Private Guest Activities
Tonglen Naturalist Walks
Join our naturalist guide to explore the local trails while you learn about the fascinating fauna, flora, geology and history of the surrounding taiga forest and mountains. Approximately 1.5 miles in distance, requiring moderate fitness. Meet in the Artisan Café.
Tonglen Lake Lodge is much more than just a place to rest your head while you visit Denali National Park. A destination in its own right, Tonglen Lake is a sanctuary from where you can explore Denali while you recuperate from your adventures. If you would like the flexibility of exploring Denali at your own pace, we are here to guide you and ensure that you make the most of the many extraordinary experiences on offer.
Yoga Classes
Upon arrival at Tonglen Lake Lodge, be sure to check out our classroom for our yoga schedule. Classes also take place on the outdoor stage where the clean mountain air will help your body and mind to relax.
A Cultural History
Kianna Carlson speaks about the Athabascan Village of Cantwell, only 20 miles south of Denali, and the history of the Athabascan culture in our area. Her local knowledge, accompanied by her long family history in Cantwell, makes her an excellent resource for our guests to learn about the history of our area.
Climb Denali Presentation
Jimmie Hendricks spent years working as a wilderness guide, unknowingly building the foundation for his life accomplishments of homesteading, building cabins and ultimately climbing Denali. Join him on his journey and be inspired by Jimmie’s eloquent, yet down to earth presentation that entertains audiences from all walks of life.
The Alaskan Sled Dog & The Iditarod
Come and listen to Cali Best speak about growing up at Tonglen Lake and her experiences with the sled dogs that once lived right here! She was the youngest person to complete the Iditarod in 2003, at the age of 18.
Campfire Circle & Lawn Games
Every evening at 6:00 pm (weather permitting)
Relax on the swings around the campfire while you roast marshmallows and enjoy the company of fellow guests. This is often a time when Donna will join in to share stories that go back many years about life in Denali.
Tonglen Art & History Tour
Join owner and artist, Donna Gates, for a tour of Tonglen on Tuesday nights while you hear first-hand how Tonglen Lake Lodge was created. As a showcase of local artisan talent, Donna will introduce you to the log artistry, metalwork, pottery, stained glass, and mosaics that are all a part of the Tonglen Lake experience.
Full Service Private Guide Packages
A Multi-Day Guided Activity Package with Traverse Alaska is a great way to experience more of what Denali has to offer, and your local, professional guide will be with you every step of the way. All packages include your own private hiking guide with private transportation available during your entire stay, and plenty of room to add and customize a trip that is tailored for you and your group.
Trips can include: hiking, river rafting, and more adventures that are custom-designed for your group’s interests, activity level, pace and schedule. All Traverse Alaska guides have year-round experience in Alaska. They are professional, well trained in history, culture, flora, fauna, geology and safety (have Wilderness Medical Training). Packages can easily combine Traverse Alaska activities with lodging at Tonglen Lake Lodge.
ELSEWHERE IN ALASKA:
Explore Denali National Park on a narrated bus tour or shuttle to venture deep inside this pristine wilderness.
Experience a premier wilderness lodge experience inside Denali Park with Camp Denali.
See Denali by air with Denali Air or Fly Denali.
Land on a Glacier with Fly Denali.
Experience the mountain tundra with a Heli-Hike.
Go fishing with Denali Fly Fishing Guides.
Experience an historic family homestead and sled dog kennel with Wolf’s Den Kennels or Husky Homestead Tours.
For your stay in Anchorage, the Copper Whale Inn
For wilderness and wildlife river trips around Alaska with Arctic Treks
Experience an historic family homestead and sled dog kennel with Wolf’s Den Kennels
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES FOR INDEPENDENT TRAVELERS
Using our decades of local knowledge and experience, we have created sample itineraries that include a variety of additional excursions and activities to help you explore Denali.
Tonglen Lake Lodge offers: Active Travelers, Adventurous Travelers, Families and Leisure Travelers Sample Itinerary
BIRDWATCHERS
Denali is a birder’s paradise. Depending on the season, it offers over 160 species for observation.
