Arctic Circle Trail - Planning And Packing
Experienced trekkers/hikers, or these with the same skillset (e.g. soldiers). You’ll must have navigation skills (map-reading, compass-utilizing, or just be able to afford a GPS) and some fundamental survival ability. No need to be Bear Grylls but it's important to be able to read the weather, know your physical limits, protreatment water and generally take care of your self within the wild. The trek takes 7–10 days for individuals of average fitness (I completed in eight with 1 day of relaxation in between), so you should be able to carry loads of about 20kg and walk about 20km a day for that size of time.
The Arctic Circle Trail is a one hundred sixty fivekm-long trekking route on the western coast of Greenland. It’s known as among the finest lengthy-distance routes on this planet, since it’s relatively unknown to vacationers (and thus virtually untouched), and offers views of endless mountains, lakes, wildlife, completely untamed. Additionally tons of snow and ice in case you select to visit in spring like me, but it’s not really useful (read ‘When’).
When
Late summer (September) is the best. Temperatures will probably be a cosy 15–25⁰C, as compared to subzero from mid-fall to mid-spring. Greenland has a mosquito plague yearly that begins when the snow begins to soften in June, and ends abruptly when the temperature begins to drop in September. I recommend waiting until the mosquitoes die out. Additionally, water ranges in late summer time will probably be decrease than that of early summer time (June-July), which is of an awesome assist considering there are a couple of river crossings on the route.
Without the assistance of specialised equipment (such as snowshoes and skis), I might advise to not visit anytime besides in summer time or early fall. Heavy and unpredictable snowfall, especially around the coastal western finish of the trail, will drastically improve the hazard ranges and quickly deteriorate the terrain. Having trekked in early spring myself, I say with confidence that I might not have made it even halfway if not for an especially reliable GPS (Gaia Maps for iPhone), a couple of snowmobile tracks and the endurance to spend hours wading via typically chest-deep snow.
The ACT lies slightly north of the Arctic Circle itself, on the western coast of Greenland. Most people choose to trek from Kangerlussuaq (eastern finish) the place the worldwide airport is situated, to Sisimiut (western end), the second-largest city in Greenland behind the capital Nuuk, earlier than flying back to Kangerlussuaq and subsequently out of Greenland. The reverse is also viable, and a few even choose to make a spherical trip.
The path formally starts at Kellyville, a research facility located about 15km from Kangerlussuaq airport. Some also choose to start from the ice cap east of Kangerlussuaq, which will lengthen the trek by a day. You may book a tour to the ice cap (Point 660) with World of Greenland Arctic Circle and have them drop you off there to walk back. Otherwise, you can start walking right from the airport or take a cab to Kellyville.
Two things: views and solitude. Armed with an abundance of los angeleskes, mountains, valleys and wildlife (reindeer, hares, musk oxen, and the elusive Arctic fox), this trail has everything you wish to see in the backcountry. However what really sets it aside is the whole lack of civilization. Past a 15km radius of Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut, not a single human inhabits the area. In late summer season, you’ll probably meet no more than a handful of fellow hikers on the way. Otherwise, there’s a chance you’ll not come throughout anyone at all. It’s said that only about 300 folks try the ACT every year. This makes the trek excellent for those seeking a brief respite from the world to spend time with themselves or their significant others.
The Arctic Circle Trail is a one hundred sixty fivekm-long trekking route on the western coast of Greenland. It’s known as among the finest lengthy-distance routes on this planet, since it’s relatively unknown to vacationers (and thus virtually untouched), and offers views of endless mountains, lakes, wildlife, completely untamed. Additionally tons of snow and ice in case you select to visit in spring like me, but it’s not really useful (read ‘When’).
When
Late summer (September) is the best. Temperatures will probably be a cosy 15–25⁰C, as compared to subzero from mid-fall to mid-spring. Greenland has a mosquito plague yearly that begins when the snow begins to soften in June, and ends abruptly when the temperature begins to drop in September. I recommend waiting until the mosquitoes die out. Additionally, water ranges in late summer time will probably be decrease than that of early summer time (June-July), which is of an awesome assist considering there are a couple of river crossings on the route.
Without the assistance of specialised equipment (such as snowshoes and skis), I might advise to not visit anytime besides in summer time or early fall. Heavy and unpredictable snowfall, especially around the coastal western finish of the trail, will drastically improve the hazard ranges and quickly deteriorate the terrain. Having trekked in early spring myself, I say with confidence that I might not have made it even halfway if not for an especially reliable GPS (Gaia Maps for iPhone), a couple of snowmobile tracks and the endurance to spend hours wading via typically chest-deep snow.
The ACT lies slightly north of the Arctic Circle itself, on the western coast of Greenland. Most people choose to trek from Kangerlussuaq (eastern finish) the place the worldwide airport is situated, to Sisimiut (western end), the second-largest city in Greenland behind the capital Nuuk, earlier than flying back to Kangerlussuaq and subsequently out of Greenland. The reverse is also viable, and a few even choose to make a spherical trip.
The path formally starts at Kellyville, a research facility located about 15km from Kangerlussuaq airport. Some also choose to start from the ice cap east of Kangerlussuaq, which will lengthen the trek by a day. You may book a tour to the ice cap (Point 660) with World of Greenland Arctic Circle and have them drop you off there to walk back. Otherwise, you can start walking right from the airport or take a cab to Kellyville.
Two things: views and solitude. Armed with an abundance of los angeleskes, mountains, valleys and wildlife (reindeer, hares, musk oxen, and the elusive Arctic fox), this trail has everything you wish to see in the backcountry. However what really sets it aside is the whole lack of civilization. Past a 15km radius of Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut, not a single human inhabits the area. In late summer season, you’ll probably meet no more than a handful of fellow hikers on the way. Otherwise, there’s a chance you’ll not come throughout anyone at all. It’s said that only about 300 folks try the ACT every year. This makes the trek excellent for those seeking a brief respite from the world to spend time with themselves or their significant others.