Marking the Reindeer Calves

This is a two-day trip to the summer village Lihti. This is the area where the members of the Girjas sameby go in July to mark the calves. It is situated in the western part of the district where the reindeer graze in the summer time.

The Girjas sameby is one of several samebys in the municipality of Gällivare. Hopefully we will experience a night with the reindeer herders marking the calves. Since it’s often too hot for the reindeer to gather them in a reindeer corral during the day, it’s better to do so in the night when it’s cooler and less insects that disturb the reindeer.

The biggest hindrance not to gather the reindeer in the corral to mark the calves is the weather. Even if we check the day before and the weather forecast says good weather in the mountain area, it can quickly change. If there is no corral during the first night, we will go fishing or hiking in the area. If this happens, you will get an extra night in Lihti that is included in the price and we will rebook the helicopter.

This is an example of what the trip can be like:

Day 1
When we arrive we’ll prepare our camp, which will be a lavvu (tepee) where we will sleep and eat. Hopefully the reindeer have arrived and we’ll experience the marking of the calves in the night.

Day 2
During the day we’ll offer different activities, depending on what we’ve done during the night. If the night was successful we’ll go back home in the evening. If not we’ll stay for another night.

Included in the price
• Lodging in lavvu (tepee)
• Full board
• Guide

Meals: 2-3 breakfasts, 2-3 lunches, 2-3 dinners

Things to bring:
Rucksack for hiking
Good, warm clothes
Hiking boots or rubber boots
Rainwear
Sleeping bag
Mosquito repellent

This trip can be booked from 20 July to 30 july, with a certain reservation for the end date, depending on the reindeer. The herd can turn eastward earlier that what is estimated.

Period: 20 July to 30 juli
Length: 2-3 days, 1-2 nights
Lodging: Lavvu (Sami tepee)
Min/max: 3-5 participants