Arctic Winter Photography Trip

10 Days

Overview

Yamal, in Russia’s far north, is a land of extremes where winter temperatures can drop as low as -64°C, turning the landscape into a frozen fairytale. This is your chance to head off on an arctic photography tour like no other.

We’ll join the Nenets as they go about their daily lives, observing first-hand what it takes to not only survive, but thrive in such a place. From the Nenets, we head to Gornokhadatinsky Reserve where we’ll find muskoxen, one of the few species to survive the last ice age. Keep an eye out for arctic foxes and the beautiful white ptarmigan that camouflage themselves almost perfectly in the snow.

Join us for an adventure that will leave you in awe of the people and animals that can survive in this wild Arctic environment. You’ll head home with a camera full of special moments and memories to last a lifetime.

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.

Contact us via email or phone if your preferred dates are unavailable.

Full trip details

Itinerary

· Arrive at Salekhard airport and transfer to the hotel. · Check-in and arrival briefing about what to expect in the days ahead · Our local guides will check that your gear is suitable for the expedition. · Afternoon tour of Salekhard. · Group arrival Dinner
· Early breakfast and transfer to the Nenets’ camp in the remote tundra. · Lunch en route. · Stop at any time to photograph the beautiful winter landscapes. · Meeting the Nenets family and welcome to their chum for dinner.
· Life with the Nenets. · Observe the traditional way of life and coping strategies for this harsh environment. · Photography opportunities. · Participate in the daily running of the camp.
· Photography sessions. · Help chop firewood and learn about Nenets cooking. · Learn how to make reindeer-skin clothing, wooden sledges, and other essentials for polar life.
· Snowmobile trip out to the reindeer herds, to meet and photograph these shy and gentle creatures up close. · See how the Nenets’ laikas (herding dogs) manage and guard the reindeer, as well as watch reindeer lassoing and sledge driving.
· Life with the Nenets.
· After breakfast, load up the snowmobiles and ride to Gornokhadatinsky Reserve in the Polar-Uralsky Natural Park. · Along the way, we’ll have views of the spectacular arctic landscape in the mountains of the Polar Urals and many photo opportunities.
· See the muskoxen herds and have a photo session · Watch for Arctic foxes and many other wildlife opportunities · Return to Salekhard
Day 9 :
Salekhard
· Either a free day in Salekhard to spend as you wish or an optional trip to the fishing village of Katravozh. · Optional Banya visit in Salekhard · Group farewell dinner.
· Transfer to Salekhard airport after breakfast to catch your flight.

The Trip Cost Includes:

  • Accommodation: 3 nights in Salekhard hotel (twin-share), 5 nights homestay with the Nenets, 1 night camping
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary
  • Local Guide and photography guide
  • All transfers in Salekhard
  • Snowmobiles and fuel
  • Arctic safety/security equipment
  • Tents, sleeping bags and cooking equipment for camping
  • Permits
  • Return flights from Moscow or St Petersburg to Salekhard

The Trip Cost Does Not Include:

  • Personal expenses such as drinks, tickets, phone calls, etc.
  • Travel Insurance
  • Individual clothing, backpack, cold-weather clothing (contact us for advice - rental is available)
  • Use of banya/sauna in Salekhard
  • Excursion to Katravosz

Frequently Asked Questions

What clothing do I need to bring?

Temperatures here can reach -64°C and you’ll be outside on snowmobiles so the right clothes are really important. We recommend that you have either wool or synthetic base layers (not cotton!) with fleece mid-layers. Outer layers should be rated to withstand polar temperatures, and you’ll need bib-style pants so that the wind doesn’t get under your jacket on the snowmobile. If you’re having difficulty sourcing outer layers then we recommend that you hire them from us – this will also save space in your luggage!

If you would like to visit the Banya in Salekhard then please ensure that you bring your swimsuit.

Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag?

Sleeping bags are included in the cost of your trip, as are tents, camping and fishing equipment where applicable.

Can I add any additional days or activities to the tour?

You can book a trip to the Banya in Salekhard in advance – this is a mixed banya and you should bring swimwear if you book this option.

The day trip to Katravozh is an additional extra on this trip and will enable you to see the Nenets and locals ice fishing at this village 40km from Salekhard.

We’re always happy to discuss any further customisations to trips. Please email or call us with additional queries.

Can you cater for dietary requirements?

When camping we’ll be cooking for ourselves and can cater to any dietary restrictions. Please inform us at the time of booking so that we can ensure we are able to source the required ingredients. Please be aware that meat and fish will be served at mealtimes.

What camera gear should I bring?

Given the variety of options there will be for portrait, wildlife and landscape photography, a selection of lenses is a good idea. We recommend a 16-35, 24-70 and 100-400 in order to cover all your bases.

Batteries do empty quickly in the polar temperatures so bring plenty of spares. There are generators at the Nenets camp so you will be able to charge camera batteries, but laptops should be left at home. You may wish to bring a second camera body if you have one. A tripod is recommended for astrophotography.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Arctic Winter Photography Trip
From $3,800.00
/ Adult

Trip Facts

  • snowmobile
  • 4 - 6 people
  • easy
  • hotel, camping, homestay
  • photography, ice fishing, camping
  • -10°C to -50°C