Tours to meet with the Nenets in Yamalia
The Nenets are an indigenous group from Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, one of the most remote and isolated regions in the world, located in the extreme north of Russia.
This group of nomads lives scattered across the frozen tundra for 365 days a year under some very harsh conditions, while migrating with their herds of reindeer
In our expeditions, you will get to experience coexisting with this beautiful community for several days, just observing what it is like to be a nomad in the Russian Arctic, Russia’s extreme north.
This is where we will be taking you to
Our scheduled group tours in North Siberia with the Nenets
Typically, we run expeditions during the months of April, September and November.
April and November are both considered winter seasons, when snow is guaranteed, November being relatively colder than April.
Our scheduled tours to coexist with the Nenets in Yamalia.
what travelers say about us
need to know for your Nenets tour
Visa
As of 2025, an e-visa is available for most nationalities. Americans, British, and Canadians can easily apply at their respective embassy. Check our visa guide for further information.
Which nationalities can join?
All nationalities can easily get a visa for Russia including Americans and British.
Safety
Unlike what you might believe, Russia is as safe as it used to be before 2022.
Getting in Russia
Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, Emirates, or Azerbaijan Airlines have daily flights to Moscow.
Getting to Yamalia
From Moscow, we’ll help you book a domestic flight to the city of Salekhard.
Which Nenets Tour should I choose, summer or winter?
Good question. Both seasons offer incredible experiences, but they’re dramatically different.
Winter (April and November expeditions) is more epic and visually striking. The tundra is blanketed in snow, creating a stunning, otherworldly landscape. You’ll witness how the Nenets survive and thrive in some of the harshest conditions on Earth—an experience that feels raw, authentic, and deeply humbling. The traditional reindeer-hide clothing they wear in winter adds to the visual and cultural impact, making it an especially photogenic time of year. However, be prepared: it can get extremely cold, and you won’t witness one of the main highlights of Nenets life—migration.
In summer (September expedition) the tundra is alive with wildflowers, and the temperatures are much milder. While it might not feel as epic as winter, it’s still a jaw-dropping experience. One of the biggest advantages is that you’ll get to witness the migration, as Nenets families move with their reindeer and sledges every one or two days—a dynamic, ever-changing scene that few outsiders ever get to see.
Below, you can see our photos from both seasons.
Sample itinerary for our Nenets tours
Here’s the standard 7-day tour we offer on most of our expeditions.
Day 1 – Arrival in Salekhard and transfer to Yamal Peninsula
- A daily flight from Moscow to Salekhard arrives at 8 am. From there, we’ll immediately transfer to the north of Yamal, driving 8 to 12 hours across the frozen tundra.
Day 2, 3 and 4 – Cohabiting with the Nenets
- For 3 whole days, we’ll be living with nomads, just observing their daily life, while learning what their lives are like under such extreme conditions.
- Activities will highly depend on the weather but some of the things you are likely to experience are: migration (Nenets move every few days), fishing, reindeer herding, reindeer slaughtering, and local nomad games.
- There will also be endless photography opportunities.
Day 5 – Transfer to Salekhard
- After breakfast, we’ll drive back to Salekhard, another approx. 12-hour drive across the frozen tundra.
- At night, we’ll all get together at a nice local restaurant for a traditional meal from the Yamal region.
Day 6 – Salekhard City Tour
- No visit to Yamal would be complete without visiting one of its main cities: Salekhard.
- Salekhard highlights include the National Museum (featuring frozen mammoths), the local market, Lenin Square, souvenir shops and Yamal-related monuments.
Day 7 – Departure
- Flights from Salekhard to Moscow depart at 9:30 am.
