Russian Arctic, Yamal peninsula

Transcription

1 Russian Arctic, Yamal peninsula Travel to Nenet reindeer herders Duration: 8 days (Moscow Moscow) 2012 DATES , , , FLIGHT SCHEDULE Day Route Depart Arrive Day 1 Moscow (DME) Salekhard Day 8 Salekhard Moscow (DME) Note: flight schedule is subject to change SHORT TOUR DESCRIPTION During this trip, in the company of VICAAR s English-speaking guide and local representatives, you will discover a unique world of European Arctic territory - the Russian Yamal Peninsula - where native people, the Nenets and Hantys, have been dwelling for centuries. Our first stop is the town of Salekhard, the only place on Earth situated exactly on the polar circle (66 º 33 N). But the real purpose of this trip is to drive through the Arctic desert to meet a family of Nenet reindeer herders and visit fascinating and remote lands seldom visited by foreigners. We spend four full days with this friendly family, to learn of both their culture and traditions, and the art of reindeer handling. After a short introduction you will be able to drive a reindeer sledge yourself! We will taste traditional Nenet stroganina sliced raw frozen fish.

2 This adventure of a lifetime will provide you with many photographic opportunities. DETAILED ITINERARY Day 1 Moscow (DME)/Salekhard For information on your arrival to Russia see «Information on your arrival to Russia» Oktyabrsky ski-resort You will be taken to Moscow s Domodedovo airport for your following flight to Salekhard (about three hours). Meeting by VICAAR s local representatives and the transfer from Salekhard to Oktyabrsky (popular ski resort) and to your hotel. Welcome dinner in the hotels restaurant. A double-room Overnight in Hotel Oktyabrsky. Sauna with a small pool Day 2 Salekhard/Nenet reindeer herders camp Breakfast and transfer to Salekhard by bus. Due to its location, Salekhard («settlement on a cape» in Nenet language) is a very special place. It is the only town located exactly on 66º 33 N latitude (polar circle). Visit Shemanovsky Museum, presenting ethnographical, archeological and paleontological expositions describing Yamal s history, as well as cultural traditions of the native people of Yamal. Lunch in «Fakel» restaurant, situated on the bridge (96 m above the river). A sightseeing tour in Salekhard. During the tour you will cross the polar circle. To commemorate this event you will be issued a special certificate. In the Museum After the sightseeing we will ride to the reindeer herder family camp. It takes about 1.5 h by snowmobile to reach the camp and on the way you will see the real Arctic tundra landscape, lifeless and majestic. At arrive we are accommodated by a Nenet reindeer herder family. Approximately 45,000 Nenets remain on the face of the Earth, their community being slowly dis-assimilated. We are fortunate that they accept our company and are willing to show us their customs and traditions. The polar circle in Salekhard National dress suits Traditional welcome dinner. Traditional Nenet food is based on reindeer meat (cooked or frozen) and fish (cooked or fresh-frozen), as well as berries and herbs. Buffet table includes: - traditional fish soup (whitefish, grayling) - cooked reindeer meat - stroganina (sliced raw whitefish, sliced raw reindeer meat) - salted fish (whitefish, grayling) - pasty filled with reindeer meat

3 - northern berries (cloudberry, blueberry, cranberry, cowberry) Overnight in the Nenet camp (expedition style). Day 3 Nenet reindeer herders camp Making stroganina (sliced frozen fish) Today our immersion into Nenet life continues with an introduction to traditional reindeer handling. Reindeer, as you will now be aware, are a crucial animal for Nenets, whose entire life is closely connected to this special deer. You will have a chance to learn some of their centuries-old skills and to test your new sledge-mushing expertise around their tundra desert camp. The result is always tasty! Day 4 Nenet reindeer herders camp You will be further acquainted with the traditions, religion and customs of Nenets, including, if you choose, trying on their festive wardrobe. Short periods of break Day 5 Nenet reindeer herders camp We continue our adventure into Nenet traditions. Today you learn how Nenets curry reindeer skins and weave thread from reindeer sinew. As always you may try it yourself. If the group is in agreeance, our host family may reveal to us the ritual process of a reindeer slaughter. Two Nenet-girls Day 6 Nenet reindeer herders camp During this final and less-structured day of our stay with the Nenets you will have the option of catching up on anything that you previously missed, or didn t have the resolve for ride a reindeer sledge, try another national suit, take more unique pictures, or simply speak to the Nenets to gain a deeper understanding of their way of life. In the evening we have our farwell dinner with the family, feasting on traditional Nenet food. The evening will be filled with excitement; you will by now feel at home and be ready to share your experiences with tour-mates and Nenets alike, a usual product of spending four days together on the tundra. Traditional Nenet popular games! Day 7 Nenet reindeer herders camp/oktyabrsky Breakfast and transfer to Oktyabrsky by snowmobiles. Arrive at Oktyabrsky, check-in to hotel. Free time (alpine skiing or Russian sauna are possible options). Final dinner in Yamal. Overnight in Hotel Oktyabrsky. Day 8 Oktyabrsky/Salekard/Moscow Reindeer herders Day is a great holiday for everyone! Early breakfast and transfer to the airport. Flight to Moscow. Then you may depart back to your home country or continue your travels through Russia.

4 Price: ITINERARY PRICE AND NOTES per person Of the tour includes: Price of the tour does not include: Additional information: - Airport transfers and transport between Salekhard and Oktyabrsky - Transfers Salekhard reindeer herders family camp Salekhard by snowmobiles - All services mentioned in the program - Hotel accommodation as per the program (double rooms) - Accommodation in traditional Nenet tents - Full board as per the program - Guiding and translation services - Russian visa support - Taxes - Transport from your place of residence to Moscow and back - Transport Moscow Salekhard Moscow (regular flights) - Additional services in in Oktyabrsky (Alpine ski rental, Russian sauna) - optional - The reindeer to be slaughtered (must be bought prior to the ritual, and in agreeance by all group members) - Moscow services - Personal expenses - Medical insurance Climate: the temperature will be around C below zero and may be windy. You will be outdoors for extended periods during these weather conditions. Recommended clothes: - thin thermal underwear: 2 sets - fleece jacket and trousers made of Polartec 300 or Polartec 200, may be replaced by your usual winter pullovers and long knit pants - mittens or gloves you usually use during the winter: 1 pair - thick expedition socks: 2 pairs - sunglasses 100% UV & IR: 1 - sun protection cream: SPF 40 - lip protection: SPF 40 - casual clothing for towns - winter coat and trousers with synthetic or down insulation: 1 set - expedition footwear (rubber-soled) : 1 pair - woollen hat with windproof membrane: 1 This clothing is a recommendation however everyone feels the cold differently. You are welcome to bring items of clothing that have been tested in a cold/arctic environment and suit your needs. You should bring with you: - sleeping bag (-15 degrees or below) - all kinds of medicine you usually use or might use, including aspirin, plaster, bandage, etc. Other useful things you might bring: - photo and video equipment Accommodation and facilities: Accommodation in Oktyabrsky is quite simple, but comfortable enough, all double rooms with ensuite facilities (WC and a shower). Accommodation in the reindeer herders camp is in expedition style (sleeping in a traditional tent on reindeer furs in your sleeping bag, with an outside WC). Information on your arrival to Russia Visa to Russia Entrance into Russia requires a travel visa that needs to be applied for in your country of residence. VICAAR will provide the letter of invitation for this tour but the visa and any associated fees are the responsibility of each traveler. Each person should check with their local visa department and allow enough time for the process. Permit to Yamal The Yamal Peninsula enjoys limited access to foreigners. Special permits are required to gain entry. Strict regulations must be complied with in order to obtain permits. Therefore, VICAAR must receive copies or scans of passports from all participants 2 month before the tour commences. The cost of these permits is included in price and will be processed by VICAAR.

5 In Moscow Ifyou arrive to Moscow in the day ofthe tour beginning: VICAAR s representative will meet you in the airport, give a briefing on the tour and transfers you to the Domodedovo airport for the following flight to Yamal. Ifyou prefer to arrive in advance and enjoy visiting Moscow: VICAAR s representative will meet you in the airport and transfers you to the hotel of your choice. VICAAR can arrange sightseeing and tours in Moscow based on you requirements and preferences. You will be debriefed on the tour to Yamal and we ll transfer you to the Domodedovo airport for the following flight to Yamal. All services in Moscow are provided at separate cost on request/booking. Notes: The scheduled program is an approximation. VICAAR reserve the right to alter the program, while maintaining the quality and integrity of the program. No reimbursement is issued in this case. VICAAR reserve the right to cancel the tour in case of insufficient number of participants. Leonid Plenkin Russian Arctic leo.vicaar@gmail.com, info@vicaar.com, tel./fax: CONTACTS