Arctic Russia: living with the Nenets

The Nenets are an indigenous group from Russia’s extreme north, who mainly live in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, one of the most remote and isolated regions in the world.

They are a group of nomads who live scattered across the frozen tundra, surviving under the harshest conditions 365 days a year, while migrating with their herds of reindeer every other day.

This expedition is a unique opportunity to experience one of the rawest experiences in the world, coexisting with real Siberian nomads for several days, eating with them, sleeping next to them and just observing what is it like to be a nomad in the Russian Arctic, Russia’s extreme north.

This is the most beautifully unique expedition offered to date.

You’ll never be able to experience anything as genuine as cohabiting with the Nenets.

travelers who joined us say

Itinerary

Note that we always keep the itinerary flexible, and it may be subject to change, depending on the political situation.

Gallery of photos

FAQ

What’s the weather going to be like?

You’ll be in one of the remotest regions of Siberia, in the extreme north of Russia.

Even in April, there’s going to be a lot of snow, with temperatures dropping down to -25ºC.

It will be cold, that’s for sure, but that’s how nomads live all year long in Siberia.

A detailed packing list will be shared upon booking your spot.

How comfortable is this trip?

You’ll be staying in a basic tent, sleeping on the floor next to 4-5 other people.

There are no toilets and food will be limited to reindeer meat, and occasionally fish.

This isn’t a comfortable trip, because we’ll be cohabiting with tundra nomads, living just like they do. However, you’ll be experiencing one of the rawest experiences ever, witnessing the real life of Siberian nomads.

What’s the accommodation like?

We’ll stay in a traditional, local tent called a chum, a pyramid-shaped tent.

The trip also includes 2 nights in Salekhard, where we stay in a 3-star hotel.

More details upon booking your spot.

How does room allocation work?

The tour includes 4 nights in a chum. For that reason, there’s no single supplement available, since we’ll be staying in the same tent as the families, with around 4-5 people per tent, not including the family.

The last 2 nights will be spent in Salekhard and price of the tour includes accommodation in a twin room.

If you are a solo traveler, you will be sharing the room with another like-minded traveler from the group. We always try to group people of same gender and age together but note that this might not always be possible.

If you prefer to have your own single room for these 2 nights, you will have to pay a €110 supplement.

How to get a visa for Russia

Today, it’s possible to apply for an e-visa for visits up to 16 days.

If you wish to stay in Russia for more than 16 days, get your visa at the embassy.

More details will be shared upon booking your spot.

Which nationalities can join?

All nationalities are welcome.

However, US, British, Canadian and Australian citizens are not eligible for e-visas and therefore, must obtain one at an embassy. Don’t worry though, it’s easier than it sounds.

How to get to Russia

Moscow has daily connections with Dubai (Emirates and Fly Dubai), Istanbul (Turkish) and Baku (Azerbaijan Airlines).

Tips and further information will be shared upon booking your spot.

How many people will join this tour?

This tour is limited to 9 people max.

How does payment work?

In order to secure your spot on the tour, we require a deposit.

All details will be shared upon booking your spot.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, if you want to join any of our expeditions, you must purchase travel insurance. This is non-negotiable, and it must be with IATI. 

Why do we have to buy insurance from IATI?

Against the Compass has partnered with IATI for a very long time. We know their CEO and marketing team, and we regularly collaborate, meaning that in the unlikely event of anything happening, we will know exactly what to do.

Moreover, IATI Insurance covers all the countries that the FCDO advises against all travel to.

You can also benefit from a 5% discount when purchasing your insurance via the link below.

Get a quote here to claim your discount

What about the cancellation policy?

Please refer to our Terms & Conditions.