Crossing the Ice Cap in Greenland
The trip takes place in Southern Greenland, where the variation of the landscape is tremendous and the distance across the Ice Cap is far less than to the north.
The first part is over land, the second part is through glaciers on the way towards the plateau and the snow, and third part is on ski directly on the Ice Cap!
The number of participants is limited to eight and there will be two tour leaders to ensure the adequate handling of safety issues.
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Details |
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Price Includes |
(SM-8981-P) |
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Meals |
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Airport transfers in country |
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Activities and accommodation as detailed in the itinerary |
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Price Excludes |
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International flights although we can organise these for you
Meals not detailed in the itinerary
UK airport transfers
Alcoholic beverages
Travel insurance |
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Suitability / Level |
Strenous |
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Theme |
Activity Days
(Click to Search All) |
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Itinerary
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Day 1 - By boat in wild nature
We arrive at Narsarsuaq Airport. If the visibility is good, there is a tremendous view from the plane of the area we are going to experience in the next two weeks. Upon arrival, we will do some shopping for the first part of the trip and leave aboard the ship Puttut. The ship will bring us to Qorooq - the most beautiful fiord imaginable. Thousands of tons of ice is breaking off the glaciers daily, mountains rise from the fiord and a river runs in the valley, where we go ashore. It only takes one hour to hike from the fiord to our tented camp.
Day 2 - Towards Base Camp Motzfeldt
This day offers varied trekking in relatively flat terrain with steep slopes in between. We hike along the Black River and pass some scrub of birch. The valley appears where glaciers embrace a large rocky island towards East. To North you enjoy the icebergs in Lake Motzfeldt. We travel through a remarkable landscape of moraine and in the late afternoon will arrive at the Cabin of Motzfeldt, where we stay overnight.
Day 3 - Crossing the ice for views
On Day 3 you will cross the first glacier and must therefore prepare the equipment and learn how to use it. Two hours hiking from here we reach a nunataq where our next cabin "Silverstone" is placed. In our camp we will find food brought out by snowmobile. Surrounded by majestic mountains, lush meadows and blue glaciers the silence here is predominant. Only the sight of a snow sparrow or a hare tells us that we are not completely alone.
Day 4 - Overnight stay on an unknown glacier
To reach the plateau of the Ice Cap, we first have to climb a pass where we arrive at the "Eternity glacier". The equipment for the expedition has been brought to the base of the ice by snowmobile. This is where the true adventure begins. We fasten our skis on the backpacks, pack the sledges and start moving through this fantastic landscape of diverse ice formations and colours that can only be experienced first hand. We locate a smaller snow covered area for camping in our expedition tents.
Day 5 - Storchs Island - between two different worlds
We start ascending the glacier and need to be cautious in finding the best route. A glacier is like a labyrinth, where you can easily walk into a dead end. We continue to move upwards and finally reach an area where we can put on our skis. We are all secured by rope and finally reach the next cabin "Cabin of Storch", where we stay overnight. The cabin is situated right on the edge of the great plateau, which forms the main part of the Ice Cap. We are in a transition state of two worlds. Towards West we can see the deep valleys surrounded by rugged peaks. Towards East we can see the huge convexity of the Ice Cap, where we will spend the next few days.
Day 6 - Demurrage day
We have one day to explore the edge of the Ice Cap. There are several Nunataq´s waiting for us to be explored. Maybe we are some of the first humans to explore these remote areas of the West coast. There is also time to rest in the cabin and enjoy the luxury of surplus space inside.
Day 7 - The Barrenlands
It is time to begin our expedition to the big plateau of the Ice Cap. We fasten our skis and start the crossing of the Ice Cap. Slowly the horizon turns more even and white. Even the map says "unexplored".
Day 8 - Høyes Nunataq - in unknown territory
Even though we feel comfortable at the centre of the Ice Cap it is time to continue our journey to the eastern part of the Ice Cap for the rewarding view towards a huge area uninhabited by humans. Hundreds of glaciers are crashing deep into the fiords creating enormous icebergs that will start their journey southwards along the coast.
If the weather and our fitness allow us, we will make an excursion to a high peak situated South of our camp "Høyes Nunataq" for yet another magnificent view. We will stay overnight in our tents on the east coast of Greenland.
Day 9 – Skiing
We pack our equipment and return to the plateau edge in West. Our target is Storchs cabin, where we arrive after a speedy trip down hill. The conditions can be difficult especially after recent snowfall. We still have the sledges in tow, but they keep getting lighter. Life on top of this arctic world becomes everyday life and the impressions from this characteristic landscape have marked us for the rest of our lives. Back on the mainland the Ice Cap probably seems weirdly distant.
Day 10 - Demurrage day
We have a days rest at Storchs cabin, before we head towards new adventures in the lowland. There is an incredible view from the cabin, which forms our base for a couple of days. The experiences from the past days are plenty, and it is pleasant to evaluate these fond memories in peaceful surroundings.
Day 11 - New adventures
In this area there is plenty of interesting things to see, of which many have seldom been visited before. There is a unique view from the nearest summit towards a huge green lake full of icebergs that have been dammed by a glacier. In the horizon one can see Jespersen Glacier and the Ice Cap, which we have traversed. We sleep in Storch´s cabin, hopefully with a view towards a spectacular sunset.
Day 12 - Free rest day
We have a rest to prepare for our next adventure in the low country. Silverstone cabin sits on a lush, green plateau with a view over the fjord where our trip started. It feels good to have green grass underfoot again with the fresh, scented lowland air. There are many exciting destinations for a little day trip with a walk to the top of Nunatakken rewarded by a fantastic view over our route for the next few days.
Day 13 - Camp Silverstone
It is now time to return to the luxuriant and green part of nature in Southern Greenland. We are still able to use the skis during the first part of the day, but later the ice appears under the snow. The terrain turns undulating and it is necessary to find the crampons. Our descent is faster than our ascent, and we are able to spend the night at Camp Silvili Nakalaaq, where running water in the brook for washing and cooking is a luxury good that we have not enjoyed for days. Day 14 - Back to Base Camp
With fantastic experiences in our minds, from the trek to the high mountain, we head back to our base camp in the Motzfeldt cabin. During the trek it is possible to study and admire some of the characteristic formations that makes glaciers so special and interesting. At the front of the glacier deep melt water ponds and strange landscapes are located. Depending on the layer of thickness these are created by the sands ability to absorb and isolate the sunbeam.
Day 14 - Back to Base Camp
With fantastic experiences in our minds, from the trek to the high mountain, we head back to our base camp in the Motzfeldt cabin. During the trek it is possible to study and admire some of the characteristic formations that makes glaciers so special and interesting. At the front of the glacier deep melt water ponds and strange landscapes are located. Depending on the layer of thickness these are created by the sands ability to absorb and isolate the sunbeam
Day 15 - In the green forest
Our journey on the Ice Cap has ended, but there is still a great adventure ahead of us in the wilderness of Greenland. Today we hike to Motzfeldt cabin, which is set up by Topas. The cabin is placed in the largest area of birch forest in Greenland and these surroundings are in clear-cut contrast with the rough and arid nature of the previous days. With a beautiful view towards Jespersens glacier we enjoy the warmth and may even dress in shorts and t-shirts!
Day 16 - Back to civilisation
After breakfast we trek through the forest to a pass, where we change from heavy boots to sandals as we are walking through a river. The water is cold as ice, but once on the other side we acknowledge the refreshing experience of having our feet washed! We enjoy a last glance towards the glacier and the white world in East and start walking on a comfortable sheep track down to the mouth of the fiord, where a boat will bring us back to civilisation.
Day 17 – Sheep-farmers and the Norse people
Today there will be an excursion to the remains of the village where Eric The Red lived, and we will experience the folklore of sheep farmers and see the beautiful colourful houses. Only 100 people live in Quassiarsuk, but it feels like a huge city just after arriving from the Ice Cap. We stay overnight in Topas´ tent camp, with facilities such as hot showers and camp beds.
The last night in Narsarsuaq could be celebrated with a delicious dinner in the restaurant.
Day 18 – Departure
Around noon the flight departs and we’ll catch our last glimpse of the Ice Cap from the plane as we head home. |
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Accommodation
& Centre Details |
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Tented camp.
Base Camp Motzfeldt |
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Holidays
Extras |
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We have provided a little
section of extra travel needs that you may need
and to make life easier for our customers. We aim
to provide all the extras you would need; flights,
hotels, insurance, car hire and airport parking.
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| Trip: |
Crossing the Ice Cap in Greenland |
| Duration: |
18 Nights |
| Company: |
Voyage Concepts
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| Location: |
Narsarsuaq |
| Region: |
Greenland,
Arctic |
| Price: |
From
GBP3638
p/p |
| Flights: |
Not Included 
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| Availability: |
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, |
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| Related Searches |
 Skiing in Narsarsuaq |
| Skiing in Greenland |
 Accommodation
in Greenland |
| Accommodation
in Narsarsuaq |
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