
Experiences you'll have
This is a multi-day tour for experienced travelers seeking to test themselves in the terra incognita of the Upper Kolyma. You will explore the remote, hard-to-reach areas of the Magadan Region, which, since December 16, 2022, have become part of Russia's newest nature reserve - the "Chersky" National Park. We have strived to organize logistics that are as comfortable as possible for these locations. You will reach the national park in an off-road vehicle, and will traverse the most challenging sections of the route by motorboat across the lake, avoiding a trek along the shore through bushes, windfalls, mountain passes, and scree fields.
This program is suitable for active tourists. A cook will accompany you on the route, so you won't have to prepare meals. Also, this tour will not involve overnight stays in tents - you will be accommodated in a hotel in the city and in comfortable wooden cabins during the active part of the route
This tour is sold as a group departure.
The number of participants is 12.
Itinerary
The journey begins in Magadan, which you need to reach on your own on the first day of the trip. We recommend flight FV‑6289 operated by Rossiya Airlines, departing from Moscow the day before and arriving in Magadan at 11:25.
There may be delays on the route due to bad weather and rising water levels in the rivers - we recommend purchasing return tickets for flights departing one day after the program ends. If the program goes according to plan, on the remaining days before your departure, you can choose additional excursions. For more details, see the "Common questions" section.
Sequence of the tour routes may change due to weather, rising water levels, and other unpredictable circumstances.
Day 1 Discovering Magadan
On the first day of the program, the tour organizer will meet you at the airport in the settlement of Sokol. After collecting your luggage, you will travel by minibus, minivan, or jeep (depending on the group size) to your hotel in Magadan and check into your rooms (50 km, travel time approximately 50 minutes).
Lunch will be at the hotel's restaurant.
After lunch, accompanied by a guide, you will go on a short city tour to learn about the history of Magadan. You will visit "Mayak" Park, "Dyukcha" Park, and the "Gornyak" recreation area.
After the walk, you will return to the hotel for some rest.
Dinner will be at the "Pereval" restaurant.
Day 2 Sea excursion to Zavyalov Island
After breakfast at the hotel and gathering your gear, you will head to the pier to set out to sea. Next, you will embark on a sea crossing to Zavyalov Island. This is a picturesque uninhabited island located in the Sea of Okhotsk.
While you enjoy the sea expanses and coastal views, hot tea and a light snack will be served on board.
Upon reaching the island, you will disembark on the shore. An exciting walking tour awaits you, heading to the picturesque sea stacks (kekurs) — a perfect spot for a memorable photo session against the unique landscapes. After the walk, a hearty lunch will be served right on the island, in the fresh sea air.
In the afternoon, you will descend to the shore, board the boat again, and set off on an exciting sea excursion around the island. Near the cliffs, you will have the opportunity to fish. The day will conclude with an atmospheric dinner right on board the boat.
Upon returning to the city, you will check into your hotel rooms and enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Day 3 Transfer to Jack London Lake
In the morning, you will have breakfast at the hotel, gather your equipment, and depart for the Debyn River (521 km, 8-9 hours). Stops are planned along the way in the settlements of Atka and Laryukovoye to stretch your legs and have a snack.
Upon reaching the Debyn River, you will transfer to off-road vehicles and continue your journey cross-country to Jack London Lake. Along the way, you will cross several rivers: the Debyn, the Levyye Sukhakhy, the Snezhnaya, and the Zaputanny (63 km).
By evening, you will arrive at the "Boevoy" camp, check into the cabins, and have dinner.
Day 4 Hike to lakes Mechta, Anemo, and Seraya Chayka
In the morning after breakfast, you will go on a 6-kilometer hike to the mountain lakes Mechta, Anemo, and Seraya Chayka, with an elevation gain of up to 500 meters. During the hike, you will stop for a lunch break, after which you will continue for another 5 kilometers along the mountain range past the lakes (elevation gain: 260 meters).
Upon returning to the camp, you will visit the banya (sauna) and have dinner.
Day 5 Mount Brakonerka
After breakfast, you will set out on the route to Mount Brakonerka. Upon reaching the summit, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the Purgа River valley (8.6 km with an elevation gain of 420 m).
After lunch, you will begin your return journey. Before dinner, those who wish can relax in the banya (sauna).
Day 6 Day hike from the "Boevoy" camp
After breakfast, you will go on a day hike. You will cross Lake Tantsuyushchikh Khariusov (Lake of Dancing Grayling) by boat and then set out on a walk to the "Gidrobiologov" Spit, where lunch and an excursion program await you. (6 km)
After lunch, you will return to the camp. In the afternoon, you will relax in the banya (sauna), and have dinner.
Day 7 Return journey to Magadan
After breakfast, you will depart the national park area in a Ural or ZIL truck, heading towards the Debyn River (60 km).
After lunch, you will pack your equipment, load it into a truck, and drive to the settlement of Yagodnoye (6 km).
Following this, you will go on a long drive along the Kolyma Highway, with stops in the settlements of Atka and Laryukovoye (521 km). You will arrive at the hotel in Magadan during the night.
Day 8 Free day in Magadan
You can spend this day as you wish: take a walk around the city and buy souvenirs to remember the Magadan Region.
Please note: accommodation and meals on this day are not included and must be paid for separately.
Day 9 Departure
Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure and journey home.
Accommodation during the trip
Please note: Hotel accommodation in Magadan for the night before the program starts and after it ends must be paid for separately. For details, please contact our managers.
“Silver House” Hotel (3 nights)
Located in the center of Magadan. You will stay in standard single rooms with a double or single bed, shower, and toilet. Mobile network coverage and Wi-Fi are available on the premises.
"Boevoy" Camp (4 nights)
You will be accommodated in wooden cabins for 4-6 people. A dining facility is available on-site. Mobile network coverage and internet are unavailable.
Common questions
In the mountainous regions of Kolyma in September, temperatures can vary depending on altitude and sun exposure. The average daytime temperature ranges from +10 to +15 °C, dropping to around +5 °C at night. Temperatures may be slightly higher in valleys and lowlands. Strong winds are possible in mountainous areas, especially in exposed locations.
Documents:
Clothing and Footwear:
Personal Items and Hygiene:
Group will be accompanied by 2 guides and one RussiaDiscovery representative.
Primary guide: Certified tour guide and historian, born and raised in Kolyma. Team leader and organizer of tours to sea islands, nature reserves, and landmarks. 11 years of experience in mountain expeditions across Kolyma in all seasons.
Secondary guide: Organizer of winter expeditions and freeride tours in Kolyma. 12 years of experience in Kolyma trekking.
Transport from the airport to the hotel and back will be provided by a Volkswagen Crafter minibus. The journey from the Debyn River to Jack London Lake will be made in a Ural 4320-1111 truck. The water section of the route will be covered by a ROTAN 4.75m motorboat with a Yamaha 30HMHS engine.
There will be no mobile network coverage along the route. Mobile network and Wi-Fi are available at the hotel in Magadan.
We can arrange a helicopter transfer to the lake:
Group will be accompanied by 2 guides and one RussiaDiscovery representative.
Primary guide: Certified tour guide and historian, born and raised in Kolyma. Team leader and organizer of tours to sea islands, nature reserves, and landmarks. 11 years of experience in mountain expeditions across Kolyma in all seasons.
Secondary guide: Organizer of winter expeditions and freeride tours in Kolyma. 12 years of experience in Kolyma trekking.
There will be no mobile network coverage along the route. Mobile network and Wi-Fi are available at the hotel in Magadan.
Booking
Accommodation during the trip
Languages
single occupancy in a Magadan hotel on days 1, 2 and 8; 6-person and 4-person accommodation at the "Boevoy" camp
meals according to program
group airport transfer and transportation as per the program
services of guides and instructors
National Park fee for visiting the "Chersky" National Park: "Jack London Lake" cluster
airfare to Magadan
hotel accommodation for the final night in Magadan
lunches and dinners on days 8-9
private airport transfer (+10,000 RUB/car, one way)
helicopter transfer to Jack London Lake (on request)
single occupancy before and after the program (on request)
single occupancy in a Magadan hotel on days 1, 2 and 8; 6-person and 4-person accommodation at the "Boevoy" camp
meals according to program
group airport transfer and transportation as per the program
services of guides and instructors
National Park fee for visiting the "Chersky" National Park: "Jack London Lake" cluster
airfare to Magadan
hotel accommodation for the final night in Magadan
lunches and dinners on days 8-9
private airport transfer (+10,000 RUB/car, one way)
helicopter transfer to Jack London Lake (on request)
single occupancy before and after the program (on request)
Expedition to Jack London Lake