Spitsbergen Dogdsled Safari (East Coast)
7 nights, 6 days (5 days expedition), Longyearbyen - Bolterdalen -Tverrdalen - Reindalen - Lundstrømdalen - Longyearbyen | This five day long expedition takes you deep into the wilderness and it will give you more than just a taste of the Arctic wildlife. This is for adventurers keen on getting to know dog sledging and Svalbard. The expedition will take you through wide valleys, over glaciers and over mountain passes to the remote East coast.
You should be in average good physical condition to participate on this trip. The participants will be asked to help out with the camp, feeding of the dogs, preparations for the trips etc.
The Tour Itinerary
From Longyearbyen we're heading southeast through the valleys Bolterdalen and Tverrdalen, across the wide Reindalen, before we set the camp for our first overnight stay in tents. Arriving at the camp, we help out settling the camp, feeding the dogs, preparing food, etc.
Tuesday morning our dogsled safari goes on southward to the east coast of Spitsbergen. The feeling of freedom will soon overwhelm you. The east coast is the land of the polar bears, and a good feeding and breeding area for the King of the Arctic - the polar bear. We will find a nice campsite for the night and you will see that you already now are getting hand of some off the routines.
Wednesday our Arctic adventure continues northwards along the east coast. On sunny days, we have good chances to see ringed seals sunbathing on the sea ice. If we are lucky, we might see polar bears walking around on the pack ice, looking for seals to hunt. You will experience that you develop yourself rapidly during the days and you will start to really appreciate the dogs. You will be both surprised and impressed over interaction between the dogs, and how affectionate these strong and mighty dogs are.
The next two days our husky teams will bring us through two glacier massifs. The mountains rise 1.000 meters above sea level, and the mountain passes we cross, reach the height of 700 meters. This means hard work both for the people and for the dogs.
Weather and snow conditions permitting, we return to the Husky camp, late Friday afternoon. Dinner at the Husky camp in the evening. Please note that due to changes in weather conditions, arrival time at the camp might be on Saturday. Saturday we have time on our own in Longyearbyen.
How Demanding is the Tour?
No previous winter camping experience is required, just an adventurous spirit! However, you should be in average good physical condition to participate on this trip. The participants will be asked to help out with the camp, feeding of the dogs, preparations for the trips etc. The weather in the Arctic can change within hours and it might be both cold and windy - even down to -25-30°C. The guides will take care of the guests safety, and will bring all necessary safety equipment. You do not need to have experience in dog sledding.
| Departure | Departures: Sunday - Sunday, May 2nd, 9th, 16th, 2010 |
| Price | $3,325 per person in double room $3,645 single room, 3 nights Additional nights at Spitsbergen Guesthouse: $100 per person in double room per night $130 single room per night Additional nights at Spitsbergen Hotel or Radisson SAS Polar Hotel: $190 per person in double room per night $325 single room per night |
| Included | 3 nights in double room at Spitsbergen Guesthouse (Sunday - Monday prior the safari, and Friday (Saturday )- Sunday after the safari) Breakfast at Spitsbergen Guesthouse Accommodation in tents during the safari All equipment needed for dog sledding and in the camp All meals during the trip Experienced guides with weapon and safety equipment |
| Not Included | International airfare & Airport taxes Flights to/from Longyearbyen Transfer from/to the airport Additional nights at Spitsbergen Guesthouse Personal clothing and equipment Beverages such as beer, wine and mineral water Gratuities Personal insurance / personal items $25 Service fee |
| Please Note | All times are subject to change Minimum is 2 persons and maximum is 5 persons per departure. Lowest age: 14 years |
| Tour Options | Air available on SAS - inquire about our special fares! Additional nights in Spitsbergen / Oslo |
Day 1 ARRIVAL LONGYEARBYEN Sunday Individual arrival at the Svalbard Airport. Arrival flights: 09:35 SK4414 from Oslo, via Tromsø (arr. 11:25, dep. 12:15), arrival 13:55 20:40 SK4496 from Oslo, direct flight, arrival 23.30 22:50 SK4492 from Tromsø, arrival 00:30 (Monday), connecting flight from Oslo to Tromsø; to SK4434 19:50-21:35) No transfer included. Airport shuttle NOK 50,- per person. Accommodation at Spitsbergen Guesthouse.
Day 2 START OF EXPEDITION (B, L, D) Monday After a healthy breakfast at your accommodation, you'll meet your new travel companions, the polar huskies. We will start to prepare for the expedition, go through safety and routines, and you'll get to know the dogs. After lunch we harness the dogs and start our expedition. We will head for the enormous snowmobile free area South-east of our kennel, each member with her/his own team of 5-6 dogs. We'll travel through the scenic valleys Bolterdalen and Tverrdalen to reach the wide Reindalen where we spend the first night. This first day we take the time to get familiar with the dogs and the equipment. After thorough instruction all will participate in establishing the camp and feeding the dogs. After a nice dinner and an unforgettable day we'll go to sleep in our expedition bags with the dogs around the camp, watching for polar bears.
Day 3 EXPEDITION (B, L, D) Tuesday After a good night we start to prepare for the day. We enjoy a solid breakfast and take down the camp. We will travel in this magnificent and quiet landscape like the early polar explorers did. Through the valleys Reindalen and Lundstrøm- dalen towards the thrilling East coast. The feeling of freedom will soon overwhelm you. We'll find a nice campsite for the night, and you will find that you already now are getting hand of some of the routines.
Day 4 EXPEDITION (B, L, D) Wednesday On the East coast we have good chances of seeing ringed seals, the preferred prey of "the King of the Arctic", the polar bear, on the ice. From the East coast we'll travel across huge glaciers, through wide valleys and pass magnificent mountain scenery. You'll experience that you develop yourself rapidly during the days and you'll start to really appreciate the dogs. Especially the way they work, and you'll be surprised over how affectionate these strong and mighty dogs are. In the afternoon/early evening of day 5 we will arrive back at our kennel and you'll be welcomed by the howling dogs that have stayed in the kennel while we have been on our expedition. It's hard to say goodbye to your new four-legged friends. We will bring you to your accommodation where a nice hot shower and maybe a warm sauna is waiting for you. Please note that due to changes in weather conditions, arrival time at the kennel might be on day 6.
Day 5 EXPEDITION (B, L, D) Thursday On the East coast we have good chances of seeing ringed seals, the preferred prey of "the King of the Arctic", the polar bear, on the ice. From the East coast we'll travel across huge glaciers, through wide valleys and pass magnificent mountain scenery. You'll experience that you develop yourself rapidly during the days and you'll start to really appreciate the dogs. Especially the way they work, and you'll be surprised over how affectionate these strong and mighty dogs are. In the afternoon/early evening of day 5 we will arrive back at our kennel and you'll be welcomed by the howling dogs that have stayed in the kennel while we have been on our expedition. It's hard to say goodbye to your new four-legged friends. We will bring you to your accommodation where a nice hot shower and maybe a warm sauna is waiting for you. Please note that due to changes in weather conditions, arrival time at the kennel might be on day 6.
Day 6 EXPEDITION (B, L, D) Friday On the East coast we have good chances of seeing ringed seals, the preferred prey of "the King of the Arctic", the polar bear, on the ice. From the East coast we'll travel across huge glaciers, through wide valleys and pass magnificent mountain scenery. You'll experience that you develop yourself rapidly during the days and you'll start to really appreciate the dogs. Especially the way they work, and you'll be surprised over how affectionate these strong and mighty dogs are. In the afternoon/early evening of day 5 we will arrive back at our kennel and you'll be welcomed by the howling dogs that have stayed in the kennel while we have been on our expedition. It's hard to say goodbye to your new four-legged friends. We will bring you to your accommodation where a nice hot shower and maybe a warm sauna is waiting for you. Please note that due to changes in weather conditions, arrival time at the kennel might be on day 6.
Day 7 LONGYEARBYEN (B, L, D) Saturday Time on your own. We suggest a visit to Svalbard Museum and/or Galleri Svalbard. 13:00 Lunch in Funktionærmessen restaurant at Spitsbergen Hotel. 19:00 Farewell dinner in Funktionærmessen restaurant at Spitsbergen Hotel.
Day 8 DEPARTURE (B) Sunday After breakfast at the Guesthouse departure flights: 08:00 SK4499 from Longyearbyen, direct flight to Oslo, arrival 11:00 14:45 SK4425 from Longyearbyen via Tromsø, arrival Oslo 19:00 No transfer included. Airport shuttle NOK 50,- per person