If you love hiking, rafting and fishing then this is absolutely the summer trip for you! Based in the Russian Arctic, you’ll have a chance to trek through the beautiful Polar Urals before enjoying some rafting on pristine Siberian rivers and finally enjoying a little bit of luxury at one of our fishing lodges.
We think that this trip is perfect for people who can’t decide which activity they’d rather do, since you get to enjoy all three! Our lodge comes complete with guide, cook and a banya that we’ll set up for you whenever you wish. It’s the perfect counterpoint to the camping that you’ll do during the first part of the trip.
And did we mention that the fishing here is some of the best in the world?
This trip runs from July to September.
Trip requires a minimum of 3 persons and a maximum of 6.
Contact us via email or phone if your preferred dates are unavailable.
Hiking & Rafting to Fishing Lodge Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Salekhard
Arrive at Salekhard airport and transfer to the hotel where you’ll check-in before having an arrival briefing about what to expect in the days ahead. Our local guides will check that your gear is suitable for the expedition.
In the afternoon we can organise a tour of Salekhard (the only city in the world directly located on the Arctic Circle) or you can explore by yourself. We suggest visiting the Shimanovsky museum, with its exhibitions of Nenets ethnology, archaeology and natural history, or the reconstructed wooden Obdorsky jail.
Accommodation: Salekhard hotel (twin-share)
Meals: D included
Day 2 – Start of Hiking Route
Today we’ll check out after an early breakfast before taking the ferry and driving to the village of Kharp. From here it’s a short drive into the mountains to the start point of the hiking route. Depending on the condition of the road, the journey can sometimes be pretty exciting and it’s a really fun way to start your adventure.
From the end of the road, it’s only a short 2-3km walk to our campsite for the night. We’ll set up camp and then cook dinner together before enjoying our first night under the stars.
Activity: Hiking 2-3km
Accommodation: 2-4 person tents
Meals: B/L/D included
Day 3 – Hiking in the Polar Urals
We’ll have breakfast and break down camp before properly getting started on the hiking portion of our adventure. Today we walk through the beautiful mountains, enjoying the scenery and air that somehow just smells sweeter up here.
Once we reach our campsite for tonight we’ll pitch our tents once again before cooking dinner and enjoying some stories around the fire. You’ll sleep well after our first day in the mountains!
Activity: Hiking 18km
Accommodation: 3-4 person tents
Meals: B/L/D included
Day 4 – Hiking to the Komi Republic
After breakfast and packing up the camp, we hike today to the confluence of 5 rivers. Once here, we’ll set up camp and then you can decide how you want to spend the rest of your time since there is an opportunity for fishing here.
We’ll have a quick briefing about what to expect from the rafting part of the adventure and we’ll organise a camping banya for you to enjoy before (or after) dinner.
Activity: Hiking 20km
Accommodation: 2-4 person tents
Meals: B/L/D included
Day 5 – Rafting
Today is the start of the rafting adventure. We’ll take it easy today as we head for our campsite for the night, and you’ll have plenty of time to take photos, fish, or simply enjoy the scenery.
Once we arrive at our spot for the night, we’ll set up camp and organise dinner before enjoying our last night of camping.
Activity: Rafting
Accommodation: 3-4 person tents
Meals: B/L/D included
Day 6 – Arrive at the Fishing Lodge
Today we’ll do the final stretch of rafting before arriving at our lovely fishing lodge where you’ll spend the next few nights. We’ll arrive and unpack before deciding what you want to do with the rest of the day.
We’ll help you get set up for an afternoon of fishing or relaxing in the banya, and our cook will make sure that you enjoy a lovely meal this evening.
Activity: Rafting
Accommodation: Fishing Lodge
Meals: B/L/D included
Day 7-8 – Fishing Lodge
This is your opportunity to simply take it easy, relaxing and fishing in the lodge whilst we look after all the logistics. Let us know if there’s anything specific that you need and we’ll do our best to sort it out for you!
Accommodation: Fishing Lodge
Meals: B/L/D included
Day 9 – Return to Salekhard
You’ll spend the morning fishing before taking a short flight back to Salekhard and checking into your hotel for the night. If you haven’t had enough banyas or are simply addicted to them by now (we don’t judge) we can make arrangements for you to enjoy the banya in the city.
Tonight we’ll meet for dinner before your departure tomorrow.
Accommodation: Salekhard hotel (twin-share)
Meals: B/L/D included
Day 10 – Depart Salekhard
Following breakfast at the hotel we’ll transfer you to the airport for your flight.
Meals: B included
Costs & Services
Included
- Accommodation: 2 nights in Salekhard hotel (twin-share), 4 nights camping, 3 nights fishing lodge
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Russian Arctic Travel English-speaking guide
- Tour of Salekhard if desired
- All transfers in Salekhard and Vorkuta
- Vehicles and fuel on expedition
- Arctic safety/security equipment
- Rafting equipment including wetsuits and life vests
- Fishing equipment
- Tents, sleeping bags and cooking equipment for camping
- Permits and visa invitation letter
- Return flights from Moscow or St Petersburg to Salekhard
Not included
- Personal expenses such as drinks, tickets, phone calls, etc.
- Travel Insurance
- Individual clothing, backpack, cold-weather clothing, (contact us for advice)
- Use of banya/sauna in Salekhard if desired
Please note: The final route and activities may vary slightly, as the weather can be unpredictable here in Yamal. Your guide may need to adapt the program depending on the group, prevailing conditions and available options at the time. There is no cook on this trip, but you’re welcome to help the guides prepare meals and learn how to become a fantastic camp chef! During the expedition the cooperation of all participants will be crucial – you‘re always welcome to lend a hand.
Fitness and dietary requirements
- A basic level of fitness is required for this trip, as the days are very active. You do not need prior experience in rafting.
- Dietary requirements must be discussed prior but can usually be catered for with advance notification.
Recommendations for Clothing and Equipment
- Will be sent at the time of booking
Visa Information
- Russian Arctic Travel will provide visa invitation documents for you to apply for your Russian visa overseas
Price is based on double occupancy: a single supplement of €200 will apply if you are a single traveller and are not happy to share a twin room.