Experiences you'll have
This is a perfect tour for the newcomers in Chukotka. When saying 'newcomer', we totally mean you will come again, because none can learn the great diversity of landscapes and climatic zones of this region in a single journey. From its beautiful capital city of Anadyr you will go to the scenic bay that is home to the village of Egvekinot.
Border permit is required for this tour. Personal data should be submitted minimum 35 days before the date of arrival
You will come to the spot where the Arctic circle and the 180th meridian intersect. The main destination of the expedition will be a camp of Chukchi reindeer herders. This indigenous people of Russian North have the same lifestyle their ancestors had centuries ago. You will have a chance to take a glance at their unique culture and to listen to their stories.
Photo on the top by Sergey Dolja
Itinerary
The journey starts in Anadyr, where you must travel to on your own. We can help you with the purchase of tickets. If necessary, leave a comment on the application.
Note that to be in Anadyr by the start of the program, you have to depart from Moscow the day before. Contact our manager for details.
Weather in Chukotka is extremely volatile. Aircraft are the only mode of inter-district transport here. Flight delays due to weather are nothing uncommon. You have every chance to 'get stuck' in Anadyr or Egvekinot. To reduce risks, it's recommendable to buy tickets to Moscow after you come back from Egvekinot. The organizers can help you book the tickets for the closest departure for Moscow.
Day 1 Arrival in Anadyr
After an overnight flight, you will arrive from Moscow in Anadyr. Your English-speaking activity instructor will meet you at the airport. You will have a transfer by minibus to the city of Anadyr (approximately 40 minutes). Here you will accommodate in a private apartment and have Russian dumplings for lunch.
In the afternoon you will go for a walking tour of Anadyr. This northern town on the shore of the sea is the capital of Chukotka Autonomous District. You will see the city and visit a wooden Holy Trinity Cathedral.
In the evening you will have dinner with red caviar and other local delicacies.
Day 2 Egvekinot
Early in the morning you will have breakfast and then you will be transferred to Anadyr airport (1,5 hour). From here you will depart by a local flight to the village of Egvekinot.
After lunch in a cafe, you will have a tour of the village with visiting a local museum and a ski center. Fishing for crabs is also waiting for you today.
In the evening you will have a home-made dinner and will rest in a cottage.
Day 3 Reindeer herders' camp
After early breakfast a trip to reindeer herders' camp will start (300 km). The first destination is the national Chukchi village of Amguema (90 km, 3-6 hours). Here you will come by off-road vehicles along the road built by GULAG prisoners. On the way there will be a stop near Arctic Circle Arch, the place of pilgrimage for all tourists. In good weather gorgeous mountains around can be seen. In case of bad weather, the journey to Amguema can be quite difficult because of winds. On the road you will have a light snack for lunch.
From Amguema the trip to reindeer herders' camp will be by caterpillar or TREKOL. Reindeer herders will meet you in their yarangas, Chukchi traditional tents. You will have traditional tea and meals made from reindeer meat for dinner. Reindeer herders are always happy to have guests, they will be glad to tell you stories about lives of their families.
This night you will spend in yaranga and experience the lifestyle of Chukchi herders who go to sleep and wake up together with sun.
Day 4 Activities with reindeer herders
After morning tea and light breakfast, you will go to see a reindeer herd. Depending on distance from the Chukchi camp, the trip will be by feet or by snowmobile. The hosts will show you how to catch a deer and you will have a chance to try it by yourself. Another local activity you will participate in is a reindeer sledding. On the way back, you will try an ice-fishing on a lake or a river.
You will say good-bye to your Chukchi hosts and leave the camp after lunch. After arriving to Egvekinot you will enjoy a proper shower or sauna.
Day 5 Back to Anadyr
In the morning you will be transferred to the airport of Egvekinot and will have a flight back to Anadyr. Today you will watch a performance by Chukchi-Eskimo song and dance ensemble 'Ergyron'.
Day 6 The village of Tavayvaam
After breakfast you will have a journey to Saint Michael’s mountain, observe the landscape of Arctic tundra and be a guest in the village of Tavayvaam.
Day 7 Gudym
During the day you will visit a bone carving or a tailoring workshop. You will also have an excursion to the abandoned military base Gudym. To get there you will cross a frozen Anadyr Bay by car.
Day 8 Departure to Moscow
Today is the end of the trip. You will be taken to the airport and will have a flight back to Moscow.
Accommodation during the trip
In Anadyr you will stay in a double-basis private apartment.
In the village of Egvekinot, you will live in a comfortable cottage for two or three (a bedroom for each person).
While being in reindeer camp, you will spend a night in a sleeping-bag in a polog. Polog is a department for 4-5 people in yaranga (a traditional tent) covered with reindeer skin.
Common questions
An experienced guide will meet you at Anadyr Airport and guide you throughout the journey.
To participate in tour it is necessary to submit the following information not later than 35 days before start of the tour:
The issue of border permit is included in the tour.
Mobile connectivity is mostly very poor or non-existent in this region
Booking
Accommodation during the trip
Languages
Accommodation as per itinerary
Meals (full board)
Visa support
Borderline zone permit
English-speaking guide
Transfers as per itinerary
Concerts and sightseeing program as per itinerary
Museum entrance fees
Flights to/from Anadyr, starting at 50 000 RUB for a round-trip ticket
Caterpillar rent
Any kind of spirits
Optional services available on the spot and not included in the itinerary
Accommodation as per itinerary
Meals (full board)
Visa support
Borderline zone permit
English-speaking guide
Transfers as per itinerary
Concerts and sightseeing program as per itinerary
Museum entrance fees
Flights to/from Anadyr, starting at 50 000 RUB for a round-trip ticket
Caterpillar rent
Any kind of spirits
Optional services available on the spot and not included in the itinerary