AUG 25 - SEPT 1 (BANK HOLIDAY) – THE KUNGSLEDEN – TREK THE SWEDISH ARCTIC

Join Backabush to trek into the Arctic, stay in remote cabins and relax in woodfired saunas with glacial valley views.

Cost - £749. Group size – 14. Accommodation - 1 Hostel (twin rooms), 2 Serviced mountain stations and 4 remote mountain huts.

Lying within the Arctic Circle, the King's Trail runs through Sweden's most beautiful mountain scenery, traversing the land of the Samí people and the midnight sun. Listed as one of the "World's Best Hikes" by National Geographic, the trail passes through a magnificent and ever-changing panorama of snowy mountains, deep glacial valleys, open fell, expansive lakes and alpine forests.

Our six-day hut to hut route is about 105 kilometres long and will take us from Nikkaluokta to Abisko, passing by the rugged Laponia mountains and traversing the Tjäktjavagge, a 30km glacial valley with magnificent views along its entire length. The terrain is beautifully stark and remote, however benefits from a network of scenically located ‘fjällstugor’, Swedish staffed wilderness cabins with self catering kitchens, and traditional saunas.

We have secured bookings for our group in one of these charming cabins each night. All provide comfortable dorm rooms with beds and bedding (you will need to bring your own sleeping bag liner). Most of the cabins also have a small shop where you can buy basic supplies like expeditions meals and other non perishable food. We will also stay in a larger 'Mountain Station' at either end of the trail where we have the option of a delicious 3 course meal at the restaurant and a breakfast buffet in the morning.

Sweden benefits from a much milder climate than most other regions that lie so far north due to the moderating influence of the Gulf Stream. In summer we can expect predominantly high-pressure weather systems bringing stable weather.

Swedish Lapland is often referred to as Europe’s last great wilderness and is home to a remarkable group of wild animals including brown bear, wolferine, arctic fox, moose and many others. This is also Sápmi, home of the Samí people whose close relationship with the reindeer has underpinned their existence sine the last ice age.

ITINERARY:

Tue 25 Aug – Arrival in Kiruna, overnight in a Kiruna-based hostel

Wed 26 Aug – Bus to Nikkaluokta (1.5hr), start of the trek - Nikkaluota to Kebnekaise (17.9km). Breakfast & Dinner incl.

Thu 27 Aug –Kebnekaise to Sälka (24.4km)

Fri 28 Aug - Sälka to Tjäktja (12.5km) (short additional hike to peak with amazing views possible from hut)

Sat 29 Aug - Tjäktja to Alesjaure (13.1km)

Sun 30 Aug – Alesjaure to Abiskojaure (20.3km)

Mon 31 Aug - Abiskojaure to Abisko (13.3km). Our final destination is Abisko where we have our final night of accommodation at the Abisko Turistation. Dinner incl

Tue 1 Sept - From Abisko trains run back to Kiruna for our journey home. I will provide details of exactly what transport options to book from Abisko to connect with recommended flights.

DIFFICULTY:
The trek does not involve technical mountaineering and elevation profiles are moderate however some days will be demanding due to their length and rocky trails. You will need to have a good level of hiking fitness, capable of walking a maximum of 15 miles (24.4km) with up to 500m ascent/descent.
We will also need to carry our clothes and toiletries for the 6 days of hiking as well as some limited food supplies. This means we need to be prepared to carry bags weighing up to around 12kg at the start of the hike.

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

• A guided trekking experience
• 2 x 3 course evening meals at the mountain station restaurants
• 1 night hostel accommodation (breakfast incl) in Kiruna at the start of the trip (shared twin rooms)
• 4 nights Swedish mountain hut accommodation (shared rooms)
• 2 nights in the larger serviced mountain stations (shared rooms)
• Logistical planning and support (advice on flights, trains, buses, food supplies, equipment etc)
• Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:

• Flights & airport transfers
• Bus transport to the trailhead from Kiruna to Nikkaluokta (around £20)
• Public transport from Abisko to Kiruna Airport after the trek
• Meals not specified in the itinerary
• Sleeping bag liner
• Travel insurance with remote rescue cover.

TRAVEL:
Recommended connecting flights with Scandinavian Airlines (Operated by SAS Connect) to Kiruna:

Outbound - Tuesday 25th August:
SK 1530 London Heathrow LHR 06:40 – Stockholm Arlanda ARN 10:05
SK 1042 Stockholm Arlanda ARN 11:40 – Kiruna KRN 13:15

Inbound - Tuesday 1 September:
SK 1045 Kiruna KRN 13:45 – Stockholm Arlanda ARN 15:20
SK 533 Stockholm Arlanda ARN 18:20 – London Heathrow LHR 19:55

If you choose to book alternative travel you will need to arrive in Kiruna on or before Tuesday 25th August.

HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:

To confirm your place on this trip use online banking. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. Please use KUNGSLEDEN as your payment reference. The account details are:

Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622

The following "terms and conditions" apply to all trip reservations:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/

Only payment secures your place. Please email nathancapay@googlemail.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you.