Dog Sledding Expedition – Jokkmokk to the Border Mountains, 12 Days

Experience an unforgettable long-distance dog sledding journey – from the snowy forests of Jokkmokk to the majestic border mountains near the Norwegian frontier. Over this dog sledding expedition, we travel through some of the most remote and awe-inspiring landscapes of Swedish Lapland: deep forests, frozen lakes, vast alpine plateaus and snow-covered valleys, ending in Tarradalen – considered by many to be one of the most beautiful valleys in the entire mountain range.

We stay in basic hunting cabins, camp in the wilderness, and spend our final nights in the comfortable mountain huts operated by the Swedish Tourist Association (STF). This is a true winter expedition for those seeking an authentic experience far from roads and comfort – where silence, cold and teamwork with your dog team create memories for life.

The expedition is both physically and mentally demanding, and requires good fitness, a willingness to contribute to group tasks, and an open mindset toward nature’s power. In return, you’ll experience one of the most genuine wilderness adventures that Arctic Sweden has to offer.

We travel through multiple climate zones and always adjust our route and plans to current weather conditions.

Itinerary day by day

Day 1 – Arrival in Jokkmokk

Check-in at Åsgård Hostel in central Jokkmokk from 3 PM. If you arrive earlier in the day, we recommend visiting Ájtte – the Swedish Mountain and Sámi Museum – or browsing local shops for outdoor gear, handicrafts and local delicacies.

At 17:50 we meet up and travel together to Árvas, a local food studio where Caisa serves us a dinner made from local ingredients. We enjoy our meal, get to know each other and go through the coming days together.

Day 2 – Jokkmokk to Fallkojan

After breakfast, we take you to our kennel outside Jokkmokk. You’ll receive your outer clothing and boots, and we pack the sleds. After an introduction to dog sledding, we head west along the Karats trail. Our destination is Fallkojan, a small cabin beautifully located by a creek. We fetch water, light the stove, cook dinner and care for the dogs – everyone helps out with the chores.

Day 3 – Fallkojan to Laxholmen

We continue westward, crossing large frozen lakes. The low mountain range begins to rise on the horizon. We reach Laxholmen, a small cabin on an island in Lake Karats. Here we drill through the ice for water and enjoy the simplicity of life far from civilization.

Day 4 – Laxholmen to Lake Bievrávrre

Today we leave the comfort of cabins behind and begin four nights of tent camping. We continue west past the headwaters of the Pearl River (Pärlälven) and camp near Lake Bievrávrre. Setting up camp, gathering wood, melting snow and cooking takes time – teamwork is essential.

Day 5 – Bievrávrre to Västerfjäll

We follow the lake to the west and find a snowmobile track leading past the Parka Sámi village. We head toward Västerfjäll – a tiny, remote village without road access with a small church – and make camp just north of the settlement.

Day 6 – Along the Pite River Valley

We travel west along the upper Pite River valley. Our goal is the area just east of Miekak, a renowned summer fishing camp. We pitch our tents in the surrounding wilderness.

Day 7 – Toward the Mountain Lakes at Mavas

We approach the high mountain plateau near the Norwegian border. Large frozen lakes and vast open landscapes dominate the day. Weather conditions here can be extreme. We camp in the birch forest north of Mavas if possible.

Day 8 – Mavas to Pieskejaure Hut

A shorter travel day leads us northward along a snowmobile trail to STF's hut at Pieskejaure. With some luck, the sauna will be warm and ready. Sleeping indoors in real beds will feel luxurious after several nights in tents.

Day 9 – Pieskejaure to Vaimok Hut

We head further into the highlands toward Vaimok. In the right light, this place can look like a moonscape. In bad weather, it can be truly challenging. We spend the night in the STF mountain hut.

Day 10 – Vaimok to Njunjes Hut

Today we descend into Tarradalen – the magnificent Tarravalley. We follow the marked trail down from the barren mountain terrain into the mountain birch forest. We spend the night in STF’s Njunjes hut.

Day 11 – Njunjes to Årrenjarka

The final day with our dog teams! We continue along Tarradalen, pass Kvikkjokk and end the expedition at Årrenjarka Mountain Lodge. Here we enjoy the comforts of a sauna, a hot shower and a farewell dinner in the lodge’s beautiful restaurant.

Day 12 – Departure from Årrenjarka

Breakfast before you travel 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 Jokkmokk Hostel Åsgård (shared room), 1 night at Årrenjarka Mountain Lodge (shared room) and 9 nights in mountain huts and tents
  
  

Not included in the price:

• Travel as well as transfer to Jokkmokk and from Årrenjarka Mountain Lodge.
  
• 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: