Sami Reindeer Migration - 8 days

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Suitable for experienced outdoor people looking for some exclusive experiences.

You join the native reindeer herders - the Sámi - in their annual reindeer herd migration to the Arctic coast. This tour is unique and this opportunity is a rare privilege, provided by a Sámi family.

The tour starts from the interior of northern arctic Norway, the heart of the Sámi culture, and heads north towards the arctic coast where the reindeers have their summer grazing and calving areas.  You will be taking part in the daily work and learn how they drive their reindeer herd, escorting them from their winter grounds to the summer area.

Taking part in the reindeer migration means travelling, eating and sleeping like a Sámi reindeer herder. Your direct participation means that you will be living close to the reindeer, assisting when necessary in herding them over the desolate Finnmark plateau by snow mobile.

You will be sleeping around an open fire in a Lavvu (sami tent) and be served traditional sámi food. In the middle of April there is daylight for almost 24 hours a day, the snow is starting to melt and it is good time for ice-fishing.  Some great fishing can be done in the numerous lakes we pass by.

The program starts day 1 with dinner at the Husky Lodge.  Your guide will give the first briefing regarding the week’s programme, with further information on reindeer migration and sámi culture.  You will spend 4 days and 3 nights on migration.  You start out on snowmobile directly from the Lodge, (2 people per vehicle) meeting the Sámi reindeer herder family.  You travel across the mountain plateau and tundra, a fascinating landscape where your view is endless and the landscape is scanty and windswept.  Here you will experience close-up and intense impressions of the raw nature which surrounds you. You will experience all this together with your guide and the reindeer herders who like to share their knowledge and admiration of nature, outdoor-life and sámi culture.

The transfer back to the Husky Lodge in Karasjok will be by car. Here showers and sauna will be waiting for you and you will end the tour with a meal gathered together in the warm atmosphere of the lodge.

Accommodation the night before and the night after the tour is at the very comfortable Husky Lodge.

One day on a day trip is spent with sled dogs where lunch is prepared on an open fire.  It will be a "discovery ride" in a beautiful area. After learning the basics of dog mushing each person will get their own team.

One day is at your own disposal for interesting activities and excursions. There is always a lot happening on the husky farm.  Puppies are in training, many interesting books can be read in the “library".  Small tours can be ventured out on alone with snow shoes.  Local handicrafts and shops can be found at the local Sámi village. The National Sámi Museum, guided tour at Norwegian Sámi parliament, Sámi art gallery, Sápmi theme park and the local knife smith are also worth visiting.

The programme ends on day 8 after breakfast.

This journey is dedicated towards adventurous people who relish the chance to learn new skills and like to live life to the fullest.  Neither age nor gender are barriers but a reasonable level of fitness is required.  Much of the time you will be at the mercy of the elements.

Trip Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Karasjok, dinner and briefing

Day 2: Dog Sledding

Day 3: Free day with possibilities to do various activities of your own choice e.g visiting; The National Sámi Museum, The Sámi Parlament, snow shoeing etc.

Day 4-7: Migration over The Finnmark plateau

Day 8: Breakfast and Departure

Dates:

• 22nd April - 29th April 2010

Please contact us for further details and for advice on getting to Karasjok