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Highlights:
- Be part of the Saami reindeer herder's most important
annual event, a tradition which has taken place since time
began - the annual reindeer migration inside the Arctic
circle
- The thrill of crossing the barren arctic tundra on a
remote and uniquely challenging snowmobile adventure
- Open to only 12 people each year, worldwide
- An intimate glimpse into the ancient Saami culture,
which centers around connection to the earth & all
living things.
- Crossing the frozen expanse of the Arctic participating
in a self supporting journey
Description
An exclusive chance to undertake THE winter
adventure of a lifetime inside the Arctic Circle, assisting
the Saami people of Finnmark on their annual
reindeer migration. This opportunity is a rare
privilege granted by a Saami "siida"(a family group of
herders), which only fourteen people are invited to partake in
each year.
The Saami have for years shunned
interaction with outsiders. They have good reason for this;
many attempts have been made in the past to eradicate them and
their 4,000 year old culture, based around their reindeer
herds and shamanic beliefs. Taking part in the reindeer
migration means eating, sleeping and breathing like a Saami
person. You will become part of a journey which runs deep into
the bloodlines of these enigmatic people, dating back
thousands of years.
The adventure begins in
Kirkenes, northern Norway, a small city located in
Finnmark, close to the Russian border. Here you will be
fully trained in the working methods of the Saami people and
learn how they guide their reindeer herds, before escorting
them from their winter grounds to the summer grazing area.
Your direct participation will be required at all
times. You will be living close to the reindeer, assisting
when necessary in herding them by skidoo, and moving
and sleeping as and when they do. This means long hours and
little sleep for up to five days.
This challenging
Arctic holiday is certainly not for the faint-hearted,
requiring determination, physical stamina, mental fortitude,
resilience to Arctic winter conditions and the hardships
associated with life in the open. For much of the time you
will be at the mercy of the elements, living rough and eating
as and when the moment allows. You will have entered the
aptly-named 'Land of Nothing', where ice and sky meld together
as one, even trees become scarce and white-outs are not
uncommon. This is an entirely self-sufficient
adventure, all you possess to sustain you is your skidoo
and your pulk (sledge). A good sense of humour is a
pre-requisite for anyone wishing to take part in this
journey.
The sense of achievement you will feel
upon completion is unforgettable, it is unquestionably a
journey with a significant purpose, a profound Arctic
experience akin to the world's greatest winter adventure
expeditions.
The leadersfor this 9-day adventure
is
one of Norway's top outdoorsmen.
Flexibility is the key, as only
the reindeers know exactly when they will be ready to begin
the migration! The Saami can judge by the behaviour of the
herd to within a couple of days as to when this is likely to
be. During the build-up we 'pre-position' ourselves so that we
are on hand to move at a moment's notice. We use the available
time to familiarize the team with putting up the lavvu tents,
lighting stoves, maintaining skidoos and driving in similar
terrain as we might encounter on the migration route as well
as eating and resting for the forthcoming rigors.
For a
full description of this journey please select 'click here to
download a full itinerary' above.
For further
information please contact us on +44(0)845 0047 801, or e-mail
adventures@highandwild.co.uk
Single
Supplements:
Please let us know if
you would like a single room whilst in Kirkeness. The
supplement for this is £75 per person. Whilst training and on
the migration the sleeping arrangements are
communal.
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