Chukotka: Coexisting with the Chukchi

Aug 11th (Day 2) – Full day around Ugolnye Kopi with abandoned nuclear base at Gudym

One of the most fascinating legacies of the Cold War is Anadyr-1, a former nuclear base consisting of a network of underground tunnels carved into the permafrost. This secret facility once housed nuclear missiles kept on standby and aimed at cities such as Anchorage and Seattle.

With the help of a local guide, we’ll walk several kilometres through these tunnels, where much of the old machinery and infrastructure still remains, including some impressive Soviet murals.

After lunch, we’ll have some free time to, for example, stroll along the pier, where spotting small seals and even belugas is almost guaranteed.

Overnight in Ugolnye Kopi.

Aug 12th (Day 3) – Fly to Lavrentiya & Lorino

In the morning, we’ll take a small Soviet-era plane (AN-26) to Lavrentiya, one of the easternmost settlements in Russia, on a nearly two-hour flight from Anadyr.


From Lavrentiya, we’ll take a 1.5-hour ride through tundra landscapes to the village of Lorino, a small and isolated settlement, but also the cultural hub of the Chukchi community.

Overnight in Lorino.

Aug 13th (Day 4) – Introduction to the Chukchi community

The Chukchi are the principal indigenous group of Chukotka. They are closely connected to other Arctic peoples often known in the past as Eskimos, today more commonly referred to as Inuit in Canada and Greenland, and Yupik in Russia, sharing deep cultural and historical roots.

Traditionally, Chukchi society has been divided into two ways of life: the reindeer herders, who move across the tundra with their animals, and the maritime Chukchi, who live along the coast and rely on marine mammal hunting for their livelihood.

Life in the Arctic has deeply shaped Chukchi culture, something clearly reflected in their music, oral traditions and cuisine, which is based largely on whale, walrus and reindeer.

Despite decades of Soviet policies aimed at sedentarisation and cultural assimilation, Chukchi language, traditions and identity have remained. Reindeer herding and marine hunting remain central not only to their culture, but also to their survival.

Lorino is one of the main centres of maritime Chukchi life, and we will spend a full week here observing and learning from a community deeply influenced by its Arctic surroundings, evident in their folklore, music and distinctive coastal cuisine.

Overnight in Lorino.

Aug 14th to 17th (Day 5 to 8) – Coexisting with the Chukchi community

We’ll spend the next four days immersed in the Chukchi community.

Note: As all activities are highly dependent on weather conditions, the programme will remain flexible. Below are some of the experiences we are likely to enjoy during our stay.

Visiting Mapyk, ancient Yupik settlement. Half Day activity. Mapyk is an abandoned Yupik settlement located in the tundra, about one hour by boat from Lorino. It has been abandoned for a long time, but the remains are still visible in the house structures and buildings made from whale bones, including massive jaws and ribs.

Meeting Chukchi reindeer herders. Full day activity. Reindeer herders live deep in the tundra and follow a fully nomadic lifestyle. Like the Nenets of western Siberia, Chukchi herders move constantly with their animals throughout the year, never settling in one place for long. If conditions allow us to reach their camp, we’ll be welcomed by the herders in accordance with local traditions. This is an optional activity, see FAQ.

Observing how Chukchi hunt marine mammals for survival. Up to 2-day activity. Marine Chukchi practice a very controversial activity: they hunt marine mammals for survival, including walruses, seals and also whales. As a traveler, it is possible to observe this particular event.

IMPORTANT: No one in the group will take part in any hunting activity — you will only observe what daily life is like for the Chukchi people. As travelers, however, it’s important to understand the context behind these practices.

In this remote region, basic goods are extremely expensive, fresh fruit and vegetables are scarce, and small settlements receive supplies only once a year to last through the long winter. In these conditions, whale meat plays a vital role in the Chukchi diet and is consumed regularly as an important source of nutrients and vitamins.

The International Whaling Commission (IWC) recognises this reality, which is why the Chukchi are legally allowed to hunt whales under strict conditions:

1. Only traditional hunting methods are permitted.
2. Annual quotas are strictly limited, and only non-endangered species, such as the grey whale, may be hunted.
3. Commercial trade is forbidden — hunting is solely for subsistence.

4. The meat is intended for local communities and is shared freely among them, not sold.

Bone carving workshop. Traditional Chukchi craftsmanship includes intricate handicrafts made from whale and walrus bones, shaped with remarkable skill and artistry. During this workshop, you’ll learn about this unique local art form, and there will also be the opportunity to order a personalised souvenir. Please note that payments can only be made in rubles.

Other activities. You’ll spend five full days in Lorino, giving you plenty of time to immerse yourself in local life and culture. Besides spending time with the community, there may also be opportunities to enjoy an evening in a banya (traditional sauna), visit nearby hot springs, take a short hike across the tundra, go fishing, and even join a nocturnal brown bear safari.

Aug 18th (Day 9) – Cape Dezhnev, Easternmost point of Eurasia

On our last day in Lorino, we’ll embark on an epic boat journey to the Edge of the World, commonly known as Cape Dezhnev, the easternmost point of the Eurasian continent.

Located right on the Bering Strait, we’ll see islands that belong to Alaska and, on a clear day, we may even spot the mainland, just 84 km across the water.

If the weather and sea conditions allow, we’ll disembark and take a short hike to a Soviet-era lighthouse.

The area is also rich in wildlife. Spotting colonies of puffins is guaranteed and, if you’re lucky, you might also see groups of sea lions and walruses.

Depending on the swell, we’ll also try to reach Uelen, a Chukchi settlement and the easternmost inhabited place in the world.

Overnight in Lorino.

Aug 19th (Day 10) – Lavrintiya and fly back to Anadyr

Free time in the morning to take some last photos of Lorino and then, we’ll catch the afternoon flight back to Anadyr.

Upon arrival in Anadyr, we’ll take the ferry across the river to Anadyr so this time, we’ll stay in the actual capital of Chukotka.

After checking in, we’ll have some free time to explore the center of the city and then, we’ll go for dinner.

Overnight in Anadyr.

Aug 20th (Day 11) – Full day in Anadyr

Home to around 15,000 people, Anadyr is the capital of Chukotka and the main port of entry into the region.

Surrounded by endless tundra, and inaccessible by anything other than a plane or a boat, intrepid travelers will find Anadyr fascinating, a frozen city made up of Soviet blocks colored in random colors, a very Soviet city.

We will spend the day walking around the city, including visiting the Museum, the harbour, souvenir shops and everything in between.

Overnight in Anadyr.

Aug 21st (Day 12) – Fly out to Moscow

After breakfast, we’ll cross the estuatuary river by ferry, followed by the respective airport transafer.

End of the tour.