North Pole Express: Barneo Ice Camp

North Pole

The pinnacle of this three-day expedition is spending the night at 89° North at Barneo Ice Camp. This unique polar experience is ideal for those seeking a short, but adventurous journey to the top of the world. You’ll be one of an exclusive group to land on the frozen runway and take up residence on this unequalled floating site on the icy sea of the North Polar Basin. Enjoy fully-guided adventures in the northernmost Arctic by helicopter, snowshoe and on foot, with lectures by the expedition team and resident scientists, all accessible within a short flight from Longyearbyen, Svalbard

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Fly-in to one of the most remote, extraordinary expedition base camps in the world
Reach the top of the world by Antonov AN-74 aircraft, Mi8 helicopter, and by foot
Special edition parka, provided for Arctic temperatures of -25°F (-32°C) on average
Learn first-hand about the scientific and research activities being conducted at this floating research station
Explore the unique culture of Longyearbyen, Norway before and after the base camp

Stewart's Take

A truly amazing and new way to reach the Top of the World!

Overview

The pinnacle of this three-day expedition is spending two nights at 89° North at Barneo Ice Camp. This temporary, fly-in camp site is one of the world's most unique polar experiences and ideal for those seeking a short, but adventurous journey to the top of the world. You’ll be one of an exclusive group to land on the frozen runway and take up temporary residence on this unequalled floating site on the icy sea of the North Polar Basin.

Established each year as a functioning science and logistics station, the site is operated by the Expedition Center for the Russian Geographical Society. Among your fellow guests and base staff, you’ll meet scientists, pilots, mechanics, engineers, and explorers. This expedition offers fully-guided opportunities for exploring the northernmost Arctic by helicopter as well as by snowshoe and on foot. Guests can take in lectures and presentations by the expedition team and resident scientists, and enjoy heated facilities and hearty meals, all accessible within a short flight from Longyearbyen, Svalbard.

Day 1 — Arrive Longyearbyen, Norway Upon arrival in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, you will be met at the airport by a member of the expedition team. After settling in to your hotel, there will be a briefing about Barneo Ice Camp. You will be updated on current camp conditions, expedition details, and your departure the following day to 89° north. This evening the group will get together for a welcome dinner. Day 2 — Barneo Ice Camp and North Pole Accompanied by a member of the expedition team, we’ll transfer to the airport and board the special Antonov AN-74 aircraft for the approx. 2.5 hour flight to Barneo. 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 at camp, we’ll have lunch and an introductory briefing will be conducted. Barneo is a functioning research base for scientists and adventurers from around the world, and it’s always a hive of activity. After lunch, it’s destination – North Pole! The excitement mounts as you prepare for your Mi8 helicopter flight to the northernmost point on earth. Here there is only ice, and the Arctic Ocean is approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) deep at this point. Weather conditions are closely monitored, and the flight will be scheduled accordingly. We’ll aim to land at 90° north. Once there, savor the moment – pose for pictures, walk around the world together, take it all in. You’ll spend about an hour here – walking, celebrating, and capturing those moments on camera – before the approx. 30-minute helicopter flight back to camp. Tonight, following dinner, you’ll rest up in your heated tent. Each co-ed tent houses 10-12 guests and is equipped with camp beds. Day 3 — North Pole After breakfast, you’ll have some time to wander around the camp and take in the last moments of your pristine surroundings before you bid farewell to Barneo Ice Camp and return to Longyearbyen. In Longyearbyen you may wish to visit the museum, shop for souvenirs, or just walk through the town, before you depart. The itinerary outlined below is only a sample of a typical expedition to Barneo Ice Camp. Day-to-day activities may vary and are also weather dependent. Please note that all flights in the itinerary may be earlier or later than scheduled, depending on weather conditions. IMPORTANT REMINDER: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. The above is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this expedition – please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. PLEASE NOTE: Dates of operation may be altered due to weather and ice conditions. Please bear this in mind when making international flight arrangements. Consider purchasing flexible, changeable airline tickets, or booking a one-way flight home after completing the expedition, to help reduce ticket change fees. These delays may not be covered by travel insurance

LAND PROGRAM: BARNEO ICE CAMP

Barneo Ice Camp is constructed every year through a complex series of logistics incorporating Ilyushin-76, Antonov-74 and Mi-8 flights from Moscow and Siberia, parachute and skydiver drops, specialist advisers and temporary camps on the Arctic Ocean.

Spitsbergen, Norway is the ideal starting point for this expedition, as we fly to Barneo Ice Camp at approximately 89N. Built as a drifting polar research facility, but used by adventurers and extreme sports enthusiasts alike, an expedition to Barneo will have you mingling with scientists, skiers, and explorers from around the world.

Accommodations are in dormitory style tents which sleep 10 to 12 people, and because your comfort is a priority, the tents are heated to 60 F to 65 F (15 C to 18 C). The relaxed atmosphere at the camp, and the friendly staff will make you feel right at home. The expedition staff will be happy to show you around and answer any questions you may have.

The highlight of the trip is reaching the North Pole, and we employ the power and Arctic-tested ruggedness of Mi8 helicopters to do just that. Celebrate your achievement with a champagne toast and a satellite phone call to anywhere in the world.

Outside temperatures can range from minus 4 F to minus 25 F (minus 20 C to minus 30 C), so once you’ve taken some photographs and reveled in triumph, head back to camp and swap stories with your fellow travellers.

For full information about Barneo Ice Camp click here:

Included

One night hotel accommodation based on double occupancy with breakfast in Longyearbyen
Welcome dinner in Longyearbyen
All transfers and flights per the daily program
Shared tent accommodation at Barneo Ice Camp
Group helicopter excursion to the North Pole (weather dependent)
All breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks at Barneo Ice Camp
Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
All activities per the daily program
Leadership throughout the expedition by our experienced Expedition Leader
Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Arctic Reader
All miscellaneous service taxes throughout the program
Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US$100,000 per person

Excluded

International airfare
Passport and applicable visa expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes
Meals unless otherwise specified
Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance
Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified
Phone and internet charges (Longyearbyen only)
Additional overnight accommodation
Additional expenses (meals, accommodation, international flight change fees, etc.) incurred by delay or cancellation of activities due to sub- optimal weather

TRIP INTERRUPTION AND CANCELLATION INSURANCE IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED

Rates and Share Bookings Prices shown are per person in US Dollars on a shared basis. Deposits Reservations require a deposit of 20% (minimum $1000 per person) at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. A payment link will be sent to you and this may be paid by major credit card. Bookings within 120 days of departure require full payment. Final Payments Balances are due 120 days prior to departure and may be paid by bank transfer. Cancellations All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. Cancellations received 180 days or more prior to departure, are refunded less a fee of $1000 per person. If cancellation is received between 179 days and 120 days, the full deposit is forfeited. If cancellation occurs less than 120 days prior to departure, all payments are forfeited. If full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and any unpaid balance is due immediately. We strongly recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance. Booking Terms Please read carefully the Terms and Conditions for Expeditions Online (link at the bottom of this page). This voyage is operated by Quark Expeditions and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as of the Shipping Company/transport carrier. Details will be forwarded to you at the time of booking.