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?

To secure your spot on the tour, we require a deposit. We accept payments in both Euros and US dollars. All details will be shared upon booking your spot.

DISCLAIMER: Is it safe?

Information about the risks and dangers of the trip:

The traveler is expressly informed that the activities included in the travel itinerary are adventurous and/or take place in conflict zones, which entail dangers and imply the risk of physical, and psychological injuries, and/or death for the traveler.

Due to the characteristics of the destination and/or activities, the specific risks and dangers of the trip are, by way of example but not limited to, those listed below:

War; terrorism; political instability; arbitrary detentions, gunfire in the activity area; and/or violent crime.

Regarding the potential dangers of the destination, travelers are advised to consult the travel recommendations for the destination country provided by their country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For example, in the case of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), these recommendations can be accessed on the following link: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/russia

FCDO advises against all travel to Russia due to the risks and threats from its continuing invasion of Ukraine, including:

1. Security incidents, such as drone attacks, in parts of the country
2. Lack of flights to return to your home country
3. Limited ability for your government to provide support

The region of Yamalia is usually safe from all those issues but camping in the wild in the heart of winter may involve other dangers such as hypothermia, frostbite, chilblains, chill burns plus many other dangers related to wild camping.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, if you want to join any of our expeditions, you must purchase travel insurance. 

Moreover, having valid travel insurance for travel in Russia is a must requirement for getting your visa at the embassy. 

Unfortunately, our preferred travel insurance company (IATI Travel Insurance) isn’t covering travel in Russia any longer. Instead, we recommend Alfa Strakhovanie. 

What’s the cancellation policy?

Please check our General Conditions. 

However, specific conditions might apply depending on the destination. Example: when the trip includes airfare.

Full details will be shared upon booking your spot.