Kings Bay
Discover
a remote universe of glaciers, icebergs and mountains where polar bears and
walruses frequent... from basecamps in one of the most beautiful fjords in
Spitsbergen, as far North as you can get before the North Pole, this
memorable trip is a chance to fully immerse yourself in a unique wilderness
environment. Enjoy daily sea-kayaking and hiking adventures to uncover a
fascinating history and stunning views; get close to Svalvards amazing flora
and fauna and paddle among icebergs where seals and arctic birds bask - join us
on a real wilderness adventure.
Itinerary
-
Day 1 Evening flight to Longyearbyen
Welcome to Longyearbyen, we will greet you at the airport and escort you to your accommodation in the city under the light of the midnight sun.
Transport: Private vehicle and aeroplane
Accommodation: Guesthouse or private apartment -
Day 2 Longyearbyen - Kings Bay
Today is a chance to meet everyone and prepare for our adventure, together we will explore the northernmost city on the planet, Longyearbyen, before taking a scenic boat trip to Saint Jean Fjord and Prins Karls Forland.
Activities: Free walking tour of Longyearbyen
Transport: 6 hour boat trip
Accommodation: Camping -
Days 3 to 8 Our Adventure
Kings Bay makes an ideal spot for our basecamps from which to explore this vast and wild arctic environment. It is surrounded by rugged mountains and 4 huge glaciers which tumble into the sea. The icebergs here are among the largest and most varied in Spitsbergen and they attract a whole variery of marine life like seals and birds who love to bask in the sun on the blocks of floating ice. It is also an area with a rich and interesting history, we will find traces of past polar expeditions, coal mining and old whaling stations. We can explore the site of the first air expedition to the North Pole and learn more about the northernmost community in the world and their fascinating polar research.
Each day brings a new adventure as immerse ourselves in this arctic wilderness and take time to fully explore this remarkable location in a unique and intimate way. The sheltered waters of Kongfjorden are ideal for mastering tandom sea-kayaking techniques and we can enjoy a multidtude of different adventures here. We can go hiking and climb various interesting peaks with fantastic views of the surrounding glaciers and wilderness. We can paddle among icebergs, marine mammals and approach glacier fronts... let's fully explore this fabulous environment.
There are up to 27 different species of birds protected in these reserves and reindeer roam in the tundra. This area is the home to the walrus and of course, the king of these lands, the polar bear - we will have the chance to observe these animals throughout our stay in these remote arctic lands where few people venture.Activities: Daily sea-kayaking and hiking adventures
Accommodation: Camping -
Day 9 Ny Ålesund - Longyearbyen
Today is a chance to explore the northern scientifique research town Ny Ålesund and learn more about its remarkable history. This afternoon we take the boat back to Longyearbyen where warm showers await us in our comfortable guesthouse accomodation.
Activities: Free wallking tour of Ny Ålesund
Transport: 6 hour boat trip to Longyearbyen
Accommodation: Guesthouse -
Day 10 Longyearbyen
A day to relax and explore Longyearbyen with its edge-of-the-world atmosphere. We recommend visiting Svalbard museum and you can choose from a variety of optional activities like summer dog-sledding or a cruise to the abandoned Russian city of Pyramiden...
Activities: Various optional activities
Accommodation: Departure in the night -
Day 11 Farewell Spitsbergen
Flight home
Please
note that this itinerary, including walking distances and times, is indicative.
Our guides aim to provide the adventure that is best suited to the weather,
your interests and the demands of the group. Please be aware that in order to
achieve this, changes to the programme may be made.
Dates & prices
International departures:
No departure for now
Trip code: ENSPBRA
Included
- Airport transfers
- Two nights guesthouse accommodation in Longyearbyen
- All technical camping gear
- All sea-kayaking equipment
- Full supervision by an experienced professional guide
- Full board except a final evening meal in Longyearbyen (day 10)
- Return boat trip Longyearbyen - Kings Bay
Not included
- Flights
- Evening meal on day 10 in Longyearbyen (kitchen facilities/restaurant options available)
- Accommodation on day 11 as midnight departure for the airport is required
Additional Options
Please let us know if you would like to reserve any of the following optional activities:
- Meal in a local restaurant: from €30
- Svalbard museum: from €9
- Day cruise to Nordenskjöll Glacier via the abandoned Russian settlement of Pyramiden: from €210
- Summer dog-sledding: from €130 for a half day excursion
Notes
Comfort 1/5: Camping
This trip includes two nights in Guesthouse accommodation (the first and last nights) and all other nights camping. Normally we provide a 3 man dome tent per 2 people for maximum space and
comfort. For our basecamps we usually set up a fully equipped mess tent for
meal times, including a table and stools. We are proud of our high quality
camping equipment and take care to monitor and store everything correctly.
Level 2/5: Moderate
In general no previous experience in
the specific activity is required but you should be in good physical shape and
prepared to participate in 4-6 hours of activity per day. You should have a sense of adventure and a positive
attitude. Please note that our difficulty ratings may vary depending on the weather.
Terms and conditions
Booking conditions
Booking a trip with Altai Svalbard implies acceptance of the terms and conditions of sale. Each customer is required to complete a registration form and, subject to availability at the time of registration, travellers are expected to pay a deposit of 30% of the total price to complete their booking. Payments can be made online or by bank transfer. You will receive an e-mail with your booking confirmation.
Invoice procedure
Once your booking is confirmed you will receive an invoice by e-mail. The full balance of the trip must be received at least 30 days before your departure date. We reserve the right to cancel your booking, free of charge, if this deadline is not respected.
Cancellation policy
If for any reason you have to cancel your trip, Altai Svalbard requires written confirmation of your decision. The money you have paid will then be refunded according to the following deductions:
- Cancellation received more than 30 days prior to the departure date: a sum of €50 per person will be retained
- Cancellation received 30 to 21 days before the departure date: your deposit, 30% of the total trip price will be retained
- Cancellation received 20 to 14 days before the departure date: 50% of the total trip price will be retained
- Cancellation received 13 to 7 days before the departure date: 75% of the total trip price will be retained
- Cancellation received less than 7 days before the departure date: 100% of the total trip price will be retained
Special cases:
Please note that, regardless of the date of cancellation or modification if you have agreed to pay for services such as hotel reservations, flights or additional activities, these services are usually non-refundable so additional fees may apply.
Fixed airfares: if your airline ticket was issued in advance, often done to avoid significant surcharges, you will be charged 100% of any non-refundable fees if you wish to change or cancel your flight plan.
Fixed in-country costs: early charges for firm bookings will be charged if you cancel or modify your trip.Insurance costs: if you have taken out comprehensive or cancellation insurance, the cost of insurance is due and cannot be refunded.
Please note that fees apply according to the date we receive your cancellation or modification request in writing.
If we have to cancel a departure due to an insufficient number of participants, you will be informed no later than 21 days before departure and a full refund will be issued, you will not be entitled to further compensation. We reserve the rights to cancel departures due to exceptional circumstances which may impact the safety of participants. Such circumstances include those amounting to 'force majeure' in which case participants will receive a full refund but they will not be entitled to any compensation.
Changes to travel contract
If you wish to make a change to your booking please contact Altai Svalbard in writing; you will be expected to pay any fee which might arise from this change. In the event of unforeseen external events, Altaï Svalbard may change some aspects of the travel contract. If any changes are necessary you will be informed as quickly as possible.
Pricing
The prices on our website are updated regularly and all of the prices we advertise are accurate when published. We reserve the rights to make changes to any of these prices. Before you make a booking we will give you the up-to-date price of your chosen holiday including any supplements, upgrades or additional activities you may have requested. If the number of travellers is fewer than the indicated number of participants on the website, a small group surcharge may be applied. For all of our trips we include details of services, prices and what is/is not included but please be aware that changes to the prices may be necessary in accordance with exchange rates or price changes of various components of the journey.
Contract transfer
If you are unable to travel for any reason, you can transfer your booking to another person in which case our modification conditions apply. Both the transferor and transferee will be jointly and severally liable for payment of the total holiday price and other associated expenses. Some airline carriers treat name changes as cancellations and you may be required to pay for the cost of a new ticket.
Practical info
Staff
You will be welcomed at the airport by a representative from our friendly team and accompanied for the duration of your holiday. Armed with an abundance of experience and a wealth of knowledge our professional Svalbard team are experts in polar environments. All activities are lead by our qualified guides who are all English speaking outdoor practitioners with a passion for everything arctic. Please note that this adventure takes place in an isolated, polar environment where around 2500 Polar Bears live - your guide will explain safety rules which must be followed.
Food
Besides one evening meal in Longyearbyen this trip includes full board, for your evening meal there are shops and kitchen
facilities available or local restaurants for you to sample - we have lots of
recommendations!
Despite the lack of fresh fruits and vegetables in the artic regions we are
proud of the varied, fresh and frankly delicious food we provide even when
camping. Meals are based on a selection of local products and you will have the
opportunity to try several local delicacies. Each day will start with a cold breakfast accompanied by plenty of tea and coffee or hot chocolate. Then you will prepare your own picnic lunch ans snacks for the day from an array of options. Evening meals will include three courses, soup, a hot dish and a dessert- we try to offer fresh fruit and vegetables everyday but please be aware that this is not always possible in an isolated arctic environment.
Your help in the kitchen is expected and much appreciated, particularly in the evenings. We like when the whole group work as a team to cook dinner, it creates a pleasant atmosphere as we reflect on the days adventures together.
Please let us know about any dietary requirements when you book the trip and we will work with you to cater for your needs.
Accommodation
Longyearbyen: Guesthouse accommodation, double rooms or dormitories with 2, 3 or 4 beds available, hot showers and heating, shared kitchen and bathroom facilities.
Camping
adventure: normally we provide a 3 man dome tent per 2 people, we use equipment
appropriate for Svalbards sometimes changeable conditions. We will also provide a
spacious mess tent for meal times, fully equipped with kitchen equipment including a table and
stools.
Transportation
This trip includes transportation by local boats.
Budget & exchange
The currency in Svalbard (and Oslo) is the Norweigian Krone, NOK
Please budget for:
- Any additional activities
- Drinks and personal expenses
- One evening meal in Longyearbyen, kitchen facilities, shops and restaurants available
We recommend a budget starting from €30 / 290NOK for a traditional meal in a local restaurant
Supplied equipment
We will provide you with all of the technical equipment you will need for this adventure - all you need to bring are your hiking boots.
Group Equipment
We will provide the group with...
- A 'Tepee' style mess tent with table, stools and cooking equipment
- 'Ortlieb' water belts
- A Sarsat beason
- A VHF radio
- A heavy caliber rifle
- An alarm gun
- Mini-flares and penjectors for each group member
- A copy of Spitsbergens animal records
- A first aid kit
- Books about local flora and fauna
Individual Equipment
We will supply you with...
- A tent per two people (a 3 man dome tent for maximum space and comfort)
- A self-inflating sleeping mat
- A suitable synthetic sleeping bag ( -6°C)
- An aluminium thermos flask per 2 people
- Helly Hansen fleece lined salopettes for kayaking and when ashore
Sea-kayaking equipment:
- A tandem sea kayak with directional rudder (1 per 2 people)
- A Gore-tex dry suit with integrated warm fleece liner
- A pair of kayak pogies
- A spray deck
- A life jacket with two pockets
- A neoprene balaclava
- 1 pair of 'croc' style shoes/sandals
Our sea kayaks were chosen for their stability and comfortable, they are suitable for first time kayakers. Average speed 2-3 miles per hour, up to 6 miles per hour. Suitable for all sea conditions and in the unlikely event of capsize they are surprisingly easy to right, even at sea you would be back on board and paddling in no time.
Vital equipment
- A sleeping bag liner
- Your walking boots
- Waterproof, windproof jacket (with a hood)
- Waterproof trousers (breathable)
- Warm gloves and hat
- Thermals - top & long johns
- A fleece/jumper
- Suitable underwear, t-shirts and walking trousers
- Thin socks and thick socks (we recommend bringing 3-4 pairs of thick socks)
- Sunhat and sun cream
- Sunglasses (UV 400)
- A small towel, your personal toiletries and toilet roll
- Any personal medication
- A water bottle/flask
- A small rucksack to use as a day bag
- Head torch & spare batteries (although it is nearly always light in the summer months)
- Your swimming stuff
- Clothes for travelling in
Material
We prefer that you do not wear cotton clothing, including underwear, when participating in activities. When cotton gets wet from water or sweat it ceases to insulate and it does not dry fast. The best materials for outdoor activities are fast drying materials like polyester or materials which are warm when wet like wool.
The most powerful materials against the wind and rain are 'breathable' materials like Gore-Tex or Nikwax.
Our advice for keeping warm
It can be humid and cold in Spitsbergen, please think carefully about what clothes you pack especially for our winter trips. We will provide warm outer layers but the layers you wear next to your skin can make the biggest difference. We recommend:
- No cotton
- Bring dry spares of everything, including underwear and gloves
- Wear multiple layers including:
- A warm breathable base layer
- A second thermal layer
- Wind and waterproof protective out layers
Helpful equipment
You may also consider packing
- Your camera (and suitable protective case)
- Binoculars
- A comfortable evening outfit
- A comfortable pair of shoes for the evenings
- Walking poles
- Inflatable pillow
- Insect repellant
- A knife
- A notepad and pencil
- Plastic bags for wet/dirty clothing
Luggage
You may bring a hold bag (up to 20kg) as well as a cabin bag.
For you hold luggage please bring a soft bag like a ruckack rather than a hard cased suitcase because it is more practical when loading local buses and trailers. We also recommend that you pack your clothes in plastic bags inside your rucksack so that they stay dry in the event of bad weather.
Don't forget to bring a small rucksack to use as a day bag. You can bring this as hand luggage on the plane. You will carry your lunch, water, spare layers and any personal medication with you each day in this bag.
Medicine
Your guide is a trained first-aider and will carry a full first aid kit at all times during the trip. Please bring with you any personal medication that you may need such as inhalers, plasters and painkillers.
Healthcare in Norway can be extremely expensive, we strongly advice all of our clients to invest in insurance before travelling.
Passport
You will need a passport that is valid for at least three months after your return date.
Visa
The Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard is a visa-free zone
Mandatory vaccines
There are no specific health risks
Health information & recommendations
Please be aware that your guide will be carrying a gun along with other safety equipment to alarm/repel any Polar Bears.
Healthcare in Norway can be extremely expensive, we strongly advice all of our clients to invest in insurance before travelling.
Weather
- The weather in the Svalbard archipelago is very changeable.
- The average annual rainfall in Longyearbyen is only 200mm (7.87 inches), in London, England, the annual average is 594mm (23.4 inches) - Spitsbergen is a cold desert!
- Average temperatures in Longyearbyen range from -16°C to -9°C (3.2°F - 15.8°F) in April and -3°C to -7°C (26.6°F - 19.4°F) in May.
- Strong katabatic winds can occur here, particularly near to high glaciers but winds can generally be described as moderate and localised.
- Dark polar nights occur from 14th November to 29th January, the full moon shines across the snow creating a beautiful gliterring winter landscape. Then, from 19th April to 23rd August, the sun shines constantly, uninterrupted, high in the sky.
Electricity
In Spitsbergen the standard Europlug socket with two round prongs is used, 230V with a frequency of 50hz
Local time
Svalbard uses Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) +1 hour and Daylight Saving Time (DST) is observed here.
Topography
- The Norweigian Svalbard archipelago is the closest territory to the North Pole; Spitsbergen is the name of the largest island.
- Svalbard covers an area of around 39146 square miles (63000km2) and two thirds of this polar world are constantly covered by ice.
- The archipelago was deserted by human civilisation for a very long time but today has over 2600 inhabitants.
- The archipelago has 3 National Parks, 3 Nature Reserves, 15 Ornithological Reserves (bird reserves) and 3 Botanical Reserves.
Sustainable tourism
As adventure and wilderness travel experts who run trips to some of the most remote parts of the world, we take responsible tourism very seriously. We respect the ‘Leave No Trace’ outdoor ethical code and try to explore this beautiful location whilst causing minimal environmental damage.
In the Polar
Regions the ecological balance is delicate so we ask that you are particularly careful regarding the conservation of the
sites we explore. We aim to leave our camping spots even cleaner than when we
arrived and, as a company, we participate in the Clean Up Svalbard programme. We support the
laws, advice and recommendations which aid the conservation and protection of
this unique arctic paradise. This is reflected in our trips, for example, we do not visit Ornithological
Reserves during nesting season and never remove historical remains or whales
bones from the beaches. We hope that all of our clients will respect our philosophies and embrace these attitudes.
The Leave No Trace policy can be summarized in 7 simple steps which we hope you will follow during ourtrip...
1. Be prepared
2. Stick to trails and camp overnight right
3. Stash your trash and pick up waste
4. Leave it as you find it
5. Be careful with fire
6. Respect wildlife
7. Be considerate of other visitors
Over the years we have built up good relations with our local suppliers and we are keen to support local businesses as much as possible. We are a small company and we pay our local partners and suppliers directly insuring fair rates.
Our small group sizes not only provide a more intimate adventure but also cause less impact on the environment and local communities.
We expect all who travel with us to support and uphold our Sustainable Tourism philosophies.
My local agent
Nicolas
- A guide in the Far North
- A beautiful bearded man with the blue eyes
- Keeps parks and guides kayaking in Quebec
- Region
- Spitsbergen
- Activity
- Hiking Kayaking Svalbard in the Summer
- Duration
- 11 days
- Group
- 5 to 12 people
- Code
- ENSPBRA
- Price
- From €2,495
- Level
- 3/5
- Comfort
- 1/5
- Language(s)
- English
Strengths
- Complete and total remote wilderness immersion in one of the most isolated and exciting environments on earth - as far north as you can get before the North Pole!
- Daily hiking and sea-kayaking adventures with a knowledgable professional guide in this rich artic world
- Our qualified staff and state of the art equipment will keep you warm, safe and smiling