Greenland Dog Sledding Expedition

Machine power may have replaced animal power in many countries around the globe, but that is not the case in stunning Greenland, where dogsledding is very much a way of life, just as it has been there for centuries before. Primarily used on the east coast as a method of subsistence hunting out on the sea ice, dog sledding in Greenland is also a much sought-after activity by adventurers who wish to understand and experience this ancient and traditional practice.
It may surprise you to know that the techniques, sleds and even the huskies themselves differ to those just across the sea in Canada. The sleds vary in size and shape depending on how they are being used and the type of terrain they are being used on. Rather than the typical pairs formation seen in Canadian dog-sledding, Greenlandic huskies are mushed in a fan formation. They are a distinct breed, that although often friendly, can also be rather fierce with one another. Your tour guide will explain to you everything that you need to know about your sled and equipment, how to care for and handle your dogs, and the best way to mush your dog sled team in Greenland.

As this is a travelling tour, winter camping is a large element of your trip. Your tour group will be take along very durable mountain tents, a basecamp tent and heater. Obviously facilities will be very limited during this part of the tour, but you will have the opportunity to avoid the distractions of real life as you escape into the wilderness. If the weather conditions are favourable, there may also be the chance to see the phenomenal Aurora Borealis, aka Northern Lights as they dance across the inky sky. Sightings aren’t guaranteed, but if they do come out to play, you can expect an evening like no other!

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
You will fly from Reykjavic airport to Kulusuk in East Greenland where you will transfer to the main village so that you can settle into your cabin accommodation for the next two nights. After lunch, your tour group will head out to explore the wonderful village of Kulusuk, and you will also be given a briefing on the safety systems and equipment you will be using on the tour.
After a delicious dinner you should get a good night of sleep to prepare you for what will be a very busy second day as you will have your very first experience of dog sledding in Greenland!

Day 2
By now you should have hopefully acclimatised to the artic weather and be ready to get to grips with everything you need to know about husky sledding in Greenland. Your tour guide will give you a comprehensive demonstration of some key survival techniques, as well as talking to you about the key elements of Greenlandic dog sledding. It is then time for your first run out with your four-legged friends! You will head out over the sea ice to the Apuslaajik Glacier. This will give you time to get to grips with your sled, and learn how to adjust to the changes in body temperature you will experience as you alternate between the intensely active high workload times of your tour (such as negotiating hills or tricky terrain), compared to the more relaxed sections (such as coasting across smooth sea ice).
After your first exhilarating mushing experience, you will head back to your cabin so that you can grab a full night of rest before beginning the main tour.

Days 3 to 7
After packing the sleds with all of the equipment that you need to be completely self-sufficient for the next five days, you will lead your dog sled team away from Kulusuk village and down on the sea ice as you follow the fjords inland. Be prepared to witness the remarkably evolving terrain as you travel into some of the most untouched parts of the wilderness. The exact itinerary of your tour will vary depending on the weather conditions, but your experienced guide will plan to head towards two tiny settlements that will each require around one full day of travelling to reach. Days of exciting dog sledding will be followed by evening spent camping out under the stars. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for the stunning Aurora Borealis. Seeing it is an opportunity not to be missed!

Day 7
After five unbelievable days out husky sledding across Greenland’s finest terrains, your journey will sadly come to an end. Returning to Kulusuk, you will be able to bid a very fond farewell to your dogs who will be sad to see you leave. Your last evening will be spent in one of the cosy village cabins.

Day 8
After a hearty breakfast it will be time to leave Kulusuk for your return flight to Reykjavik, where you will take with you some once-in-a-lifetime memories of your time husky sledding in Greenland. You could also opt to extend your time in Iceland which offers a dramatically different culture and landscape to Greenland. We particularly recommend that you check out the geo-thermally natural swimming pools! If you would like to extend your tour or find out more information, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Please be aware that the arctic weather conditions can be unpredictable. As such we reserve the right to make any necessary changes to the tour itinerary in order to protect the safety and wellbeing of both the tour group and huskies. Husky sledding in Greenland can also be physically demanding. Please make sure that you have a reasonable level of health and fitness before choosing this tour. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.