Dog Sledding Expedition - Border Mountains to Jokkmokk, 12 Days

From the wind-swept highlands near the Norwegian border to the silent winter forests of Jokkmokk – this is a long and demanding dog sledding expedition through some of Lapland’s most remote and contrasting landscapes. We begin by traveling from Årrenjarka up toward the border mountains, and then head east along frozen river valleys, over vast lake systems, and through sparsely populated wilderness.

Our journey takes us through the beautiful Tarradalen valley, and further along the upper reaches of the Pite and Pearl Rivers (Piteälven and Pärlälven). In the first days, we stay in mountain huts, then spend several nights camping in remote terrain far from the comforts of civilization – before finishing the tour with simple living in small backcountry cabins near Jokkmokk.

This is not a tour for those seeking luxury. The expedition demands physical stamina, mental resilience, and a willingness to work together – both with your dog team and with the group. You’ll live close to nature, adapt to the weather, and let the landscape and rhythm of the dogs shape the days.

We cross several climate zones, and always adapt the choice of path to the weather conditions. The reward is great. You will experience the silence, cold, and the powerful presence of Arctic winter – and take with you memories that only a true wilderness adventure can give.

Itinerary day by day

Day 1 – Arrival in the mountains

You arrive at Årrenjarka Mountain Lodge, where we stay in a shared cabin the first night. The lodge is beautifully located at the foot of the mountains and offers sauna and a well-regarded restaurant. In the evening, we gather for a shared dinner, go through packing, safety and the plan for the coming days. You get to know the group and begin settling into the expedition mindset.

Day 2 – Årrenjarka to Njunjes Hut (approx. 36 km)

Today the adventure begins! After breakfast, we pack our gear, load the sleds and give you an introduction to handling a dog team. Once ready, we set off – passing Kvikkjokk and heading into Tarradalen valley. We follow the marked trail upstream through the birch forest and arrive at STF’s Njunjes hut by the river. Once there, we care for the dogs, fetch water, collect firewood and prepare dinner. Everyone helps out with the tasks.

Day 3 – Njunjes to Vaimok Hut (approx. 26 km)

We leave the birch forest behind and ascend onto the open mountain plateau. Today’s route takes us westward along a marked trail – a majestic landscape in clear weather, and a challenging one in storms. We spend the night in STF’s Vaimok hut. As usual, we follow our daily routines of dog care, water, firewood and food preparation.

Day 4 – Vaimok Hut to Pieskejaure Hut

We continue westward toward the Norwegian border. In certain light, this open landscape can feel almost otherworldly – but it's not a place you want to be in bad weather. Our destination is STF’s mountain hut at Pieskejaure, where there may be a chance to enjoy a sauna.

Day 5 – Pieskejaure to the Mavas Area

We leave the huts behind and head south. Following a snowmobile trail toward Mavas, we set up our first tent camp after 20–30 km, preferably in a sheltered birch forest. The next four nights will be spent in tents. Setting up camp, gathering wood, melting snow and preparing dinner is part of everyday life on the trail, before it’s time to crawl in to our tents for the night. 

Day 6 – Mavas to the Miekak Area (approx. 25 km)

We continue east along the upper Pite River valley. We approach Miekak – a well-known fishing camp in summer – and make camp just south of the cabins. Another night in tents awaits.

Day 7 – Miekak to Västerfjäll (approx. 35 km)

Following the river valley further east, we travel toward Västerfjäll – a small, roadless mountain village with a church and just a few buildings. We pass the settlement and camp a bit further on, north of the village. Again, we rely fully on ourselves for warmth, food and shelter.

Day 8 – Västerfjäll to Lake Bievrávrre (approx. 35 km)

We continue north along the Kungsleden trail toward Parka, a small Sámi settlement. From there, we turn down the valley and head toward Lake Bievrávrre, where we set up the final tent camp of the expedition. For many, these nights are the most memorable – surrounded by silence, snow, firelight, and the interaction with the dogs.

Day 9 – Bievrávrre to Laxholmen (approx. 35 km)

We descend further into the forested lowlands, following the headwaters of the Pearl River (Pärlälven). Tonight, we stay in the small cabin on the island of Laxholmen, in Lake Karats. After four nights in tents, the warmth of a cabin is usually much appreciated – even if the lifestyle remains simple.

Day 10 – Laxholmen to Fallkojan (approx. 30 km)

We continue east along the Karats trail. The journey takes us across frozen lakes and through the vast forest landscape toward Fallkojan – a rustic little log cabin by a stream, where we spend our final night out on the trail.

Day 11 – Fallkojan to Jokkmokk (approx. 30 km)

Our final day with the sled dogs! We cover the last stretch through the snow-covered forest back to our kennel. After unpacking and saying goodbye to the dogs, we drive you back to Åsgård Hostel in Jokkmokk. There you can enjoy a sauna and hot shower before our farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 12 – Departure from Jokkmokk

Breakfast and check-out. Perhaps a last visit to the Ájtte museum or a few local shops before you head home.

Group size:

Minimum 2 persons maximum 3 persons.

Included in the price:

• Experience wilderness guide
• One dog team per person
  
• Warm jacket, pants, warm shoes, hat, gloves
  
• Sleeping bag and equipment for the tour
  
• Fullboard from breakfast day 1 until breakfast day 12 (Typical Lapland and Swedish food)
  
• Accommodation, 1 night at Årrenjarka Mounain Lodge (shared room), 1 night in Jokkmokk Hostel Åsgård (shared room) and 9 nights in mountain huts and tents
  
  

Not included in the price:

• Travel as well as transfer to Årrenjarka Mountain Lodge and from Jokkmokk
  
• Travel insurance
  
• Beverages at restaurants
  
  

For Who?

Minimum age is 18 years old.

NOTE! A certain level of fitness is required.
Read: »What it takes to join this adventure

No previous dog sledding experience is required, but you must like animals and feel empathy for them.

Tour conditions:

In wilderness cabin we sleep on bunk beds in mixed room with both gentlemen’s and women’s. The wilderness cabins are heated with wood/gas and have no electricity or running water. Dry toilet is available at the camps but at tent camps we dig hole in the snow.

Location:

How to get here: