Join a company of like-minded hikers on a journey of a lifetime you'll never forget! Bring back a unique photo-album of the most emotional moments of the trip captured by talented photographer Alex Mironyuk who will travel with our Team! 📸 🏔 🤩
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
🌟 From the Anchorage to the coast of the Kenai Peninsula - encounter incredible wilderness trails, get close to imposing glaciers, ice-fields , fjords and dramatic peaks and unique wildlife!
🌟 Hike to 5 glaciers in this trip, including the epic Harding Icefield Trail, a spectacular route alongside Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park
🌟 Travel by private van, catamaran, scenic train ride, and of course on your own foot - get immersed in the untouched splendor of America’s Last Frontier!
🌟 Treat yourself with additional day and see the highest Alaska's peak and one of the world's highest - Mt. Denali 20,320' (aka Mt. McKinley) up close on a flight-seeing tour from Talkeetna town
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✈️ Arrival /Departure: Anchorage (ANC)
🍭 Kids: 16+ OK with previous hiking experience. NO discounts are given
🏩 Lodging: PREMIUM Class Hotels & lodges, dbl rooms
🤗 Group size: 10-12 travelers
🥾 Level of difficulty: Upper Intermediate (for experienced hikers able to walk up to 10 mi/day approx up to 8hrs with elevation gain up to 2500 feet on average. Max elevation gain on this trip is 3800 feet (can be an optional activity).
🎯 COVID-19 test
The state of Alaska has no special requirement for travelers. Please see the latest updates: https://covid19.alaska.gov/travelers/
Fully vaccinated travelers don't require a proof of a test. Make sure you have your vaccination certificate by hand when you travel. We suggest you have your second vaccine done no later than 14 days prior to departure.
Not vaccinated travelers - we suggest you take a covid test in 72hrs or less prior to departure anyway just in case.
Having all necessary documents is responsibility of every traveler and not a responsibility of Organizers. If a travelers fails to represent the required docx on request of authorities, no refunds or partial refunds are given for unused tours.
🎯 Trip terms and Cancellation Policy
Participant can cancel their trip anytime prior departure with the following penalties:
Registration deposit is non-refundable after being paid
Cancellation 45 to 21 days before departure - up to 50% of the Trip cost
Cancellation 20 to 0 calendar days before departure – non refundable. Trip cancellation insurance is advisable; it protects all registration deposits and payments for both air and land cost.
🎯 The day-by-day itinerary below and the order of activities is draft version and subject to change to improve traveler's experience or due to weather conditions etc.
July is the absolute best time to visit Alaska for summer activities.
The days are long, nature is in full bloom, and the air is alive with energy.
Temperatures
Alaska summer temperatures are surprisingly pleasant. Daytime highs range 60°F - 65°F. Nighttime lows are refreshingly cool, dipping into the 40's - 50's.
A down-jacket is recommended to keep you warm for chilly mornings and evenings, as well as fleece beanie and gloves. Even if you don't use them, it's still good to have anyways.
Rain
The weather typically gets rainier as summer progresses.
In July you can expect on average 7 to 10 days of rainfall. By August, the chance of rain is just over 50%. Please be prepared for rain anytime and bring rain-poncho and make sure your hiking boots are sturdy and water-proof.
Bugs
Mosquitos in Alaska may not be as big a problem as you might think, but can still be an inconvenience on hiking trails. Bring a mosquito repellent, covering your face and neck with a mosquito net is recommended for bugs protection as well.
Gear items:
- Suitcase OR Duffel for your MAIN luggage - PLEASE NO BULKY LUGGAGE ITEMS, PACK COMPACT as we don’t have much room in the van trunk. Carry-on size is preferred.
(However, if you can't fit you stuff into carry on size luggage, you can fly to/from Alaska with any size of suitecase and leave it in the hotel storage in Anchorage on arrival, and then repack into smaller size duffel or backpack for the days of travel)
- A small backpack 28-35L for day-hikes (it should fit the following: your water reservoir, an extra layer, your personal hiking snack, sunblock, and your personal first aid kit)
- A rainproof cover for your day-pack
- Head lamp (it is good to have light when your hands are free always keep it in your backpack on a hiking trail)
- Trekking poles – a must have for steep downhill trails (collapsable are better. Note: Standard hiking poles are not allowed in carry on luggage during flights, collapsable ones haven't been a problem however it depends on airline rules)
- Micro spikes for Exit glacier hiking on icy surface (not possible to rent locally). For example: Black Diamond Blitz Spike Traction Devices in REI $39USD.
- Water bottle or camelback reservoir (1.5 to 2L)
- Small bags for your personal trash/leftovers for hiking days
- Sunblock (UV 50+)
- Lip balm (UV protection)
- Personal toiletries : toothpaste, toothbrush etc.
- Mosquito repellent (must have!)
- Mosquito net to wear over your sunhat - recommended (Cost around $15 USD on Amazon)
- Your personal first aid kit (your personal medicines you can’t do without)
- Sunglasses
- Face mask (needed on a flight and indoor public places, visitor centers etc)
- Ear plugs, if you are a sensitive sleeper
- Gaiters (protection for your boots and pants from mud, wet and dust) - recommended
Hiking Outfit:
- Good sturdy high-ankled and waterproof hiking boots, well-worn before the trip (!) Please no brand new boots, try them a few times on hiking trails before the trip to avoid painful blisters while on travel
- Comfortable tennis shoes (it's good to have a change of shoes for off-trail activities)
- Windproof hiking pants (long pants, no shorts please)
- Optional: thin thermo or leggings to wear under hiking pants if you get cold easily
- Light long-sleeved loose shirt for hiking (protection from sun, insects)
- A change of long/short-sleeved t-shirts as a base layer for hiking (preferably a quick-dry fabric, not cotton)
- A change of long hiking socks (not cotton. merino wool is the best)
- Fleece jacket or light sweater
- A windbreaker, better if waterproof fabric
- Rain poncho (must have) - lightweight is better, any rain-cover will work
- A lightweight down-jacket (650-700 down fill) for chilly evenings and mornings
- Sunhat
- Fleece/wool beanie for chilly evenings and mornings, as well as windy days
- Waterproof lightweight gloves for chilly weather and glacier hiking
- Optional: lightweight quick-dry personal towel & swimsuit (if you planning on swimming in the mountain lakes :)
Arrival in Anchorage on the afternoon flight.
Take an airport shuttle to hotel, check-in.
Group Introduction and team briefing at group dinner.
Overnight in Anchorage (Hotel La Quinta or similar)