For a fun natural Alaska vacation consider the Nanamiut Village in the Far North.

If what you are looking for is a truly rugged Alaska vacations you may want to think about traveling to Nunamiut Village right on the edge of the Gates of Arctic National Park and Preserve. There you will find people that are decedents of those that have lived in the region since before five-hundred BC. They survived on caribou, which they still hunt, eat, and make clothing and more from, exactly like their ancestors.

The small village is one that should be respected for its heritage of life. When visitors come to the village and disrupt the natural flow of the community it is both harmful and unappreciated. For this reason the village has designated a camping area that outsiders must camp in. This campground is located among the willows along the east edge of the runway opposite the town. Be sure to register with the store, ranger station or community center for more information on the requirements for camping here. Do NOT camp within sight of the village, it is disrespectful toward the local people. Respect them, they have existed here a lot longer than you have been here and have the right to be honored in their home.

The Anaktuvuk Pass consists of just 250 individuals. The village is described as a bush community thus supplies are limited. The natives residents still rely on caribou herds for alll of their meat, although they also hunt Dall sheep and catch trout and grayling, ptarmigan, and waterfowl.

The weather in the area varies from the fifties during the summer time to an average of -14 degrees in January. Of course, being Alaska, and the far north of Alaska, there are recorded cold spells of between -56 and -91 degrees. The area receives an average of eleven inches of precipitation with an average snowfall of 63 inches per year.

When visiting the area make sure to carry along the things that you will want (and remember you will be carrying the load so only bring the necessary things to avoid having to carry the weight). The village does not have the facilities that you may be acustomed to in other sites so you won’t be able to run to the store to pick the items up. Don't forget, it is a truly rugged Alaska vacation you are enjoying, one that will create a great memory for years to come.

If you don't need the comfort of traditional Alaska tours, and desire a real Far North Alaska vacation then this is the area that you absolutely must want to consider. However, you won't just spend your vacation in Nanamiut Village, but go on to Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, a visit and perhaps an overnight in the village will give you a taste of what it might be like to live this far from the rest of the state and in the lifestyle that their ancestors lived years ago. Come, enjoy and respect the area so others will have the chance to appreciate this wonderland of the north too.