IDITAROD & NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR (10- DAYS)
~ Alaska's Longest Running Iditarod Tour Since 1996 ~
10-Day Iditarod & Northern Lights Winter Adventure
Trip Highlights
Attend the Musher’s Banquet.
See Ceremonial start of the Iditarod Race.
See the Official start of the 2026 Iditarod Race.
Fly to Rainy Pass Checkpoint.
Opportunity to view and photograph the Northern Lights.
View Ice Sculptures of the Ice Art World Championship in Fairbanks.
Learn about dog sledding and mush your own team of dogs.
Enjoy the thermal waters of Chena Hot Springs.
IDITAROD & NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR ITINERARY (10-DAYS)
This Tour was Featured in Alaska Magazine!
Book Your 2026 Alaska Adventure - Limited Spaces – Featured in Alaska Magazine
Experience one of the world’s most iconic winter events on our 10-Day Iditarod & Northern Lights Tour in Alaska. This exclusive small-group journey places you at the heart of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the thrilling “Last Great Race on Earth.”
Your adventure begins in Anchorage, Alaska, where you’ll witness the Iditarod Race Start on historic 4th Avenue, attend the Musher’s Banquet, and enjoy VIP access to meet the mushers and their sled dog teams. Visit a premier Iditarod dog kennel, learn the art of mushing, and drive your own sled dog team through Alaska’s snowy wilderness. The highlight of this tour includes an unforgettable flightseeing trip to a remote Iditarod race checkpoint at the base of the Alaska Range—an experience few travelers ever get to witness. Each night offers a chance to marvel at the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) dancing across Alaska’s winter sky, an awe-inspiring natural wonder that truly completes this once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Want even more Iditarod magic? Add an optional extension to Nome, Alaska to watch the mushers cross the legendary finish line on the shores of the Bering Sea.
Don’t miss out, this Iditarod tour sells out early every year.
Reserve your 2026 Alaska Northern Lights & Iditarod Adventure today!
DAY 1: WELCOME TO ANCHORAGE: Arrive in Anchorage and transfer comfortably to your hotel via the convenient courtesy shuttle service. The remainder of the day is free for you to leisurely wander around and explore this pleasant city, taking in its charming shops and local atmosphere. The hotel is ideally situated just ten minutes from the vibrant downtown shopping district, making it easy to enjoy some light sightseeing or pick up unique souvenirs. For your relaxation, the hotel also offers a well-equipped health club, an inviting pool, and a soothing whirlpool, providing excellent amenities to help you unwind and refresh after your long flight to Alaska. Overnight accommodations are arranged in Anchorage.
DAY 2: DAY IN ANCHORAGE & THE MUSHER’S BANQUET: Today is leisure time to enjoy Anchorage's Annual Winter Fur Rendezvous, known as Fur Rondy. Experience events like the Native Arts Market, Theater Shows, Snow Sculpting, Snowshoe Softball, and Fireworks before the Iditarod Race start. Tonight, attend the Musher’s Banquet to meet mushers, get autographs, join the auction, and watch bib numbers drawn. Dress casual Alaska style. Overnight in Anchorage. (D)
DAY 3: ANCHORAGE: This morning we leave Anchorage and drive south along Turnagain Arm on the Seward Parkway, known as one of America’s most beautiful roads. We’ll stop at Beluga Point and Bird Point for photos. Then, we’ll visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where you can safely see and photograph large Alaskan animals like moose, bison, elk, deer, caribou, bears, muskox, small mammals, and birds of prey. Overnight in Anchorage. (L)
DAY 4: ANCHORAGE - CEREMONIAL START OF THE IDITAROD RACE: The Start of "The Last Great Race" . . . The Iditarod:
At 8 a.m., meet your guide and group in the hotel lobby for a pre-trip talk. Then, we’ll take a van downtown to watch the ceremonial start on 4th Avenue in Anchorage. You’ll see mushers on the trail along Glenn Highway to Eagle River. The racers then move to Wasilla for the race restart on Sunday, which also attracts large crowds. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to join local Fur Rendezvous events, including the unique Running of the Reindeer. This is Alaska’s biggest and oldest winter festival. Overnight in Anchorage.
DAY 5: ANCHORAGE - WILLOW & TALKEETNA: This morning, we will take a comfortable van north to Willow, where the Iditarod race starts. Watch and cheer as mushers begin their 1,050-mile race to Nome. Then, we travel through Chugach State Park to Talkeetna, a small Alaskan town known for its history of mountaineers and bush pilots. You will arrive in Talkeetna in the afternoon. Your room includes a bathroom, shower, kitchenette, dining, and living area. In the evening, enjoy the sunset or a coffee, followed by a family-style dinner and a talk from a famous Alaska historian. Overnight in Talkeetna. (D)
DAY 6: TALKEETNA - RAINY PASS CHECKPOINT: The Iditarod Dog Sled Race stops at Rainy Pass Lodge, one of its key checkpoints. Over 70 teams race more than 1,100 miles from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska. Today, we'll visit Rainy Pass to watch the race. Rainy Pass Lodge is on the Historic Iditarod Trail, 125 miles northwest of Anchorage, surrounded by beautiful wilderness. You can watch the dogs and mushers as they care for the dogs or relax in the lodge and see the teams through big windows as they race on. We leave Talkeetna around 9 a.m. and return about 6 p.m. Meals are not included. Overnight in Talkeetna. (CB)
DAY 7: TALKEETNA TO FAIRBANKS: After breakfast, we travel north to Fairbanks to see the Northern Lights and stay at a waterfront hotel by the Chena River. In the afternoon, we visit the World Ice Art Championship’s ice sculptures, unique for their glacial blue, dense ice carved by international artists. The clear ice is so pure you can read through a four-foot block. At night, colorful lights illuminate the carvings, encouraging a second visit around 8 or 9 pm. Overnight in Fairbanks. (B)
DAY 8: FAIRBANKS - DOG SLEDDING ADVENTURE: Today, we will go on a dog sledding tour. The tour begins by spending time meeting and getting to know the team of dogs that will take you into the frozen Alaskan wilderness. Challenge yourself to remember each of the dogs names, where each one plays an integral part of the team and you may make a new furry friend! You can experience hands on by helping your musher get the dogs ready for tour by harnessing and hooking your team up to the sled. Once on the trail, try your hand at mushing your very own team of Alaskan huskies or cocoon yourself in blankets and relax as your experienced musher guides your team through the mountains. Not only are the dogs incredible, but so too are the highly trained mushers. Ask your guide about the history, techniques, and subtleties of dogsledding – they are extremely knowledgeable and the close relationships between musher and dogs are especially engaging. Later tonight we will go outside once again and scan the skies for the northern lights. Overnight in Fairbanks. (B, L)
DAY 9: FAIRBANKS AND CHENA HOT SPRINGS: After breakfast, we will travel approximately 90 minutes outside Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs. Chena Hot Springs offers an Alaskan winter experience and the healing waters of Chena Hot Springs has been compared to mineral waters found in hot springs famous all over Europe. Locals will tell you that one of the best experiences one can have is sitting in the tranquil environment of the Rock Lake at Chena Hot Springs is soaking, relaxing and revitalizing your spirit in the soothing mineral water! Later, we will visit the Ice Hotel, where you can enjoy a Martini in a genuine "ice glass" Overnight in Fairbanks. (B)
DAY 10: FAIRBANKS DEPARTURE: Today, bid farewell to Alaska as you depart on your flight back home. Weather permitting, your flight from Fairbanks offers amazing views of the Alaska Range and Mt. Denali, North America’s highest peak. Depending on your departure time, you might have free time for some souvenir shopping or additional excursions. Depart today or start an additional tour program.
Don’t Have 10-Days For This Tour?
- CHECK OUT OUR 7-DAY VERSION OF THIS TOUR -
Want More Iditarod Race Action?
Combine this tour with our Nome Iditarod Race Finish Tour and create one Grand Adventure!
TRAVEL INFORMATION
ABOUT THIS TOUR: Adventure travel is exactly is as its name implies, an adventure! Although every attempt is made to adhere to these itineraries, participants need to acknowledge and willingly accept the unexpected route and itinerary changes due to factors beyond our control. About Aurora viewing and moon phases: we run our tours even when there is a full moon, a new moon and at all times in between. During a full moon the foreground is brighter, allowing you to capture the foreground. During a new moon, the sky is darker so the lights may appear slightly brighter. However, since we are in a place where the lights are so bright anyway, this makes very little difference in the quality of viewing. Please note that the Aurora is a natural phenomenon, subject to weather conditions, solar activity and sightings cannot be guaranteed. Some activities are subject to change when temperatures are below -30°F. Please note that this tour begins and ends in Anchorage.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS TOUR: (MODERATE): The Iditarod & Northern Lights Tour does not require a high degree of physical fitness. However, we will be exposed to extremely cold weather, often experiencing temperatures well below freezing, which in itself can be physically challenging. We may also have to walk in deep snow. Most nights we will stay up past midnight to look for the northern lights, which typically appear later in the evening.
WHAT IS INCLUDED & WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Transportation, lodging, transfers and baggage handling and meals as indicated on the itinerary. All rates are per person in U.S. dollars based on shared occupancy. Single supplement is $995 for this tour. Tour does not include Alaska taxes, air transportation to and from Anchorage or any optional tours, liquor, items of personal nature or purchases made on-board the vessels. Airfare to/from Anchorage from your gateway city is not included . *Denotes optional activities/tours.
OTHER GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS TOUR: This itinerary is subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control including, weather, trail conditions and possible race start relocation. The last few winters have been particularly difficult for the Iditarod Race with many challenges along the race trail/route due to the warmer climate. The Iditarod Trail Committee could change the race start/restart due to changing or poor weather conditions. The final decision is made by the ITC early February and this could impact our tour itinerary and scheduled planned activities. Participants must be flexible and willing to understand that these changes are beyond our control. In the event that the race is moved north to Fairbanks for the official race start, you will be presented with options for watching the race at that time.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: We strongly suggest purchasing trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your travel investment at the time you sign up for one of our trips. This coverage will offset cancellation charges in the event of illness before or during your trip. Trip cancellation/interruption and baggage insurance is available at a supplemental cost. CLICK HERE to purchase travel protection.
WINTER GEAR RENTAL: Anyone visiting Alaska in the winter time should bring a warm hat, gloves, neck scarf, and a heavy coat. Layering is the best way to keep warm in Alaska. A light weight thermal with a fleece and a loose fitting jacket is recommended. Please refer to our "What to Wear Winter Guide" by clicking the link below. In Anchorage, 6th Avenue Outfitters rents insulated snow type pants, parkas with hoods, and boots. We do not guarantee availability or sizing. There are no reservations on garments and it is first come-first serve. Please call 6th Avenue Outfitters for availability.
TOUR DATES, COST & TOUR INFORMATION
DATES: MARCH 4 - MARCH 20, 2026
NOTE ABOUT THIS TOUR: This tour begins in Anchorage (ANC) and ends in Fairbanks (FAI) If you don't have too much time, this tour can be modified or shortened if needed. Please call us for more details!
TOUR COST: From $5,695 per person double occupancy. Single supplement is $995.
MEALS: (CB)=Continental Breakfast (B)=Breakfast (L)=Lunch (D)=Dinner.
WHATS INCLUDED:
9-days of accommodations in Anchorage, Talkeetna & Fairbanks
Meals as listed in the itinerary
Anchorage Airport transfers (pick-up and drop-off)
Musher’s Banquet Dinner/Mushers Meet & Greet Event
Race Ceremonial Start & Re-Start Event in Anchorage & Willow
Fly-out Day Trip to the Rainy Pass Checkpoint
World Ice Art Championship Admission (Fairbanks)
Northern Lights Viewing*
Dog Sledding Adventure
Chena Hot Springs Thermal Bath Admission
Visit UAF Museum of the North
Chena Ice Museum with Appletini in Ice Glass
Ground Transportation & Guiding with expert local Alaskan guide
Professional Photographer/Guide
OPTIONAL TOUR ACTIVITIES:
Iditarod Race Finish in Nome - SOLD-OUT