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Journey to Cape Dezhnev
$7,393 per person

Summer Ethnographic Tour to Chukotka

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Cape Dezhnev lies on the shores of the Bering Strait, in the most remote, wild, and breathtaking part of Chukotka. You will travel across the tundra in full summer bloom, see vast seabird colonies, bathe in natural hot springs, and meet local residents who have adapted their way of life to some of the harshest natural conditions on Earth.

What Awaits You

You will set out on a journey to the easternmost point of Eurasia. Visit Anadyr, the capital of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, home to just 14,000 people. You will also travel to Uelen—Chukotka’s oldest settlement, with a history spanning more than 2,000 years.

 

Most of the expedition will take place in the village of Lorino, the largest indigenous settlement in Chukotka. Over 90% of its residents are Chukchi. Lorino is often called the whaling capital of Russia, where around 50 whales are harvested each year.

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Nature
Cape Dezhnev
Wildlife
Hunting Traditions
Local Culture
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This program runs as a small-group departure for groups of 7 or more. It can also be arranged as a private, tailor-made tour. Please call or email us for details.

Private Tour Option

You will have the opportunity to observe a traditional subsistence hunt permitted by the International Whaling Commission. Please note that whales are not taken for tourist entertainment, but as a vital source of food for the local Indigenous community.

Itinerary

Your journey begins at the airport in Ugolnye Kopi, a suburb of Anadyr, which you will need to reach on your own. To arrive in Anadyr by the start date of the program, you should depart from Moscow one day in advance. We recommend flight FV 6865 operated by Rossiya Airlines (flight time is approximately 8 hours).

 

Weather in Chukotka is highly unpredictable. Air travel is the only means of transportation between regions. Flight delays and cancellations due to weather are common, so extended stays in Anadyr or the village of Lavrentiya are possible. In some cases, the tour may be postponed or canceled entirely.

 

We strongly recommend purchasing round-trip tickets that allow for date changes or full refunds. Please avoid using Aeroflot bonus miles when booking, as this can make changes and refunds more complicated.

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The tour itinerary may be adjusted depending on weather conditions. The decision to go out to sea is made by the boat captain.

Program can be changed
Tour route
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Day 1
Arrival in Chukotka

You will arrive in Anadyr at around 13:00 (Ugolnye Kopi settlement). You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to the settlement for accommodation in private apartments. As the airport is separated from the city by an estuary, you will spend the night in Ugolnye Kopi. This helps avoid the risk of missing your flight to Lavrentiya due to weather conditions. You will explore the city of Anadyr at the end of the tour.

After lunch, you will take a walk along the shores of the Anadyr Estuary (Anadyrsky Liman), where traditional salmon fishing has been practiced for generations.

In the evening, you will return to the settlement for dinner and rest.

Day 2
Excursion to the Abandoned Gudym Military Base

After breakfast, you will visit the abandoned Gudym military base—a unique Cold War site that once housed a command center and an underground nuclear warhead storage facility. A knowledgeable local guide will accompany you during the excursion.

Lunch will be served either in a canteen or as a picnic along the route.

In the evening, you will return to the settlement for dinner.

Day 3
Flight to Lavrentiya Village

After breakfast, you will return to Anadyr Airport for your flight to Lavrentiya on a local airline. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the village of Lorino (approximately 1 hour). On the way, you will stop at a natural spring and have the opportunity to photograph the blooming tundra.

Upon arrival in Lorino, you will have lunch and check into private apartments. A guided walking tour of the village will follow, led by an ethnographer or local residents.

In the evening, you will attend a lecture on the history of whaling in Chukotka and the region’s local traditions. Dinner will feature homemade regional cuisine.

Day 4
Sea Excursion and Bone Carving Workshop

Today you’ll meet the marine hunters’ community of Lorino and head out on a motorboat trip at sea. You’ll have the chance to observe gray whales and learn about the traditions and practices of marine mammal hunting.

For lunch, you will sample dishes made from marine mammals, followed by a walking tour of the village. Local artisans will host workshops on traditional clothing-making and jewelry crafting. You will also take part in a bone carving workshop and attend a lecture on the exploration of Chukotka.

Afterward, you will visit a traditional bathhouse (banya), where you can meet and talk with local whaling hunters.

Day 5
Traditions of Marine Hunters and Visit to a Hunting Base

Today is dedicated to exploring the traditions and culture of Chukotka’s Indigenous peoples. You will take part in traditional competitions, including harpoon and lasso throwing, knot tying, and paddling skin-covered boats made from walrus hide.

You will meet representatives of Eskimo and Chukchi cultures and have the chance to interact with members of a local folklore ensemble.

You will travel to the area around the old settlement of Akkani, where a marine hunters’ base is located. Here, you may observe traditional hunting of marine mammals by local Indigenous communities. Please note that Akkani is not a tourist site, so the program cannot be strictly guaranteed. However, this offers a rare opportunity to experience the authentic daily life of modern Chukotka.

You will also enjoy a walk in the surrounding area. Dinner will include dishes made from walrus meat, as well as local mushrooms and berries. You will then return to Lorino.

An overnight stay at the base is possible; in this case, you may have the chance to observe brown bears.

Day 6
Journey Across Mechigmenskiy Gulf

After breakfast, you will set out on a motorboat journey across Mechigmenskiy Gulf.

You will visit the ancient Eskimo settlement of Masik and observe vast seabird colonies along the coast. A picnic lunch is planned in a scenic spot on the shore of the bay.

If the reindeer herders’ camp is located nearby, we can also arrange an optional visit to their tundra camp. You will meet local reindeer herders, travel to the herd, take part in workshops on preparing traditional reindeer dishes and lasso throwing, and attend a talk about the traditional exchange system between reindeer herders and marine hunters. Dinner will feature traditional nomadic cuisine, and the herders will share stories about life in the tundra. In the evening, you will return to Lorino.

This excursion is available at an additional cost, payable on site. The price depends on the distance to the camp and the group size, ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 RUB per person.

Day 7
Cape Dezhnev

Weather permitting, today you will take a sea journey to Cape Dezhnev (approximately 4 hours from Lorino or 2.5 hours from Akkani), continuing onward to the village of Uelen. This is the easternmost point of Eurasia. You will discover Naukan, one of the ancient Eskimo settlements, visit the monument to Semyon Dezhnev, and see the lighthouse. A picnic will be arranged on the shores of the Bering Strait.

Cape Dezhnev and the actual eastern tip of Eurasia are located about 12 km from the landing point and monument. In good weather conditions, you will pass the true geographic edge of the continent by boat. Like the explorer Dezhnev himself, you will not disembark there, as the site is marked by steep cliffs.

After returning to Lorino, you will travel to hot springs near the village, where you can bathe and enjoy a picnic in nature.

In the evening, you will have dinner and relax.

Important: In case of bad weather, the trip to Uelen may not take place, and landing there is rarely possible.

Day 8
Return to Anadyr

In the morning, you will say goodbye to the marine hunters before transferring to Lavrentiya village for your return flight to Anadyr. After crossing over to the city, you will meet your local guide and check into the hotel. Beluga whales are sometimes seen near the local pier, giving you the chance to observe them from close range.

After lunch, you will take a walk to the village of Tavayvaam, where you can watch traditional salmon fishing.

Dinner will be served at a local café.

Day 9
Anadyr Museum and City Tour

After breakfast, you will visit the Heritage of Chukotka Museum Center in Anadyr.

After lunch, you will enjoy a guided walking tour of Anadyr. This northern seaside city is the capital and largest settlement of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. During the tour, you will have time to purchase local souvenirs. In the evening, a farewell dinner awaits.

Day 10
Returning Home

After breakfast, you will cross the estuary and transfer to the airport for your daytime flight to Moscow.

Accommodation

The listed accommodations may be replaced with similar options of the same category. 

 

In Anadyr, accommodation is planned in a hotel; however, rooms may not always be available. In that case, you will be accommodated in private apartments.

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2 nights
Private apartments in Ugolnye Kopi

Cozy, comfortable multi-room apartments with a fully equipped kitchen and a private bathroom with hot water. Accommodation may be in double or twin beds (the exact configuration will be confirmed shortly before arrival).

5 nights
Private apartments in Lorino

Multi-room apartments hosted by local residents. Each apartment includes a kitchen and a private bathroom with hot water. Accommodation may be in double or twin beds (the exact configuration will be confirmed shortly before arrival).

2 nights
Anadyr Hotel

Twin rooms with two single beds. Each room has a private bathroom and a TV.

Single occupancy is available for an additional fee; however, it cannot be guaranteed in advance.

We reserve the right to revise the rate in the event of significant market currency fluctuations (RUR/USD)

Included in the price

accommodation in private apartments or a hotel, as per the program
round-trip flight from Anadyr to Lavrentiya village
breakfasts, lunches, and dinners
transfers as per the program
rental of boats and all-terrain vehicles
excursions and cultural program
guide services
museum entrance fees
permit arrangement for the national park

Additional Costs

flights to and from Anadyr
visit to a reindeer herders’ camp on Day 6, including transport support (from 20,000 RUB per person, payable on site)
Tour Details
Tour
Journey to Cape Dezhnev
Duration
10 days
Group
From 7 to 9 people, from 14 years
Difficulty
Normal
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Active tours. You don’t have to be a sportsman, but you need to be strong enough to ride a snowmobile or go hiking in the mountains.

Accommodation
2 nights
at the hotel
7 nights
at the guesthouse or camping
Departure dates
Nearest
13.07 — 22.07.2026
$7,393 per person
$7,911

Tour Booking

When booking, a 30% prepayment is sufficient. The remaining 70% must be paid 60 days before the tour starts.
13.07 — 22.07.2026
-7%
$7,393 per person
$7,911

Important to know

What will the weather be like

Average summer temperatures range from +10 to +15 °C. As a significant part of the journey takes place at sea, the perceived temperature may be closer to +5 °C.

What to pack

Documents

  • Passport (or birth certificate for children)

Clothing & Footwear

  • Lightweight insulated jacket or down sweater
  • Waterproof shell jacket
  • Fleece jacket or pullover
  • Comfortable outdoor trousers (such as softshell pants)
  • Waterproof shell pants
  • Rain poncho or raincoat
  • Lightweight and warm thermal base layers
  • Underwear, T-shirts, and comfortable clothes for indoor wear and sleeping
  • Lightweight trekking socks (2–3 pairs)
  • Warm trekking socks
  • Swimwear (for the banya and hot springs)
  • Warm windproof hat
  • Buff or balaclava
  • Baseball cap or lightweight hat
  • Lightweight gloves
  • Insulated gloves
  • Tall rubber boots or chest waders — available for rent locally on some tours
  • Trekking boots
  • Sandals or flip-flops

Personal Items & Gear

  • Small trekking backpack (20–30 L)
  • Small dry bag or waterproof backpack
  • Seat pad
  • Binoculars (for wildlife and birdwatching)
  • Compact towel
  • Personal first-aid kit (including motion sickness medication)
  • Toiletry bag
  • Lip balm
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
Who will be my guide

Throughout the journey, you will be accompanied by experienced local guides as well as a tour leader from RussiaDiscovery.

Meals

The tour includes full board accommodation with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will sample local cuisine featuring marine mammal meat, reindeer, fish, and caviar.

During long journeys across the sea or tundra, picnic stops with hot tea and snacks will be arranged.

If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know when submitting your booking request.

Do I need a border permit

Foreign nationals, including citizens of CIS countries, must obtain a border permit by submitting documents at least 30 days before the start of the tour.

Flight delays due to weather

Flights between settlements within Chukotka are operated by small regional aircraft and are highly weather-dependent. Delays on domestic flights may range from several hours to several days. For your return flight to Moscow, we strongly recommend purchasing tickets that allow date changes or full refunds.

If your flight is postponed until the following day, you may stay at the Nord Hotel in the settlement of Ugolnye Kopi, located near the airport. Accommodation and meal expenses during weather-related delays must be paid separately on site.

Mobile coverage and internet access

Mobile service in Chukotka is provided by MTS, Beeline, and Megafon.

Coverage is available in all populated areas, although the connection may be unstable and not all operators are available everywhere at the same time. MTS generally provides the most reliable service. Mobile internet is available in the larger district centers, though connection speeds may be limited.

Cancellation policy

If you decide to cancel your booking after March 30, 2026 (inclusive), the following cancellation fees will apply:

  • After March 30 and no later than 45 days before the start of the tour — 50,000 RUB
  • From 45 to 14 days before the tour starts — 50% of the tour price
  • Less than 14 days before the start of the program — 70% of the tour price
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Journey to Cape Dezhnev
1 date available

Summer

13.07 — 22.07.2026
-7%
$7,393 per person
$7,911
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