Hikers in the Disko Bay
10-day adventure

The Kingdom of Ice

Greenland
  • Trekking & Hiking
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Code: GRKI

10 days
Challenging
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Greenland - The Kingdon of Ice Route Map

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This adventure is ideal for those who want to alternate between the freedom of camping in the wilderness and the comforts of local accommodation. Explore Greenland’s enormously varied landscapes from volcanic islands to flowery valleys, from beaches to glaciers, from vibrant settlements to remote snowy peaks. Let our adventure transport you back to a simpler time, discover how locals thrive in this remote environment and experience true quietness, just you and your thoughts, alone on the ice cap surrounded by Greenland’s vast and breathtaking wilderness.

Trip highlights

  • Experience the unspoilt wilderness of west Greenland
  • Climb to the Greenland Ice Sheet
  • Discover Disko Island

Experiences

  • Trekking & Hiking
    Hikers in Thorong, during the Annapurnas Tour
    Our core collection of treks and hikes, through some of the world's most outstanding landscapes

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Itinerary

  • Day 1

    WELCOME TO GREENLAND!

    Welcome to Greenland! We will greet you at the airport and escort you to your accommodation in the centre of Ilulissat. Located approximately 220 miles north of the Arctic Circle Ilulissat is an interesting place, it has as many sled dogs as people! Discover more about the local culture, history and traditions on a walking tour of this iconic Greenlandic city.

    • Accomodation: Hostel
  • Day 2

    TO DISKO ISLAND

    We will board a local ferry and sail across Disko Bay to the island of Disko (also called Qeqertarsuaq). Disko Bay is known as the sea of ice but it is said that during the summer months there are more whales than icebergs here! Keep your eyes open, particularly for humpback whales, as the ferry weaves between icebergs and heads towards the impressive 1000m cliffs of Qeqertarsuaq. We will spend two nights camping on this island exploring its range of landscapes and rich varieties of fauna and flora. We will set up a basecamp near to a picturesque fishing village in a sheltered spot surrounded by mountains, with views of the Bay, its icebergs and whales. We can enjoy guided hikes featuring some of this island’s most impressive features like Blaesedalen ‘the valley of the winds’, a superb U-shaped glacial valley with numerous waterfalls. We will cross beaches with icebergs which have run aground and discover Kuannit with its fields, hot springs and volcanic cliffs. We can even climb to Lyngmark Glacier to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the island!

    • Hiking time: 3 - 4 hours
    • Accomodation: Camping
    • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • Day 3

    THE LYNGMARK GLACIER

    From our base camp, we explore Disko Island, a paradise for geologists, biologists and other scientists for the diversity of its landscapes and the richness of its fauna and flora. It is also a vast playground for hikers. We climb to the foot of the impressive Lyngmark glacier which will offer us a superb panoramic view of the whole island. In the evening we all gather around the stove in the dinning tent to chat about the days adventures.

    • Hiking time: 6 - 7 hours
    • Accomodation: Camping
    • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Please note

The details in this programme are regularly updated but unforeseeable and unpredictable circumstances may result in inaccuracies. In order to provide the adventure which is best suited to your demands, the weather and the operational conditions, changes to the itinerary may be made. For safety reasons, we reserve the rights to interrupt your participation at any time if your technical level or fitness is deemed unsuitable or if you are seen as a danger to yourself or to those around you. Under no circumstances would this give rise to a refund or compensation.

Details

Trip information

Difficulty

This adventure is rated as challenging. You will be hiking in some of the most remote wilderness in the world, possibly in very cold and windy conditions.  We will walk for up to 10 hours a day, sometimes off track on uneven and difficult terrain.  There may be height gains up to 1000m.


To ask about your suitability for this trip and what you can do to prepare please feel free to give us a call.

Food & drink

This trip includes full board apart from one evening meal - we are proud of the varied, fresh and frankly delicious food we provide even when camping. Meals are based on a selection of local products and you will have the opportunity to try Greenlandic delicacies such as cod, arctic char and mussels.

Each day will start with a hearty breakfast accompanied by plenty of tea and coffee. You will prepare your own picnic lunch for the day from a buffet style array of options - everyday there will definitely be sandwiches, hot drinks and cakes among other ingredients. Each evening meal will be three courses- we try to offer fresh fruit and vegetables everyday but this is not always possible in Greenland!

Your help in the kitchen is expected and much appreciated, particularly in the evenings. Cooking is most enjoyable when the whole group work as a team to prepare dinner, it creates a pleasant atmosphere as we reflect on the days adventures together.

Please let us know about any dietary requirements when you book the trip and we will work with you to cater for your needs.

Accommodation

This adventure includes a mix of hostel accommodation and camping.


In hostels, we will stay in dormitories of between 4 and 12 people with shared bathroom facilities and a communal dinning area.  Each hostel will have heating and hot showers available.


Whilst camping, we will provide a 3 man tent for 2 people and an inflatable mattresses.  There will be a dinning tent with tables and stools for taking meals and for use as a communal space. Toilets will be basic holes in the ground and their will be no showers.

Luggage

Your luggage will need to be divided into two bags, a daypack of 30 - 40 litres and a larger 80 - 100 litre bag for the bulk of your luggage (see equipment). 

Whilst trekking you should carry everything you need in your daypack. This will include lunch, water, spare clothing and any personal medication. Your larger bag can be left at our campsite or guesthouse while you are out hiking.

How do I get there?

You will need to arrive at Ilulissat Airport on day 1 of this adventure. The airport code is JAV.

You can fly to Ilulissat from either Iceland or Denmark. The easiest way to get there is to fly to Keflavik Airport (KEF) in Iceland and then catch your flight to Ilulissat from there. Iceland Air provide direct flights to Ilulissat from Keflavik International Airport. We recommend going directly to the Iceland Air website to check schedules and availability. 

From the UK, there are direct flights to Keflavik from London Heathrow (LHR) with British Airways and Icelandair. Easy Jet also offer direct flights from London Luton (LTN), Manchester (MAN) and Edinburgh (EDI).

For those traveling from the USA, Icelandair have direct flights to Keflavik from New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Washington (IAD) and Seattle (SEA). Delta offer convenient flights via New York from San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), Phoenix (PHX) and Atlanta (ATL).

Flights from Denmark depart from Copenhagen and are operated by Air Greenland. You will stop in Kangerlussuaq before continuing to Ilulissat.

On arrival, after clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, please look out for a member of our team in the arrivals area. They will be holding a large “KANDOO” sign.

Budget & change

The currency is the Danish Krone (DKK).


In the larger towns, you can withdraw money and pay using most common credit or debit cards. We recommend carrying some cash to avoid disappointment when card facilities are not available.

Please budget for drinks, tips, personal expenses and any meals not included in your trip. Expect to pay at least 200DKK / 25 Euro for a meal.

Tips

Although the custom is practised here, it is not expected. If you are satisfied with the services of your guide and local team, tipping is always appreciated.  It is not obligatory and should be left to the discretion of each individual.

Formalities & health

Passport

Most travellers will require a passport valid for at least 6 months after your return date. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific requirements and please be aware that proof of onward travel may be required.

Visa

Travelling to Greenland is visa free for up to 90 days, for UK and US citizens

Vaccinations

No vaccinations are required.

Insurance

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully and adequately insured for the duration of your trip. Please ensure that all activities, excursions and destinations in your itinerary are included in your travel insurance policy, in addition to your regular cover for cancellation and medical expenses. We ask that you keep a copy of your policy summary (containing policy number and the emergency contact number for your insurer) in your day sack at all times, so that we can access this information should we need to contact the insurer on your behalf.

Medication

Your guide carries a first aid kit at all times but we recommend you carry the following items: - Painkillers - Sunscreen for lips and skin - Moisturising cream (for sunburn) - Elastic bandage, regular bandages and Blister bandages - Sanitary products

Equipment & clothing

Equipment supplied by Kandoo Adventures

  • 3 man dome tent per 2 people
  • Inflatable sleeping matt
  • A dining tent with tables, stools and eating utensils

Clothing to bring

  • Walking boots (high-rise, sturdy soles)
  • Waterproof windproof jacket (breathable)
  • Waterproof trousers
  • Warm hat and gloves
  • Warm jumper
  • Thermal base layers (top and leggings)
  • Fleece or soft shell jacket
  • Suitable underwear, t-shirts and walking trousers
  • Warm socks
  • Warm pyjamas, towel, toiletries
  • Sunglasses
  • Comfortable shoes for the evenings

Equipment to bring

  • Sleeping Bag (min comfort rating -10 degrees)
  • Water bottle / thermos
  • Head torch with spare batteries
  • Daypack 30L to 40L
  • Duffel bag 80L to 100L or similar flexible bag for your main luggage. Not a suitcase

OTHER USEFUL KIT
  • Camera
  • Binoculars
  • Walking poles
  • Wet wipes
  • Plastic bags for wet/dirty clothing
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Dates & prices

No date is available at the moment

Want to ask us a question or book a private trip? Don't hesitate to contact us!

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Price includes

  • Airport transfers
  • An expert Kandoo Adventures guide
  • All transportation
  • All accommodation
  • Walking tour of Ilulissat
  • 9 Breakfasts, 8 lunches and 8 dinners

Price does not include

  • Flights and visas
  • Drinks, tips and personal expenses
  • Dinner on day 9
  • Travel Insurance

Options

  • Additional hotel nights before or after your tour

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