Extraordinary Expedition to the North Pole

Date: 26 September 2024 onwards
Location: Starting from Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen – Embarking on the Le Commandant Charcot Icebreaker to the North Pole

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WELCOME TO THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME

Join Dr. Keyur Parikh and his wife Mrs. Reeta Keyur Parikh as they embark on an extraordinary journey to one of the most remote and awe-inspiring locations on Earth—the Geographic North Pole. This once-in-a-lifetime expedition is not only a personal adventure but an opportunity to explore the uncharted beauty of the Arctic, push the limits of navigation, and witness the unparalleled wonders of the polar ice caps.

The Journey Begins

On the 26th of September, Dr. Keyur Harshardray Parikh boards Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s most unique Polar Class 2 Icebreaker by Ponant, at Longyearbyen in the Svalbard archipelago. From here, the adventure starts, leaving behind civilization to explore the frozen wilderness of the Arctic. Spectacular glaciers, dramatic mountains, and the untouched beauty of the ice floe await.

Learn More About Le Commandant Charcot

The Quest for 90 Degrees North

Dr. Parikh’s expedition will set sail for the mythical 90° North—commonly known as the Geographic North Pole. As the journey pushes through the vast and ever-shifting ice floes, the team will traverse some of the most remote and desolate areas on the planet, aiming to conquer the ultimate destination: the top of the world.

Why This Journey Matters: A Cardiologist’s Insight

As a leading cardiologist, Dr. Keyur Parikh will also share valuable health insights throughout the expedition. Cold climates present unique challenges for the heart, and Dr. Parikh will highlight essential tips for maintaining cardiovascular health in extreme environments.

Cardiovascular Health Tip of the Day

Did you know? Cold weather can cause blood vessels to constrict, increasing blood pressure and making your heart work harder. If you have a history of heart conditions, staying warm and avoiding sudden exertion in freezing temperatures is critical.

General Health Tip of the Day

Even in cold environments, hydration is essential. In low temperatures, your thirst may be suppressed, but it’s important to drink water regularly to stay hydrated and maintain overall well-being.

Follow the Expedition

Stay tuned as Dr. Parikh shares updates, breathtaking photos, and incredible stories from the expedition! Witness the beauty of the polar landscape and the thrilling experience of traveling to the North Pole.

Together, we will explore the wonders of the Arctic and reflect on the importance of health, nature, and human resilience.

HIGHLIGHT MUSIC VIDEO

TRAVEL BLOGS

Embarkation Day

Today begins an incredible expedition to the remote and icy wilderness of the North Pole! After arriving in Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in the Svalbard archipelago, we embarked on the world’s most unique icebreaker—Le Commandant Charcot, a Polar Class 2 vessel by Ponant. The scenery here is absolutely breathtaking, with towering glaciers, rugged mountains, and an endless expanse of untouched Arctic beauty. At 18:00, we set sail, leaving behind the last remnants of civilization as we venture towards the Arctic ice floes.

Learn more about Le Commandant Charcot

The landscapes are otherworldly, and I can’t help but feel a deep connection to this pristine environment as we begin our journey. The anticipation is building as we push north towards the edge of the world!


Cardiovascular Health Tip of the Day:

Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict, which can raise blood pressure and force the heart to work harder. If you have a history of heart conditions, it’s crucial to stay warm and avoid sudden physical exertion in freezing environments.


General Health Tip of the Day:

While traveling, especially in cold climates, hydration is vital. In these regions, thirst might be suppressed, but it’s still essential to drink water regularly to stay hydrated.


This is just the beginning of our polar odyssey! We will soon push the boundaries of navigation, heading toward the legendary 90 degrees North—the Geographic North Pole. As we move across the ever-changing ice floes, this extraordinary journey will continue along the Greenland coast, navigating the frozen expanse of the Transpolar Drift.

Stay tuned for more updates as we chase the dream of reaching the North Pole!

Today, we sailed along the jagged coast of Spitsbergen, treated to breathtaking views of fjords and glaciers. The island’s name, meaning “pointed mountains,” perfectly describes the dramatic peaks rising from the icy landscape. As we moved through this spectacular terrain, rich with avian wildlife, the anticipation of venturing further north intensified. The day’s highlight was our first sighting of a majestic polar bear, a moment of awe and wonder for all aboard.


Cardiovascular Health Tip of the Day:
Exercise is essential for maintaining heart health, even while on vacation. Short walks around the ship help keep your heart active and your blood circulation flowing, reducing the risk of blood clots.

General Health Tip of the Day:
Cold environments put additional strain on your heart, so it’s important to stay warm by dressing in layers. Regular movement, such as walking on the ship, helps keep your circulation flowing and your body warm.


We began navigating through sea ice and ice floes today, and it was in this icy expanse that we were fortunate enough to encounter the polar bear. As we continue cutting through the frozen landscape, the excitement for what lies ahead grows.

Today aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the journey through the Arctic continues as we cut through the sea ice with ease, thanks to the ship’s advanced icebreaking technology. Designed for polar expeditions, Le Commandant Charcot is a marvel of engineering, and it’s fascinating to see how it maneuvers through these frozen waters.

How Le Commandant Charcot Breaks Ice:

  1. Hull Design (Polar Class 2)
    The ship’s hull is reinforced with thickened steel at the bow, allowing it to break through ice by ramming and sliding. Its curved design enables the vessel to crush ice through sheer weight and pressure.
  2. Dual-Fuel Hybrid Propulsion
    The ship uses a hybrid propulsion system combining liquefied natural gas (LNG) and electric power. With two azimuth pods that rotate, the ship can direct thrust in any direction, offering superior maneuverability when breaking ice.
  3. Icebreaking Power
    With about 35 megawatts of power (47,000 horsepower), Le Commandant Charcot can continuously break through ice up to 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) thick. For denser ice, the ship employs a “backing and ramming” method.
  4. Hull Heating and Lubrication
    The ship uses a heating or lubrication system to reduce friction between the hull and the ice, improving efficiency as it navigates dense ice fields.

This combination of innovative technology allows Le Commandant Charcot to advance through some of the most challenging ice fields in the Arctic.


Cardiovascular Health Tip of the Day:
Even light activity in the cold can elevate your heart rate. It’s essential to pace yourself and avoid overexertion, especially if you have any heart conditions. Take breaks and keep activities light to avoid undue strain on the heart.

General Health Tip of the Day:
Gentle activities such as walking on the deck help maintain good cardiovascular health and improve your mental well-being. Keeping your muscles active in the cold is important for overall health.

Healthy Dietary Habit Tip:
While it may be tempting to consume more calories in colder weather, focus on nutrient-dense foods such as nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. These provide energy while also offering heart-healthy fats.


Keyur Parikh
Chairman, MARENGO CIMS HOSPITAL
www.cims.org

Tomorrow, we will attempt to reach the Geographic North Pole at 90°N—a feat that has never been accomplished this late in the year. As autumn has already set in, no icebreaker has ventured this far at this time of year before. If successful, we will become the first humans to reach 90°N under these challenging conditions on October 1st or 2nd.
The North Pole, the northernmost point on Earth, is where all longitudes converge, and everything lies to the south. Even during summer, the sea ice remains mostly frozen in this region due to the extreme conditions. In addition to the Geographic North Pole, we aim to reach the Magnetic North Pole, where Earth’s magnetic field points directly downward.
Reaching both the Magnetic and Geographic North Poles will be a significant achievement, a unique opportunity in this remote and formidable environment.
**Cardiovascular Health Tip of the Day:**  
Cold conditions put extra strain on your heart, so be mindful of any physical exertion. If you feel fatigued or short of breath, rest and allow your body to adjust to the cold. Warming up slowly after being exposed to the cold is crucial for your heart’s health.
**Healthy Dietary Habit Tip:**  
For optimal heart health, focus on nutrient-dense, energy-sustaining foods such as nuts, seeds, and fish. These foods provide essential fatty acids, proteins, and vitamins that help maintain energy and protect your heart under extreme conditions.

Today marks a monumental achievement as we reach 90° North, the Geographic North Pole—the point where all meridians converge. Standing here is an awe-inspiring experience, surrounded by nothing but vast stretches of ice and sky. The remote, almost mythical nature of this location is indescribable, a place that has sparked the curiosity and passion of explorers for generations. It’s truly humbling to stand at the top of the world.


Cardiovascular Health Tip of the Day:
In extreme environments like the Arctic, keeping an eye on heart health is critical. If you notice any chest discomfort or shortness of breath, slow down and warm up immediately. Cold stress can worsen existing heart conditions, so it’s important to listen to your body.

General Health Tip of the Day:
Engage in mindful breathing while taking in the beauty of this unique environment. Practicing mindfulness in such moments can reduce stress, lower cortisol levels, and provide both mental and cardiovascular benefits.

Healthy Dietary Habit Tip:
Antioxidant-rich foods, like berries or dark chocolate, are great for reducing inflammation and promoting heart health. Including these foods in your diet during travel can also help boost your immune system.

Reaching and staying at 90° North over the past two days has been an exhilarating, otherworldly experience. Standing at the Geographic North Pole, where all meridians converge, was a moment of profound excitement. The realization that we are among the few humans to be here this late in the season, enduring the bitter cold at -25°C, made the experience even more surreal and unforgettable.

As we began our journey southward, retracing our path through the Arctic ice, we were once again mesmerized by the ever-changing frozen landscapes. This frozen wilderness, now familiar yet still alien, offered new views as we cut across the ice en route to the mystical shores of Greenland today.

As we retraced our route southward through the ice, we continued to experience the shifting landscapes of the Arctic. The frozen wilderness, now familiar yet still alien,across the floe. There are daily helicopter scout flights to survey the terraine. 

Cardiovascular Health Tip of the Day: 

Avoid sudden bursts of physical activity, especially in the cold. Sudden strenuous exercise can increase blood pressure and heart rate rapidly, which could be dangerous in extreme environments.

General Health Tip of the Day:

Stretching is an excellent way to keep muscles flexible and prevent stiffness in cold climates. Take time each day to stretch your body to avoid muscle strain.

We are 84’North !

Today, as we continue our journey southward from the North Pole, we navigated through stunning stretches of ice floes and pancake ice at 82°N. The Arctic landscape never ceases to amaze with its shifting beauty—vast expanses of ice, some smooth and endless, others jagged and broken, creating a surreal sense of isolation.

But what made today truly exceptional were our four incredible sightings of one of the Arctic’s most iconic creatures—the endangered *polar bear*. Spotting these majestic animals in their natural habitat felt like witnessing a rare treasure of the wild. Each bear we encountered moved gracefully across the ice, a reminder of the fragile balance that exists in these frozen realms.

### Polar Bears in the Arctic

Polar bears, often referred to as the “Lords of the Arctic,” are the largest land carnivores on Earth, with adult males weighing up to 800 kg (1,760 lbs). These magnificent creatures rely on sea ice as a platform for hunting their primary prey, seals. However, due to the effects of climate change, their habitat is rapidly shrinking, pushing them onto endangered species lists.

As apex predators, polar bears play a crucial role in the Arctic ecosystem, helping to maintain the balance by controlling seal populations. However, the melting of sea ice is forcing polar bears to travel longer distances in search of food, leading to reduced body weight, lower reproductive rates, and greater threats to their survival.

Today’s sightings serve as a poignant reminder of the delicate state of the Arctic environment and the creatures that depend on it.

### Cardiovascular Health Tip of the Day:
Cold weather can constrict blood vessels and increase your heart rate, making it important to avoid sudden strenuous activity. Stay warm, dress in layers, and give yourself plenty of time to adjust to the temperature to avoid unnecessary strain on your heart.

### Healthy Dietary Habit Tip:
For heart health, focus on incorporating heart-healthy fats into your diet, such as those found in fatty fish like salmon, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats help lower inflammation and support overall cardiovascular health.

Today’s experience, filled with ice, wildlife, and wonder, leaves me in awe of this pristine part of the planet. But it also serves as a reminder of the need to protect these fragile environments and the creatures that call it home.

Photo & Videos

Day 1: Embarkation Day 26 September 2024 – Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen

Day 2 – 27 September 2024: At Sea Along Spitsbergen

Day 3 – 29th September Sunday 2024 

Day 6 & 7

Day 8

Day 9

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