CALEDONIAN ALPS GLACIER TRAVERSE

An adventurous unsupported glacier trek and wilderness journey from the fjords to the high alpine mountains of arctic East Greenland.
Trip length // 8 days

A glacier traverse of the Caledonian Alps: trekking from Tunu Fjord to the calving ice faces of Sermiligaq


 An insight into the wild and pristine arctic coastline to the north of our lodge


Summit one or more non-technical peaks


Learn and refine glacier travel skills with a highly experienced IFMGA mountain guide

 

This multi-faceted wilderness trek from sea-level to high in the Caledonian Alps of East Greenland is rarely ever attempted. North of our home in Kulusuk, it's a beautiful range we've been drawn to for many years. Heading inland onto the ice, this trip is for trekkers who would like to explore glaciated terrain or mountaineers looking to undertake a journey. Starting out from the saltwater of Tasiilap Nua, the route follows arctic char streams inland, leaving tundra and alpine plants behind as we gain height. With an IFMGA alpine guide, you'll have time to learn or refine rope-work and crampon skills as we move north into mountains on the fringes of one of the largest glacier systems on earth.

 

Carrying everything required to be self-sufficient, each evening we'll set up camp in some stunning spots. We plan to attempt at least one non-technical summit, reached by moderate snow slopes or scrambling. Gaining the massive Karaale ice-flow, we'll descend to the headwaters of Sermiligaq Fjord, completing our crossing at the point where the multiple glaciers calve into the ocean; a fitting place to spend our last night out.

 

Starting and finishing at our lodge, and run by a local partnership of highly experienced mountain guides and Inuit experts, we hope this journey offers an insight not only into this wild region but also the tiny community that are at home here, following a way of life that is deeply rooted to the fjords and changes of season, from the annual migrations of sea mammals, fish and birds, to the edible plants that are harvested during the summer.

East Greenland Ski Touring, Mountaineering & Trekking Specialists

THE ROUTE

Traverse a lush valley before heading up into the vast glacier system of the Caledonian Alps, descending to the coast in sight of several calving glaciers.

 
ARRIVING IN EAST GREENLAND

We'll meet you at the gravel airstrip and walk 30 minutes over tundra back to our lodge, with kit transferred by ATV. With an evening flight, we'll discuss plans, forecasts, and do what packing we can before dinner and a comfortable night at the lodge.

 

In the morning, we'll work through a kit check and group equipment, and finish packing before loading our powerful expedition motorboat and travelling north, looking out for icebergs and whales (humpback, sei, fin, minke, cachalot, orca). We set out on foot from Tasiilap Nua.

 

ARCTIC CHAR STREAMS AND TUNDRA

Following a valley system inland, we’ll make a brief crossing of a dry, or bare-ice, glacier before descending onto land and the lush banks of an arctic char stream that drops to a bay and our first night’s camp. Next day, looking into the high mountains of the range, we’ll find our way through extensive moraines to gain a glacier tongue that provides a gently angled ascent inland. This will be a time to focus on crampon, axe and rope use before we reach the snow line when this kit will be necessary for safe travel.

 

SUMMITS AND HIGH CAMPS

At the high point of our traverse, surrounded by mountains, our plan is to set up camp on a shoulder with views extending from the fjords to the highest peaks of the region – a wild and beautiful spot.  From here, we plan to ascend a snow summit, something we've previously timed to catch the midnight sun.

 

THE KARALE GLACIER AND CALVING FACES

Following broad ice fields that link through to the huge east-ward flow of the Karale Glacier, we camp under the 2000m spire of Rytterknoegten. The following day, dropping below the snow line, we skirt around crevasse fields, losing height towards Sermiligaq Fjord and the ice faces of the Karale and other unnamed glaciers that break into the ocean. Reaching the shoreline, we set up camp, high enough to be safe from calving events, but with a full view. In the morning, we continue east along the shoreline - with several calving glaciers entering the icy waters, our final day is spent in stunning surroundings.

 

Our boat Aqqaluk will meet us the on last morning for the journey back to Kulusuk, where we'll enjoy hot showers and lunch before packing bags and walking back to the airstrip for the evening flight out to Keflavik. 

East Greenland Ski Touring, Mountaineering & Trekking Specialists

OUR LODGE

A traditional wooden cabin we have built ourselves over the years, our lodge is nestled in the tiny Inuit village of Kulusuk, home to 200 people.  

 

A comfortable and practical base to explore East Greenland, our lodge provides cabin bedrooms, running water, hot showers, and flushing toilets, a rare thing in this cold climate. There’s a drying area for kit, a sitting room heated by a stove and a big table we all gather around each evening. Cut off by sea ice six months of the year, our stores and freezers are well supplied to provide a plentiful and varied menu. Whenever possible, we eat locally caught fish, from salmon to arctic char, cod and halibut.

East Greenland Ski Touring, Mountaineering & Trekking Specialists
East Greenland Ski Touring, Mountaineering & Trekking Specialists

WHO IS THIS TRIP FOR...

A trip for trekkers or mountaineers looking to undertake an unsupported wilderness journey through a remote glaciated region. You should be comfortable carrying up to 20kg over rough ground for multiple days of up to around 8 – 10 hours underway. There will be opportunity to learn or refine glacier travel techniques together with the IFMGA mountain guide who will be leading the team. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your suitability for this trek, please do get in touch.

GUIDING

We are a small & dedicated team of internationally qualified IFMGA mountain guides who are also passionate adventurers, skiers and mountaineers. As specialists, we encompass over 20 years' experience here in East Greenland. We have great respect for this remote region, carefully managing the unique risks this environment presents. Our safety record is a result of this focus. 

East Greenland Ski Touring, Mountaineering & Trekking Specialists

GETTING TO GREENLAND

To come visit us on this remote coastline, we’re best reached via Iceland, only 1 hr 40 mins away by turbo prop-plane.

 

Keflavik, Iceland’s international airport is a hub for North America and Europe and also the starting point for flights to our local airstrip in Kulusuk.

 

Seats on these Icelandair-operated flights are in short supply and book out early. Whilst we don’t organise flights ourselves, travel agent VR Travel aims to reserve tickets for all our trips and can assist with international connections. You can also book direct with Icelandair.

 

East Greenland Ski Touring, Mountaineering & Trekking Specialists
Charles // USA
East Greenland Mountaineering Expedition

"Thanks for a great trip - by far one of my better, if not best trip I've done. I will definitely be looking at future trips with you!"

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Caledonian Alps Glacier Traverse

 
 
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