Kungsleden 1983 Day 7

Salka to Tjaktja

Salka to Alesjaure is 25 km with Tjaktja pass halfway. Going north is not easy, the hike to the pass it is rocky, steep, long and 300m elevation. We decided not to go for Alesjaure but to camp near Tjaktja. We got up at 6 and bumped into the warden. Does this guy ever sleep, because I am sure he stayed with the unfortunate girl until very late. He told us she was doing well, but would be airlifted to Kiruna later that morning. No way she could continue the hike, she was very scared and all her gear was wet.

We told our plans and he said that we, having done the Singi wading adventure, could easily cover the 25km, but this part of Kungsleden is so fantastic, you should not rush. He did suggest we camp after the pass, as the weather on the other side was better. We could expect some rain on the south side.

So, off we went under low clouds, in great spirit and great physical condition. The legs had a top-day, the backpacks seemed weightless and we took plenty of time to take in the surroundings. Indeed, this part of Kungsleden is of astonishing beauty. We started the climb after 4 hours. Quite rocky, amazing views, but not too difficult. We passed a camping spot that is a favourite for many a kilometre before the pass and had a quick lunch.

Tjaktja pass is over 1100 meters high, there were patches of snow around. A fascinating place, very rocky. The weather was ok, we had a sudden downpour on the last part up, that turned the path into a rocky stream, but today nothing bothered us. We stayed at the pass for a while, despite the cold, before descending to the Tjaktja cabin a kilometre away. There were great camping spots so we decided to take it easy and put up our tent not too far from the hut. Rest of the day we walked around a bit, enjoyed nature and stopped at the hut, just for a chat with whoever was there, made one of our beloved dried mash meals with hot chocolate and decided to hit our sleeping bags in the inner tent early, if only to escape the army of mosquitoes.