The Telegraph Route - 5-day Dog Sledding Expedition to Isfjord Radio - Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen

About

To step outside Longyearbyen will open a door to the wilderness. On this trip, you will not only visit the wilderness, but you will live and feel the Arctic around you. Two nights in a tent will give you the real feel what the arctic is about. Once entering Isfjord Radio you will be surprised. The contrast between surrounding rough coastal landscape and the modern luxury hotel inside is a sight to behold. It is easy to forget where you are.

The day before departure, meet the guide in the reception at Basecamp Hotel to go through the program and equipment at 15:00.

Day 1
At 10 am, your guide will pick you up from your hotel. Before packing your personal items, we will do a briefing together with the group. Then, you'll head towards the Trapper's Station in Bolterdalen. Here, you'll encounter our 80 Alaskan Huskies, all excited for the journey ahead. The guide will demonstrate how to harness the dogs and manage your own dog team. You'll take care of your own team with guidance from the guide, including harnessing, feeding, and looking after the dogs. Afterward, you'll embark on your adventure across the open white landscape towards Isfjord Radio. Lunch will be served outside during the expedition. You'll establish camp about halfway to Isfjord Radio, where a warm meal will be served in the tent after a day of dog sledding. Dinner and overnight stay will be in shared tents.

Day 2
After breakfast for both explorers and dogs, you'll dismantle the camp and venture out into the pristine natural surroundings once again. The sound of the dogs panting and the sled runners scraping against the snow will be the only interruptions in the profound silence. Dog sledding in Svalbard offers an experience that deeply touches the soul. On this day, you'll arrive at Isfjord Radio, where the hosts will warmly welcome you and share captivating stories about the station's history. In the evening, an Arctic inspired menu will be served in the kitchen. Accommodation will be in double rooms at Isfjord Radio.

Day 3
Following a hearty breakfast, a short dog sledding excursion is on the agenda before returning to the station for a warm lunch. The hosts will lead a guided tour around the station's vicinity. For the adventurous, a dip in the Arctic Ocean followed by a relaxing sauna is recommended. The day will culminate with a three-course dinner, and you'll spend the night in double rooms at Isfjord Radio.

Day 4
After a substantial breakfast, it's time to bid farewell to Isfjord Radio and spend the day with the dogs. You'll head back towards civilization with several interesting stops along the way. Depending on weather and snow conditions, an alternative route might be taken. While some areas might pose challenges, the trip will offer an incredible exposure to Spitsbergen's nature. After a full day of dog sledding, you'll set up camp, feed the dogs, and prepare dinner. As night falls, you'll nestle into a warm sleeping bag for a restful sleep. Accommodation will be in tents.

Day 5
Today marks the return to Longyearbyen, enjoying the final day of dog sledding. In the afternoon, you'll arrive back at the Trappers Station, where you'll unharness the dogs and express your gratitude to them for the journey.

Included
Accommodation, meals & activities according to program.

In addition
Flight tickets, airport shuttle, drinks with meals and accommodation in Longyearbyen  

Explore more: We recommend booking one or two overnights in Longyearbyen before and after this adventure. Please contact us at spitsbergen@basecampexplorer.com to book accommodation at our unique Basecamp Hotel.

More than travel
As part of Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen’s efforts to be climate neutral, we add an additional CO2 and environmental investment of NOK 250 per guest. This is donated in its entirety to do good projects contributing to a sustainable future in our destinations.      

Physical requirements  
The physical activity, dog sledding, is the main element of this trip. You need appropriate personal equipment, general good physical fitness, courage and an adventurous spirit. Parts of the trip can be demanding due to weather, wind and low temperatures, as well as rough terrain without roads or trails. Other factors that may challenge you is the length and duration of the trip, as well as a steep climbs or when you must assist the huskies by pushing the sled in deep snow.  

Dog sledding adventures are not suitable for persons suffering from back pain. Pregnant women cannot participate on any of the mentioned trips arranged by Basecamp Spitsbergen. Basecamp takes no responsibility to any health issues, due to neglecting this advice. 

Experience requirements  
It is not required to have experience in outdoor tenting to join this trip, but you must be willing to learn and actively participate in the tasks required. As part of the expedition, you will participate in feeding and taking care of the dogs, help with collecting and melting snow to get water for cooking and drinking, set up/taking down the camp each day and prepare meals together. Always with supervision from your guide.  

Language  
Safety is our top priority during our trips. It is necessary for you to be able to communicate in English or a Scandinavian language if you want to join our excursions. The tour language (English or a Scandinavian language) will be chosen based on the group's language skills.   

Weather conditions in Svalbard  
In Svalbard, weather conditions can change quickly. We can meet heavy winds, snowstorms or thick fog, crevasses and lack of snow or ice. This means we might need to make changes to the planned route, and this might result in not arriving to the planned destination. It can also mean that we need to use a different transportation style or accommodation than what was described in the program. We will always do our outmost to give our guests a great experience in the Arctic, but we must be aware that characteristics of the destination.  

For booking, please contact us by email at: spitsbergen@basecampexplorer.com.
Can't find suitable dates or do you have special requests for your trip? You can also contact us by email for alternative dates and tailor made adventures.