For the complete Northern experience of the Great Outdoors, this guided camping tour cannot be matched. The state of Alaska and the territory of Yukon collectively make up a vast, untouched wilderness of remote, natural beauty, packed with adventure, legends and unbeatable scenery. Hike in three national parks, Kluane and Tombstone in Canada and Denali in the United States which includes Mt. McKinley, the highest peak in North America. Marvel at wondrous water features such as the Lynn Fjord, the Prince William Sound, Columbia Glacier, Portage Glacier, and enjoy some of the best scenic drives in the world along the Seward Highway, Top of the World Highway and Dempster Highway. Furthermore, there are plenty of visits to cultural and historical sites relating to the great Yukon Gold Rush of 1896. You just have to come and see it for yourself!

Whitehorse - Tour begins at 3.00pm at the meeting point.  Overnight in Whitehorse in hotel accommodation.

Skagway - Haines - Via ferry we travel through the Lynn Fjord and with some luck we'll spot some seals, whales, bald eagles and the Alaska brown bear.  Haines is an important centre for the native Tlingit culture.  Watch totem pole carvers at work as well as visit the local theatre where ceremonial Indian dances are shown.

Kluane National Park - Haines Junction is the gateway to Kluane National Park. We set up camp on the shores of the deep, blue Kluane Lake and explore the immense scenery of the Park for the next couple of days. A hiking trip into one of the park’s high alpine valleys gives us the chance to spot wildlife such as moose, caribou and grizzly bear. Depending on the level of interest among the group we can also organize a spectacular flight by helicopter over the immense glaciers of the park (optional). This adventure, over a virtually pristine wilderness, is especially spectacular during a clear day. There are other optional activities to enjoy such as white water rafting down the world famous Tatshenshini River! This area is simply an adventure wonderland. [Hiking time: 3 to 6 hours]

Tok - Valdez - An early start via the Glen Highway and through the impressive scenery of the Wrangell Mountains will lead us deeper into Alaska. The Richardson Highway connects with the Pacific Ocean and the little harbour town of Valdez. High water falls, roughed scenery and magnificent peaks have given this region the name 'Little Switzerland'.

Seward - Today we’ll plan a hike in the Seward area. The Exit Glacier is one of our favourite hiking locations in the beautiful area around Seward. We also have some attractive optional tours to chose from including a 6 hour marine life viewing cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park. The all-marine national park is full of wildlife including seals, sea lions, sea otters, as well as orca (killer) and humpback whales. Seabirds abound, including bald eagles, kittiwakes and the loveable puffins. Moose and black bears are often spotted along the shorelines. A tour highlight is the tidewater Bear Glacier where waves send the ice crashing into the ocean. Also well worth the visit is the Alaska SeaLife Center, a salt water aquarium, home to sea lions, sea otters and puffins.

Anchorage - Denali National Park - We head northwards via George Parks Highway towards Denali National Park, through incredible landscape. We overnight in a campground near the park entrance.

Denali National Park - Fairbanks - Back onto the George Parks Highway still heading northbound.  Nenana and the Alaska Railroad Museum is another point of interest en route towards Fairbanks, less than 200 km south of the polar circle. In Fairbanks you can visit the dog mush museum or the many restaurants specialised in Alaska King Crabs, a true delicacy. Another possibility is to join the tour on a sternwheeler on the Chena River. Or visit the "Crown of Light", a slide show about the northern lights.

Tok - Dawson City - We travel via the Top of the World Highway back towards Canada, right through sub-arctic mountain tundra, above the timberline. Today we pass the most northern US border at Little Gold Creek and small historic towns like Chicken, Action Jackson and Jack Wade Camp. Early afternoon we reach the Yukon River and set up camp next to its shores.

Dawson City - Dempster Highway - We leaves the Klondike area and set up camp near the world famous Dempster Highway. 730km of gravel road linking the interior of Yukon Territory with Inuvik at the delta of the huge Mackenzie River in Northwest Territories. We camp at a delightful campground at the base of Tombstone Mountain.

Dempster Highway - Whitehorse - Via the Klondike Highway we return to Whitehorse, following the mighty Yukon River basin. The Yukon River, over 3500km in length is one of the worlds longest water highways. We stop to look at the infamous Five Finger Rapids.  Overnight in a hotel in Whitehorse.

Westmark Klondike Inn, 2288 – 2 Avenue, Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1A 1C8,

 Tel: +1-867 668-4747

This tour is operated in conjunction with our local partners in Canada.  You will be joined by other Kumuka passengers as well as travellers who have booked through other agencies.

The itinerary will be followed as closely as possible. However, this tour visits areas that can be unpredictable and there may be times when it is necessary to change the route according to abnormal weather patterns, the presence of wild animals, or any unforeseen local conditions that are out of our control. Please be flexible and respect the changes that your Tour Leader may have to make during the tour.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office.

Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.

It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your North America trip. The Kumuka website www.kumuka.com provides visa information, yet entry regulations can change without notice. Further consultation with your Travel Agent or nearest Embassy is recommended.

Each client is solely responsible for obtaining all necessary visas and entry requirements before joining a tour. Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.

Important: This tour visits Alaska, United States. Please read the following:

International travelers who are seeking to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program are now subject to enhanced security requirements. All eligible travelers who wish to travel under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for authorization PRIOR to traveling to the United States. Full details are available at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov

We recommend that you bring your personal funds in local currency (including small denominations), travellers cheques, and/or use an ATM card to withdraw cash as you travel. ATMs are widely available, and Credit Cards are accepted in almost all shops and restaurants.

In North America tipping is a way of life and very much expected, as well as appreciated. For many, receiving tips is a means of supplementing their salary which is usually based on minimum wage. The standard amount in restaurants and bars is 15% of the total bill (please note that sales and service taxes are automatically imposed in some restaurants and bars).  Chambermaids usually receive $1 or $2 per night in a hotel, simply left on the bedside table.

It is also customary in North America to show appreciation of your Tour Leader by tipping him/her at the end of the tour.

During the tour your Tour Leader will recommend a variety of optional activities operated by carefully selected ground handlers to make your tour even more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners have been chosen for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. All optional activities are available at your own expense, and are undertaken at your own risk. Kumuka cannot be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by third party. To start planning and budgeting for any optional activities that you may chose on your tour, please visit:

http://www.kumuka.com/North-America-Optional-Activities.aspx

IMPORTANT: Some tours depart from the starting city very early on Day 1 therefore you might not have enough time to enjoy the optional activities in that area. Please check the tour itinerary. Furthermore, some tours end on arrival in the finishing city and your flight may leave early the following morning, therefore leaving no time to partake in any optional activities in that area. Again, please check the itinerary.

Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback

Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com

KUMUKA WORLDWIDE

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