Greenland
July 14th–20th and July 22nd-28th 2024
Greenland is a wilderness adventure like no other. The Greenland Ice Cap Trek takes a small team of adventurers to the edge of the northern ice cap on this epic six-day trek through the dramatic and rapidly changing arctic landscape.
We will hike through the tundra, passing glaciers, moraines, erratics and kettle holes - vast lakes hollowed out by glacial melt. In this utterly wild environment, far from civilisation, your training will pay off as your pack feels light, and you can fully immerse yourself in the Arctic ecosystem.
Greenland's summertime fauna paints the whole landscape with swathes of rich colour, and you will be able to spot herds of reindeer, silky arctic foxes and fearsome musk oxen weighing almost half a tonne.
As we explore deeper into the wilderness, your expedition skills come into play, and we will set up camp after three days near the Greenland ice cap. You will fall asleep listening to the incredible power of the ice cap as it splits and cracks, launching chunks of ice the size of houses onto the tundra below. This carving alone is an experience like no other and one that future generations may not have the privilege of enjoying.
Your training will allow you to enjoy being in a remote, delicate ecosystem on the front-line of climate change.
“My Greenland experience with Turn Wild went well beyond expectations. I wasn’t prepared for the wonderful sensation of true remoteness. It was a great physical and mental challenge and I am left obsessing with what comes next. Ian did a great job of making sure we were ready for everything. I can’t recommend highly enough.”
Itinerary
DAY ONE: HIKE FROM KANGERLUSSUAQ AIRPORT
After a quick final equipment check, we leave civilisation behind us and begin the expedition heading towards our first wild campsite (the infamous T-33 plane crash site).
Distance: 8km / height gain: 600m / total hiking time: 4 hours (time does not include stops).
DAY TWO: TOWARDS THE ICE CAP
Trek to Wild Camp 2. Situated looking down on the huge tundra expanse with the ice cap winking at us from behind.
Distance: 16km / total height gain: 350m / total hiking time: 6 hours.
DAY THREE: ICE CAP APPROACH
A shorter day will end with a very remote wilderness stretch class (weather permitting).
Distance: 10km / height gain: 250m / total hiking time: 6 hours.
DAY FOUR: ICE CAP DAY
Arrive at the Ice Cap - the incredible wonder of the arctic world. This day is spectacular, with many stops for photo opportunities and some life memories.
Distance: 15km I height gained: 500m I total trekking time: 6 hours (not including stops).
DAY FIVE: HIKE TO POINT 660
Leaving our tents at our camp, we will hike to various stunning points overlooking the Greenland Ice Cap. We will hike right up to the ice cap, and you can step onto it if you wish.
Distance: Easier recovery day- depending on weather and team.
DAY SIX: CAMP BY THE GLACIER
Start the long trek back to Kangerlussuaq via a different route, taking some of the Arctic Circle Trail. It's a long way to camp but easier underfoot.
Distance: 20km / descent: 175m / total trekking time: 6 hours.
DAY SEVEN: EXTRACTION
Hike to our extraction point. A vehicle will pick us up and take us to well-earned hot showers and accommodation.
Distance approximately 7km.
What Is included
The guiding services professional guides in a ratio of no more than 1:7.
Over 6 hours guide-led pre-expedition Zoom training.
Guide-led, group expedition shopping experience in London (one to one Zoom if outside of London).
Group equipment, including stoves, cooking fuel, tents, water purification equipment and a medical kit.
Emergency communication - a satellite phone and GPS locator beacon.
A night in a hostel (double room shared) after the trek has finished.
Wilderness gourmet food provider Firepot supplies all your major expedition meals.
Access to Turn Wild Strava, a training group.
What Is not included
All snacks on the trek (we will teach you how to make an expedition food planner on Zoom pre-expedition training sessions).
All personal equipment, including sleeping bags, rucksacks, boots, eating utensils and clothing (we can hire some at extra cost).
Expenses incurred in the unlikely event of an evacuation.
Expenses incurred after the expedition has finished in Kangerlussuaq.
Expenses incurred in getting to and from Kangerlussuaq airport at the start and finish.
Comprehensive travel insurance covering remote evacuation and repatriation to the UK, trip cancellation and medical insurance.
Personal use of satellite communication equipment.
Greenland Training Weekend - if you have not attended a wild camping event with Turn Wild.
“I get it now (the training); going on a remote expedition in Greenland is simply one of the best things I have ever done.”
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Feet:
Boots (not hiking shoes)
Socks x 2 plus pairs (thick)
Socks 1 pair for sleeping (optional)
Camp shoes
Legs
Hiking trousers
Gore-tex waterproof trousers
Torso
2 x base layers short or long sleeve weather dependent
1 x mid layer
Warm layer
Gore-tex outer shell
Head
Sunhat
Sunglasses
Midge net
Warm hat
Sleeping
Sleeping bag (rate minus 5)
Liner/ thermals
Ear plugs
Roll mat
Inflatable mat
Equipment (per person)
Rucksack minimum 75 litres
Waterproof bags
Personal first aid kit, including medications
Walking poles
Phone and phone charger/ cable
Hiking kettle (this looks like a big mug and is also your cup)
Spoon - preferably long-handled
Snacks/ soups/ tea/ coffee
Water bottle/ water bladder/ empty Evian-type bottles
Hand sanitiser
2-3 Lighters
Small tin of Vaseline
Toothbrush and toothpaste
A small packet of wet wipes
Foot towel
Bag for rubbish
Insect repellant
Sunblock
Rehydration sachets (Dioralyte)
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Do I need to be experienced in wild camping?
You'll need to gain wild camping experience before you go on this expedition. You can get this at our training event in Dartmoor. A prerequisite for the trip if you have yet to go wild camping with us.
How fit do I need to be?
The fitter you are, the more enjoyable and safer your trek. Please remember the Turn Wild mantra over the next few months: "Train hard, trek easy!". Greenland 2024 is an amber expedition rated challenging on the Expedition Traffic Light System. Suitable for novices as long as they have done the correct training and preparation.
A training goal you should aim for is being able to do one or many of the following:
Hike for 6 hours, regularly carrying a minimum of 15kg with an ascent of over 500m.
Cycle 60 km regularly.
Run regularly 10km.
We reserve the right to remove any team member at their expense who is at an unsafe fitness level. We have a Turn Wild Strava group to aid your training. We teach you all about what training to do in an expedition physical preparation seminar.
What is the polar bear risk? Will I have to do a polar bear watch?
Three years ago in May, there were a couple of sightings of the odd polar bear drifting down from the north on ice flows. No polar bears have been spotted in the area in July/ August. The government deems it safe and states no firearms or bear deterrents are needed.
Will we be able to go on the ice cap? Yes, you will. We will walk up to the Ice Cap where tours frequently stop to go on to it. You will then be able to step on at your own risk.
What if I get COVID before the trip?
We strongly suggest that you insure yourself against cancellation. Sadly, we can not refund or move your place.
What is the weather like?
Average temperatures are 12C during the day and 3C at night during August. Think early spring in the UK. Overnight temperatures can drop below 0C, particularly by the ice cap, so a sleeping bag should be rated to at least -5C to ensure comfort.
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The total cost is £1,950. All bookings start with a one on one call with one of our qualified guides. This call is to make sure all your questions are answered so that all team members know about the expedition challenges and the commitment that must be made in preparation. You may also ask any further questions you may have around the expedition. After this call, a deposit of 30% will be sent to you to secure your place. The balance is due 50 days before the start of the expedition. For cancellations made within 30-40 days of the trip commencement date, Turn Wild reserves the right to retain 50% of the balance payment. For cancellations within 30 days of the departure date, Turn Wild will retain 100% of the total fee. For any further questions or to secure a place, please contact us via the details below. Thank you, and let your adventure begin!
Contact Ian on 07901 916 169 or Ian@turnwild.com. Find more about Turn Wild’s terms and conditions here.