North Pole Express: Barneo Ice Camp

• Day 1 - Arrive Longyearbyen, Svalbard

  The itinerary outlined below is only a sample of a typical expedition to Barneo Ice Camp. Day-to-day activities may vary and are also weather dependent. Please note that all flights in the itinerary may be earlier or later than scheduled, depending on weather conditions.

  Upon arrival in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, you will be met at the airport by a member of the Quark Expeditions team. After settling in to your hotel, there will be a briefing about Barneo Ice Camp. You will be updated on current camp conditions, expedition details, and your departure the following day to 89° north. This evening the group will get together for a welcome dinner.

• Day 2 - Barneo Ice Camp and North Pole

  Accompanied by a member of the expedition team, we’ll transfer to the airport and board the special Antonov AN-74 aircraft for the approximately 2.5 hour flight to Barneo. One of the unique thrills of this expedition is landing on the ice runway at Barneo, a seasonal air strip constructed on the polar ice cap each year, and the only facility that allows external access to the base. Shortly after arriving at camp, we’ll have lunch and an introductory briefing will be conducted. Barneo is a functioning research base for scientists and adventurers from around the world, and it’s always a hive of activity.

  After lunch, it’s destination – North Pole! The excitement mounts as you prepare for your Mi8 helicopter flight to the northernmost point on earth. Here there is only ice, and the Arctic Ocean is approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) deep at this point. Weather conditions are closely monitored, and the flight will be scheduled accordingly. We’ll aim to land at 90° north. Once there, savor the moment – pose for pictures, walk around the world together, take it all in. You’ll spend about an hour here – walking, celebrating, and capturing those moments on camera – before the approximately 30-minute helicopter flight back to camp.

  Tonight, following dinner, you’ll rest up in your heated tent. Each co-ed tent houses 10-12 guests and is equipped with camp beds.

• Day 3 - Return to Longyearbyen

  After breakfast, you’ll have some time to wander around the camp and take in the last moments of your pristine surroundings before you bid farewell to Barneo Ice Camp and return to Longyearbyen. In Longyearbyen you may wish to visit the museum, shop for souvenirs, or just walk through the town, before you depart.

  The itinerary outlined above is only a sample of a typical expedition to Barneo Ice Camp. Day-to-day activities may vary and are also weather-dependent. Please note that all flights in the itinerary may be earlier or later than scheduled, depending on weather conditions.

  IMPORTANT REMINDER: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

  PLEASE NOTE: Dates of operation may be altered due to weather and ice conditions. Please be aware of this when making international flight arrangements. Consider purchasing flexible, changeable airline tickets, or booking a one-way flight home after completing the expedition, to help reduce ticket change fees. These delays may not be covered by travel insurance.

  TRIP INTERRUPTION AND CANCELLATION INSURANCE IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.

Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your captain and expedition leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.