Traversing the Arctic: Part 1 (Greenland)
I have never lived in Kashmir, but the Himalayas are in my blood and I always long for the mountains. I got more than a taste of it through my latest journey where I crossed the Arctic circle and accessed the remotest parts of the world in Greenland & Canada.
My story in travel began with my grandfather, M.L. Razdan, who founded Razdan Travel Service in the 1950s and pioneered trekking routes across Kashmir and Ladakh. That legacy, which continues today as Razdan Holidays, which remains a leading Adventure Tour Operator, was my own pathway into the travel industry which carved out my own passion for exploration.
That path eventually led me to a role as an Adventure Specialist at Adventure Canada. I work with these incredible destinations on paper every day, but to truly understand them, you have to be there. This expedition was my opportunity to get that firsthand experience—to join the team in the field and see our operations, the destinations, and the guest experience up close. This travelogue isn’t a day-by-day itinerary, but rather a collection of moments from my journey—a personal introduction to the remarkable places we visited.
Part One of this travelogue is focused on Greenland, a place of staggering scale and rich history. Though it’s a part of the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland is a largely autonomous country with its own government and a culture deeply rooted in its Inuit heritage. This is a land where ancient traditions and a modern way of life coexist against one of the world’s most dramatic backdrops.
Kangerlussuaq: The Gateway and the First Hurdle
The first thing that hit me in Kangerlussuaq was the air. It was so crisp and clean it felt like I was taking my first real breath. This is the main entry point for most adventures in Greenland, and it's a flurry of activity. We landed early, saying a quick goodbye to the outgoing team and welcoming new guests. The first small test of expedition life came quickly: the bus transfers took longer than expected. It’s a reminder that even the best-laid plans need flexibility. We flipped the evening schedule, having supper first before the mandatory safety drills. But soon enough, all checks were done, and our ship, the Ocean Endeavour, finally began its slow glide down the long fjord. The logistical hustle faded away, replaced by the silent, majestic beauty of the landscape.
Assaqutaq: Walking Through History
A major milestone for any traveler here is crossing the Arctic Circle, which we marked with a celebratory toast on the ship’s deck. Soon after, we visited the abandoned settlement of Assaqutaq. Walking among the brightly painted, empty houses was a strange, moving experience. You could feel the history in the silence. The best part for me was the suspension bridge and the freedom we were given to explore independently. It’s one thing to hear about these places, but it’s another to walk the land yourself and feel its story.
Sisimiut: A Taste of Town Life
I’ll never forget the cheer that went through the ship when we learned we would be docking directly in Sisimiut. After days of relying on Zodiac boats, the simple ability to walk off the ship and into town whenever we wanted felt like a luxury. It gave everyone a sense of freedom. The community hosted a "Taste of Place" event where we got to try local foods like musk-ox and whale blubber. It’s an authentic part of life here, and it was fascinating to see so many people trying it. The day was spent wandering the streets, shopping, and getting a real feel for Greenland's second-largest town.
Nuuk: Fog, Fun, and a Matchmaking Mission
Our arrival in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, started with a thick blanket of fog. It was moody and mysterious, but within a couple of hours, the sun burned through and revealed the vibrant, colorful city in all its glory. While the guided tours were fascinating, my most memorable experience was a completely unplanned lunch with four amazing, grandmotherly women. The conversation started with talk of the town and their guilty pleasure of spending too much on musk ox wool. It then shifted to my life, and I made the mistake of mentioning my mom’s wish for me to get married. Their eyes lit up. Before I knew it, they had launched a full-blown matchmaking mission, brainstorming names and debating strategies right there at the table. I found myself blushing and laughing like a little kid. By the end of lunch, I had a new, unofficial job title: Adventure Canada’s “onboard eligible bachelor.” It was a moment of pure, heartwarming, and hilarious connection.
Ilulissat: When Plans Change
Our plan for Ilulissat, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its icefjord, had to be scrapped at the last minute. Heavy ice and strong winds made the landing unsafe. You could feel the disappointment in the air; everyone had been looking forward to it. But our expedition leader, John, pulled off an incredible Plan B. With some quick thinking, we pivoted to a Zodiac cruise right alongside the massive icebergs. And honestly, it was breathtaking. Getting that close to these giants of ice from water level was unforgettable. You could hear them cracking and groaning—a deep, ancient sound that made you feel incredibly small. It was a perfect example of expedition life: you have to be ready to adapt, and sometimes the unexpected plan turns out to be the best one.
Nordre Isortoq: A Final Moment of Peace
My final landing in Greenland was at a quiet spot called Nordre Isortoq. It felt strange to think I’d been on the ship for over 25 days. I took a moment for myself and walked over to a waterfall. For about fifteen minutes, I just sat there, listening to the roar of the water. I even managed to taste some of it—pure, fresh glacial water. It was a simple, quiet moment that really stuck with me. Reflecting on it all, Greenland was an incredible experience. It's a place of immense scale and quiet beauty, with a resilient culture that has thrived for millennia. The journey gave me a far deeper understanding than I could ever have gotten if I had never left my comfort zone – My Home in India, and I feel incredibly privileged to have seen these parts of the world firsthand.
Dhruv Razdan
Dhruv is a travel industry professional with over 8 years of global experience in sales, business development, and adventure travel. Currently with Adventure Canada, he helps curate transformative journeys across the Arctic, Canada and Europe. Dhruv represents the third generation of a family deeply rooted in travel—his grandfather founded Razdan Travel Service, once Kashmir’s most successful tour operating company. Building on that legacy, Dhruv has lived and worked across India, Australia, the UAE, and Canada. Outside of work, he is an avid explorer, video creator, and passionate storyteller with a deep connection to the Kashmiri community.
1 Comment
POST COMMENT
Related Posts
A Journey Etched in Soul and Sky
In the heart of the sacred Himalayas, four souls embarked on a pilgrim
Maximising Your Weekends?
One of the reasons, working professionals can’t travel much for leis
Majestic Fjord Wonders: Exploring Waterfalls and Vistas From Loen to Geiranger
Experience Norway’s breathtaking beauty on the journey from Loen to
Flights, Layovers and Lessons
Flights, Layovers and Lessons whisks readers through the ever-evolving
Travelling to Kailash: The Shiva’s Abode
In this article, I write about how one can reach Mount Kailash/Mansaro
Being a Part of Kashmir’s Legacy in Tourism
Kashmir’s tryst with tourism goes long way back of course, but i
Sanjay Razdan
Fascinating and inspirational!