Ethnographic Photography Trip

9 Days

Overview

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. These generous people will welcome us into their chums (large tents)  where you’ll have amazing opportunities to photograph them, their reindeer, and their adorable dogs.

The vast and unpolluted night skies here offer a wonderful chance to see millions of stars. If we’re lucky, we’ll also get to see the beauty of the Northern Lights as they dance above the Nenets chums.

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 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 equipment is suitable for the expedition. · Afternoon tour of Salekhard. · Group arrival Dinner.
· Take the ice road across the Ob River to Labytnangi and on to the village of Kharp. · Load up our snowmobiles and sleds and head off into the wilderness. · Opportunities for landscape photography along the route. · 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.
· 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.
· Life with the Nenets.
· After lunch, load up our gear and head back to Salekhard. · Check in to our hotel. · Optional banya visit. · Group dinner.
· Transfer to Salekhard airport after breakfast to catch your flight.

The Trip Cost Includes:

  • Accommodation: 2 nights in Salekhard hotel (twin-share), 6 nights homestay with the Nenets
  • 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 in Salekhard

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.

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.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Ethnographic Photography Trip
From $3,200.00
/ Adult

Trip Facts

  • snowmobile
  • 4 - 6 people
  • easy
  • homestay, hotel
  • -10°C to -50°C