Alpine East
Discover one of the most wild and remote places in Greenland on this extraordinary trekking trip. Here the mountains are steeper and higher than in most other parts of Greenland. Deep fjord systems and massive icebergs create the perfect Arctic atmosphere for an unforgettable journey. We will enjoy the sight of the spectacular nature around us from the top of small peaks and from the ground. As we will enjoy the assistance of a boat we will only have to carry a day pack while hiking. On this tour we will see many of East Greenland’s highlights such as the great Karale fjord and the fantastic Tasiilaq fjord.
Rough summary
Day 1:
Arrival in Kulusuk. Night in hostel.
Day 2:
Boat transfer from Kulusuk to Karale fjord. Night in tent.
Day 3:
Karale fjord. Night in tent.
Day 4:
Nunartivaq mountain. Night in tent.
Day 5:
Nunartivaq to Ikateq. Night in tent.
Day 6:
Ikateq to Tunup Kua valley. Night in tent.
Day 7:
Tunup Kua valley to Tasilap Nua valley. Night in tent.
Day 8:
Tasilaq Fjord. Night in tent.
Day 9 & 10:
Tasiilaq mountain. Nights in mountain hut.
Day 11:
Tasiilaq fjord. Boat transfer to Kulusuk. Night in hostel.
Day 12:
End of trip.
Prices and dates
Price per person:
3,200.00 Euro
Dates:
July 09, 2020 – July 20, 2020 (guaranteed)
July 23, 2020 – August 03, 2020 (guaranteed)
August 06, 2020 – August 17, 2020 (guaranteed)
August 20, 2020 – August 31, 2020 (available)
July 08, 2021 – July 19, 2021 (available)
July 22, 2021 – August 02, 2021 (available)
August 05, 2021 – August 16, 2021 (available)
August 19, 2021 – August 30, 2021 (available)
Further details
Price includes:
- English speaking guide for 12 days
- full board from lunch day 1 to lunch day 12
- boat transfers
- boats for luggage transport
- cooking gear
- 7 nights in tent
- 2 nights in mountain hut
- 2 nights in a hostel in Kulusuk
Min / max participants:
5 / 15
Minimum age:
18
Hiking details:
Walking per day: 5-8 hours
Total distance: 140 kilometres (87 miles)
Altitude: 0–850 meters
Maximum ascent: 1000 meters (3280 feet)
Options
Flight connections
Flights to Greenland are not included.
Best way to fly to Kulusuk is via Reykjavík/Iceland.
Return flight from 795 EUR per person can be added to your package.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Kulusuk
Today the trip starts in the small settlement of Kulusuk on the east coast of Greenland. We explore the small village and enjoy first views of icebergs and the rocky coast of East Greenland. Our overnight stay is today at Kulusuk Hostel, a cabin accommodation. In the evening, we discuss the days ahead and check our equipment so we are ready for the adventures to come.
Day 2: Kulusuk - Karale Fjord
In the morning, we will be picked up by boat and head to our campsite at Karale Fjord. Sailing there takes roughly two hours. The campsite is really out of this world. We are surrounded by high mountain peaks and dramatic glaciers.
After pitching the tents, it is time to get warmed up for the days to come. Close to the campsite there is a smaller peak, which we are planning to hike up to. Having reached the top, we enjoy the breathtaking view over the fjord. Hello East Greenland! We will stay at the camp for the next two nights. Sailing: 2 hours, Walking: 4 hours
Day 3: Hiking near Karale Glacier
It is not very unlikely that you will wake up to the thunder of ice calving, from one of the three glaciers surrounding the camp. Being so close to nature will fill you with energy for today's adventure.
We hike into the fjord and towards the massive ice-wall of Karale Glacier, stretching four to five kilometers wide. The Karale Glacier is the biggest glacier in the area and big chunks of ice are calving off the glacier. Following the coast, we will need to ford a small river. Here is the chance to collect some 600 year old piece of ice and take it back to camp for your tonight's aperitif. Walking: 6-7 hours
Day 4: Karale Glacier - Nunartivaq Mountain
We leave Karale and hike over a small pass on the Nunartivaq mountain, down into a small valley full of old stone boulders. Those who want to hike some more can go explore the beautiful valley.
Walking: 6-7 hours
Day 5: Nunartivaq - Ikateq
From Nunartivaq we will follow the slopes of the mountains that descend into the sea, towards the south west. We hike into the Ikateq strait, a narrow passage between the mainland and the Qianarteq island. We arrive at a valley with and old abandoned US military base from WWII where we put up our camp.
Walking: 6-7 hours
Day 6: Ikateq to Tunup Kua valley
We continue through the Ikateq straight towards the Tunu fjord. In Tunu we will have to ford a large glacier river. In the narrow Tunu fjord between high and steep granite mountains, we continue to Tunup Kua valley where we put up camp.
Walking: 6-7 hours
Day 7: Tunup Kua valley to Tasilap Nua valley
We will hike in the Tunup Kua valley and over a mountain pass over to the Tasilap Nua valley in the extremely narrow and deep Tasiilaq fjord. Surrounded by up to 1500m high granit peaks on both sides this walk is fantastic.
Walking: 6-7 hours
Day 8: Tasilaq Fjord
Today we will follow the coast, we walk straight north to the very bottom of the Tasilaq fjord. On the way we cross a couple of small streams. We put the camp up close to a river coming from the valley behind Tasilaq fjord, called Tasilap kua.
Walking: 5 hours
Day 9: Tasiilaq mountain
We put our packs on the back and carry our sleeping bags and food for two days, up to the Tasiilaq mountain hut, situated at around 700 m altitude in a mountain range rising above 2000m. We make ourselves comfortable in this cozy mountain hut.
Walking: 5 hours
Day 10: Tasiilaq mountain
We walk out from the mountain hut to climb an easy summit rising above the hut. We enjoy this fantastic alpine landscape. Return to the hut.
Walking: 6 hours
Day 11: Tasiilaq fjord - Kulusuk
We descend to the Tasilaq fjord again where from we sail back to Kulusuk where we spend the last night in a small sleeping bag accommodation in the Kulusuk village.
Walking: 4 hours, Sailing: 2 hours
Day 12: End of trip
We will go on a nice morning walk in Kulusuk before flying back to Reykjavík.
What our customers say
Very spectacular trip
Very spectacular trip, the guide Jean-David managed the trekking and cooking very well (earning his lunchtime naps!). The walking was tougher than suggested by just distance and height (a lot of rock-hopping or untracked sections), but was very enjoyable, led at a comfortable pace and highly recommended to those with trekking experience interested in visiting this relatively unknown area.
All adventure trips are undertaken on the responsibility of its participants. Greenland Tours does not assume any responsibility for accidents which are caused by its customers or can be traced to their own actions. Participants have to sign a waiver before undertaking all trips stating that they realise that all outdoor activities carry an inherent risk.