Discover the spectacular wilderness of the Russian North - the area where the sun does not go below the horizon of the dramatic desert of tundra, scenic lakes and waterfalls are nested between the mountain passes, the Arctic ocean breaks the waves against the black rocky shore, and the tundra rejoices with bright colors of blossoming lichens. Explore the habitat of waterfowl, seals, white dolphins and reindeer in light activity - travelling by foot, bike, motor-boat or even by quad.
Day 1
Early morning arrival in Murmansk, meeting at the airport by the guide. 5-6 am - Transfer by the mini-bus to Titovka, the point of access to the formerly closed military zone (110 km paved road, 2-3 hrs). Stop on the way at the War Memorial at the Valley of Glory, which in the WW II times was called the Valley of Death.
After passing the control for access to the nowadays borderline area, change the transport for the Russian Army off-road truck (GAZ-66 or URAL) and continue the trip along the old German track to the base camp (30 km, dirt track). Stop on the way at the scenic waterfall on the Titovka river.
Arrive in the 1st stationary tent camp “Musta-Tunturi” around 1 pm, in time for lunch.
Lunch cooked by the instructor over campfire.
In the afternoon, divide into 2 groups: one group will go for quad biking to the exceptionally scenic Malaya Volokovaya Bay, while the other will explore the surroundings by bike along the old German road built during WWII. After 3 hours, swap the activities between the groups, and continue for another 3 hours taking advantage of the Polar Day.
Dinner cooked over campfire. Night in tents in the 1st stationary camp (equipped with a biotoilet and a tent summer shower).
Day 2After breakfast, travel by the off-road truck first from the Musta Tunturi camp to the beautiful Kutovaya Bay, then make a stop at the waterfall and go further to explore the Soviet artillery battery, which used to cover in the war period the strategic entrance to Petsamo fjord. Continue to 2 Brothers seid, a disturbingly spectacular site with 2 great silent rocks on the seashore, which were a Saami sacred site where sacrifices and rites used to be performed. Pass the Ozerko (Small Lake) Bay and finally reach the destination for the day - Skorbeevka bay. Lunch as a light snack on the way.
Arrive in the 2nd stationary tent camp “Skorbeesky” in Skorbeevka bay. Dinner and night in tents.
Day 3
After late breakfast, explore Skorbeevka bay, with its small picturesque waterfall on the Skorbeevka river. Skorbeevka is the right place to feel the true Arctic spirit - facing the endless cold waters of the austere Arctic Ocean, with the magnificent tundra behind you, and black sharp rocks eastwards along the shore. Have a radial walk along the shore of the Barents Sea to the Maly Skorbeevsky cape. This is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the Arctic nature, riffs, possibly even spot a reindeer. Lunch and dinner in the camp. Fishing is possible.
Night in tents in the 2nd stationary camp (biotoilet, tent summer shower).
Day 4
After breakfast, undertake a radial walk from Skorbeevka Bay to Kekursky Cape. Cross the scenic plateau and try to spot the seals in Vaida Bay. Weather permitting, set off by inflatable motor-boats across Vaida Bay to Nemetsky Cape, the northernmost point of the European continental Russia, carefully protected at all times point. Take your time around the Nemetsky Cape, see the old meteo station and lighthouse. Lunch as a light snack on the way. If the weather conditions are adverse for motor-boating, this trip can be done around Vaida Bay by off-road trucks.
Return to the 2nd stationary tent camp in Skorbeevka. Dinner, night in tents.
Day 5After breakfast, pack and leave by the off-road truck from Skorbeevka back to the foothill of Musta-Tunturi foothill. Trek across Musta-Tunturi (“Black Tundra”) mountain range, with stunning views of the rocky tundra and sea with islands below. Visit the northernmost section of the WWII fights, where the Soviet and German positions (trenches, defense pits, other fortification structures) remain untouched by time since the WW II. Lunch as a light snack on the way.
Go down on the other side of the range to the 1st stationary camp Musta-Tunturi (66 km), where those wishing can take a tent shower. Dinner, night in tents.
Day 6
After breakfast – free time to fish in one of the lakes nearby, have a walk along the German fortification ruins, or just to mediate in the Northern nature. Lunch In the camp.13/15.00 – Transfer by the off-road bus to Murmansk railway stationm (140 km along the dirt track and paved road). For those who depart by evening flight – you still have time to wander around the city of Murmansk. Transfer to the airport.
Extended Murmansk programme (for a supplement):
(for those who arrive on the eve of Day 1 and depart by morning flight on day 7):
Day 0
Arrival in Murmansk. Transfer to the city, check-in at the hotel ***. Sightseeing city tour of Murmansk with a visit to the Northern Fleet museum or the Local Lore museum. Night in the hotel (double-basis).
Day 6
Arrival in Murmansk in the evening. Check-in at the hotel ***. Time at leisure. Night in the hotel (double-basis).
Day 7
Breakfast in the hotel, check-out and transfer to the airport. Departure by flight to Moscow and further home.
The Tour Operator reserves the right to introduce alterations in the Day 1 and Day 7 adjusting it to the flight schedule Moscow-Murmansk. Light changes in the itinerary can be introduced due to the weather conditions or other similar factors out of control by the Tour operator.
