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Picturesque village of Tasiilaq - Greenland Trek: Karale to Tasiilaq Fjord, Greenland
Picturesque village of Tasiilaq
The magnificent Ammassalik fjord, Greenland - Greenland Trek: Karale to Tasiilaq Fjord, Greenland
The magnificent Ammassalik fjord, Greenland
Camping and trekking in the Ammassalik fjord system Greenland - Greenland Trek: Karale to Tasiilaq Fjord, Greenland
Camping and trekking in the Ammassalik fjord system Greenland
The vast expanses of the Ammassalik fjord system, Greenland - Greenland Trek: Karale to Tasiilaq Fjord, Greenland
The vast expanses of the Ammassalik fjord system, Greenland
Visiting small townships in Greenland - Greenland Trek: Karale to Tasiilaq Fjord, Greenland
Visiting small townships in Greenland
Hiking in the Ammassalik fjord system Greenland - Greenland Trek: Karale to Tasiilaq Fjord, Greenland
Hiking in the Ammassalik fjord system Greenland

Greenland Trek: Karale to Tasiilaq Fjord

Trek deep into East Greenland’s fjords, crossing glaciers and camping in the wild

Greenland, Iceland
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 6 reviews

12 Days from

$6790 USD

Trip Code: GLC
View dates to Book
Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Sleeping Bag Hire
$80 USD
Single Supplement - Tent Only
$150 USD
Duration
  • 12 Days
Activities
  • 10 days trekking
Accommodation
  • 2 nights dormitory hut
  • 1 night mountain hut
  • 8 nights camping
Meals
  • 11 Dinners
  • 11 Lunches
  • 11 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
6 / 10

Moderate to Challenging

Carbon Footprint  

37kg of CO2-e PP per day

(411kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Hike the beautiful Ammassalik fjord system
  • Learn about traditional Inuit culture
  • Experience the dramatic landscape and natural beauty of Greenland
  • Marvel at the tundra crossing Tunup Kuua valley
  • Traverse glaciers and climb to Tasilaq Mountain hut for spectacular views

Overview

This trek takes you to the deepest end of the Ammassalik fjord system in Greenland, an area renowned for it's incredible glaciers that calve into the sea and towering granite mountains. Sparsely populated and home to the culturally rich Inuit people, our trek gives us insight into life in the vast expanses. We take time to enjoy the calm quiet of Karale fjord with it's extraordinary landscape, punctured occasionally by a crack in the Knud Rasmusen glacier breaking the silence. Experience Kuummiut, a small fishing and hunting village and learn about the incredible Inuit culture and how people have survived in this hostile environment. Leaving the village behind we trek out through the Tunup Kuua Valley, where we should encounter Greenland's beautiful flora in bloom, before crossing over 2kms of glacier and arriving at the picturesque fjord of Tasilaq. Roughly translating to 'like a lake' due to the fact it is largely protected from the open ocean by the relatively narrow entrance, the region features innumerable jagged mountains, glaciers, and icebergs. We intend to pack a small backpack and climb to Tasilaq mountain hut, where we overnight before heading back to Kulusuk.

Itinerary

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In the late afternoon we fly north from Keflavik (Iceland), departing around 17.30 for the 1 hour 45 minute hop to East Greenland. Please be sure to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight. Touchdown in Kulusuk (Greenland) is scheduled for 17.15 local time, and where you'll meet your guide. While a local host transfers our baggage, we follow a scenic 40-minute walk to the village and our accommodation. Kulusuk sits on an island flanked on three sides by offshore islets and rugged, snow-capped peaks. About 250 people live here, many still making their living as hunters or fishermen, giving us an authentic glimpse of everyday life in East Greenland. Dinner and overnight are in a traditional wooden house, hut-style, in the heart of the village. Walk: 40 minutes Overnight: Traditional Greenlandic house, dormitory room Please note: The luggage restrictions for the flight and trip are 15 kg (33 lbs) per person + 6 kg (13 lbs) hand luggage.

Meals: D

Morning boat trip to Karale fjord. Sailing north by the Aputsiak Island and several other islands before hitting the Ikatek strait with its pointed summits and snow-capped mountains. Ice is everywhere in the water. When arriving at Karale fjord the spectacle is breathtaking - the front of the Knud Rasmusen glacier and the high mountains are reflected in the still water of the fjord. We put up our camp for two nights. In the afternoon we stroll off for a nice walk to a good viewpoint. Walk: 4 hours Overnight: Tent

Meals: B,L,D

Today we head towards the Karale glacier along the coast of the Karale fjord. To get there we might have to cross a small glacier tongue to avoid rivers of meltwater from the ice. The view to the other side of the fjord is breathtaking, huge glaciers and mountains like the Rytterknægten tower over the fjord. At a safe distance from the Karale glacier front, we learn about climate change as we discover the changes in the landscape that have been happening in recent decades and are still going on. Late afternoon we return to the same camp where we spend the night. Walk: 6-7 hours Overnight: Tent

Meals: B,L,D

We leave the camp and start walking east along the coast to the Nuuaartik point, where the Karale fjord opens to the outer fjord system. At this point we see the front of the Knud Rasmusen glacier floating in the ocean straight to the north, breaking off pieces of ice, every now and then. We turn to the south and start to climb to a small mountain pass while new mountains start to come into view. We slowly descend to a valley called Nunartivaq. We arrive at the shore in an area full of boulders, where we put up the camp for the night. Walk: 6-7 hours Overnight: Tent

Meals: B,L,D

We follow the coastline as we enter the Ikatek strait. At times we have to avoid steep parts by walking higher on the slope, until we arrive to a tiny inlet with a creek. We then follow the coast, which at this time is less steep, until we arrive to a valley that opens up to the west. We follow the banks of a big river until we find an old bridge where we cross. We have arrived to Ikatek or Bluie East two, former WWII airport and small military base. We visit the base that was abandoned almost 75 years ago. What they left behind is still visible, including machines, cars, equipment and fuel drums. The authorities have plans to clean up the ruins, but until then these strange remains remind us of the role Greenland played in WWII. We camp for the night close to the old docs of Ikatek. Walk: 6-7 hours Overnight: Tent

Meals: B,L,D

We walk the old 5000 feet runway to the southwest, until we come to the small peninsula of Suunigajik. From there we turn around the corner and head northeast, into Tunu (Dunu), a breathtaking fjord surrounded by mountains. Here on the shores the Common Ringed Plover plays hide and seek with those who enter its territory. Arriving at the the fjord we have to cross a couple of rivers before putting up our camp. Here we might meet the Arctic fox and the Ptarmigan that nests in the tiny arctic willow bushes found around the campsite. Walk: 6 hours Overnight: Tent

Meals: B,L,D

Visit to the hunters village Kuummiit, where we resupply in the local grocery store. Kuummiit is situated at the Ammassalik fjord where the water never freezes. Surrounded by high peaks in all directions it is the home to about 250 people who mostly depend on fishing in the fjords around. In the afternoon we return to the same camp. Walk: 6 hours Overnight: Tent

Meals: B,L,D

Today we cross from the Tunu fjord over to Tasilaq fjord through the narrow valley of Tunup Kuua. We follow the narrow valley with mountain peaks on both sides and a peak or two already showing them self at the other side of the pass. After passing a few lakes, we arrive to a glacier that crawls into the valley from the north. We cross the glacier eventually putting on our crampons depending on the ice conditions. At the highest point which is only at 300m altitude we see the valley on the other side descending to the fjord. The view in Tasilak fjord is breathtaking. The fjord is very narrow and sheltered with up to 1500m high granite peaks on each side and over 2000m above the bottom of the fjord. One can’t help thinking that this compares with Patagonia. We put up our camp at the sea on the north bank of the river we have been following since we crossed the glacier. Walk: 7-8 hours Overnight: Tent

Meals: B,L,D

The route follows the Tasiilaq fjord coastline and we enjoy the incredible view to the bottom of the fjord and the valley behind it. The most outstanding mountains are called the Triplets, known to some big wall climbers as interesting objectives. This day is shorter than yesterday, and we should be arriving to camp in the middle of the afternoon. Walk: 5 hours Overnight: Tent

Meals: B,L,D

The walk to Tasiilaq Mountain Hut. We walk for two to three hours before we arrive to a glacier tongue that descends all the way from a valley 700 m up. We climb the moraine on the north side of the glacier with a stunning view over the valley below, until we come to a steep section that leads us directly to Tasiilaq Mountain Hut at about 800 m altitude. This place is heaven-like for nature lovers. A magnificent place to sit down and enjoy silence and the calmness of the mountains. Walk: 7-8 hours Overnight: Mountain Hut

Meals: B,L,D

We head back into the valley, down the moraine and past some beautiful boulders. This time the walk is faster and we arrive to the fjord in the middle of the afternoon, where our boat is waiting to bring us back to Kulusuk. Walk: 5-6 hours Boat: 2 hours sailing Overnight: Traditional Greenlandic house, dormitory room

Meals: B,L,D

Morning discovery of Kulusuk and walk to a nearby viewpoint. Lunch in our house before visiting a small local museum in the early afternoon. We leave to the airport around 16.30. At 19.00 (7 pm), flight back to Keflavik. Arrival at 21.45 (9.45 pm) local time where our tour concludes. Please ask us for accommodation options or other extensions in Iceland

Meals: B,L

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

1 scheduled departure between 20 Aug 2026 and 20 Aug 2026.

  • Departs 20 Aug 2026 – ends 31 Aug 2026 (12 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 11 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 11 dinners (ie all meals from dinner on day 1 to lunch on day 12)
  • 3 nights in dormitories/mountain hut on a multishare basis, 8 nights camping
  • Experienced English speaking walking guide from Kulusuk
  • tents, camping gear, cooking gear
  • luggage transfer during the trek - soft duffel bag is preferable, max weight 15kg pp (excess luggage can be stored in luggage lockers in Reykjavik)
  • Return flights from Reykjavik To Kulusuk
  • Satellite telephone, first aid kit and other safety equipment.
  • Boat transfer from Kulusuk to the start of the trek and from Tasilaq Fjord to Kulusuk at the end of the trek

Not included

  • Travel to and from your home country to Iceland
  • Transport to and from the meeting point in Reykjavik
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Pre- and post- tour accommodation in Reykjavik
  • Travel insurance
  • Sleeping bag. Available for hire (must be pre-paid)
  • showers in huts (payable locally)
  • Special dietary surcharge (vegan, vegetarian, gluten free) - supplement may apply

Reviews (6)

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A great trek that was described appropriately. The guide was professional, knowledgeable, friendly, approachable, a great cook, aware of the environment and provided insights on Greenland and its history. Overall, I enjoyed this trek even though the guide changed the route due to boat availability and weather. These were decisions that had to be made and I applaud him for looking out for the well-being of our group

Michael|Georgia, United States
10 Sep 2025
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I left Greenland utterly amazed. I belive my astonishment stemmd from its remotnes and sheer pristine and unspoiled beauty of its nature. We hiked through trackless wilderness, surrounded by the magic of floating icebergs in the fjords, and a silence occasionally broken by the muffled roar of melting glaciers. Our guide, Brecht, was incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and witty. He truly elevated the entire experience.

Karmen|Slovenia
5 Aug 2025
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Helene|QLD, Australia
22 Aug 2025
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Glen|QLD, Australia
20 Aug 2025
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Maria|Stockholm, Sweden
16 Aug 2025
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Ian|NSW, Australia
7 Aug 2025

Responsible Travel

At AMP Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Romania, rescued brown bears are given a second chance to live as they should—free to roam, forage and explore within a protected forest environment. The sanctuary provides lifelong care for bears rescued from captivity, offering a safe haven for animals that can no longer survive in the wild. Support for this project helps provide nutritious food, expert veterinary care and ongoing habitat management, ensuring every bear can live in dignity and comfort. The sanctuary also plays an important role in raising awareness about wildlife welfare, ethical tourism and the lasting impacts of animal exploitation.

Your support will help care for Jimmy, one of the sanctuary’s rescued residents. For 11 years, Jimmy was confined to a small concrete cage at a bread factory, deprived of the opportunity to behave naturally. Since his rescue, he has experienced the freedom of a natural forest habitat for the first time, feeling the earth beneath his paws and living alongside other rescued bears. By contributing to Jimmy’s ongoing care, you are helping transform the life of an individual animal while supporting the broader mission of protecting bears from cruelty and promoting compassionate wildlife conservation.

Extra trip info

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Since Greenland is a very large island it depends on where in Greenland you are. We operate in East Greenland (the Ammassalik region) and south Greenland and therefore there are two slightly different answers.

In short, the climate in East Greenland is an arctic Polar climate. The weather is calm, dry, sunny, and cool in temperatures for most of the year.

The climate in East Greenland’s Ammassalik region, where we operate, is typically Arctic Polar – calm, dry, sunny and cool for much of the year, with summer temperatures averaging around 5–10°C (41–50°F). In South Greenland, conditions are milder thanks to deep fjords, with a climate that sits between temperate and Arctic, and summer temperatures often a few degrees warmer, around 8–12°C (46–54°F).

No, the house is unlocked at times and is often used by other groups while you are on your trip. Please ensure you only bring what is required and needed, luggage storage is available in Keflavik International Airport in Iceland, before your departure to Greenland.

We recommend taking the most important equipment with you as cabin luggage during your flight or carry the respective clothes/shoes on your body, notably trekking boots and trousers, fleece shirt, warm and waterproof jacket, rain gear, functional underwear, glasses, hat, gloves, and everything else you consider important. In case of baggage loss, you are thus at least able to start the tour.

The luggage restrictions for the trip are 15 kg (33 lbs) per person + 6 kg (13 lbs) hand luggage. We strongly recommend that you travel with a duffel bag and a 30-40 liter daypack.

The best route is through Keflavik International Airport in Iceland. Be there at least 3 hours before departure, for check-in. Bring your passport since it‘s needed for travel to Greenland. This also applies to citizens in the Schengen area. The flight to Kulusuk is done with a Bombardier Dash 7 200 or Dash 7 400. The 200 has 35 seats and the 400 has 70 seats so it is a relatively small aircraft. The flight takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. Unpredictable weather such as wind or fog can occasionally affect flying times and cause delays.

The guide will meet the group at the airport upon arrival of the aircraft from Keflavik International Airport in Iceland. It‘s a very small airport, and the guide will make sure they are visible. It takes about 40 minutes to walk to the village and the guide will take the group there. A quad-bike with a trailer will take the larger luggage (duffel bags) to the house where you stay.

It depends on the Greenland trip you‘re going on. For trips like the Arctic Villages of Greenland trip a good sleeping bag for indoor accommodation is sufficient. For the Greenland trek: Karale and Icefjord a sleeping bag of comfort level 0° C to – 5° C (32 to 21°F) is advisable for a pleasant camping experience. If you don‘t have a suitable sleeping bag, please enquire to hire one from us (subject to availability)

Yes, boats transport all major equipment such as sleeping bags, food and tents every time the group changes location. You only carry your day pack (30-40 liter backpack).

The terrain we navigate during the hikes is uneven and sometimes rocky. In certain places we have a little trodden path while in other places we are totally off the beaten track. For the Greenland trek: Karale and Icefjord the days are typically 5-7 hours of active walking, while some other days take 4-5 hours to complete. The walks can include exposed sections or steep, rocky, stoney or uneven terrain.

It is therefore very important that participants are of reasonable fitness and experienced hikers.

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