Machu Picchu Trek 2019

We are very excited to announce that we will be running a Machu Picchu Trek in 2019!

Translated from Quechuan, the original language of the Incas, 'Machu Picchu' means 'Old Mountain, and old it is! This ancient city was built around the mid 1400s by Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, the 9th Inca Ruler. With its spectacular location and remarkable architecture it's easy to see why it is considered one of the wonders of the world.

Following the Spanish invasion during the 16th Century the settlement became a closely guarded secret for hundreds of years. In 1911 an American Archaeologist called Hiram Bingham, in search of the 'Lost Cities of the Incas' rediscovered the ancient site that we know as Machu Picchu today. After this word soon spread and the site has attracted thousands upon thousands of people ever since.

In July 2019 we will be heading to Peru to lead the trek to Macchu Picchu. Though we will be doing it a bit different from the norm! Rather than the busy, classic Inca Trail we will be taking the Lares Valley Trail (the original Inca Trail) which is much quieter. The landscape here is stunning as you pass beautiful lakes, waterfalls and trek over big passes with views of snow-capped peaks.

We will meet up with the Inca Trail as we head passed the Vilcanota River, up through the Cloud Forest and on to Machu Picchu through the Sun gate. Here you will have a whole afternoon to marvel at the views and explore this one of the 7 Wonders of the World. We will also return early the next morning to watch the sunrise over this amazing place. You will have a guided tour of the magnificent archaeological site to see the extraordinary Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Three Windows, Intihuatana the solar clock and more.

Prior to trekking we will arrive in Cusco where we will acclimatise and see the local sites. There will also be a trip to the Qoricancha Sun Temple, which was the most important temple to the Incas, and time to explore the San Pedro market. The next day includes a full day excursion to the "Sacred Valley of the Incas", visiting the Sun Temple, colourful artisan markets and the town of Ollantaytambo to see ruins of what was once a massive Inca Fortress.

This really is an incredible trip that allows you to fully experience what the area has to offer and immerse yourself in history and culture whilst trekking through a stunning location. It's no wonder that it features on many people's Bucket List!

More information, including the full itinerary, what's included and cost can be found on the website. For ease, the full itinerary can also be viewed here.

A 'FANNtastic' Trek in an exciting, lesser known destination...

The Fann Mountains in north western Tajikistan are becoming a popular place for trekkers who are looking for something a bit different to the usual travel destinations. This mountainous, landlocked country in Central Asia shares borders with Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, China and Afghanistan and offers high peaks and stunning lakes as part of its breathtaking vistas.

Our ‘Tajikistan Fann Mountains and Lakes Trek’ in September 2019 involves trekking over high passes, past spectacular lakes and nights under canvas with the magnificent Fann Mountains as a backdrop.

Although it is increasing in popularity as a travel destination some people may not know much about Tajikistan, so we have compiled some interesting facts about this lesser known country and what is involved in our ‘FANNtastic’ trek.

We start our journey in Dushanbe, the capital and largest city of Tajikistan. Dushanbe means ‘Monday’ in Tajik (the official language of Tajikistan) which became the capital’s name as it grew from a small village that used to have a popular market on Mondays. Here you can visit museums, see the Palace of Nations, experience the culture and enjoy the tranquillity of Rudaki Park with its beautiful tree canopy, flower gardens, lakes and fountains. It is also home to the second highest flagpole in the world, standing at 163m, and the Rudaki Statue in honour of the nation’s most revered poet.

Tajikistan is certainly a mountainous country, with 93 percent of its surface area covered by mountains and more than half of the country is over 3000m above sea level. These mountains contain a number of glaciers, the largest being the Fedchenko Glacier in the Pamir Mountains which, covering over 700 square kilometres, is the largest glacier in the world outside the polar regions.

Our trek begins in the Fann Mountains, part of the western Pamir-Alay mountain system that is located in the northwest of the country. 

The area has become one of the largest tourist attractions in Tajikistan and it’s no surprise why. With lofty peaks, high passes and a number of alluring lakes, the views are breath-taking with many opportunities for trekking and climbing. The largest mountain in this range is Chimtarga peak standing at 5,489 m. The highest mountain in the country can be found further east in the Pamir Mountains. Standing at 7,494m (24,590ft) it was initially named Stalin Peak in 1933 (after Joseph Stalin) before being renamed in 1962 as Communism Peak. Today it is known as ‘Ismoil Somoni Peak’ to commemorate a former ruler of the Samanid dynasty.

The Fann Mountains features about 100 mountains many of which we will see as we trek over high passes before dropping back down to the valleys passing lakes of shimmering emerald green, turquoise and blue. With about 2% of the country’s area covered by lakes they feature widely in this area and throughout our trek we will experience some of the most beautiful ones, each with its own charm. After a long day travelling from Dushanbe we reach Pendjikent Margozur Lake where we will have time to relax by the lake and take in the views before sleeping under canvas in preparation to start the trek the next day.

Over the next 10 days the trek will involve a west to eastern traverse of the Fann Mountains, taking us over high passes such as Guitan Pass (2,650m), Govhona Pass (3,200m) and Alouddin Pass (3,860m). Each pass will provide magnificent views of the surrounding area including the high peaks. As we descend to the valleys below we will walk along rivers and to some of the most stunning lakes such as Kulikalon on the northern slope of Chimtarga peak, Alauddin with its clear and cool waters and Mutnoe Lake, surrounded by the highest peaks of the Fann mountains, including Chimtarga (5489m) and Energia (5120m). As we trek we will be keeping our eyes peeled for local flora and fauna such as mountains goats, marmot, eagles, wolves and foxes. If we are really lucky we may even spot the elusive snow leopard on the high peaks!

The days will be spent trekking throughout a stunning landscape, meeting friendly locals along the way and experiencing the food and culture of the people of the Fanns. Both their language and culture has been preserved ever since their ancestors lived here thousands of years ago when villages were placed near rivers.

Nights will be spent relaxing by the lakes, taking in the views and enjoying the local food before heading to our tents for a peaceful night’s sleep surrounded by nature.

As our trekking days come to an end we will be transported back to Dushanbe where we will enjoy the luxury of staying in a hotel after 11 nights camping! Here we will enjoy a celebratory meal and share stories and experiences of the trek before we head home the next day.

This is a fabulous trek to a spectacular location in a lesser known destination. If you are looking for a trek that offers something a bit different from the norm whilst being surrounded by nature and mountains with a great group of people this is ideal for you! One not to be missed, that’s for sure!

Your adventure awaits...to find out more about the itinerary and to book click here.

Should you have and further questions about this trek please feel free to get in touch with our Expedition Wise Team by emailing info@expeditionwise.com. We will be more than happy to help.

Make History - Join us on our 2016 Unclimbed Peak Expedition and climb a mountain no one has before!

Have you ticked Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp or Machu Picchu off your adventure list and are now ready for the next challenge? Maybe you are looking to trek above 6000m or want to make your mark in the history books by climbing a mountain that no one has climbed before! If so, Expedition Wise has the perfect expedition for you!

 

 

Due to the popularity of the Unclimbed Peak Expedition 2015 which is fully booked, we are now promoting our Unclimbed Peak Expedition 2016!
     

In November 2016 we will be leading an expedition to climb Raungsiyar (6,224m), a previously unclimbed peak in the remote region of Rolwaling which lies in a truly "off the beaten track" area of Nepal. This is one of the 7 hidden valleys of the Himalaya, on the border with Tibet and said to be home of the Yeti!

 

 

This will be an amazing adventure and should appeal to any trekker or mountaineer wishing to complete a first ascent in a spectacular location, fully supported by climbing Sherpas and full camp crew.

Our 2016 Unclimbed Peak Expedition is perfect for those who have some experience in high altitude trekking, enjoy expedition life and are looking for the next challenge.

 

To give you a taste of what is involved in our Unclimbed Peak Expeditions take a look at our films about the Unclimbed Peak Expedition 2013  & Unclimbed Peak Expedition 2014  

 

 

So what are you waiting for?

 

Whether you take part to raise money for your chosen charity, or just fancy an epic adventure, we think you have found your next big challenge!

 

If you would like to find out more about the Unclimbed Peak Expedition 2016 or would like to discuss whether it is right for you, please feel free to contact us as we would be more than happy to answer any questions.

 

Please note: Spaces are limited so please book your place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

 

For more information and to book your place on this amazing trip click here.             

Adventure Film Premiere - The Unclimbed Peak Expedition, Nepal

Join us for a FREE evening of adventure at the film premiere of 'The Unclimbed Peak Expedition Nepal'

Following the successful first ascent of Nar Phu Peak (5,930m) in the Chulu range of the Lost Valleys of Nepal, Expedition Wise would like to invite you to see the film premiere and meet the team of trekkers.

As well as the film premiere of the climb, there will be the following:

• Free Tea and coffee
• A chance to view all the equipment taken on the first ascent
• Short Q&A session
• Outdoor clothing and equipment, both new and second hand for sale (Nepalese wool hats, fleeces, 90litre expedition bags, down jackets, wicking base layers etc)

All proceeds go to Nightingale House Hospice.

For more information contact Brian Jackson at Expedition Wise Ltd:

 01978 750636

www.expeditionwise.com

Meet the Nar Phu Team - Unclimbed Peak Expedition 2014

When people think of those who would attempt an unclimbed peak in Nepal they would probably imagine some hardcore, multi-skilled bionic humans that do nothing other than climb mountains, have survival skills that would make Bear Grylls' escapades seem tame, eat nothing but raw meat and energy bars, spend 99% of their lives in the mountains with the other 1% spent shopping for mountaineering kit and don epic adventure beards.

OK, a slight exaggeration there but you know what we mean!

So who are the team that are heading to Nepal in November to attempt to climb a previously unclimbed peak in the Himalaya, and do they fit the profile described above? 

Let’s say yes...... and no.

The thing is the team are just normal people with normal lives, jobs, families and none of them have beards (yet), but they all share a love of climbing mountains. They all have trekking experience, having taken part in a variety of expeditions around the globe and it is this that has brought them together to become the Nar Phu Team. A team with a shared goal – to climb a mountain that has never been climbed before.

So, let’s meet the Team & hear their thoughts on the upcoming adventure of a lifetime.

Catherine

I have lived in Hong Kong for almost 20 years. I was a lawyer for 22 years (14 years as a Partner) with global law firm Allen & Overy, but since May 2012 I have been working for various NGOs (fundraising and doing a broad spread of volunteer work).  My hobbies include travel, hiking, working out in the gym, reading, the arts and spending time with friends.

Expedition/Charity Challenge History: 

In March/April 2013 I completed “Catherine’s Africa Challenge” to raise funds for AfriKids, comprising of trekking in the Ethiopian Simien Highlands. I also climbed Kilimanjaro in 2007.

I like to go on adventure/wildlife/nature trips to out of the way places which have included Tibet, Nepal, Myanmar, Laos, India, Indonesia, Antarctica, South Georgia, The Falkland Islands, Greenland, Iceland, the Arctic, Guyana, Brazil, Peru, to name a few.

Favourite place in the world that you have been to & why?

I recently went to the Kashmir Himalayas to try to see snow leopards. I managed to see some leopards, which was an incredible experience as they are so difficult to find. 

What destination would you like to visit most & why?

I would like to explore more of Africa as it has fascinating human history, amazing landscapes, incredible wildlife and very welcoming and open people.

What attracts you most about climbing an unclimbed peak?

There are less and less places which remain untouched by humans. It excites me that the team will place footprints somewhere for the first time.  

What important item (not on the kit list) will you be taking with you?

A sense of humour.

Heather

I live in Suffolk, work as a vet and have 2 grown up daughters, 2 dogs and 2 cats.  I enjoy walking and being outside, theatre and food. I am quite competitive especially with myself and enjoy challenging myself.

Expedition/Charity Challenge History:

Kilimanjaro 2007
Avenue of Volcanoes and Cotopaxi
Elbrus
Stok Kangri

Favourite place in the world that you have been to & why?

Summit of Kilimanjaro - my first mountain, truly a live changing experience. 

What destination would you like to visit most & why? 

Norway Pulpit Rock & Finland - Anywhere to see the Northern Lights!

Favourite expedition/charity challenge memory:

Summit of Kilimanjaro and the amazing camarderie of a team of Charity Challengers.

What attracts you most about climbing an unclimbed peak?

The unique experience to the unknown.

James 

I live in Yorkshire with my family and work for myself.

Expedition/Charity Challenge History 

Kilimanjaro, Elbrus and Aconcagua.

Favourite place in the world that you have been to & why?

Dimaniat Islands in the Indian Ocean…because there is no phone reception there.

What destination would you like to visit most & why? 

To the black section of my bank account!

Favourite expedition/charity challenge memory:

Waking up with a bucket on my head at the bottom of a ski lift on Elbrus, beware the local vodka...

What are you looking forward to most about the unclimbed peak expedition?

Struggling in knee deep snow until I feel like weeping, then reminding myself that this is a holiday.

What important item (not on the kit list) will you be taking with you?

Shanks pony

What are you most concerned about with regards to the Unclimbed Peak Expedition?

Whether Barnsley FC will be promoted next season.

Rhiannon

I live in Chester where I work as a freelance Marketeer. I am a creative soul with a thirst for adventure, and love nothing more than spending my free time on the hills or in the wilds.

Expedition/Charity Challenge History

I have done many UK based challenges such as the Welsh 3000s, 3peaks and national trails, spending most of my time exploring the national parks of the UK. In 2011 I climbed Kilimanjaro, which was my first proper taste of an overseas expedition. Since then I have continued to explore the UK and beyond, completing the Tour du Mont Blanc and climbing Mt. Toubkal in Morocco. I have also travelled to Malawi and Zambia, which was an amazing experience.

Favourite place in the world that you have been to & why?

I can 100% say my favourite place I have ever been to are the islands of the west coast of Scotland. Be it the Outer Hebrides, the small isles such as Rum and Eigg or the Isles of Mull and Skye there is just so much to do there and the landscape and wildlife are incredible. We are incredibly lucky to have such amazing places in the UK.

What destination would you like to visit most & why? 

Top of my (extensive) list is Patagonia. For years it has intrigued as it seems such a wild & beautiful place. Plus it boasts some pretty gnarly peaks!

Why did you choose to do an unclimbed peak expedition?

I am fascinated with exploration and by those explorers who have visited lands unknown over the centuries. To stand somewhere where people have not stood before is a very unique experience in an increasingly explored world.

Favourite expedition/charity challenge memory:

The night sky on Kilimanjaro. Standing there under a vast amount of stars & the Milky Way was truly incredible.

What attracts you most about climbing an unclimbed peak?

The challenge of the unknown. To take it as it comes.

What are you looking forward to most about the unclimbed peak expedition?

The experience of being in the Himalaya, the landscape, the culture & the people we will meet along the way. Oh, and the epic views!

What important item (not on the kit list) will you be taking with you?

Music & morale food – 9bars and Mini Cheddar Branston Pickle flavour.

What are you most concerned about with regards to the Unclimbed Peak Expedition?

The weather. If the conditions are against us it could seriously affect our attempt on the ascent.

Dawn

I'm the senior PA for a nuclear power station.  Fascinating stuff!  Hobbies include anything outdoors but mainly running and cycling with the odd bit of swimming.  Love hiking and being up high.  I live in Darlington and regularly walk in the Cleveland Hills.

Expedition/Charity Challenge History:

I've mountain biked across Peru, Vietnam and Cambodia and hiked the Simien mountains in Ethiopia.

Favourite place in the world that you have been to & why?

Bermuda  - it's a little piece of heaven.

  

What destination would you like to visit most & why?

 Australia - just feel it's one of those places I should go but the long flight puts me off! 

Why did you choose to do an unclimbed peak expedition?

I guess it's something different, something no-one else may have done and I'm desperate to go above 6000 metres, slowly does it!

Favourite expedition/charity challenge memory:

It has to be Ethiopia.

What attracts you most about climbing an unclimbed peak?

 It's quirky!  Oh, and de-ranged! 

What important item (not on the kit list) will you be taking with you?

 Nothing - there's no room once I get several pairs of stilettos in my suitcase :) 

Brian

I live in North Wales and work for Expedition Wise Ltd. My Interests are visiting new places and walking up mountains!

Expedition/Charity Challenge History:

Kili, Elbrus, Chhubohe, Kaloche, lots of peaks in South America, all the 4000m peaks in the alps.

Favourite place in the world that you have been to & why?

Apart from the unclimbed peak last year, Ecuador is my favourite country.  It is  a small country where you can be on Cotopaxi (highest active volcano in the world – 5897m) in the morning and in the jungle in the afternoon. 

What destination would you like to visit most & why? 

Alaska – pristine wilderness of the area. 

Why did you choose to do an unclimbed peak expedition?

The excitement about trekking in an area not often visited and then attempting a mountain that no one has ever stood on in the history of humanity blows my mind. 

Favourite expedition/charity challenge memory:

Last year – climbing Chhubohe in Nepal.

What attracts you most about climbing an unclimbed peak?

The fact that I will be walking in an area not often visited and I am not following lots of other people – the thoughts that you may be the first to walk on the summit ridge and the summit itself.

What are you looking forward to most about the unclimbed peak expedition?

Trekking in to the Lost Valleys of Nar Phu.

What important item (not on the kit list) will you be taking with you?

Kindle Paper white – my books are important in all the downtime and acclimatisation days. 

What are you most concerned about with regards to the Unclimbed Peak Expedition?

Finding a route up the peak and the snow conditions.  

I am sure you will agree they all seem pretty normal!

Though we are sure they are all excited and nervous ahead of this epic challenge, we wish them all the luck and safe travels.

You can follow their journey throughout November by liking the Expedition Wise Facebook page where there will be daily updates from the Unclimbed Peak Expedition, as well as on our Twitter account @ExpeditionWise.

If you would like to climb a previously unclimbed peak in Nepal, either for charity or just for your own personal experience, check out our 2015 Unclimbed Peak Expedition!


All the best Team Nar Phu!

Challenging & Exciting Times!

Taking part in challenges and expeditions are a fantastic way for people to raise money for the charity of their choice, while testing themselves to the limit both mentally and physically. With so many different types of challenges to choose from, it's good to know that not all challenges have to take a huge amount of time or involve going overseas. In fact, there are many brilliant challenges taking place right here in the UK! 

Whether you have a day, a weekend or a few weeks, a fantastic charity challenge or expedition is waiting for you!

1-Day Challenge:

This is ideal for those who are looking to take part in a challenge but are unable to do a weekend or multi-day challenge due to time constraints. It is also great for those looking to really push themselves throughout the day (or night!) to then be rewarded with a feeling of euphoria, pride and happy exhaustion at the finish line, followed by a fantastic sense of achievement as you head home!

1-Day challenges can be great to do as a group of friends, families, colleagues or individuals looking to do something physically challenging, rewarding and enjoyable.

1-Day Challenge Ideas:

• Beat the Sun - a fantastic 1-day pairs challenge walking 34 miles on one of the iconic long distance trails in the UK between sunrise and sunset.
• Snowdon - Climb the highest mountain in England & Wales in a day
• Welsh 3000s – Reach the summits of the 15 mountains over 3000ft in Snowdonia in under 24hrs! (This can also be done as a two day challenge)
• Erddig 10k – a 10k, 5k & 2km Fun Run
• Lights Out - An evening’s walk up Moel Famau in North Wales
• Yorkshire 3 Peaks - Trek 30km over the classic 3 Peaks in under 12hrs
• London to Brighton - 1 Day cycling from the capital to the coast.

Weekend Challenges:

Weekend challenges are a great way to experience a challenge over a couple of days without taking too much time from your home/work life. They are a great way to get to know the other participants, share laughs over a sandwich at a summit, swap stories over a snack and enjoy the experience together. These can include hiking and cycling challenges where you can either camp or stay in a hotel overnight, providing a time to rest/celebrate at the end of the day!

It is a fantastic feeling to wake up on a Monday morning knowing that you have taken part in a rewarding challenge, and when the question “What did you get up to at the weekend?” comes up you can reminisce all those fantastic memories!

Weekend Challenge Ideas:

• UK 3 Peaks – Climb the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales all within 24 hours
• Coast to Coast (Ireland) - 2 days cycling from Dublin on the East coast to Galway on the West coast of Ireland.  
• Coast to Coast UK (Morecambe to Whitby) - 2 days cycling 115 miles from coast to coast.

Multi-Day Challenges:

Multi-Day challenges are ideal for those who have a bit more time on their hands and are keen to take part in a challenge that takes place over a few days. These can involve hiking in the mountains, walking coastal paths or, cycling across the country. You could even cycle from the UK to Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam! 

Having the challenge spread across a number of dates really allows you to get into the swing of it whist testing you both physically and mentally. You will have time to get to know the other participants during the day and recuperate over an enjoyable meal at night.

Multi-Day Challenge Ideas:

• London to Paris Cycle - cycling 178 miles over 3 days and through 2 countries.
• London to Amsterdam – Brussels - 4 days cycling 260 miles through 3 capitals (5 days including travel)
• Summit to Sea - cycling 185 miles over 3 days from the mountains of the Sierra Nevada to Marbella on the coast. (5 days including travel)
• Coast to Coast (Scotland) - 3 days from East coast to West coast of Scotland.
• Hadrian's Wall - 1 to 5 day itineraries trekking along the wall from Carlisle to Newcastle

Long Expeditions:

If you are looking to take part in an epic challenge that is often a once in a lifetime adventure to destinations across the globe, our expeditions are exactly what you are looking for. Whether you want to trek Kilimanjaro, climb Elbrus in Russia or walk the Great Wall of China, these overseas expeditions can take anything between 1 – 3 weeks.

If you are feeling really adventurous you could even trek in relatively unexplored areas of the Himalaya, climbing previously unclimbed peaks. Whatever your ideal destination our overseas challenges are a great way to experience different countries and cultures whilst achieving your goals, dreams throughout a once in a lifetime experience. 

You will often find that the other people on your expedition will become lifelong friends as you share the incredible adventure together and help raise money for very worthwhile causes.

If you are looking for an overseas expedition that involves an adventure whilst also providing an opportunity to experience the local culture, wildlife and surroundings, then expeditions such as our Mt Elgon Trek would be ideal for you. Not only will you climb the oldest solitary peak in Africa, but also have time to visit local community projects and see Uganda’s amazing wildlife.

Expedition Ideas:

• Great Wall of China
• Elbrus
• Mt Kilimanjaro
• Everest Basecamp
• Iceland Trek
• Unclimbed Peak, Nepal

Do you want to do a challenge but fancy doing something a bit different?

With years of experience leading and planning expeditions and charity challenges in the UK and across the globe, Expedition Wise have the knowledge and expertise to plan tailor-made challenges for companies, charities and individuals. 

If you would like to discuss any charity challenges you would like to do as a group, company or charity please do not hesitate to contact us on 01978 750636 or email info@expeditionwise.com to discuss further.

For more information about our Challenges & Expeditions please also see www.expeditionwise.com.

Keep up to date with our adventures! Follow us on Twitter & find us on Facebook!

Iceland: The Land of Ice & Fire

Iceland is a truly fascinating place where contrasting forces of ice and fire exist side by side, creating a truly incredible landscape. A unique destination that offers pristine nature, breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, it a fantastic place to explore and a great trekking destination.

Join us in 2015 for our Iceland Trek & experience many of the incredible features the country has to offer. From climbing up through the rhyolite, crossing lava fields and passing steaming vents to crossing snow fields, the contrast creates a truly magical experience. Throughout the trek you will pass hot springs, geysers and even camp beside Alftavatn, a huge volcanic lake. As you admire the beautiful scenery and take in views of the amazing Markarfljót gorge and the bridged Ljorsa fissure, look out for the diverse wildlife that calls the Island home.

What better way than to finish your fantastic experience than to explore Reykjavik, the country’s capital!

See our itinerary for more details.

Here are some interesting facts about Iceland to help you envisage what a remarkable place it is:

•  Iceland is an island of 103.000 km2 (39,756 sq.miles), about one-third larger than Scotland or Ireland. Its highest peak, Hvannadalshnjúkur, rises to 2.119 m and over 11 per cent of the country is covered by glaciers, including Vatnajökull, the largest in Europe.

•  Iceland contains about 200 volcanoes and has one-third of Earth’s total lava flow

• There are many myths & legends associated with the country and the rich Icelandic culture has a strong association with folklore. telling stories of ghosts, elves & ice trolls! Even today, if a farmer moves any stones in their fields they always take care not to disturb stones that could be home to trolls. Even construction companies have been known to change the course of a road that they think will disturb the peace of the fairy folk! The Icelandic belief in elves is so strong that you will find plenty of elf houses in gardens that have been lovingly put out to provide shelter for the wee creatures (and to stop the elves from turning mischievous!).

• It is home to the only 'Elf School' on the planet!

• Some 11% of the country’s surface is covered with glaciers and about 30% is lava fields

•  Hekla – Iceland’s most famous Volcano last erupted in 2000, with the earliest eruption on record in 1104.

•  The tallest mountain in Iceland is Hvannadalshnjúkur 2119 m

•  The largest glacier is Vatnajökull 8300 km2

• During the months of June and July, Iceland has days with a full 24 hours of precious, beautiful sunlight, with the annual golf tournament teeing off at midnight!

•  The Arctic fox is the only native mammal

•   Roughly 85 percent of Iceland’s energy is from renewable resources, and well over half of that is geothermal alone.