Deep Arctic Snowmobile Expedition

14 Days

Overview

Head into the furthest reaches of the Russian Arctic on this circuit that takes in 1000km over 14 days. In these vast, isolated regions, we’ll find the Nenets, indigenous nomadic reindeer herders who have managed to thrive here for centuries. You’ll stay with them, learning about their way of life and how they survive in the extreme cold of the Siberian winters.

We’ll visit the only hot springs in Russia above the Arctic Circle and a very special reserve where animals from the ice age still roam. Experience the magic of a true winter wonderland on this incredible trip that’s truly off the beaten track.

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 in Salekhard and trip across the ice road to the village of Kharp. · Organise and pack our gear onto snowmobiles and sledges, and head off on our adventure into the wilderness. · Today we travel 150km. · Overnight in heated trailer or guesthouse.
· Today, we venture deep into the arctic tundra. · Snowmobile trip of 100km. · Overnight at Pym-Va Shor hot springs in a large heated tent.
· Rest day at Pym-Va Shor. · Spend the day exploring the area, with plenty of time to soak in the hot springs. · Spend the night in our heated tent.
· Back on the road snowmobiling 150km through the beautiful frozen tundra. · Arrive in Vorkuta, a coal-mining town just north of the Arctic Circle, and the easternmost town in Europe. · Hotel in Vorkuta overnight
Day 6 :
Vorkuta
· Rest day in Vorkuta. · Visit the local museum.
· 100km trip to the confluence of the Bolshaya and Malaya Kara rivers. · We'll camp in our heated tent tonight.
· 150km ride to the basin of the Shchuchya River in the foothills of the Polar Urals. · Watch for the rarer animals of the Siberian region such as arctic foxes, arctic owls and arctic hare. · Arrive at the reserve and overnight in heated tent or cabin.
· Rest day. · If the weather is good we can spend the day walking in the reserve.
· A 100km ride into the mountains. · Camp for the night on the banks of Lake Bolshaya Khadato or stay in a nearby cabin.
· 150km drive to the Nenets campsite. · Arrive at the Nenets homestay for your welcome and evening meal. · Overnight in the Nenets chum
Day 12 :
Nenets Camp
· Life with the Nenets. · Observe the traditional way of life and coping strategies for this harsh environment. · Participate in the daily running of the camp.
· Shared breakfast with the family · 50km snowmobile ride back to Kharp then by road to Salekhard. · Rest and relaxation with the possibility to enjoy a banya in the city. · Check into our hotel for the night.
· Transfer to Salekhard airport after breakfast to catch your flight.

The Trip Cost Includes:

  • Accommodation: 2 nights in Salekhard hotel (twin-share), 2 nights in Vorkuta hotel (twin-share), 7 nights camping in heated tent or cabin, 2 nights in Nenet chum
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary
  • Local Guide
  • Tour in Salekhard if desired
  • 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)
  • Horse riding in Gornokhadatinsky Reserve (an additional 150 Euro per person)

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?

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.

Is prior snowmobiling experience needed?

If you already know how to drive a snowmobile then you’ll be at an advantage, but absolutely no prior experience is needed for this trip! We’ve built in time to make sure that you have the opportunity to learn the basics before the trip begins.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Deep Arctic Snowmobile Expedition
From $3,800.00
/ Adult

Trip Facts

  • snowmobile
  • 2 - 6 people
  • moderate
  • hotel, camping, homestay
  • snowmobile riding, ice fishing, camping
  • -10°C to -50°C