Experiences you'll have
Helicopter expedition is the fastest and the most affordable way to get to the North pole. Unlike the 13-days cruise by the nuclear icebreaker, this tour will let you reach the top of the world in just 3 days.
Taking off from Spitsbergen by the AN-74 aircraft, you will land on the ice camp "Barneo", located on a drifting ice floe near the North Pole. You will get a chance to learn all about the North pole firsthand: meet with scientists working at the polar station and see in what conditions the Arctic expeditions are held. You will spend a day like a real polar explorer. The next day you will fly to the North Pole by Mi-8 helicopter
Taking inro account the short duration of the spring season, you will be the first tourists to reach the top of the world in 2022
Different optional activities are available for you to get even more exciting experience of visiting the North Pole:
These options require a prior booking, so if you wish, please leave a comment in the application.
Note: special prepayment conditions apply for this tour. You will need to pay a deposit of 3 000 EURO per person within 5 days of the invoice and make full payment for the tour by March 1, 2022.
Itinerary
The journey begins on Svalbard, in Longyearbyen, where you should travel to on your own. We are ready to help with the purchase of tickets. If necessary, leave a comment in the application.
Note: the Arctic ocean is one of the most unpredictable and unfriendly places on our planet. Therefore, the expedition dates as well as the program itself may change depending on weather, ice or other conditions.
We strongly recommend you to leave 2-3 additional days before and after the trip and to take out an insurance against the impossibility of full or partial participation in the expedition.
Day 1 Arrive to Longyearbyen
Today you will arrive to Longyearbyen on Svalbard. Until the evening you will have free time to get acquainted with the northernmost settlement in the world. You can go for a walk around the town or ride a snowmobile or a dog sled.
Also today you will have an information briefing. You will learn about the current situation in the area of the ice camp "Barneo", the schedule of departure, as well as will be able to ask all your questions.
You will spend the night at the Longyearbyen hotel. Accommodation, transfers, meals and all activities on this day are paid additionally.
Day 2 Day at the Barneo station
In the morning you will move to the airport and board the special Antonov AN-74 aircraft for the approximately 2,5-hour flight to Barneo. It is the ice camp, located on a drifting ice floe at 89 degrees North latitude.
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 to the camp, you will have lunch and an introductory briefing. Then you will have free time to get acquainted with the peculiarities of the daily life of the drifting station. You will meet with scientists, observe the work of Arctic expeditions. If desired, you will try yourself in the role of an polar explorer: you will ski a short distance on the drifting ice with a loaded sled.
In the evening you will have dinner and rest in the spacious heated tents.
Day 3 Achieving the North Pole
Today the MI-8 helicopter will take you to the geographical North Pole. After 30-40 minutes flight you will find yourself on the top of the planet. With the help of GPS-devices, you will determine the point where all the meridians converge, and install a memorial pillar at this spot.
You will spend about 1-2 hours here — walking, celebrating and capturing those moments on camera. Then you will take the helicopter back to the Barneo ice camp.
After lunch in the camp you will have free time. If desired, you can take advantage of optional features in the camp Barneo: swim in a special ice pool in the waters of the Arctic ocean, take the polar bath, dive under the ice or jump with a parachute. These options are important to book in advance, so if desired, please leave a comment on the application.
In the evening you will depart for Longyearbyen by AN-74 aircraft. If you wish, you can stay on Svalbard for a few more days or go to the airport.
Accommodation during the trip
You will spend the first night in the hotel, that you should book by yourself in advance. We are ready to help with the booking. If necessary, leave a comment in the application.
The second day of expedition you will stay at the Barneo Ice Camp, located at 89° north on a drifting ice floe. There are special heated tents, that can accommodate 10 up 12 people. The tents are made of modern thermal insulation material that can resist low temperatures and strong winds. The temperature inside the tent is around +68°F (20°C). You will be provided with a portable awning beds and sleeping bags.
Common questions
Outside temperatures can range from minus 4°F to minus 25°F (minus 20°C to minus 30°C)
Children under 16 years old accompanied by parents receive a 50% discount.
Booking
Accommodation during the trip
Languages
flights Longyearbyen – Barneo – Longyearbyen by AN-74
flight to the North pole by Mi-8 helicopter
accommodation at the ice camp "Barneo" in heated tents
full board at the ice camp "Barneo"
all transfers as per program
baggage (up to 15 kg) to the ice camp "Barneo"
guides' services
pre-expedition materials
a memorable certificate of reaching the North pole
transfers in Longyearbyen (except for those specified in the program)
alcoholic drinks (except for drinks at the welcome and farewell dinner)
health insurance covering emergency evacuation from hard-to-reach places (up 100 000 EURO)
baggage in excess to the ice camp "Barneo" (+20 EURO/kg)
unexpected expenses related to flight delays
flights Longyearbyen – Barneo – Longyearbyen by AN-74
flight to the North pole by Mi-8 helicopter
accommodation at the ice camp "Barneo" in heated tents
full board at the ice camp "Barneo"
all transfers as per program
baggage (up to 15 kg) to the ice camp "Barneo"
guides' services
pre-expedition materials
a memorable certificate of reaching the North pole
transfers in Longyearbyen (except for those specified in the program)
alcoholic drinks (except for drinks at the welcome and farewell dinner)
health insurance covering emergency evacuation from hard-to-reach places (up 100 000 EURO)
baggage in excess to the ice camp "Barneo" (+20 EURO/kg)
unexpected expenses related to flight delays
North Pole express