Nenets Reindeer Migration Arctic Expedition

17 days
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Small Group Tour
Siberia’s hardy nomadic Nenets strive to maintain their traditional reindeer herding lifestyle in one of the most extreme environments on earth: the frozen world of the Arctic Circle. Step into their shoes on the Yamal Peninsula to taste tundra life at the edge of human endurance and be part of the wildlife migration of a lifetime.
From$4,708
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Cross a frozen gulf on an epic reindeer migration.
    • Immerse yourself in the Nenets nomads’ unique way of life.
    • Sleep in reindeer hide chums.
    • Wear traditional herders’ coats and boots.
    • Experience the annual Reindeer Herding Festival.
    • Travel by sledge, snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle.
    • Look out for unusual Arctic flora and fauna.

What's this trip about?

    Siberia’s hardy nomadic Nenets strive to maintain their traditional reindeer herding lifestyle in one of the most extreme environments on earth: the frozen world of the Arctic Circle. Step into their shoes on the Yamal Peninsula to taste tundra life at the edge of human endurance and be part of the wildlife migration of a lifetime.

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Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age range21 to 64 years
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityMoscow
End CityYar Sale

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • High Adventure
  • Hiking & Walking
  • Local Immersion & Homestays
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Festivals & Special Events
  • Digital Detox

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Russia

Attractions

  • Moscow

Activities

  • Culture
  • Festivals & Special Events
  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Dog Sledding
  • Skiing, Snowboarding & Snow Sports

Trip includes

    • Professional Russian-speaking Secret Compass leader with full communications and medical kits.
    • In-country support.
    • Accommodation throughout, in reindeer-hide tents (chums) on migration.
    • All standard meals (taken with the Nenets families) and soft drinks.
    • Internal transport as outlined in itinerary.
    • Internal flights Moscow to Salekhard.
    • Special permits and permissions within Russian.

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Itinerary

Secret Compass runs expeditions with framework itineraries, rather than guided tours with set daily plans. The following is the outline plan for this culturally immersive journey with Siberia’s Nenets nomads – it’s the ‘substance’ rather than the specifics. A fuller itinerary is provided in the Nenets Expedition Handbook which is available on request or upon application to join the team.

Teammates arrive

All teammates arrive at Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport. Your Secret Compass expedition leader will meet you at a local hotel, served by a regular airport shuttle. The expedition officially begins at 1700 that evening, with an arrival brief and introductory team meal at t...

On expedition

For nine days, the team will live, work, eat and rest with the Nenets, a few teammates per chum (the Nenets’ teepee-styled, reindeer-hide tents). Take part in the daily routine of life among the reindeer herders. Dismantle the chums, pack the sledges and round up the ...

Goal achieved

Returning to Yar Sale after the migration and an unforgettable foray into the frozen wilds of Siberia, the team will have the unique opportunity to attend the Nenet’s Reindeer Herding Festival. Herders from across the region take part in reindeer sledge racing and jum...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,708
Price per day$277
Last Updated: 2/23/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Secret Compass.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • International flights/ travel to and from Moscow and to/from the team hotel.
    • Travel insurance (obligatory).
    • Russian visa if required.
    • Tips to local guides (discretionary).
    • Alcohol unless provided by hosts with meals.
    • Personal equipment (full kit list in the Handbook). Due to the potentially very severe weather conditions on this immersive expedition, teammates should consider their kit in good time in case buying, hiring or shipping is required.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • All standard meals (taken with the Nenets families) and soft drinks.
Age Requirements
21 to 64 years
Additional Information
Minimum fitness requirements
  • Trek: short distances around camps and to collect wood.  Although distances are short, deep snow can make this tiring.
  • Strength: help carry water, chop wood, push sledges, put up chums.
  • Terrain: icy tundra, snow, frozen lakes.
  • Snowshoe: there may be chances to snowshoe around camp.
  • Climate: deal with temps down to -35°c with howling Arctic winds.
  • Age: 21+
Trip ID
secret-NenReiSec

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