winter tour to Chukotka with ethnologist expedition to reindeer herders tour stay in yaranga tundra polar bears photo tour Chukchi sea mammals hunters Dezhnev Cape dog sleds Russian Arctic

Find yourself in the place where day turns into night, where distance from the eastern hemisphere to the western one is only one step, where the cultures of the Chukchi reindeer herders and Inuit sea mammals' hunters survive in the polar tundra.
Feel like a true discoverer: explore Chukotka Peninsula in the role of musher, reach the easternmost part of Eurasia – Cape Dezhnev, and glance from Siberia to America.

This is a very authentic expedition. In addition to winter polar weather and authentic cultures, we will have a great chance to see the northern lights and polar bears.

We will be led by Chukchi mushers, participants and winners of famous Beringia and Nadezhda dog sled races and noted in Guinness Book of world records.
The ethnologist, a big expert in the field of indigenous tribes of Chukotka, travels and lectures with us throughout the expedition.

©️ MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS / Alexey Kolbov, 2021
SCHEDULE AND COST:
Dates: April 13 – 23, 2026

Duration: 11 days / 10 nights

Number of participants: 4 – 8

Cost of participation per person (based on double occupancy):

- 435,000 rubles for 8 participants, or
- 459,000 rubles for 7 participants, or
- 495,000 rubles for 6 participants, or
- 509,000 rubles for 5 participants, or
- 559,000 rubles for 4 participants.

Everything included except for:
  • International flight to Anadyr and back,
  • Medical insurance,
  • Russian visa (if required). Estimated cost of the Moscow-Anadyr-Moscow flight: around 40,000 ruble

Single supplement: on request (available only in hotels and only when places are available).


TRAVEL PROGRAM: PHOTO TOUR TO CHUKOTKA

Day 1. April 13, 2026 (Monday). ANADYR – GUDYM

Arrival in Anadyr. Airport pick-up. Document processing and passport control.
Lunch in a canteen (option: picnic if we are late from the tour for the canteen).
Excursion to the abandoned Gudym Strategic Rocket Forces military base. A unique Cold War monument - an underground nuclear warhead storage facility and command post. Accompanied by a local guide, an expert on the site.
Crossing to the city over the frozen estuary.
Accommodation in a hotel or apartments in Anadyr.
Dinner.

*Recommended flight:
- direct from Moscow to Anadyr by the Aeroflot, departure from Moscow on April 12 at 19:35 with arrival in Anadyr at 12:25 on April 13,
- or any other flight from Moscow or another city arriving in Anadyr no later than 15:00 hours on April 13.

Meals included: dinner
Accommodation included: "Nord" hotel or apartment


Day 2. April 14, 2026 (Tuesday). ANADYR

Breakfast. Afterwards, we will visit the "Heritage of Chukotka" Museum Center, where we will explore the unique history, culture of indigenous peoples, and nature of the region. Next — lunch in the city to recharge before the tour.
In the afternoon, we will set out on a city sightseeing tour and explore its surroundings: you will see the monument to the first head of Chukotka, Leonid Grinivetsky, at Cape Anadyrsky; the monument to the famous Chukchi writer Yuri Rytkheu on the shore of the estuary; the "Revkom of Chukotka" monument on the central square; and the world's largest active wooden Orthodox church — the Holy Trinity Cathedral, which houses a monument to its heavenly patron, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: "Nord" hotel or apartment


Day 3. April 15, 2026 (Wednesday). ANADYR AIRPORT – LAURENTIUS – INCHOUN

Breakfast, transfer to the airport. Flight from Anadyr to Laurencia, to the easternmost part of the Chukotka Peninsula, representatives of the Chukotka-Eskimo community of marine mammal hunters meet at the airport. Lunch in the village of Laurencia.
Overland transfer by off-road vehicle to the coast of the Arctic Ocean to the village of Inchoun (90 km, 3-4 hours), photographing the tundra along the way. Arrival, accommodation in the apartments of the kayurs, getting acquainted with the local residents.
Dinner - home cooking, traditional food of coastal residents. Meeting with representatives of the Chukotka-Eskimo community of marine mammal hunters, discussion on intercultural interaction issues. Story about local rituals and traditions. Rithual of feeding the spirits.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: apartment


Day 4. April 16, 2026 (Thursday). INCHOUN

Breakfast and excursion around the village. Master class "musher school" - acquaintance with dogs, learning the basic skills of managing a dog sled. Test drives. Each person manages their own dog sled, accompanied by an experienced musher instructor.
Weather permitting - a trip to the ice edge with marine mammal hunters and observation of traditional fishing (hunting for seals or fishing). Overnight stay in the apartment, preparation for the transfer.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: apartment


Day 5. April 17, 2026 (Friday). INCHOUN – UELEN

Dog sled transfer along the route from Inchoun to Uelen (about 30 km) along the coast of the Arctic Ocean. The group is accompanied by TREKOL off-road vehicles. Possible encounters with animals - polar bears, foxes, wolverines. Along the way - a picnic, hot tea. Arrival in Uelen. Accommodation in a hotel or boarding school. Dinner. Walk around the village, getting to know the locals.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: hotel or boarding school in Uelen


Day 6. April 18, 2026 (Saturday). UELEN – CAPE DEZHNEV – UELEN

Breakfast and dog sled journey to the easternmost point of Eurasia - Cape Dezhnev (a round trip of about 30 km). The dog teams remain with the mushers, and the group walks accompanied by a guide to the lighthouse and the monument to Semyon Dezhnev.
Inspection of the archaeological monument - the ancient Eskimo settlement of Naukan. The descent to the cape and to the Naukan settlement takes about an hour, the ascent about 2 hours, with an elevation difference of 400 meters. In icy conditions, the slope may be slippery, making the descent impossible.

The Eskimos (Inuit) are a group of culturally similar indigenous peoples living in Arctic regions - Greenland, Canada, Chukotka, and Alaska. The Inuit language belongs to the Eskimo-Aleut language group. The Inuit are descendants of those anthropologists refer to as the Thule culture, which emerged from western Alaska around 1000 AD. They separated from the Aleut group about 4,000 years ago, and from the northeastern migrants from Siberia (probably speaking a language similar to that of the Chukchi) even earlier, and are considered the descendants of the third major migration from Siberia. They spread eastward across the Arctic.

Photography of landscapes. With good visibility, observation of the Diomede Islands: Ratmanova (Russia) and Kruzenshtern (USA), as well as the coast of Alaska. Along the national border between the islands, there is also a date change line. For this reason, with a distance of only 4 km, the time difference between the islands is 21 hours. Therefore, the islands were given unofficial names "Island of Tomorrow" and "Island of Yesterday".
Return by the dog sled in Uelen.
Visit to the Woodcarving Museum in Uelen.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: hotel or boarding school in Uelen


Day 7. April 19, 2026 (Sunday). UELEN – INCHOUN

Breakfast and return journey by dog sleds to the village of Inchoun (about 30 km). The group is accompanied by TREKOL off-road vehicles. Picnic along the way.
Dinner in Inchoun, accommodation in the mushers' houses. Sharing impressions. Dinner. Weather permitting, Northern Lights hunting.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: apartment


Days 8. April 20, 2026 (Monday). INCHOUN - TUNDRA CHUKCHI-REINDEER HERDING BRIGADE - LAURENTIA - LORINO

Breakfast and farewell to the mushers and dogs. Transfer by TREKOL to the village of Laurencia (90 km). Lunch.
On the way - a visit to the staging area of the reindeer herding brigade.
Acquaintance with the life of nomads reindeer herders, exchange of gifts, trip to the herd.
Lunch in the yaranga - reindeer herders' food, stories by the fire about the harsh life in the tundra. Archery master class for those interested.
Transfer to the village of Lorino - the capital of the whale hunters. Accommodation in the apartments of the marine mammal hunters. Sauna. Informal conversations with mushers and marine mammal hunters.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: apartment


Day 9. April 21, 2026 (Tuesday). LORINO

Breakfast. A lecture of an ethnographer about whaling on Chukotka, demonstration of artifacts.
Tour of the village. Visit of a carving workshop, purchase of souvenirs.
Hot springs trip, swimming, picnic. Return to Lórino.
Tour accross the village. Visit of a carving workshop, purchase of souvenirs.
Dinner.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: apartment


Day 10. April 22, 2026 (Wednesday). LORINO - LAURENTIA - ANADYR

Breakfast. Farewell to the marine mammal hunters and transfer to Laurentia village to the airport. Flight from Laurentia to Anadyr. Crossing the estuary to the city. Accommodation at the "Anadyr" hotel. Lunch. Sauna.
Ethnologist’s lecture on the traditional exchange between herdsmen and marine mammal hunters.
Dinner.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: "Anadyr" hotel


Day 11. 23 April 2026 (Thursday). ANADYR - RETURN FLIGHT

Breakfast. Free time, souvenirs.
Transfer (crossing via liman) to the airport and fly Anadyr - Moscow by Aeroflot at 15:25 or another flight.

* Recommended flight:
- direct from Anadyr to Moscow by Aeroflot, departure from Anadyr on April 23 at 15:25 with arrival in Moscow at 14:30 on April 23,
- any other flight from Anadyr to Moscow or another city with a departure from Anadyr at any time on April 23.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: no

* The operator reserves the right to change the order of execution of the program subject to keeping of all main activities.

** The program depends on the domestic flights schedule (subject to change) and availability of flying weather. Traveling into the tundra is also subject to weather conditions and may be restricted at any time due to safety concerns.

*** A member of an expedition to Chukotka must be motivated: respect the culture of the Chukchi and Inuit, be aware of the purpose of the trip and possible adjustments to plans depending on weather conditions, as well as on the decision of indigenous communities. The expedition member must be in good physical condition and able to adapt to an unfamiliar community and culture.

**** If certain visits and/or tours cannot be completed due to external conditions, they will be replaced where possible.



RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THIS EXPEDITION:

While preparing for a trip to such a unique region as Chukotka, many questions arise, since such a trip is not easy to plan and conduct, firstly, due to the lack of tourist infrastructure there, and, secondly, due to difficult climatic conditions.

1. Transport
If you have already safely flown to the Anadyr airport, this does not mean that your trip is guaranteed to pass along the entire route. First of all, a ticket for a domestic flight must be purchased in advance, since in Chukotka there is a constant shortage of air tickets, and all tickets are usually sold out six months prior to the trip, as soon as they appear on sale. In addition, flights to the regions are often delayed, so we strongly recommend buying a return ticket back from Anadyr with at least one or two spare days after your return from the region, or with the possibility of changing the departure date.
Once at the airport, it is not easy to get into the city, although in winter, in general, traveling around Chukotka is much easier than in summer and autumn – you can travel overland. As part of this expedition, we will use various types of transport – from dog sleds to all-terrain vehicles. The main thing is to dress warmly and treat everything positively.

2. Accommodation
Upon arrival in Anadyr, we will accommodate for one night in private apartments or in the Hotel Nord. Why? The fact is that at the moment the Hotel Nord is the only one on this bank of sstuary, and is often used in emergency cases to accommodate people who got stuck due to the weather. For example, children returning from summer camps. Therefore, this hotel does not accept bookings. So that our travelers are not left without accommodation, we prefer to deal with private apartments. However, if there are available rooms at the hotel today upon request, we can accommodate you in the hotel as well.
Throughout the route, we will have to stop for the night in apartments and houses of local residents, and possibly in hostels where they are available. The hostels are very simple, but all the amenities are there.
In case of extreme cold overnight stay in the tundra, it is suggested to use a sleeping bag in a tent or yaranga. Our experienced local friends will take care of the accommodation for the night, they will do everything so that you do not feel cold.
Upon returning to Anadyr, we plan to check in at the Hotel Anadyr, basic standard double occupancy.

3. Meals
In the town of Ugolnye Kopi, in the city of Anadyr and in the village of Lorino, we provide for three meals a day. During long trips across the tundra, we often organize a picnic – hot tea and snacks. Upon returning to the base, we will already organize a full hot meal.
Since tourists come to Chukotka to learn about how the local people live, and the cuisine is one of the most interesting manifestations of culture, we try to give you the opportunity to test the "Chukotka exotic" as much as possible - dishes from the meat of marine animals, venison, fish and caviar. Of course, it is difficult for vegetarians and vegans to organize a full-fledged diet, since everything is brought to stores here during a short navigation period. Often there is shortage in vegetables and fruits, which are affectionately called the word "freshness" here.
Of course, we must know in advance about your diet restrictions. In any case, cereals and noodle are in abundance in summer. But some delights will have to be forgotten before returning home.

4. Equipment
Before the trip, people ask to send a list of recommended equipment, and when they receive it, they begin to argue: "Do we really need sleeping bags? do we really need this or that clothing or footwear?" The list contains RECOMMENDATIONS! It is up to you. But most visitors underestimate the severity of the local climate. One tip – do not neglect the recommendations, take warm clothes and shoes, additional sets of thermal underwear and woolen socks, a sleeping bag, a thermos.

5. Hygiene
In order to avoid embarrassing situations and in order to prevent infections that are currently roaming the planet, we recommend (this is only a recommendation and is up to you) that everyone brings along a traditional tourist dishwear and cutlery personal kit: cup - spoon - plate - knife. While visiting reindeer herders, this is especially useful - there are not enough dishwear for everyone in the nomadic yaranga, and forcing the hostess to wash after everyone is also not really nice. In addition, you will be of the safe side – it is safer and more reliable to use your personal cup or plate.

6. Respect for the residents
We urge everyone to treat the people we have come to carefully and with high respect. The culture of marine hunters and tundra reindeer herders is a rare phenomenon that requires protection. Therefore, we ask that you listen to the requests and demands of the community regarding various rules and taboos, including those related to photography and video filming, which are currently limited and strictly regulated. We ask you to treat this with tact and understanding and do not shoot bloody scenes of slaughtering animals, do not photograph dirt, devastation and drunk people - all this can catch your eye, but you do not need to make hype out of it or post it online.

7. Safety
The nature of Chukotka has still saved its authenticity. – On the one hand, it is absolutely beautiful, on the other - dangerous. Even on the territory of the village, you can face a predator, you should always remember this when you are in Chukotka. Always listen to what the locals say – where you can go and where should not.
We will give you a safety briefing in the tundra, but common sense and precaution are the basis of your safety.
Welcome to smashing Chukotka! We wish you to get a lot of positive emotions and unforgettable impressions!
Cost includes:
  • domestic flights Anadyr - Lavrentiya - Anadyr (weight limit is 15 kg, including hand baggage. Excess - for extra charge)
  • transportation services as per the program (transfers, taxis, ferries, ATVs, snowmobiles)
  • dog sleds (one sled per expedition participant) and accompanying Trekol vehicles throughout the route from Inchoun to Cape Dezhnev and back
  • transfer by the Trekol vehicle along the entire route Anadyr - Kanchalan - reindeer herders team - Anadyr
  • accommodation in hotels in Anadyr, based on double occupancy
  • apartment accommodation in Lorino and Inchoun
  • accommodation in a hotel or boarding school in Whelen
  • accommodation at the boarding school in Kanchalan
  • accommodation in the yaranga of Chukchi herders
  • three meals a day throughout the route
  • processing of permits for entry into the border zone
  • processing of permits for entry into the national park, entrance fee for the national park
  • tickets to museums
  • all activities and performances as per the program
  • English-speaking and Russian-speaking local guide team leader - scientific ethnologist
  • lectures by the ethnologist about Chukotka
  • payment to guides, local guides, financial support to local communities
  • photo and video shooting


Cost excludes (additionally paid):
  • Flight to Anadyr and back
  • Medical insurance
  • Russian visa (if required)
  • Alcoholic beverages and souvenirs
  • Additional activities not included in the program
  • Single accommodation in hotels


To take with:
  • Warm windproof down jacket with windstopper
  • Warm windproof hat (2 pieces) and pants (2 pairs), gloves with windstopper (at least two pairs)
  • Warm boots, warm waterproof boots (at least 2 pairs of warm footwear)
  • Sets of weather-appropriate clothing (wool socks, cotton socks, wool sweater)
  • Thermal underwear
  • Sunglasses (mandatory)
  • Ski goggles (preferable)
  • Balaclava or buff
  • Thermos
  • Headlamp
  • Personal hygiene items (including wet wipes, towel, soap)
  • Minimum stock of favorite foods and beverages (there will be no opportunity to buy them)
  • Personal medication (including analgesics, antiseptics, antibiotics, antivirals, gastrointestinal medications, multivitamins, rehydration solutions, band-aids, any necessary personal medications)
  • Sun and wind protection
  • Photo and video equipment, spare batteries, tripod
  • Gifts for the local population
KEY FEATURES:
TOUR TO YAMAL
Chukotka peninsula, Russia


Best season: March - April




Feel like a real musher driving the dog sled team

Reach the easternmost part of Eurasia – Cape Dezhnev on a dog sled team, covering hundreds of kilometers, and see America over the Bering Strait

Get acquainted with the culture of Chukchi reindeer herders and spend the night in yaranga

Learn the culture of the sea mammals hunters in Chukotka, evidence sea mammals hunting

See the extreme eastern and unexplored region of Russia, the real polar tundra

Chase Aurora Borealis

Explore the abandoned Soviet military base Gudym

Get to know the northern cuisine and taste local delicacies
Why with MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS?
  • UNIQUENESS
    We find the most astonishing places on Earth and speed up to reach them. Our motto is to go ahead of road roller, touch the unique and unknown, before it disappears.
  • ADVENTURISM
    Wherever we go, we look for challenging activities and adventures, filling the journey with absolutely different spirit and emotions. That is why people join us over and over again.
  • SAFETY
    In our trips we pay special attention to safety. All our travels are based on personal experience, equipped with the best gear, involving proved providers and experienced local guides who perfectly know local features.
  • EXPERIENCE
    We have a unique experience of the most offbeat expeditions and ascents, deep knowledge of countries and peoples, and are ready to share it with you. All the expeditions and climbings are tested by Mzungu himself, guaranteeing exciting traveling and your comfort.
  • REASONABLE PRICE
    All our trips are reach in adventures, with high quality accommodation, transportation and meals included. We do not save on it. Thanks to solid contacts with reliable providers we offer really good prices and high quality.

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