmer – but the hut is used for preparing
meals and eating).

Dog sledding: 6 hours

Day 6: Pitserpaajik – Tasiilaq
From the Pitserpaajik peninsula we head west in the direction of the lakes. Our way then takes us over the snow straight trough Ammassalik Island until we come back to the town of Tasiilaq. After leaving the sleds and saying goodbye to the dog teams, you will be taken back to your accommodation.

Night at a guest house.

Dog sledding: 6 hours

Day 7: 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. It has an interesting museum and some shops.

Above the town, the Valley of Flowers in its winter coat offers an opportunity to enjoy a snow hike in the arctic environment up to a view point over the town.

Night at a guest house.

Day 8: Goodbye
After saying our goodbyes, we have a transfer to Kulusuk, where we get on our flight back to
Reykjavík where the tour ends at the airport.

Included:
– Guide
– 3 nights in Tasiilaq
– Dogsled tour 5 days
– Full board on sled tour
– 3 nights in huts and 1 nights in sleeping bag accommodation in Tiniteqilaaq (you can bring 10 kg of luggage)
– Snowshoes
– Dinner on arrival and dinner on last night

Meeting point
Mittarfeqarfiit Tasiilaq Heliport (15 minutes prior to departure), https://maps.app.goo.gl/d177aqxqpTUQvxPT9