Trek the remote and fascinating routes of East Greenland on this 12-day adventure
If you’re seeking the trekking adventure of a lifetime, this 12-day trekking journey in East Greenland is the answer! This area is one of the most remote places in the world—your opportunity to unplug and truly appreciate Mother Earth in all her glory. Learn about local Inuit cultures and traditions, explore by boat on the way to the trailhead, then spend 10 days in the Arctic’s rugged nature.
On this tour, expect to be astounded by the landscapes of towering peaks, immense glaciers, icy waters of the Denmark Strait and the Norwegian Sea, deep fjords, and pristine lakes. Very few trees populate this area, so your views will be unobstructed as you trek across the land with your expert guide. Set up camp each night in a two-person tent in the most spectacular locations (almost unbelievable!), and be witness to magical sunsets each evening while you wait for dinner. Completely unplug on this journey—it’s just you, your group, and the unspoiled outdoors.
Highlights of the Trekking in East Greenland Tour
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Trekking in East Greenland Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Travel from Reykjavík to Kulusuk
Welcome! Your tour starts at Reykjavík Airport in Iceland. Meet your group there and board your flight to Kulusuk, Greenland. Once you arrive, your local guide will meet you and bring you to the hostel accommodation in the adorable and remote coastal village. Look towards the sea and you’ll spot icebergs! Gather for dinner with the group and listen up as the guide briefs you on the adventure ahead. You’ll go over any necessary equipment then head to bed.
Overnight Location: Hostel in Kulusuk
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Boat Ride to Karale Fjord Short Hike
After breakfast, you will hop on a boat and depart for a more remote territory to start the trekking journey. Your guides will navigate you through iceberg-filled waters to arrive at an incredible serene campsite. Surrounded by jagged peaks and immense glaciers, you’ll set up camp. Once you’ve set up your outdoor home, follow your guide on a short warm-up hike to get acquainted with the terrain and prepare for the days ahead. Catch your first glimpses of breathtaking fjord views, then head back to camp to warm up with dinner.
Overnight Location: Camping
Distance: 6 km, 4 hours, 500 m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Explore Karale Glacier
After filling up on a hearty breakfast, head out to explore the vast Karale Glacier, the biggest glacier in the area. The mainly flat trail leads you into the fjord and along an enormous ice wall, spanning about five kilometers. Hike up onto the glacier and be astounded to learn that the ice you’re walking on is over 600 years old. Return to the same campsite as last night for aperitif and dinner.
Overnight Location: Camping
Distance: 15 km, 6–7 hours, 100 m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Trek to Nunartivaq
Enjoy your last breakfast at this ethereal campsite, then pack up for today’s trek. Following the coast, you will reach a pass leading to Nunartivaq Mountain, viewing vivid rock formations and stunning views all along the way. Descend through a boulder-filled valley to reach the isolated beach to set up camp. Chat with your crew and admire the views as you wait for dinner. Get a good night’s rest.
Overnight Location: Camping
Distance: 8.5 km, 6–7 hours, 520 m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 Trek to Ikateq (Abandoned US Army Base)
Did someone say polar dip?! Summon a hefty amount of courage and jump into the icy waters to put some pep in your step. Today’s trail goes southwest along some mountain slopes and narrow passages. These pathways can be challenging, so watch your footing. Seemingly in the middle of nowhere, you’ll arrive at tonight’s campsite: an abandoned US Army Base used in WWII. Ask your guide for a short history lesson over dinner, then set up camp and head to bed.
Overnight Location: Camping
Distance: 10.5 km, 6–7 hours, 150 m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Trek to Tunup Kua Valley
Have breakfast at this historic location and head off for the day once you’re packed. Hike through the Ikateq straight on some reasonably easy terrain with impressive vistas. Roll up your pants as you’ll cross a glacial river to keep on the right path. Between tall granite peaks, you’ll feel the undeniable shift in energy as you head further into the unspoiled natural wonders of East Greenland. Your guide will pick the most magical spot to set up camp for the night. Embrace the moment—you’re halfway through your trip.
Overnight Location: Camping
Distance: 11 km, 6–7 hours, 92 m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 Trek to Tasiilaq Fjord and Glacier Crossing
Stretch your legs after breakfast and get ready for an adventurous hike. Set out through the Tunup Kua Valley, then head over a mountain pass, then descend into the Tasiilaq Fjord. Make sure you have your hiking poles easily accessible today to traverse a glacier en route. Follow your guide to an otherworldly campsite deep in the Tasiilaq Fjord. Keep your eyes on the skies for a blanket of brilliant stars.
Overnight Location: Camping
Distance: 12 km, 6–7 hours, 275 m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8 Hike to Tasiilaq Kua
Fill up on breakfast and follow your guide through the Tasiilaq Fjord into its depths. You’ll cross a few streams, but nothing compared to the glacial river from Day 6. The landscapes today are nothing short of magnificent. Relish in your last campsite of the tour next to the mighty flowing river. Take it all in!
Overnight Location: Camping
Distance: 13.5 km, 5 hours, 400 m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9 Trek to Tasiilaq Mountain Hut
Enjoy your last campsite breakfast and eat well to prepare for the journey ahead. You’ll be climbing to the summit of Tasiilaq Mountain over the next two days, reaching its apex tomorrow. Today’s hike will challenge you more than other days in terms of elevation, so take it one step at a time. After cresting a steep hill along a glacial moraine, you’ll reach a gorgeous valley with a cozy mountain hut awaiting you. Have a hearty dinner and get some rest for tomorrow’s peak trip.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: 7 km, 5 hours, 700 m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10 Summit Tasiilaw Mountain
After breakfast, you’ll leave the hut and head out for a short but physically demanding hike to summit the nearby peak. Leave your comfort zone behind as you climb up, overlooking the magnificent views of East Greenland beneath you. Hang out at the summit to snap some fantastic pictures, then return to the same mountain hut as the previous night.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: 3 km, 6 hours, 400 m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 11 Return to Kulusuk
Indulge in breakfast for your last full day of the tour. The trail leads you the same way you came up, but as with all out-and-back routes, you’ll see the views from a different perspective, making it feel like a new trail altogether. At the bottom, the boat captain will meet you to accompany you to Kulusuk. Drop your bags at the hostel, then settle in for your last dinner together. Reminisce on the previous 11 days and all the memories you’ve made!
Overnight Location: Hostel in Kulusuk
Distance: 7 km, 4 hours, 700 m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 12 Kulusuk Tour and Departure
Gather for your final breakfast together, then take a short tour of the Kulusuk Museum to learn about Inuit culture and traditions. In the late morning, the group departs for Reykjavík Airport, where the adventure ends. Say your goodbyes and continue on your journey either home or to the next destination on your trip.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Trekking in East Greenland Tour Price and Dates
This guided tour in Greenland is usually run as a private tour where pricing depends on the size of your group and travelling dates.
- Guided Group of 5+: from $3,775 USD per person
Accommodation on the Trekking in East Greenland Tour
This tour is based in tents, traditional mountain huts, and hostels. You will be provided with high-quality two-person tents, but you must bring your own sleeping bag and mat. The hut is basic with dormitories for sleeping and a cozy living room and kitchen. The hostel has simple amenities with dorms, a spacious kitchen, a balcony, dry toilets, and a shower.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Single rooms are not available on this tour as mountain huts only have shared dormitories.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hostel in Kulusuk
Enjoy a night in a hostel with shared dormitories, a large kitchen, a living room, toilets, and a warm shower. Make sure to check out the view from the balcony.
Camping in Greenland
Stay warm and dry in expedition-style two-person tents. Set up camp in the most spectacular and remote sites.
Mountain huts in Greenland
Stay in a shared mountain hut. You’ll have access to basic amenities and shared dormitories for a comfortable night in the wilderness.
Hostel in Kulusuk
Enjoy a night in a hostel with shared dormitories, a large kitchen, a living room, toilets, and a warm shower. Make sure to check out the view from the balcony.
What’s included in the Trekking in East Greenland Tour?
Meals
All 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 11 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodation for 11 nights is included in the tour.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage is included in the tour. Return flights from Reykjavík to Kulusuk are not included, but you can add them to your package during the booking process for an extra fee.
Also Included
- English-speaking guide
- Boat transfers
- Two-person tents for camping nights
- Cooking gear
Not included
- Sleeping bag (available to rent)
- Flights to/from Kulusuk
- Personal equipment
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Anything not mentioned as “included”
Optional Extras
- Sleeping bag rental
- Extra nights in Reykjavík
- Flight tickets Reykjavík – Kulusuk – Reykjavík: $850 USD per person
- Special diet meals: $150 USD
- Sleeping bag rental: $75 USD
- Extra nights in Reykjavík (including pick-up and drop-off):
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- Guesthouse accommodation: $250 USD per person in a double room, or $350 USD per person in a single room
- 3-star hotel accommodation: $295 USD per person in a double room, or $475 USD per person in a single room
Frequently Asked Questions about Trekking in East Greenland Tour
Icelandic Mountain Guides are a boutique adventure tour company that has been sharing the best of Iceland’s beautiful wilderness since 1994. Their passion for nature and adventure drives them to provide quality, fun and educational experiences for their guests. They are also committed to the environment, carbon neutralizing all of their day tours.
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