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Trek Iceland Action Cancer Iceland 2nd – 8th September 2016
Event Manual
Action Challenge have been leading inspirational team adventures across the globe for individuals, private groups, charities and corporate clients since 1999. Our trips enable people to experience the world’s most exhilarating locations, often in aid of charity. At the heart of every challenge is team spirit and fulfilment; together we take on once-in-a-lifetime adventures, achieve formidable goals and forge friendships for life.
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Trek Iceland Itinerary
DAY 1 - Fri 2nd DEPARTURE
We depart from Dublin on a mid-morning flight flying into Keflavik airport. Upon arrival we
are met by our guides who are going to be with us over the next few days, before transferring
to our refuge, approximately 3 hours away in the beautiful Southern Highlands. En route we
become acquainted with our new surroundings and enjoy views of lunar like landscapes includ-
ing Hekla, Iceland’s most famous volcano. We arrive at our refuge in Landmannahellir and this
evening we enjoy a welcome dinner.
DAY 2 - Sat 3rd LANDMANNALAUGAR 13.5KM
We depart from Landmannahellir 590m and trek across fields before skirting round the edge of glistening Lake Lodmundavatn.
After lunch our trail continues through magnificent lava fields scattered with large eerie boulders. We then drop down to a gorge
and exit into a flat sandy plain and we trek along the shores of Lake Frostastaoavatn before ascending the penultimate hill. The last
stretch of the day is a steep descent passing the geothermal pools for which this area is known. Overnight camp at Landman-
nalaugar 575m.
DAY 3 - Sun 4th ÁLFTAVATN 25KM
After an early breakfast we begin our challenge by trekking through lava fields and contrasting
stark snow fields. Eventually we reach Storihver, a huge hot spring set in the middle of a field of
vents where we stop for some lunch. In the afternoon we experience another change in land-
scape as we venture through glistening fields of black Opsidium rock all the way to our refuge
at Alftvatn. After a long day we can refresh with a swim in the nearby lake, or simply relax in
our beautiful surroundings before settling down to our second night under canvas.
DAY 4 - Mon 5th EMSTRUR 15KM
Today we leave the Rhylite rock landscape and enter a glacial area where we trek through steep gorges and along mountain trails,
wading through cold streams that run off the mighty Myrdalsjokull Icecap. All the while we enjoy spectacular views of the vast
dramatic landscape. In the afternoon we make our descent to Hvanngil and on to Emstrur where our camp and a hot drink awaits
us.
DAY 5 - Tue 6th THORSMORK 15KM
We enjoy spectacular views over to Markarfljot gorge before our route descends through
the long, steep valley of Portmork between giant glaciers and raging rivers. Arriving into
camp we enjoy a welcome drink whilst taking in the dramatic landscape that has played host
to our fantastic challenge over the last few days.
DAY 6 - Wed 7th REYKJAVÍK 12-15KM
And so to our last day of trekking in this geothermic wonderland. We start the day by hiking to the top of Valahnjúkur a breath-
taking viewpoint from where we can see a panorama of the Icelandic landscape. We walk along the river Markarfljót down to the
canyon of Stakkholtsgjá, where our challenge ends! This afternoon we transfer 2 ½ hours by 4x4 bus back to Iceland’s quaint capi-
tal with its traditional whitewashed wooden buildings and brightly painted houses. On arrival into Reykjavic, we toast our achieve-
ment with a celebratory dinner at a downtown restaurant. explore its vibrant nightlife and celebrate our achievements into the
small hours. Tonight we stay in the Hotel Cabin in Reykjavík.
DAY 7 - Thur 8th RETURN HOME We have an early morning flight back to Dublin where we arrive in early afternoon.
This itinerary is complicated and may be subject to change.
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Life On The Trek
HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE FOR THIS TREK?
Trekking in Iceland is a tough challenge, but one that is very achievable with the correct training. It requires a
reasonable level of strength, stamina and determination.
WHAT IS A TYPICAL TREKKING DAY?
We wake up between 06.30 and 07.00 and start with breakfast before preparing for the day ahead. After filling
our water supplies, we start trekking as a group and there are plenty of opportunities to take in the
breathtaking scenery and capture it on our cameras! Our trek leader will set a slow pace heading the front of
the group, with the supporting staff and our doctor walking amongst the group to offer support to the team.
There will be regular short breaks to rest and refuel on snacks and water and a longer stop for lunch. In the
evening we all set up camp together and enjoy a meal as a group at our camp or refuge, before retiring to bed
to prepare for the next day of trekking.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE CHALLENGE?
September is a great month of the year to trek in Iceland. The average temperature will be 8 – 11 degrees C,
but changing conditions should be expected, so please ensure that you are ready for wind, rain, and sunshine!
WHO WILL ACCOMPANY THE GROUP?
We will be accompanied by an Action Challenge guide and an expedition medic. There will also be a full team
of fully qualified local guides with the group at all times.
WHAT WILL THE ACCOMMODATION BE LIKE?
Comfortable hotel while in the city—allocated on a twin/triple basis. For your first night of the trek we will be
in dormitories in a Refuge.
Camping on the trek—basic facilities, we will work together to set up the tents each day.
Toilets / washing facilities while trekking consist of flushing toilets and running water with limited shower
possibilities. In the hotel in Reykjavik we have twin rooms with shared facilities.
CAN I REQUEST A SINGLE SUPPLEMENT FOR THE HOTEL / TENT?
If you decide that you would like to have your own tent/room on the challenge, we can accommodate this in
the majority of places. Please contact [email protected]
WHAT FOOD AND DRINK DO WE GET ON THE CHALLENGE?
All meals are included within the trip cost apart from during free time. An unlimited supply of fully purified and
treated water a day while trekking. All other drinks at the hotel / restaurant will need to be paid for on an
individual basis.
3 varied and nutritious meals a day. Breakfast will be at the accommodation/campsite and will typically consist
of porridge, yoghurt and muesli. Lunch will be a picnic lunch en route and dinner will be at the campsite and
will consist of a three course meal with a variety of rice, pasta, vegetables and a selection of fresh meat and
fresh fish. Please note that we will do our best to accommodate all dietary requirements if informed in advance.
STAYING IN TOUCH WHILE ON THE CHALLENGE Whilst there is mobile phone signal during most of this trek, it can be intermittent, so please let your friends
and family know not to expect to hear from you every day. We advise texting as the best method of
communication, but please remember that you may not be able to charge your phone on nights that we are
camping.
You will be provided with an emergency contact list to leave with friends and family before you depart. Guides
are equipped with satellite phones, and are in contact with our head office in London at all times.
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Travel To and From Iceland
WHAT IS THE TIME DIFFERENCE IN ICELAND?
Iceland is GMT +1 in the summertime.
WHERE DO FLIGHTS DEPART FROM?
Flights will depart from Dublin and are inclusive in the package, final flight details will be forwarded to you 3
months prior to the challenge.
CAN I BOOK MY OWN FLIGHTS?
Yes, this becomes our land only package and reduces your minimum sponsorship balance - please contact us
for more information if you are looking to book your own flights.
You will be required to arrange all flights and transfers in order to meet the group at the starting point of your
challenge.
Please note you are unable to change your package once final balance invoicing has been completed and tickets
have been issued by the airline.
CAN I EXTEND MY TRIP OR AMEND MY RETURN FLIGHT HOME?
Absolutely - If you would like to extend your trip please email [email protected] to find out more
information and to book an extension.
WILL I BE SENT MY TICKETS PRIOR TO TRAVELLING?
No. These will be issued by your Action Challenge rep when you meet at the airport.
WHAT IS MY BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE?
Your luggage will be restricted to two bags:
Bag 1) Large 100 litre rucksack / duffle bag without wheels that should not exceed 20kg due to flight restrictions.
Bag 2) A smaller 30 – 35 litre rucksack / day bag that must weigh no more than 5kg due to flight restrictions.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY BAG GOES MISSING?
Please ensure that you retain your luggage label receipt which you will receive on check in as this makes lost
luggage enquiries quicker to process.
If your luggage goes missing on your outbound flight, Action Challenge will assist in making sure your luggage
catches up with you. If necessary you will be able to replace the majority of your kit in Iceland, but we do insist
on carrying your preferred trekking shoes on your flight in case of this eventuality so you can still start the trek
comfortably.
If your luggage goes missing on your inbound flight, Action Challenge will contact the airline and airport to
arrange your luggage to be returned to you. Charges may be incurred for this by the airline so please ensure
you have adequate insurance to cover this eventuality.
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Visa / Insurance / Medical
DO I NEED A VISA?
No— you do not require a visa to enter Iceland. You will be issued a tourist visa upon arrival. You will need at
least 6 months validation on your passport.
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Yes - Insurance is imperative and should cover the costs of medical repatriation and trip curtailment cost. We
recommend you obtain insurance as soon as possible.
Our challengers often use Campbell Irvine, tel: 0844 826 2722 or email: [email protected]. Please
quote ‘Action Challenge’ for appropriate cover.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE A PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITION?
When registering your details for this challenge, you will have been requested to declare any pre-existing
medical conditions.
If you have declared any current or pre-existing conditions, or are over the age of 65, you will be required to
complete our medical declaration form and have it signed and stamped by your doctor, and returned to us no
later than 10 weeks before your challenge.
WHAT EMERGENCY SUPPORT IS IN PLACE?
2 way radio contact between Action Challenge staff and local staff
Satellite phone for emergencies
24 hour contact with Action Challenge head office in London
Comprehensive evacuation procedures
A UK medic who will be carrying medical supplies should it be required
If for any reason you need to leave the group early, local staff will arrange transfers, accommodation and
medical care if necessary. All costs incurred due to an early departure from the challenge will need to be
covered by the individual before departing
For further advice on health and safety issues in Iceland, please visit the Foreign Commonwealth Office website
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Financial
WHAT IS THE LOCAL CURRENCY?
The currency of Iceland is ISK Icelandic Krona.
HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU ADVISE I TAKE WITH ME?
We suggest bringing about £150 - £250 to cover tips for the local team and guides, gifts and purchases.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP THE LOCAL TEAM?
The amount is down to the individual and may tip any amount they deem appropriate, but a good guideline is
£30-50 from each participant.
WHEN IS MY FINAL BALANCE DUE?
The Action Cancer Charity will receive a final balance for your place 10 weeks before departure for payment
by 8 weeks. Please ensure that all your money is with Action Cancer by then. Failure to pay the amount by 8
weeks could result in accommodation provisions being released.
WILL THERE BE AN EVENT BRIEFING?
Yes, an Action Challenge rep will attend an information evening approximately 3 months before departure.
If you have any questions prior to the challenge, please do not hesitate to contact us on:
0207 609 6695 / [email protected]
www.actionchallenge.com
