
Welcome to 10th edition of
INTO THE WILD
10.-16th August 2026
- a shamanic quest into the heart of Sàpmi
- Visit sacred places in nature
- Rituals and ceremonies
- Visionquest
- Visit many thousands of years old rock carvings
- Experience Sami culture and tradition
- learn from nature & the sami shamanic traditions
- Experience deep contact with wild nature and primordial powers

Into the Wild is more than just a journey through nature—it’s a powerful, transformative experience, where you’ll venture into untamed nature to reconnect with your inner wildness, to regain innder silence, clarity, and strength.
The breathtaking landscape becomes a living mirror, reflecting your inner world, your untold stories, and your personal mythology. Each step tests your physical endurance and mental resilience, guiding you deeper into yourself.
This is not just a leisure walk - this is a journey into the heart of the wild tundra, an ancient medicine that can be as fierce as it is gentle. You might experience all 8 seasons in a single day, while the next day could bring the soft embrace of the midnight sun, casting its eternal light on your path.
Following the ancient postal route between Alta and Karasjok, we will visit sacred Sami sites, where the veil between the worlds is thin, and ancient spirits linger. You will take part in shamanic ceremonies, witness thousands of years old rock carvings, and immerse yourself in the richness of Sami myths and traditions.
The wilderness is sacred medicine - a raw, wild force that strips away what no longer serves you and reveals what’s been waiting to be re-discovered. Throughout the retreat, you will spend time in deep solitude, receive personalized tasks and guidance, and learn to listen - not just with your ears, but with your soul - to the whispers of nature and the spirits that have dwelled here since ancient times. You will also have the opurtunity to meet people who have lived in up on the tundra their whole life, people who carry the wisdom of ages in their silence presence.
Those who have walked this path speak of life-changing transformation. This is a journey for those brave enough to meet themselves fully.
"In the heart of the wilderness, your spirit will remember its true rhythm - steady, fierce, and free."
"We use the outer landscape as a mirror for our inner world, reflecting our personal mythology and testing our physical and mental resilience".
Overview
Into the Wild is more than a trek—it’s a soul-led journey through the heart of Sápmi. For 8 days, you will walk the ancient postal route between Karasjok and Alta, across wild tundra, sacred mountains, and deep silence. This path has been walked for centuries by reindeer herders, messengers, and shamans, carrying wisdom from generation to generation.
This retreat weaves together wilderness, Sámi tradition, shamanic ceremonies, and a powerful Vision Quest. The landscape will test your endurance and hold your transformation. You may experience wind, rain, sun, and silence in a single day—each element stripping away what no longer serves you.
Day 1 · Arrival in Alta & Opening Ceremony
We meet in Alta for a day of cultural grounding, visiting the rock carvings and a Sámi sacrificial stone. Here, we hold our opening ceremony, honouring the land and setting our intentions for the journey ahead. We recommend arriving the evening before so you have time to rest.
After our time in Alta, we travel to the starting point of our hike and walk 6 km to Joatka Mountain House. We settle in for a shared dinner and our first evening together in the wilderness.
Day 2 · Into the Wilderness
Leaving Joatka, we walk deeper into the plateau, finding our walking rhythm and beginning to tune into the landscape. Along the way, we explore what it means to listen to the land and allow ourselves to become part of the nature around us.
We set up tent camp and prepare dinner together. An evening group circle gives us space to share our intentions and settle into life outdoors.
Day 3 · Walking in Silence
We continue our journey with periods of silent walking and deep listening to the land. As we move through the landscape, we practise shifting our attention from everyday thoughts towards the body, the senses and the world around us.
At camp, we prepare dinner over the fire, with time for fishing where conditions allow. In the evening, we gather for a shamanic drum journey.
Day 4 · Preparing for the Vision Quest
We walk towards the place where we will hold our Vision Quest, allowing the day to become quieter as we approach camp. Silent walking and guided reflection help you clarify what you wish to bring into your time alone.
Once camp is established, we prepare for the quest together, covering both the inner process and the practical arrangements. We share dinner and an evening circle before settling down for the night.
Day 5 · Vision Quest
Your Vision Quest begins in the morning, with up to 24 hours in solitude. This is an invitation to step away from familiar distractions and spend time listening to yourself and the land.
You may choose to fast or eat lightly, depending on your needs and intention. Experienced guides remain nearby at the shared camp, holding the space and offering support when needed.
Day 6 · Return, Integration & Celebration
You return to the shared camp in the morning, where a nourishing meal awaits. We take time to rest and gather in a sharing circle, allowing your experience to unfold without rushing to explain or understand everything.
Later, we continue walking towards our final overnight camp. We celebrate our journey with a shared dinner, storytelling and an evening shamanic drum journey.
Day 7 · Return to Karasjok & Closing Ceremony
After breakfast, we complete the final part of our wilderness walk and travel to Karasjok. We gather for a closing ceremony, giving thanks to the land and reflecting on how to bring the experiences of the journey into everyday life.
A shared lunch in Karasjok brings our seven days together to a close.
Essential Information
Arrival/Departure: Travel to Alta and from Karasjok must be arranged individually. We can assist with advice. Accommodation before/after the trip is not included.
Silence: Each day includes quiet time to deepen connection with nature and yourself.
Vision Quest: A unique opportunity to spend time alone in the wilderness for guidance and clarity.
Ceremonies: Simple yet powerful Sámi-inspired ceremonies at sacred sites.
Screening: All participants complete a short physical and mental readiness check before confirmation.
Who is This Journey For?
This journey is for those ready to meet themselves fully—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It is not a leisure hike, but a transformative experience, guided by nature, tradition, and the wild silence of Sápmi.
"In the heart of the wilderness, your spirit will remember its true rhythm—steady, fierce, and free."
Essential Information
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Arrival: Participants are responsible for arranging transportation to Karasjok before and from Alta after the trip. We can assist with information, but accommodations before and after the retreat must be arranged independently. There are busses going from karasjok to Laksev Airport on last day if you need to catch the evening flight at 18.00.
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Quiet Time: Each day will include periods of silence to deepen your connection with nature and yourself.
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Vision Quest: This is an ancient shamanic practice, where you will spend time alone in nature, seeking answers to life’s most pressing questions.
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Ceremonies: Simple yet profound shamanic ceremonies will be held at sacred Sami sites, offering powerful opportunities for personal insight and transformation.
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Screening: Upon registration, participants will undergo a brief screening to ensure they are physically and mentally prepared for the challenges of the journey. We want to ensure that everyone is able to complete the journey safely.
Testimonials
"The tundra doesn’t let you pass easily. But when you find your rhythm, in tune with life, with nature, and with yourself—there’s nothing like it."
"An unforgettable experience, a memory that will stay with me forever."
Price and Practical Information
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Price: NOK 16,000
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Early bird price: NOK 14,000 (registration before April 1, 2026)
Upon registration, an invoice will be sent, payable within 7 days to secure your spot. Payment can be split into two by agreement. Registration is binding.
The price includes one hot meal per day, breakfast, and accommodation at the lodge in Karasjok on the first night. Participants will need to bring additional food and snacks for the journey.
Are you ready to join us on this life-changing journey?
For more information, contact Kjetil@vaajma.no.
Sign up for the trip here

"There is a quote from Rumi:" Travel brings power and love back to your life ". It is very descriptive of how I feel after the trip."
"The trip has been an initiation and a catalyst for I have met my demons, but I have also returned to my power and inspiration and have much more self-confidence and faith in my abilities than before. "
" Among the many realizations I have had was how important it is to go out of your comfort zone from time to time. You are capable of so much more than you think. Only then do you know what it feels like to live. "






























