North Pole Express: Barneo Ice Camp The pinnacle of this five-day expedition is spending two nights at 89 north at Barneo Ice Camp. This temporary, fly-in camp site is truly the most unique North Pole experiences on offer 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 to be a functioning Russian 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 air via helicopter flight as well as on land 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 (Norway). EXPEDITION IN BRIEF: 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 Tread shifting ice to reach the North Pole Learn first-hand about the scientific and research activities being conducted at this floating research station Explore the unique culture of Longyearbyen, Norway DID YOU KNOW? 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. NORTH POLE EXPRESS: BARNEO ICE CAMP EXPEDITION DOSSIER 1
Itinerary SAMPLE ITINERARY 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 stated, depending on weather conditions. GEOGRAPHIC NORTH POLE 90 BARNEO ICE CAMP DAY 1 Arrive Longyearbyen Upon arrival in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, you will be met at the airport by a member of the Quark Expeditions team. After settling in to your hotel, there will be a briefing about your expedition to Barneo Ice Camp. You will be updated on current camp conditions, tour details, and the times for your departure the following day to 89 north. This evening the group will get together for a welcome dinner. Guests will receive a special edition Quark Expeditions parka (yours to keep) and will be outfitted with special cold weather boots, on loan for the voyage. DAY 2 Barneo Ice Camp Accompanied by a member of the Quark Expeditions team, we ll transfer to the airport and board the special Antonov AN-74 aircraft for the three hour flight to Barneo. One of the unique thrills of this expedition is landing on the ice runway at Barneo, a temporary air strip constructed on the polar ice ICELAND NORWAY OSLO Actual itinerary may vary based on conditions and voyage length. cap each year, and the only facility that allows external access to the base. Shortly after arriving at camp, lunch will be served 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. Tonight, following dinner, you ll rest up in your well-heated tent each tent houses 12 guests and is equipped with camp beds to prepare for your exciting adventure ahead. LONGYEARBYEN DAY 3 North Pole 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 about 600 ft (200 metres) from the North Pole, where the group will WANT TO STAY LONGER, OR ARRIVE EARLIER? Contact our Polar Travel Advisers via email, live chat or phone (1.888.892.0073) for seamless, worry-free booking of all trip extensions. NORTH POLE EXPRESS: BARNEO ICE CAMP EXPEDITION DOSSIER 2
traverse shifting ice en route to 90 north. Once there, savor the moment pose for pictures, enjoy a celebratory drink, 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 40-minute helicopter flight back to camp. DAY 5 Departure Transfer to the airport after breakfast today for your return flight home, or spend time exploring Longyearbyen. At camp, there will be lectures about polar exploration, North Pole expeditions and climate science. Enjoy a hearty, hot lunch and the 24-hour beverage station. Later this evening, after a celebration dinner, you ll learn more about the history, geography and wildlife of the area. Presentation topics range from the first intentional drifting ice station, to arctic mammals including walrus, ringed seals, ribbon seals and polar bears. Tonight, you will also receive your certificate from the Russian Geographical Society Expedition Centre, certifying you have reached the geographic North Pole. DAY 4 Return to Longyearbyen After a relaxing breakfast, you ll have some time to wander around the camp and take in those 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. A special farewell dinner is planned to swap stories and recount the details of your expedition to Barneo Ice Camp and the North Pole. WANT TO STAY LONGER, OR ARRIVE EARLIER? Contact our Polar Travel Advisers via email, live chat or phone (1.888.892.0073) for seamless, worry-free booking of all trip extensions. NORTH POLE EXPRESS: BARNEO ICE CAMP EXPEDITION DOSSIER 3
Inclusions THIS EXPEDITION INCLUDES One night pre- and post-expedition hotel accommodation based on double occupancy with breakfast in Longyearbyen Arrival transfer from Longyearbyen airport Welcome and farewell dinners at Longyearbyen hotel Shared tent accommodation at Barneo Ice Camp All breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks at Barneo Ice Camp All activities per the daily program Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader and guides A daily program of lectures by scientists and experts All transfers and flights per the daily program Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team Photographic journal documenting the expedition Thermal expedition boots on loan A special edition Quark Expeditions parka to keep Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock 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 Group helicopter excursion to the North Pole (weather dependent) Note: Baggage allowance on charter flight is 22 lbs (10 kg) carryon. Checked luggage is not permitted. THIS EXPEDITION EXCLUDES International airfare Passport and applicable visa expenses Government arrival and departure taxes Meals outside the camp unless otherwise specified Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance Excess baggage charges Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified Telecommunication charges Extra overnight accommodations required due to flight connections Additional expenses (meals, accommodation, international flight change fees, etc.) incurred by delay or cancellation of activities due to suboptimal weather TRIP INTERRUPTION AND CANCELLATION INSURANCE IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED 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. 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. NORTH POLE EXPRESS: BARNEO ICE CAMP EXPEDITION DOSSIER 4
Dates & Rates NORTH POLE EXPRESS Barneo Ice Camp Dates Days Emb/Disemb Per Person Apr 13-17, 16 5 Longyearbyen $28,995 Apr 15-19, 16 5 Longyearbyen $28,995 All rates per person in USD, based on double occupancy at the Longyearbyen hotel, and shared tented accommodation at Barneo Ice Camp. Upgrade to a private hotel room in Longyearbyen for $400 per person. HOW TO BOOK YOUR EXPEDITION & ADVENTURE OPTIONS To book your cabin or inquire about the availabilty of Adventure Options, contact a Polar Travel Adviser 1.888.892.0073 (+1.203.803.2666). 1-888-892-0073 NORTH POLE EXPRESS: BARNEO ICE CAMP EXPEDITION DOSSIER 5