Day 1: Flights, arrival and introduction

You’ll fly into Ivalo in Finland where a taxi will transfer you to Karasjok Base Camp. After settling into your hand built log cabin you’ll walk over to the main building for dinner and an introduction from your guide.

Day 2: Mushing in Sámi Land

The morning will be spent preparing for your journey into the wilds and getting acquainted with your team of 4 to 6 dogs. And then you’re off with an immediate ascent to the plateau where your team will pull you across varied terrain including frozen lakes, ice covered marshes and hilly stretches before reaching your base for the night, Gradin mountain cabin.

At every evening halt you’ll care for the dogs before caring for yourself so that means making sure they are well fed (chopping frozen dog food with an axe is one of the tasks awaiting you). Only once the dogs are catered for will you settle down to your own meal.

Days 3: Safari to Mollisjok

Come morning the dogs will be eager to be off so, after breakfast, the journey continues.

The featureless tundra atop the plateau provides endless, windswept views far removed from the urban landscapes here in the UK. Apart from the wind, the only noise will be the panting of the dogs and the hypnotic swish of your sled’s runners. In the evening you’ll arrive at Mollisjok Cabin where again the dogs take precedence before settling in for the night.

Day 4: Safari to Soussjarve Mountain Cabin

After a good night’s sleep it’s ever onwards following the course of a frozen river and passing two remote settlements where the Sámi sustain themselves principally by fishing. Soussjavre Cabin situated at the head of a large lake is your resting point this evening.

Day 5: Amongst the reindeer

The next day you enter the important reindeer winter pastures so look out for small and large herds before reaching Baeivasgiedde wilderness cabin set next to a river in a snowy pine forest. You’ll spend two nights here.

Day 6: A day with the Sami reindeer herders

Today will be truly memorable. You will travel to a winter settlement for Sami reindeer herders. These herders pursue their livelihoods in this incredible winter pasture and today you will hopefully be able to gain an insight into exactly what their life entails and the importance of the reindeer in their culture. Exactly how this day operated is dependent on weather conditions and the herders' timetable.

Day 7: Return to Base Camp

A long stretch today but by now you’ll be well prepared for such challenges. It’s mostly flat terrain following the river so keep an eye open for moose as they usually gather in the valley during the winter.

Back at Base Camp, dinner awaits your arrival with the additional bonus of a wood fired sauna and – if requested – an outdoor hot tub to soothe any aching bones.

Day 8: Departure, transfers and flights

Bid farewell to your faithful team before the taxi arrives to take you back to Ivalo airport.

Karasjok Log Cabins and Husky Farm

Nestled in the woodlands just 6km from Karasjok (the Sámi capital) is the base for some of the best dog sledding safaris in the world. To cap it all, we work with the acknowledged “Master” of Scandinavian mushing.

The site combines some unique log cabins and a husky farm that is home to approximately 50 sled dogs. It’s a very special place and, with only eight cabins, one that only a few people are privileged enough to enjoy. Each log cabin has been individually designed to combine comfort with traditional Sámi decor. It’s difficult to describe them as each one is different. The images here and on our website portray them best.

Here’s a measure of the effort that has gone into each. When out mushing, your host sees a piece of wood that would make a coat hanger, a shelf, a lamp stand, anything really. He uses his GPS to pinpoint its location and then picks it up next time he’s passing and fashions it into something both useful and remarkable. Lampshades made from bird feathers, comfy seats and dining tables hanging by ropes from the ceiling, reindeer skin stool covers and much, much more. Everywhere you look there is something that reflects living here in the Arctic.

Each hand built cabin has sleeping facilities for between 2 and 6 people with some having a lounge area, a kitchenette and most, a log fireplace, shower and toilet. Cabins are allocated on a first come, first served basis so book early if you prefer to not share washing facilities. Your meals are taken in the main building and there is a sauna and an outdoor hot tub with a lovely scenic view.

Karasjok Wilderness Cabins

On safari you will stay in wilderness cabins. Some of the cabins can be basic (no electricity or running water) but they are all comfortable and cosy, especially once dinner is cooking and the fire burning. Sleeping arrangements are generally in dormitory style areas. The cabins are usually so remote that there is little or no light pollution creating the best possible chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis.