North Pole Express: Barneo Ice Camp

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1 North Pole Express: Barneo Ice Camp The pinnacle of this three-day expedition is spending one night at 89 north at Barneo Ice Camp. This seasonal, fly-in base camp is truly a unique North Pole experience and ideal for those seeking a short, but adventurous journey to the top of the world. You ll be one of a limited group to land on a runway made of ice, and take up temporary residence at this unequalled base camp on the frozen Arctic Ocean. Established each year to be a functioning Russian science and logistics station, the site is operated by the Expeditionary Center for the Russian Geographical Society. Among your fellow guests and base staff, you may meet scientists, pilots, mechanics, engineers, and explorers. This expedition offers a fully-guided opportunity to achieve the North Pole by helicopter. Guests will enjoy heated facilities and hearty meals, all accessible within an approx. 2.5 hour flight from Longyearbyen, Svalbard (Norway). EXPEDITION IN BRIEF: Fly-in to one of the most remote and extraordinary expedition base camps in the world Reach the top of the world by Antonov AN-74 aircraft and Mi8 helicopter Learn first hand about the scientific and research activities being conducted at this research station Explore the unique culture of Longyearbyen, Norway before the base camp 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

2 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 scheduled, depending on weather conditions. DAY 1 Arrive Longyearbyen, Norway 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 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 Quark Expeditions team, we ll transfer to the airport and board the special Antonov AN-74 aircraft for the approximately 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 Actual itinerary may vary based on weather conditions. 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 approximately 30-minute helicopter flight back to camp. Tonight, following dinner, you ll rest up in your heated tent. Each co-ed tent houses guests and is equipped with camp beds. DAY 3 Return to Longyearbyen 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. READY TO BOOK? Contact our Polar Travel Advisers via , live chat or phone ( ) for seamless, worry-free booking of all trips. NORTH POLE EXPRESS: BARNEO ICE CAMP EXPEDITION DOSSIER 2

3 Arrival & Departure Details Welcome! As you prepare for your journey, you may be interested to know the details of your arrival and departure. Since air transportation to and from your voyage is not included in the cost of your expedition, you will need to arrange flights from your home to the starting point, and home again from the finishing point. Quark Expeditions can assist you with booking air arrangements on an individual basis, or feel free to contact your preferred travel agent or airline. Here are the details for your expedition. Arrival Day and Embarkation ARRIVING IN LONGYEARBYEN You may arrive in Longyearbyen at any time during Day 1 of the itinerary. Based on the arrival information you send us, we will arrange for a transfer from the airport to your hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel, once you have had a chance to settle in, you will make your way to Quark Expeditions meeting room, where you will collect your boots and parka, which you need for the following day s flight. A welcome briefing hosted by a Quark Expeditions representative will follow the boot and parka distribution. Please note: There is a strict luggage limit of 33 lbs (15 kg) cabin baggage on the flights between Longyearbyen and Barneo Ice Camp. Should you have additional luggage, it can be stored at the hotel in Longyearbyen. There is NO option to pay for additional luggage. FLYING TO BARNEO ICE CAMP Your flight to the North Pole is expected to depart from Longyearbyen to Barneo Ice Camp on Day 2 of the itinerary. Although the scheduled flight time will be communicated at your welcome briefing, there is significant variability based on weather conditions. You should be prepared to depart the hotel for the airport on our group transfer at any time. CONTINGENCY PLAN If the plane is unable to depart Longyearbyen on the planned date of the flight to Barneo Ice Camp, any additional nights hotel accommodations will be your responsibility. You may be required to be on standby and remain close to the hotel, as a weather window may open with very little notice. It is unlikely the expedition would be cancelled, but it is possible that weather could delay departure for a number of days. 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. Final Day and Departure FLYING FROM BARNEO ICE CAMP On the final morning, you will have time after breakfast to bid farewell to your Expedition Team and camp mates before boarding the plane back to Longyearbyen. The flight takes about 2.5 hours. DEPARTING FROM LONGYEARBYEN Upon arrival in Longyearbyen, you are free to connect to your homeward flights, or if you have arranged for extra time in Longyearbyen, make your way to your separately booked accommodation. Please note: Weather conditions can always delay our arrival, and airline schedule changes have also been known to occur. Booking flexible tickets is always encouraged, as we cannot be held responsible for delays due to unforeseen circumstances. A post-expedition hotel night is recommended. LET US HELP YOU BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS! To book flights to complement your expedition, contact a Polar Travel Adviser ( ) for seamless, worry-free booking of all flights. NORTH POLE EXPRESS: BARNEO ICE CAMP EXPEDITION DOSSIER 3

4 Included Hotel Accommodations Your included accommodation begins on Day 1 of your itinerary, and the specific hotel(s) will be indicated on your final voyage confirmation. If you are arriving prior to Day 1 of your expedition or are staying after the disembarkation day, please contact your Polar Travel Adviser for hotel options. Since accommodation space is limited, you are encouraged to request any extra nights as early as possible. Arrival and Departure Transfers LONGYEARBYEN AIRPORT TRANSFERS Arrival transfers in Longyearbyen are included. Please provide your flight information to your Polar Travel Adviser so that a transfer can be arranged for you. Departure transfers in Longyearbyen are not included in the expedition; however, your Polar Travel Adviser can arrange them for you. In order to facilitate your transfers, we request that you provide your flight details to Quark Expeditions at least 30 days prior to traveling. LET US HELP YOU BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS! To book flights to complement your expedition, contact a Polar Travel Adviser ( ) for seamless, worry-free booking of all flights. NORTH POLE EXPRESS: BARNEO ICE CAMP EXPEDITION DOSSIER 4

5 Inclusions THIS EXPEDITION INCLUDES 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$500,000 per person THIS EXPEDITION EXCLUDES International airfare Passport and applicable visa expenses Government arrival and departure taxes Meals unless otherwise specified Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance strongly recommended 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 suboptimal weather PLEASE NOTE Dates of operation may be altered due to weather and ice conditions. Please be aware of this 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. TRIP INTERRUPTION AND CANCELLATION INSURANCE IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED Note: Baggage allowance on charter flight is 33 lbs (15 kg) carry-on. Checked luggage is not permitted. 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. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. Last updated January 6, 2017 NORTH POLE EXPRESS: BARNEO ICE CAMP EXPEDITION DOSSIER 5

6 Dates & Rates NORTH POLE EXPRESS Barneo Ice Camp Dates Days Arrive/Depart Per Person April 13 - April 15, Longyearbyen $20,995 All rates per person in USD, based on double occupancy at the Longyearbyen hotel, and co-ed shared accommodation at Barneo Ice Camp. HOW TO BOOK YOUR EXPEDITION To book your spot, contact a Polar Travel Adviser at ( ) NORTH POLE EXPRESS: BARNEO ICE CAMP EXPEDITION DOSSIER 6