From the hill above our basecamp in the tiny village of Kulusuk, a vast swathe of alpine-scale peaks can be seen fading into the distance.  Accessible within 3 hours by fast motor boat, this area offers a great, accessible wilderness expedition location that maximises time in the mountains, whilst minimising travel and costs.  Whilst relatively close to our base, it still offers the isolation and sense of exploration that are a feature of our further-flung expeditions - big peaks, even bigger glaciers and a complete lack of other teams make for an exciting objective.  The main glaciers of the region (particularly the Karale basecamp area, and Knud Rasmussen glacier, used to access Tupilak)  have attracted some prominent expeditions, which in turn has focused subsequent teams' attention on those particular regions; however, we've found extensive areas that have been ignored, particularly those rising directly out of the fjords.

In summer '09, we'll undertake an expedition to this region in classic style - a boat journey through the pack ice, landfall by a glacier, load-carrying up that same glacier to a basecamp site, then mountaineering exploration from there out.  This involves some hard work but is very satisfying in its' self-sufficiency and the access it affords to some really beautiful mountaineering.

The focus will be on searching out classic, moderate alpine lines and we'll certainly be looking for first ascents.  A world away from most commercial mountain trips, this is an expedition for those with a sense of adventure and an interest in exploration.

East Greenland

Known as Tunu (translates as 'Land at the Back') by the Greenlandic Inuit, the name refers to the East Coast's extreme isolation. Of Greenland's population of 57,000, only 4000 live in a handful of settlements on a coastline that runs 3000km from south to north. The first trading colony was only established in the 1890's, and to this day, the local population keep alive many of the ancient ways of life used to survive in this beautiful but severe environment.

You will be flying from Iceland over the Denmark Strait to one of the outermost islands of the Tunu region.  As well as the 'international airport' (think gravel airstrip and small arrivals building), Kulusuk island is also home to a tiny village, home to around 250, many of whom still still subsistence hunt.

From the village, we'll ttravel by boat around 80km northwards to the base of an unnamed tidewater glacier.  The mountains we're interested lie 20km inland.  Further detailed info on the range will be given to confirmed team members.

The mainly gneiss mountains locally rise to around 2,400m.  Starting out from our basecamp (at 800m above sea level), ascents are alpine in stature.  Rock quality varies from great to awful so wise route selection is important.  Heavily glaciated, the peaks tend to form cirques, making access from a central basecamp relatively easy.
 
There are 2 possible focuses for this expedition, both of which may operate concurrently: The team can attempt the many moderate mountaineering objectives that dominate the region as a group (moving on seperate ropes) but we also have the opportunity to split into smaller teams.  You thus have the chance to join the expedition guide on a peak or head out independently.  

The expedition guide will be looking for would-be alpine classics.  In the past, we’ve made some fantastic mountain traverses, following the distinctive ridge lines that are a big feature of the region.  For those interested in heading out independently, the proposed basecamp is also well situated to attempt some of the many more technical objectives.  These range from mixed lines to free and aid climbing on the gneiss walls - some of which  up to c. 800m in height.

Greenland’s arctic climate and land/icescape can change quickly and because of this, our plans are completely dictated by the elements.  We'll do all we can to ensure the success of the expedition, but to suit prevailing conditions, may have to delay or even change the plans at short notice.  Get ready for an advanture and come prepared for the unexpected!

Day 1

Flight from your home country to Keflavik, Iceland’s International Airport (not included in price).  Overnight in a Reykjavik guesthouse.

Day 2

Fly from Reykjavik Domestic airport to Kulusuk, East Greenland.  We’ll overnight in a simple mountain-style hut.  In the afternoon we’ll sort through the expedition equipment and have a little time to explore this typical Greenlandic hunting settlement.

Day 3 - 4

All gear onboard the boat and an early start from the village harbour.  The skipper will set course and follow the coastline southwards, negotiating icebergs and areas of pack ice.  Within 50km, we're going to be traversing an extremely wild and remote shoreline, much of which is dominated by the Icecap which calves directly into the sea.  A journey not often undertaken, we'll gain a rare glimpse into some of the least explored mountain ranges on Earth and the expedition guides will definitely be on the look-out for new expedition areas! 

The length of the journey will be dictated by ice conditions: relatively clear and we could be down there within 24 hours; more ice, and it may take up to 48.

Day 4

As we enter our expedition area, the binoculars will be out as we look for the most exciting mountains, and then a basecamp location located so that we can gain easy access to those peaks.  After unloading the boat and saying goodbye to our last link with civilisation, we'll be left alone to set up basecamp.

Day 5 - 17

Time to explore!  

Day 18 - 19

With the basecamp packed up, we'll watch out for the arrival of the boat.  Once it's arrived, we'll stow the gear and get underway.  After an active expedition, such a journey makes for a relaxing re-adjustment to arriving back into civilisation.  Once back in the village, we'll overnight in the same hut as used upon our arrival in Kulusuk.

Day 20

Today we’ll pay our farewells to this unique arctic world, flying from Kulusuk back over the Denmark Strait to Iceland.   Clear weather allows one last magic glimpse of the mountainous wilderness we’ve just spent the last days exploring.  Back in Reykjavik, we’ll overnight in a guesthouse with the chance to explore, this time the very different environment of the bars and clubs of Iceland’s capital city.  A very different experience!

Day 21

Transfer back to the international airport and the end of a memorable journey in the North.