TASERMIUT MOUNTAINS - 8 DAY / 7 NIGHTS

Tasermiut Fjord holds some of the most desired climbing walls in the whole world, Ketil and Ulamertorsuaq, considered one of the 10 Wonders of the Arctic. A fully guided adventure & hiking tour with overnight stays in hostels, guesthouses and tents.

This is probably one of the most spectacular adventure that you can do in South Greenland including the best treks in the tundra and an unforgettable excursion in the vicinity of the biggest and most beautiful mountains and granite walls in Greenland - Ketil and Ulamertorssuaq, in Tasermiut fjord, which are considered one of the ten wonders of the whole Arctic. Navigate among fjords, icebergs, blocks of ice and spectacular glacier fronts. Visit the cities of Qaqortoq and Nanortalik, one of the most picturesque settlements – Qassiarsuk. Bathe in Uunartoq’s warm springs and relish in the breathtaking beauty of the icebergs on the cold waters of the fjord. Watch the magnificent northern lights, seals and even whales. Go fishing for arctic salmon and cod, pick mussels, mushroom and blueberries. Visit one of the best Eskimo and Viking ruins: Brattahlid. Meet the local Inuit people. Join us on an immersion journey to the unexplored secrets of Greenland, one of the last frontiers of the modern world, a journey for adventurous travellers, willing to discover nature in its pure state, and to have first-hand experience of the effects of global warming.

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Navigate among almost all fjords in South Greenland, with an immense variety of landscapes: glaciers, icebergs, tundra, mountains, rock walls

• Explore Tasermiut fjord and its impressive vertical walls, which make up “the Arctic’s Patagonia” so called for its magnificent resemblance to the spectacular South American region.
• A relaxing break in Uunartoq Island’s thermal springs enjoying the inspiring views, the beauty of the icebergs floating on the chilly waters of the fjord.
• Witness the northern lights, the “Dance of the Sky”, from one of the world’s most special areas. Since the beginning of August.
• Visit the towns of Qaqortoq and Nanortalik. In Greenland, a town is any settlement with more than one thousand inhabitants.
• Have first-hand experience of the dramatic progress of climate change in Southern Greenland, an area which offers a rare glimpse of the effects of global warming: glacier withdrawal, increase in the amount of ice that has broken of the glaciers, forest and new vegetation sprouting in terrain which for centuries could not sustain plant life…
• Sight of local fauna such as eagles, foxes and arctic hares, or whales and seals when the journey takes us to the sea.
• Visit the ruins of Brattahlid, the most important archaeological treasures in the South of Greenland.

TASERMIUT MOUNTAINS - 8 DAY / 7 NIGHTS

Tasermiut Fjord holds some of the most desired climbing walls in the whole world, Ketil and Ulamertorsuaq, considered one of the 10 Wonders of the Arctic. A fully guided adventure & hiking tour with overnight stays in hostels, guesthouses and tents.

Day 1: Brattahlid
Flight: Reykjavik - Narsarsuaq. Reception in the airport and transfer in RIB boat through Tunulliarfik Fjord, usually covered by icebergs, to Qassiarsuk. Visit to the church ruins and the settlement of Eric the Red comprising the old Brattahlid, capital of Viking Greenland, and where Eric the Red settled in 985 in the beginning the Vikings’ colonization. Walk through the town of about 100 inhabitants, mostly farmers.
Lodging at the Leif Eriksson Hostel in Qassiarsuk. Dinner at the hostel.

Day 2: The Ice Fjord and Qaqortoq
Boat excursion into Qooroq Ice Fjord, one of the most active Glacier Fronts in southern Greenland. We continue by boat to Qaqortoq, the capital of South Greenland, with about 3,000 inhabitants and founded in 1775. Its population describes it as the most charming and attractive city around Greenland. Walk along the edge of the town, where we will discover the beauty of its colorful buildings, stunning landscapes that surround it and some of the 30 different sculptures in stone that are scattered around the city. Free time to visit the museum, fur shop, traditional kayak club, church, the only fountain of the country, dine at one of its restaurants or enjoy a drink with the locals.
Accommodation in Hostel

Day 3: Thermal springs in Uunartoq
In the morning we will set off for Uunartoq through the complex system of fjords which somehow reminds us of Scotland, although here it is surrounded by icebergs. On our way to Uunartoq Island, we will go past Alluitsup Paa, a painteresque settlement and the capital for whales in South Greenland, which will give us the chance to look for whales during the whole trip. In the afternoon, we will have free time to enjoy a relaxing bathe in the warm springs (the only thermal springs to which access is possible in Greenland), a holiday resort for many natives who come from all over the country to camp and bathe in the thermal springs, while icebergs float only 500 meters away in the fjord.
Night at Uunartoq Island. Accommodation in tents.

Day 4: Camp and Tasermiut fjord
Navigation through Tasermiut Fjord, destination Tasermiut Glacier and Camp. Along the journey, we will discover three impressive mountains - Ketil, Ulamertorssuaq and Tinitertuup – up to the borders of the glacier which has 1.400 meters drop from the plateau to the fjord in barely three kilometers. This is a spectacular and mighty ice waterfall. Night at the camp under the huge Ulamertorsuaq - one of the largest and steepest walls in the world, exceeding even “Capitán” in Yosemite - a place where climbers attempting the big walls in the region usually camp. This fjord is highlighted as one of the ten Arctic wonders.
Accommodation in tents.

Day 5: Nalumasortoq Valley
Moderate walk on a terrain of medium difficulty up to the base of the glacier in the amazing granite mass of Nalumasortoq, whose extremely smooth twin walls are highly cherished by climbers in South Greenland. From this viewing point we can see the south face of the Ketil and the north face of the Ulamertorssuaq, together with many other unnamed walls. We will enjoy alpine and glacial landscapes, incredibly beautiful sights. We can go fishing and pick mussels, mushrooms and blackberries. Night at the Ulamertorssuaq camp. This camp also offers a fantastic view to the west face of the Ulamertorssuaq as the sun set strokes the rock with the last rays of sun.
Accommodation in tents.

Day 6: Ulamertosuaq
Trekking up to the base of the Ulamertorssuaq wall, rated the best Arctic "Bigwall" and one of the best ten climbing walls in the whole world. Mountain of unique, singular beauty, astonishing wall and glaciers. Night at the camp.
Accommodation in tents.

Day 7: Tasiusaq (Hunters Settlement) and Nanortalik
Transfer to the mouth of Kuusuaq River, the most popular Salmon River in South Greenland. Walk in a truly alpine background to Tasersuaq Lake, through Saputit path, created by Tasiusaq’s inhabitants to go fishing in Lake Tasersuaq. We will arrive at Tasiusaq, a picturesque village with 80 inhabitants, and tragic historical landmarks which reflect how hard was life in this country decades ago. All the inhabitants of this village starved to death some 140 years ago. It was not until the 1930s that the village was repopulated by descendants and family of the original inhabitants. Spectacular scenery surrounded by mountains. Navigation in RIB boat to Nanortalik, the southernmost town of the country, which has some 2300 inhabitants and is the second most populated town in the South of Greenland. Visit to the Museum of Inuit Culture and Traditions, the best museum in the South. Free time in the evening and for dinner. You can visit the town, go shopping, explore the hunters market, go to a restaurant or have a drink in a town “where there are polar bears” – at least that is the meaning of its name, though the chances of meeting one are extremely little – and which still remains isolated by ice for a considerable part of the year. It is possible to join a guided tour of the town and surroundings.
Night at a Greenlandic home / hostel.

Day 8: Helicopter to Narsarsuaq
Helicopter flight to Narsarsuaq. Magnificent aerial views of the area. Free time for shopping, sightseeing, etc. Flight: Narsarsuaq – Reykjavik

IMPORTANT BE AWARE OF GREENLAND CONDITIONS:

The route may be done as it is explained above or in reverse order. The order of the activities may not be exactly as planned in this outline. Greenland is the wildest country in the northern hemisphere, infrastructure is almost non-existent and logistics pose enormous challenges. That is the reason why we may not follow this daily itinerary exactly as planned. All activities are subject to change in order to adapt the journey to the weather conditions, sea conditions, or technical and organisational difficulties, and it therefore requires flexibility in the traveller. Some activities may be cancelled because of weather or ice conditions as locals say “The weather is Boss in Greenland”.

Flight Schedule from/to Reykjavík:
Reykjavik 13:45 - Narsarsuaq 14:45 / Narsarsuaq 15:45 - Reykjavik 20:45. Schedules are subject to change. See tour dates under "departure & price".

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Time Difference: Please note that there is a two-hour time difference between Iceland and Greenland.

Airport Transfer in Reykjavik: not included

Airport Transfer in Greenland: are included

Currency and credit cards: Important to bring Danish Kronas to Greenland. Foreign currency is not everywhere accepted. Credit cards are accepted only at few locations. i.e. at the hotels and larger stores. Using credit and debit card, an PIN-code is required.

Guide:
An English speaking guide from the local tour company in South Greenland will be with you throughout the journey and you may also be accompanied by one or more additional guides for specific stages of the journey. The Guide’s job is to point the group in the right direction, to ensure all travellers’ safety and to solve any possible problems that may arise along the itinerary, making changes or adjustments if necessary. Activities such us putting up the tents in the camp or taking them down, making lunch or other shared activities will be everybody’s responsibility, including the guide’s.

Qualifications:
The journey is physically challenging but it is designed so that it is suitable for anyone who enjoys the outdoors, who doesn´t mind sleeping in a tent, share accommodation and goes hiking or trekking on a regular basis. The longest trek takes approximately 5-6 hours walking (with a light-weight bag) on easy terrain – maximum accumulate high: 500 metres. All other excursions are easier, approximately 3 or 4 hours walking, on alternate days. Walks are optional. Travellers who wish to stay at the camp or the hostel may do so. If you are not sure if you are fit enough for the journey, please contact our staff for further information and advice.

Level and technical information in the trekking:
The journey is an adventure in spectacular scenery, surrounded by an atmosphere of exploration and discovery of this wild country, in sometimes difficult conditions, which requires a special type attitude. Nevertheless, the treks are quite easy, and suitable for most abilities. The excursion on ice with crampons will be guided by a mountain guide and is also suitable for anyone physically active and with an adventurous attitude.

Trekking	Distance (km)	Duration aprox.(h)	Accumulated height (m)	Maximum height (m)	Type of terrain
Nalumasortoq	10,6	6	425	400	Path
Ulamertorsuaq	7,2	4,5	450	450	Path/Rock
Kuusuaq river	11	4	175	100	Path

Family travelling:
This itinerary can be organised for families. We recommend children are at least 10 – 12 years old in order to take part in the excursions. If this is the case, a special meeting before departure is required to give more detailed information to the families about the characteristics of the journey.

Camps:
The camp at Tasermiut fjord will have a dining room - kitchen tent and two man tents to sleep. The big tent will have a gas cooker, kitchen utensils, tables and chairs.

Hostels and homes:
Accommodation in Greenlandic home will be made in a regular house, temporarily prepared to be used as hostels, with similar services, exclusively for the members of the group.

Communication:
Most mobile phones can be used in towns and many areas of the coast. Camps will have Iridium satellite phone and radio. Boats have special radio systems.

Boats:
Almost all navigation will be done using Rigid Inflatable Boat, The Adventure boat by definition, in order to make the best possible use of time, which is essential in a journey like this, and to reach areas that are difficult to access on any other type of boats. This type of boats allows us to be more dynamic, versatile and to enjoy adventure, without compromising safety. For some stages of the journey we may combine RIB boat with other means of transport. All boats used during the journey are registered, approved and comply with all Danish Marine safety measures.

Board:
During the day trips we will follow a more practical diet. Included:
Breakfast: Coffee, tea, infusions, cocoa, powdered milk, biscuits, bread, jam, muesli and cereals.
Packed lunch: Bread, cheese, chorizo, salami, ham, foie-gras, chocolate, nuts, biscuits, soup, hot tea…
Dinner: Meals cooked at the camp (no precooked dishes). Rice, pasta, fish, mashed potatoes and meat, sausages, bacon, chorizo, tuna, squid…

Northern Lights:
The northern lights are one of the most wonderful of nature’s phenomena on our planet, a beautiful, delightful display of movement and light against the dark polar skies on clear, calm nights. It is usually possible to witness the aurora in winter. Late summer, however, especially in September, is the best time of the year to watch it in Southern Greenland, which is famous for offering some of the best places to view this spectacular natural display. In July, there is more sunlight and therefore it is not so easy to see it, but in August it can be seen more often, and from September onwards, the aurora can be seen almost every day when the skies are clear.

Fishing and Fruit picking:
Tasermiut Fjord and rivers around are very good areas to go fishing, especially for arctic salmon and cod. We do not provide fishing equipment. We therefore recommend you take it from your country or buy it at Qaqortoq. Mushroom (Boletus Edulis) and blueberry picking is season dependent, although August is usually the best month. Mussel collecting will be easy near Tasermiut camp, where there are plenty during the summer months.

Weather:
Weather in Greenland is very changeable. It is usually pleasant, but it is essential that you bring appropriate clothes for rainy weather. Temperatures are often more than 15ºC in July, and between 5ºC and 10ºC in August. Mid-August nights are sometimes cold. In September, temperatures are usually between 5ºC to 8ºC during the day and may reach minus 5ºC at night.

Ice conditions:
Eastern Greenland draughts bring great amounts of ice from the Arctic Ocean, which cut off Southern Greenland from May to mid-June. We may also come across ice that makes navigation difficult in July, but it is rare. If this happens, we won’t be able to navigate to Nanortalik, so we would take an alternative route instead. In August, the ice field poses no special problems and the sea in the region is full of iceberg.

Trips to Greenland are always subject to weather conditions. Delays and flight cancellations can happen. Therefore we stronly recommend you to buy a travel insurance in the country of residence that would cover any additional travel expenses, should your flights be delayed or cancelled due to weather. We recommend not to book any international flight directly after a trip from Greenland.

Bookings to be sent to email: gjtravel@gjtravel.is
All bookings are on request. We need full names of all travellers to Greenland, nationality and travel dates to/from Greenland. After we receive your reservation by email, you will get a short reconfirmation from us that we will work on your booking. The final confirmation be send within 3-4 days after booking receipt. Payment is due latest 4 weeks prior to arrival and vouchers and detailed itinerary will be sent after receipt of final payment. This concept will assure an interactive relation between you and our company and we can assist you with any personal needs you might have.