Buzz
The ultimate way to embrace the extreme cold in the Far North is by gliding behind a lively pack of huskies, their joyful barks echoing while cruising over icy lakes.
You can experience the thrill of riding a dog sled in many places around the world. Traditionally, in colder and more remote areas, people tend to utilize the pulling power of dogs. Regions around the Arctic Circle such as Alaska, Canada, Iceland, Finland, Greenland, Norway, Sweden, and Russia are renowned travel destinations offering dog sled services.
Nothing surpasses the use of a dog sled to traverse frozen tundras. No mechanical noise disrupts the silence; the only sounds are the sled gliding and the exuberant barks of the sled dogs.
Dog sledding is not just about sitting behind a team of accelerating dogs, racing through frozen wilderness. It can also become a memorable winter expedition, allowing you to witness the wildlife of snow creatures like caribou and wolves, as well as the spectacular natural light display, the aurora borealis.
Sleds can easily be combined with other exciting winter experiences like staying at an ice hotel, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, or enjoying a soothing sauna after a day of dog sledding.
The sled is attached to wooden or metal sleds while the driver, also known as the 'musher,' stands behind the sled, guiding the dog team on the trail. The speed and direction of the dog team are controlled by commands rather than using a harness.
A dog sled team consists of lead dogs, responsible for navigation, and team dogs playing roles similar to wheels. Lead dogs run at the front, selected for their courage and intuition, followed by support dogs aiding in navigation. Lastly, wheel dogs provide the necessary strength to pull the sled through the snow.
Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes are commonly chosen breeds for dog sledding. However, an unconventional team once triumphed in the Iditarod dog sled race - a grueling 1,840 km journey through mountains, icy rivers, dense forests, desolate wilderness, and the windswept coast of Alaska.
But don't worry; you won't have to endure such a long journey because a single afternoon of dog sledding is enough to get you hooked.
***
Source: Travel guide Mytour – Via Vnexpress
MytourDecember 19, 2013
