AUGUST 5 - 12 – THE KUNGSLEDEN (KING’S TRAIL) – SWEDISH LAPLAND

Join Backabush to trek into the Arctic along Sweden's premier long-distance trek, the famous Kungsleden.

Cost - £635. Group size – 14. Accommodation - mountain huts and hostel

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 manned mountain huts.

We have secured bookings for our group in one of these charming mountain refuges each night. All provide comfortable dorm rooms with beds and bedding (you will need to bring your own sleeping bag liner), toilets and self-catering facilities. Some also provide a ‘bastu’ (sauna) and shop with limited food supplies. We will need to carry most of our food with us on the trail, usually in the form of dehydrated expedition meals.

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 5 Aug – Arrival in Kiruna, overnight in a Kiruna-based hostel

Wed 6 Aug – Bus to Nikkaluokta (1.5hr), start of the trek - Nikkaluota to Kebnekaise (17.9km)

Thu 7 Aug –Kebnekaise to Sälka (24.4km)

Fri 8 Aug - Sälka to Tjäktja (12.5km) (short additional hike to peak with amazing views possible from hut)

Sat 9 Aug - Tjäktja to Alesjaure (13.1km)

Sun 10 Aug – Alesjaure to Abiskojaure (20.3km)

Mon 11 Aug - Abiskojaure to Abisko (13.3km). Our final destination is Abisko where we have our final night of accommodation at the Abisko Turistation.

Tue 12 Aug - 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. 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 most of our own food supplies, some food can be bought at the mountain huts. This means we need to be prepared to carry bags weighing up to around 14kg at the start of the hike.

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

• 1 night hostel accommodation (breakfast incl) in Kiruna at the start of the trip (shared rooms)
• 5 nights Swedish mountain hut accommodation (shared rooms)
• 1 night in the Abisko Turistation hostel at the end of the trip (shared rooms)
• 1 Backabush trip leader
• Logistical planning and support (advice on flights, trains, buses, food supplies, equipment etc)
• An itinerary of hikes
• 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 £16)
• Public transport from Abisko to Kiruna Airport after the trek
• Food (lightweight dehydrated meals are best)
• Sleeping bag liner
• Travel insurance

TRAVEL:

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

Outbound - Tuesday 5th August:

SK 1530 London Heathrow LHR 06:40 – Stockholm Arlanda ARN 10:05
SK 1042 Stockholm Arlanda ARN 13:20 – Kiruna KRN 14:55

Inbound - Tuesday 12 August:

SK 1045 Kiruna KRN 14:00 – Stockholm Arlanda ARN 15:35
SK 533 Stockholm Arlanda ARN 18:15 – London Heathrow LHR 19:55

If you choose to book alternative travel you will need to arrive in Kiruna on Tuesday 5th 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

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