Expedition to Nenets reindeer nomads' camp

YAMAL

March 2 to 7, 2025
Yamal peninsula, Russia
tour to
* This expedition is recommended by Russian Geographical Society

tour to Yamal, expedition to Nenets, Far North of Russia, explore Russia Yamal expedition Tour to Salekhard Nenets tribe people Aurora Borealis

Have you ever dreamed of going to the world's edge? But every people has its own one. Nenets nomad tribe calls it Yamal peninsula, where they migrate year in year out with their countless reindeer herds, and where further there is only cold Kara Sea and ice of the Arctic Ocean. Here, at the world's edge, you will experience fascinating "chum life" of Nenets people, who live practicing reindeer breeding and fishing despite the weather, migrating to new pasture areas and setting their chums as easy as if it was a tourist tent.

The expedition provides deep dive into everyday life and culture of reindeer herders in remote nomad camps.

Tour to Yamal Nenets. Have you ever dreamed of going to the world's edge? But every nation has its own one. Nenets nomad tribe calls it Yamal peninsula, where they migrate year in year out with their countless reindeer herds, and where further there is only cold Kara Sea and ice of the Arctic Ocean. Here, at the world's edge, you will experience fascinating "chum life" of Nenets people, who live their life practicing reindeer breeding and fishing despite the weather, migrating to new pasture areas and setting their chums as easy as if it was a tourist tent.

©️ MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS / Alexey Kolbov, 2020 - 2023
©️ МЗУНГУ ЭКСПЕДИШЕНС / Алексей Кольбов, 2020 - 2023

SCHEDULE & COST:

Dates:
- March 2 – 7, 2025

Duration: 6 days / 5 nights

Cost of participation per person:
- 118 900 rubles subject to 10 participants,
- 124 900 rubles subject to 8 – 9 participants,
- 135 900 rubles subject to 4 – 7 participants.

Everything included except for:
- Flight to Salekhard roundtrip,
- Medical insurance,
- Russian visa (if needed).

Estimated cost of flight Moscow – Salekhard – Moscow: 23000 rubles. Usually bought on your own.

Single supplement: 5500 rubles (single accommodation isn't provided in chum).



TRAVEL PROGRAM: TOUR TO YAMAL

Day 1. March 2, 2025. Acquaintance with Nenets nomads

At 8 a.m. meeting at the airport of Salekhard. Set out for Yamal Tundra in order to reach reindeer herders nomad camp, area of Landiq'yato lake and Yenzor Yaha river, Yamal peninsula (TREKOL snow and swamp-going vehicle and snowmobile, way-time approx. 8 - 12 hours, subject to weather and road condition). Depending on the weather and road conditions, there can be chosen the alternate destination to the Nenets nomads camp in Panaevskaya tundra, on the right bank of Ob river.
Lunch (lunch box) en route. Evening arrival to chum, meeting with the family. Dinner in chum (incl.national cuisine).

* Recommended flight:
- direct flight from Moscow to Salekhard by YAMAL airline, departure at 3:15 am, arrival in Salekhard at 8:00 am on March 2.

Meals: lunch, dinner
Accommodation: chum (traditional Nenets dwelling)


Day 2. March 3, 2025. Ice-fishing

After breakfast ice-fishing. Setting or check-up of fishing nets with driving to the lake/river. Reindeer herder uses any opportunity to catch fresh fish for his family, as he knows which river or a lake is full of fish. As soon as a new nomad camp is set near such location, they take their nets and ready for catch. But it is not as easy as it may seem. You need to cut through one meter thick ice to set the net, yes, you have to work hard to catch the fish.
Guests can attend traditional fishing or try fishing with the rod and line if there is one in the nomads' camp.

Wood cutting, ice chopping, and other everyday activities of Nenets nomads. Lunch, dinner (incl. national cuisine), night in chum.


OPTIONALLY (to be confirmed by reindeer herders and to be additionally paid): the evening devoted to customs and traditions of indigenous people.


Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: chum (traditional Nenets dwelling)


Day 3. March 4, 2025. Visiting reindeer herd. Optionally – migrating along tundra.

After breakfast set out for the main herd on snowmobiles or reindeer sleigh. Slow deep dive into the world of Nenets reindeer herder, i.e. in the world of His reindeers. Here is the whole life of a human is devoted to the pace of reindeers life... Every day despite the weather, they entrap reindeers. For this purpose they set corral of sledge, made in the morning at the herd coming. Thud of hooves as wake up clock. Sledges are forming semi-circle, tied with a rope. First reindeers come into this corral, then they are caught and taken for gear up. Men leave the corral stepping over the rope, but women go under it.
Involvement into reindeers lassoing, sleigh riding, reindeers' bread feeding, taking pictures.
Lunch, dinner (incl. national cuisine), night in chum.

OPTIONALLY (to be additionally paid): migration – moving of the whole nomad camp to a new place in tundra. All chums are being dismantled and loaded to sledges with the whole stuff. Nenets people get together the whole herd, harness reindeer to sledges and move to a new location many kilometers far from the previous one. They set up chums at a new place and set up housekeeping. Migrating along tundra is an essential part of life of these nomadic people, who move hundreds kilometers to the north and back every year. Dismantling, setting-up and migration usually takes the whole day. There is an opportunity to take pictures of the whole process. Participants can drive in TREKOLs (not to be paid separately) or by specially prepared for them nartas (sledges) hitched to the horses (to be additionally paid by such person who uses nartas).


Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: chum (traditional Nenets dwelling)


Day 4. March 5, 2025. Participation in Nenets life.

After breakfast getting acquainted with everyday life of Yamal chum-keeper. It is women who build house for the whole family. To build a house is to curry, adapt, foul reindeer coat with smoke, than to sew niuk, cover for chum. Women are also in charge of sewing dress and footwear for the whole family. In terms of -40c it is very important to make warm and comfortable malitsa (reindeer parka) for men and yagushka for women.
Master classes on reatment of reindeer skins, bead weaving, making special natural ropes of reindeer veins or sewing and fitting of national dress, taking pictures.
Evening conversation around fire about culture and religion.
Lunch, dinner (incl.national cuisine), night in chum.

OPTIONALLY (to be additionally paid): ritual reindeer slaughter ceremony (You can take meat with you) or traditional hare/quail hunting.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: chum (traditional Nenets dwelling)


Day 5. March 6, 2025. Participation in Nenets life and return to Salekhard

After breakfast series of master-classes: making poles for chum (choosing wood, preparing tree trunks, preparation and finishing), cargo sleigh repair or throwing the tynzyan (lasso) onto khorey (pole for steering the sledge).
About 10 a.m. set out for Salekhard (TREKOL all-terrain vehicle/ snowmobile, way-time approx 8 – 10 hours, subject to weather and road condition). Quick lunch on the way.
Arrival to Salekhard. Dinner in Okhota restaurant, traditional cuisine of Russian North.
Hotel accommodation.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: hotel Parallel or similar


Day 6. March 7, 2025. The flight back

Breakfast. Transfer from the hotel in Saklekhard to the airport (by minivan)

* Recommended flight:
- direct from Salekhard to Moscow by YAMAL airlines, departure at 9:10 am, arrival in Moscow at 10:10 am on March 7.

Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: no


* Activities schedule on days 1-5 may be changed depending the weather conditions or subject to chum owners.
Cost includes:

- transfer as per program (minibus)
- transport services (TREKOL snow and swamp vehicles available for 5 days, snowmobiles)
- accommodation (in comfortable twin/double rooms)
- accommodation in nomads camp
- three meals daily in chum (incl.national cuisine) and full board in Salekhard
- permits for entering border area
- experienced local driver-guide (Russian-speaking)
- English and Russian speaking team leader
- all program activities and workshops
- photo and video shooting
- visa support


Cost excludes:

- air ticket to Salekhard (roundtrip)
- medical travel insurance
- souvenirs
- ritual reindeer slaughter ceremony
- migrating with nomad's camp across tundra
- hiring snowmobile and other additional reindeer herders' services (marked as optional in the program)
- single supplement



To take with:


- very warm winter feather coat with windstopper
- wear sets up to the weather (warm wool socks, cotton socks, wool sweater, thermal underwear, warm winter jacket)
- warm boots, warm and waterproof high boots
- buff / balaclava
- sleeping bag for -5/-10 degrees Celsius comfort temperature (can be minus 7 in the morning in chum)
- inflating tourist mattress
- personal hygiene products (incl. towel, hygiene tissues, soap)
- minimum set of favorite snacks and drinks (nowhere to buy)
- personal medical kit (analgetic, antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, intestinal, multivitamins, rehydron, court plaster, your personal medications)
- thermos
- gifts to locals
- sunglasses (alpine skiing glasses)
- sun and wind protection
- head torch
- cameras, spare batteries, tripod

TESTIMONIALS OF OUR CLIENTS
FROM PREVIOUS EXPEDITIONS TO YAMAL :

  • Stefano Ci
    see reco on Facebook
    We went to Siberia (Nenets people) with Aleksey. It has been one of the best trips I have done so far. Amazing landscapes, snowy and desolated, that give you the feeling of infinite and you understand what it really means when nature takes over. Aleksey really supported us in everything including nespresso coffee in the morning since we are italians :) organization was very good, really suggested!
  • Дима Пупин
    отзыв опубликован на Facebook
    Главное в поездках с Алексеем - не только возможность увидеть далекие места и экзотические ландшафты - но и уникальная возможность пообщаться с людьми у которых в голове зашиты программы очень сильно отличающиеся от наших, собираюсь уже в третий раз в этом году с ним поехать - был в Нигере и на Ямале теперь мечтаю об Амазонии
  • Giacomo Carlini
    see reco on Facebook
    I really really recommend Mzungu Expeditions!! I've been in Siberia with him to take pictures to Nenets People. It is a hard trip, because of the weather and the cold, but Alexey organized everything very well, and we could travel and move as we wanted with no problem at all. Alexey works with local professionals, so the experience is rich, full and safe. I loved my trip with him!!
  • Sara Bianci
    see reco on Facebook
    I had an absolutely amazing trip to Yamal. Alex is a great tour leader and an exceptional person as well. The expedition bringhed me into the authentic nenets's life. Thank you mzungu expeditions! :-)
  • Marco Marcone
    отзыв опубликован на Facebook
    Traveling in an authentic way, respecting people. Alex is reliable, experienced, a gentleman.
  • Dmitriy Shin
    отзыв опубликован на Facebook
    Trip that touched! Right people, in the right place and in the right time and of cause with the right trip provider! This is a trip I want to go more! Thank you Alexey Kolbov and Mzungu Expeditions, thank you all guy's from trip who became a real friends for me!
  • Сергей Мартьянов
    отзыв опубликован на Facebook
    Отлично съездили на Ямал. Приключений было выше крыши. Подобрала отличная команда.
  • Наталья Ципилева
    отзыв опубликован на Facebook
    #ЭтоТундраДетка �
    или как я оказалась на Крайнем Севере и узнала, что он бескрайний!
    Накануне Нового 2018 года, в 6 утра, ожидая вылета на свободную Кубу, было принято решение ехать на Ямал.
    Впереди было 3 месяца, чтобы собраться, но как это часто бывает, сборы откладывались до последнего. За 2 недели до поездки началась подготовка: покупка тёплых вещей, поиск туристических сумок, подбор спальника, термобелья, посуды, специальной обуви и так далее. Именно в этот момент я поняла, что это будет путешествие, которое будет отличным от всех других.
    С момента прибытия в аэропорт Шереметьево и начались наши приключения. Внезапный досмотр вещей, веселые посиделки в зале ожидания, потерявшийся багаж нашего путешественника, первая встреча с Салехардом. Переезжая Обь по зимнику, в шутку прощаясь с цивилизацией, мы смеялись над замёрзшей водой в бутылках.
    А потом...началась пурга. Не метель с мягкими снежинками, а пурга со снежной кбрупой, которая больно бьёт в лицо и руки. Когда не видно неба и земли. Через 5 часов ломается один из 3 трэколов. И водители в течение 3 часов под обжигающим ледяным ветром её ремонтируют.
    Дорога в арктическую тундру. Долгая, сложная и местами опасная. Но она и стала важной частью нашего приключения. Наверное за эти 15 часов в пути, по полному бездорожью понимаешь, что такое настоящий дикий Север.
    Уставшие, мы встретили рассвет 🌅 на месте нашего дальнейшего пребывания - в стойбище оленеводов. И расстелив по-быстрому спальники, заснули все как убитые. А утром началась адаптация к местной жизни, погоде, еде, иногда очень сильному ветру 💨 , метелям и яркому солнцу ☀️.
    Оленина и рыба 🐟 были основными нашими продуктами. И конечно чай ☕️ и что покрепче 😉🥃 Наши повара Лёня и Оля кормили нас очень вкусно! Через день мы были готовы пить из одной кружки и есть одной ложкой. Лишь бы успеть 😂 к обеду или ужину.
    Каждый день был расписан. Зимняя рыбалка, забой оленя и проба тёплой крови; разбор и сборка чума, катание на оленях, даже приготовление еды- это отдельная история. Ведь вода в тундре-это снег, который нужно натопить для начала.
    Не смотря на позднюю ямальскую весну, было много-много солнца и синего неба! И конечно, белоснежная сказка, которая окружила нас, погрузила всех нас в другой мир!
    Это была полная перезагрузка. Без телефонов, без соцсетей, без дресс кода, без каких-либо масок. Только ты и тундра. Только снег и олени . Только наша экспедиция в составе 13 человек и наши гостеприимные ненцы. И никого больше на 260 км. НИ-КО-ГО!
    Поэтому каждый из нас стал частью дружной веселой команды.
    И поверьте, самый грустный момент был тогда, когда пришла пора уезжать из тундры...
    Сейчас принято говорить «выйти из зоны комфорта». Так вот для меня, покидая бесконечную сНежную тундру, я выходила из настоящего душевного комфорта.
    Это авантюрное решение поехать на Крайний Север, жить жизнью оленеводов стало самым ярким приключением в моей жизни!
    Я счастлива знакомству и дружбе с Алексеем Кольбовым, а для нас просто Мзунгу, организатором нашей экспедиции, который пригласил меня и мою сестру! Спасибо Mzungu Expeditions за всё!
    И хочется сказать, до свидания 👋🏻 тундра, спасибо гостеприимный Ямал и надеюсь 🤞🏻 до встречи!
    Мечтаю о новых путешествиях и верю, что однажды я обязательно соберу рюкзак 🎒 и снова отправлюсь в путь!
    #ЭтоТундраДетка
    #Ямал2018
    #MzunguExpeditions
KEY FEATURES:
TOUR TO YAMAL
Yamal peninsula, Russia


Best season: March April, August September, December



Traveling on TREKOL to 200km depthward Yamal peninsula, the area of ever frost, where temperature goes up to -50 degrees in winter.

Participating in celebration of the Festival of reindeer herders, where Nenets and Khanty people gather together from around and where the main activity is reindeer sledge racing.

Practical learning of culture and everyday life of "True people" (as Nenets people call themselves), overnights in traditional chums.

Posturing of an enormous herd, sometimes counting to 10 thousand units, in an attempt to find out who goes after who in Polar Tundra, reindeers after Nenets people or vice versa:)

Reindeer sledge riding

Reindeer roping skills and cooking traditional Nenets meals. During migrating seasons when Nenets people move several times a week, we offer participation in migration.

Traditional ice fishing

Chance to see polar lights (Aurora Boreales) in Yamal, which Nenets people ironically call edge of the world
Why with MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS?
  • 1
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  • 2
    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.
  • 3
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  • 4
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  • 5
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