Beyond the Beaten Tracks

Engholm Lodge outside Karasjok — in the heart of Sámi culture — is your base for all four days. The programme includes one day trip with the sled dogs and one day trip by snowmobile to a traditional Sámi reindeer herder and his herd at their winter pasture on the plateau. All three nights are at the lodge.

Good to know

We reserve the right to change the order of the days. An extra day trip with the dog sled on a different route, instead of the visit to the reindeer herd, may be possible — this must be agreed in advance.

Day by day plan

Day 1

Arrival at Engholm Lodge in Karasjok. The programme starts with dinner at 19.00. Then your guide gives you all the information about the tour.

Day 2 · Dog sledding

The morning is spent fitting out Arctic snowsuits, boots and so on, organising the teams of huskies and learning the basics of caring for your team and driving the sleds. On the day trip we drive in varied terrain, beyond the beaten tracks — a good chance to see moose. We stop for a lunch break around an open fire. Close-up nature impressions together with a guide who likes to share his knowledge and admiration of nature and outdoor life with you.

A reasonable level of fitness, concentration and a sense of balance are the key attributes needed. You will have your "own" sled and be responsible for 4–6 dogs. Participants with previous dog-sledding experience usually drive a single team. Participants without experience normally start out with a tandem team — two sleds and 8–10 dogs — sharing the team with a partner or the guide. The guide and the participants decide together whether a double or a single team is best. 25–47 km.

Day 3 · Reindeer herders

This day will be memorable. We travel beyond the beaten tracks by snowmobile to a winter settlement of Sámi reindeer herders, who make their living here on the winter pasture. You are picked up at 10.00 at Engholm Lodge by the herder with his snowmobile and taken by sled to the herd. We spend the day with the family, join their daily life with the reindeer and gain an insight into their way of living and herding. This adventure is a unique privilege, made available to a few by a Sámi family from Karasjok.

Back at the lodge we have a cosy wood-fired sauna ready on request for those tempted — maybe with the northern lights above.

Day 4

The programme ends after breakfast.

It is worth considering staying a few extra days for other activities as a lodge guest. There is always a lot happening on the farm — puppies learning to socialise — and many interesting books to read in the "Dog musher library". Smaller outings can be ventured on your own if you wish: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, a tour with our kick-sleds or walking. You can also book an extra sled dog tour, a snowmobile tour or an evening activity. Local handicrafts and shops are found in Karasjok, the Sámi village; the National Sámi Museum, a guided tour of the Norwegian Sámi Parliament, the Sámi art gallery, the Sápmi theme park and the local knife smith are also worth visiting.

The price includes

• All meals from dinner at 19.00 on day one until breakfast on the last day
• All tour equipment
• Arctic clothing for mushing — see the equipment list
• Guide and activities according to the programme
• Design-cabin accommodation at the lodge
• Dormitory at the mountain cabins

Not included

• Personal equipment
• Individual services
• Insurance
• Transport to and from the lodge

The full terms are in the booking terms.