There are trips that we dream of making for years, fascinating countries that we want to discover other than virtually... If the Arctic countries attract you then embark with us on La Louise sailboat and explore Disko Bay, west Greenland. In this country without roads and the coast cut by multitudes of fjords, this superb 20m schooner takes us to inaccessible moorings to depart on the wildest hikes.
Aboard, it is simple yet cosy and comfortable with very good cuisine, cod fishing, navigation between icebergs, whale watching and spotting annoyed seals!
On land we discover wild hiking routes, vestiges of ancient civilisations, wild geese and Arctic hares... The boat picks meets us at the end of the afternoon, sometimes in another fjord.
This extreme freedom offered here in Greenland is rare as well as the kindness of its inhabitants and the richness of their culture.
You will like
The sailboat and navigating between icebergs
Exploring the wilderness of Greenland on
Whale and wildlife watching
Arctic light and long luminous days above the Arctic Circle
The cockpit and the large saloon
The amazing Inuit culture and history of past conquests
Meeting point Day 1 late afternoon at Aasiatt airport. Taxi transfer to the harbour.
Transfer to Aasiaat harbour and embark onto the beautiful schooner La Louise at the end of the afternoon.
Briefing on the boat of life aboard and safety rules.
Dinner and first night in the harbour.
Day 2
Departure for 7 days of roaming!
Heading to the islets off the harbour with perhaps the chance to encounter two or three humpback whales which come to feed in the shallow channels.
Visit the islet of Kitsigsuarssuit and its small village and perhaps a small fishing tour before setting sail for the nights anchorage... why not off the island of Ivnarssuatsiâq and its old peat village, a remnant of an old Inuit camp...
Day 3
Cap set towards the small port of Ilimaneq "place of hope", south of the spectacular glacial tongue of the Isfjord, one of the largest iceberg creators in Greenland. First circuit hike alongside the floating glacier to gain a little height in the surrounding hills and enjoy this exceptional panorama. 6 hour walk / Elevation: +/-450m
Day 4
Departure for an unusual navigation through huge ice cubes of the Isfjord. Finding our way through the middle of the pack of floating sea ice which freezes in winter and cements the icebergs between them. The experienced captain does not hesitate to approach the biggest icebergs... Once we've navigated the ice, direction Pakitsoq a small anchorage at the end of a wild bay. With enough time remaining to make a small outing onto land to watch the Arctic hares and foxes while climbing on the Tingmernerit. 2 hour walk / Elevation: +/-400m
Day 5
Today's sail begins with the tour of Taserssuaq Lake. The route continues along the Pakitsup fjord and then between lakes and peaks before descending to the end of the Kangerdluassuk fjord. Whilst approaching the lakes we sometimes find ourselves face to face with wild geese, in rocky areas it is the ptarmigan that we encounter more frequently. It is not uncommon to come across a herd of caribou in the distance or at least to find remains of their antlers which they lose in spring. Muskoxen are rarer in these fjords where the nearby polar cap leaves less room for pasture.
The boat meets us at the end of the fjord for a quick transfer to Qaungulik Bay our mooring and the departure point for the hike the next day. 7 hour walk / Elevation: +/-600m
Day 6
Crossing to reach the Eqip Sermia glacier. The route winds between the lakes in the thick tundra then through rocky areas 400m above sea level. There are no trails in these wild spaces and but there are amazing encounters with the local fauna... The boat awaits are arrival. Night in the Eqe Bay departure point for the hike the next day. Two possible routes depending on the group's wishes. 8 hour walk / Elevation: +/-600m 4 hour walk / Elevation: +/-350m
Day 7
Day in the footsteps of Paul Emile Victor (PEV)... visit the remains of the expedition base camp, then climb to the ice cap and the starting point for exploration campaigns. The opportunity to immerse yourself in the great history of polar explorations, those of PEV of course, but also those of the conquest of the North Pole or the Northwest Passage...
Back on board at the end of the afternoon for the traditional afternoon tea. 6 hour walk / Elevation: +/-600m
Day 8
It's time to return. Cap for Ilulissat via the immense Atâ Sund fjord. Stopover in Rodebay, a small photogenic hamlet a little more touristic. Arrival in Ilulissat "Icebergs" in the afternoon. Disembark on the north bank of the Isfjord for a last hike alongside the glacier. Arrive at the harbour where the boat awaits for a last evening on board. And why not a little outing in town to meet the astonishing Greenlandic people, a mixture of Inuit and Danes. Two possible routes depending on the group's wishes. 2 hour walk / Elevation: +/-50m 4 hour walk / Elevation: +/-100m
Day 9
Breakfast on the boat. Departure for Ilulissat airport according to the time of your flight.
End point in the afternoon at Ilulissat airport.
The trip
LEVEL **
Walking time: 3 to 7 hours per day. Type of trek: this off-trail tour is not technically difficult. Walking on the arctic tundra may seem very comfortable at first because the vegetation cover makes the soil soft comparable to soft snow. But, like on snow, it actually requires extra energy! The hikes offered may not seem extreme but represent in reality a good days walk. The proposed program may be adjusted depending on weather conditions, the condition of the pack in the fjords and the ability of the group. Each onshore excursion is discussed and prepared the evening before and the beauty of this type of tour with floating refuge offers great freedom in the choice of hikes.
GUIDING
Supervised by a qualified professional mountain leader.
ACCOMMODATION
8 nights in a 2 berth cabin Simple yet comfortable accommodation with one berth per person, shower and toilet at the front of the boat. A large convivial saloon with music, books and board games.
Life aboard a boat in the polar zone involves many adaptations. Water and energy must be greatly economised because they are difficult to produce. Water aboard is most often desalinated and the energy comes from motors recharging batteries in limited quantities. This involves for example, taking turns in the shower or to recharge your camera!
La Louise is a boat entirely thought out and built by Thierry Dubois a former offshore racer. Six years of construction to create a superb boat equipped for polar cruising and whose spacious saloon you will appreciate. The deck is generous and the cockpit fully covered making it a very pleasant boat at sea.
MEALS
Meals are all served aboard. A hearty breakfast including fresh baked braed is served before the days walk, afternoon tea awaits on return and varied lovingly prepared dinners are served at 8:30pm including local meats, fish and homemade desserts. *Picnics are not included so please bring some cereal bars, dried fruit etc. of your choice for during the hike.
MAPS
QEQERTASSUP TUNUA Diskobugten 1/250 000
Practical information
ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT
Meeting point Day 1 late afternoon at Aasiatt airport. Taxi transfer to the harbour.
ACCOMMODATION BEFORE AND AFTER
For your comfort and serenity during the return journey to Greenland we will send you a detailed file of accommodation during your transit in Copenhagen as well as some key sights to discover in the city.
End point in the afternoon of Day 9 at Ilulissat airport.
INSURANCE
In accordance with regulations, we are covered by Professional Liability Insurance. In no case can we be responsible for your own Personal Liability. If you chose to take out repatriation insurance with EUROP ASSISTANCE whom we propose, Altitude Mont Blanc will only serve as an intermediary between the client and the insurer. We cannot influence either party. We adhere to strict conditions of sale. You are responsible for compliance with the reporting procedures of any incident.
Before making any decision, contact EUROP ASSISTANCE.
CONTACT US
If you are late please contact the agency as soon as possible: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07
Sun hat or baseball cap with an anti mosquito veil
Walking socks (1 pair per day)
Sturdy walking boots with a good sole, already broken in
1 change of clothes for the evening
A pair of comfortable boat shoes for the evening
Other Equipment
Toilet bag
Quick drying towel
Sunglasses and sun cream
Water bottle or Camelback (1.5 litre minimum)
Knife, fork and spoon
Plastic lunch box/plate for your picnic lunches
Plastic cup for coffee
Small First Aid kit (antihistamine, ibuprofen, Compeed type blister pads...)
Survival blanket
Head torch or hand torch
Warm sleeping bag
Two adjustable walking poles (highly recommended)
Identity card or passport
BACKPACK
Bring a comfortable backpack of 30 to 40 litres for your personal belongings for the day (warm clothes, waterproofs, water, plate and cutlery for your picnic, sunscreen and your identity papers) and please keep a little room to carry snacks.
9 Days
Guided / with a guide
With baggage transportation
Classic (dormitory)
Level **** 
From 3960 €
