Sherpa Expeditions, 131a Heston Road, Hounslow, Middx TW5 0RF t: 44 (0) 20 8577 2717 f: 44 (0) 20 8572 9788Email:sales@sherpa-walking-holidays.co.ukwww.sherpa-walking-holidays.co.uk

Iceland:

Markarfljot Valley Tour 9 Days

Tour code: BTJM Revised: Dec 08

In recent years Iceland has started to appeal to the “Short breaks” fraternity, sowe have devised a tour for those who have limited time and effectively onlywant to take a weeks leave, or who want to do a shorter trek as part of a longerstay in the country. This 9-day tour is based around the gushing waters of theimpressive Markarfljot valley and gorge southern Iceland. This is a largelyuninhabited area containing a wide variety of terrain, in fact some of the finestin Iceland. Once the trek has started we shall be in terrain largely free from theeffects of man’s presence and shall be entirely dependent on our own resources,remote from services of any kind. The area is the most powerful thermal regionin Iceland, named after a small ice cap nearby. Walking Between Skogar andFljotsdalur there are stupendous views of the Markafljot gorge, this is about the furthest inland that sea birds come in to roost. You will also have enough timeto have a look round Reykjavik and maybe eat some Roll –Mop Herring!

Grade

Even the most experienced hillwalker will find much tostimulate and challenge them on this trek. Due to theremoteness of the terrain no vehicle support is possible onceon trek. Some equipment will therefore have to be dividedamongst the group and carried in rucksacks. Treks from Mayto early July may encounter snow underfoot to varyingdegrees. This

can

be a physically demanding tour, so clientsshould be prepared

before

departure to ensure they make themost of their Iceland experience. Make sure that you havegear that you are comfortable with!This trek affords many opportunities to see and walk throughan amazing and varied landscape and the rewards soonoutweigh the hardships (i.e. the basic huts and the thought ofcarrying your own baggage!) on this fantastic trip.Daily distances walked should not exceed 21km. However,clients should be able to cover more than this distance inemergency conditions. The bonus here is that at this time ofthe year it is light all the time, (except for the Augustdeparture).

Outline Itinerary

For 2009, we have departures on09/05/09 - 17/05/0906/06/09 - 14/06/0904/07/09 - 12/07/0922/08/09 – 30/08/09Flights from Heathrow generally fly out at around 21:00. So ifyou are flying from Heathrow you will not arrive at the hostel before midnight, but it will be open.Please note that variations to these itineraries may occur dueto roads being impassable, acts of God (who is still very activein Iceland!) and sometimes through substitution of charteredfor scheduled transport. Other circumstances may causeminor changes.

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Day 1:

Fly to Keflavik, transfer to your accommodation inReykjavik.

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Day 2:

Assemble and take bus to Skogar where there isan impressive waterfall and an outstanding local museum.Start trek up to near the summit of Fhimmvorduhals (at940m), passing between the glorious Eyjafallajokull andMyrdalsjokull ice caps. Reach Hut near to Fimmvorouhals.Look out for the horny Icelandic sheep! (Circa 12km)

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Day 3:

Setting out from the hut we cross over a high passand commence a spectacular descent to the wooded area ofThorsmork. (c. 12km)

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Day 4:

Spent in Thorsmork, relaxing, wildlife viewing,and local walks.

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Day 5:

A long walk today; heading north throughEmstrua to the Markarfljot Bridge, cross the river and followthe spectacular gorge south to the Einhyrningur Hut set in agrassy area. (c. 21km)

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Day 6:

Descend from the hut to the glacial River Gilsa,which we have to cross in order to find the trail heading along beside the river and then across the rich lawns to the turfroofed Fljotsdalur Hostel amidst its panoramic setting withsweeping vistas towards the sea and mountains. Here youwill find a little library with books concerning aspects ofIceland. There are also good bird watching opportunities.(15km)

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Day 7:

Free day in Fljotsdalur: local walks etc

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Day 8:

Departure to Reykjavik (135km) to arrive aboutmidday. There may be the opportunity for some or all thegroup to divert and return via Gullfoss and Geysir (this will