Joint ethnographic expeditional trip to the Nenets nomads while winter migration, with an expert of Russian geographical society and ethnographer of the Museum of anthropology and ethnography (Kunstkamera) of Russian academy of sciences



YAMAL

March 23 - 28, 2026

Yamal peninsula, Russia

*IN COLLABORATION WITH THE RUSSIAN GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY
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Yamal — “The Edge of the Earth” in the language of the Nenets, the nomadic people who traverse its vast expanses. Here, amid the tundra stretching to the icy shores of the Kara Sea and the Arctic Ocean, the Nenets have roamed for centuries with their vast reindeer herds. This is a rare opportunity to experience the remarkable way of life of the Nenets — custodians of ancient Arctic traditions. Witness firsthand how these indigenous nomads expertly manage their thousands-strong reindeer herds, skillfully erect their traditional chums, and navigate the endless tundra in search of fresh pastures, all while preserving a unique lifestyle rooted in reindeer herding and fishing.
Our exclusive expeditional trip offers full immersion into the daily life and culture of the Nenets reindeer herders at a remote camp near the mouth of the Baydarata River, including participation in their winter migration and traditional Nenets games.

_______________________


On this expeditional trip organized by MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS, the Russian Geographical Society, and the Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (Kunstkamera) of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the team will be accompanied by an expert from the Russian Geographical Society and an ethnographic researcher — a practicing specialist in the peoples of the Russian Arctic.

Participants in the expeditional trip will have the opportunity to observe ethnographers working in the field, collect ethnographic materials (field notes, photographs, sketches, interviews), and attend a series of lectures by scholars from the Kunstkamera. The lectures will cover topics such as nomadic culture, the transformation of the material world, and methods of ethnographic research.

All participants will learn to perceive culture from both outside and inside perspectives, combining the viewpoint of local community members with that of an external observer.

The results of the research and expedition experiences are planned to be presented at a seminar at the Russian Geographical Society Headquarters in Saint Petersburg and published in academic journals

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 - 2025
©️ Giovanni Giusto
SCHEDULE & COST:

Dates: March 23 – 28, 2026

Duration: 6 days / 5 nights

Number of participants: 7–12 participants

Price per person:
– 199,000 RUB with 11–12 participants
– 225,000 RUB with 9–10 participants
– 245,000 RUB with 8 participants
– 259,000 RUB with 7 participants

Early booking discount: 10% (valid for bookings made before October 23, 2025)

All-inclusive except for:
– Flights to and from Salekhard
– Russian visa (if required)
– Medical insurance

Estimated cost of flights Moscow – Salekhard – Moscow: approx. 34,000 RUB
Single room supplement in hotel: 10,000 RUB (single accommodation is not available in the chum tents)


TRAVEL PROGRAM: TOUR TO YAMAL AND PAPUA


Day 1. March 23, 2026 (Monday). SALEKHARD — NOMADIC CAMP OF THE NENETS REINDEER HERDERS

Meeting at Salekhard Airport at 8:00 AM. Enjoy a morning coffee before setting off into the tundra of the Yamal Peninsula. Our destination is a nomadic camp located near Lake Landikyato and the Enzor Yakha River, close to the mouth of the Baydarata River. We will travel by Trekol all-terrain vehicle, with the journey taking approximately 8 to 11 hours, depending on weather and road conditions.

Lunch will be a boxed meal en route at a local trading post. Evening arrival at a traditional Nenets chum (tent), where we will be warmly welcomed by a Nenets family. Dinner inside the chum will include authentic national dishes. Overnight stay in the chum with the hosts.

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

*Recommended flight:
– Direct flight from Moscow to Salekhard with Yamal Airlines, departure at 3:15 AM, arrival at 8:00 AM
– Alternatively, arrive in Salekhard the day before (March 22); additional hotel night paid separately.


Day 2. March 24, 2026 (Tuesday). TRADITIONAL ICE FISHING WITH THE NENETS

After breakfast, we will experience traditional ice fishing with the Nenets. We will set or check fishing nets by the lake. Reindeer herders always know where the “silver of the homeland” — the fish — congregate, and once a new camp is established nearby, the nets go into the water under up to a meter-thick ice layer. It’s hard work cutting through the ice, but the reward is fresh fish for the family.

Daily chores such as chopping wood and ice are part of the Nenets nomads’ routine. Lunch and dinner will feature national cuisine, and overnight will be spent in the chum with the Nenets families.

In the afternoon we will witness traditional hunting practices. The Nenets often hunt hares or ptarmigans using driving methods.
In the evening, we gather around the fire for folklore storytelling about Nenets culture and religion. Enjoy a folklore evening with yarabtsy and khynabtsy (traditional Nenets riddles and magic tricks).

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


Day 3. March 25, 2026 (Wednesday). VISITING THE REINDEER HERD OR WINTER CAMP MIGRATION ACROSS THE TUNDRA

After breakfast, we head to the main reindeer herd by snowmobiles or reindeer sleds. Immerse yourself in the world of Nenets nomadic reindeer herding — where every day revolves around the pace of the herd. The reindeer herd forms a natural alarm clock, their hoofbeats signaling the start of the day. Sleds are arranged in a semicircle (the “corral”) tied with ropes to guide and catch the reindeer for work. Men step over the rope to leave the corral, women go under it. We will participate in reindeer herding, sled riding, feeding the herd, and photo sessions.

Lunch and dinner with traditional dishes; overnight in the chum.

Subject to favorable weather conditions, we will witness the the migration *(kaslanie) . All chums are dismantled and loaded onto sleds with all equipment. The Nenets gather the herd, hitch reindeer to sleds, and move the camp several kilometers to a new location, where they set up the chums again. This seasonal migration is an essential part of Nenets life, covering hundreds of kilometers north and back each year. The whole process — dismantling, herding, caravan formation, travel, and setting up the new camp — takes the entire day, offering excellent photo opportunities.

Guests may travel by Trekol all-terrain vehicles (included) or, optionally and at an additional cost, by specially prepared reindeer sleds (narts).

The migration (kaslanie) is included but depends on favorable weather conditions. The expedition team and Nenets herders will make every effort to complete the winter relocation.

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


Day 4. March 26, 2026 (Thursday). TRADITIONAL NENETS GAMES AND PARTICIPATION IN EVERYDAY LIFE

After breakfast, we will learn about the life and routine of a modern chum hostess on Yamal. Women carry the vital responsibility of preparing the home for the family — tanning and smoking reindeer hides, sewing “nyuki” (chum coverings), and making warm traditional clothing from head to toe. The warmth and comfort of the malitsa (men’s jacket) and yagushka (women’s coat) are crucial for survival in temperatures down to minus 40°C.
Participate in master classes on hide tanning, sewing, bead weaving, making natural threads from reindeer sinews, tailoring and fitting traditional clothing, plus lectures and photo sessions.

Today we also explore traditional Nenets sports: wrestling, tug-of-war, throwing a “tynzyan” (lasso) at a “khorey” (sled steering handle), reindeer sled jumping, and more. Weather permitting, witness the highlight of Nenets games — reindeer sled racing!

Optional (additional fee): ritual reindeer slaughter ceremony.

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


Day 5. March 27, 2026 (Friday). NOMADIC CAMP — SALEKHARD

After breakfast, time permitting, attend master classes on making chum poles (tree selection, trunk preparation, finishing), repairing cargo sleds, or throwing the tynzyan lasso onto the khorey sled handle (a special “steering wheel” for the reindeer team).
Around 10 AM, depart for Salekhard by Trekol or snowmobile (travel time approx. 8 to 11 hours, depending on weather and road conditions). Lunch en route at a local trading post. Arrival in Salekhard followed by dinner at the “Okhota” restaurant, featuring the best of Russian Northern cuisine.

Overnight at Arktika Hotel 3* in the city center or a similar hotel.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Arktika Hotel 3* or similar


Day 6. March 28, 2026 (Saturday). SALEKHARD — RETURN FLIGHT

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer from the hotel to Salekhard Airport. Morning flight to Moscow departs at 9:10 AM, arriving in Moscow at 10:10 AM.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: none

*Recommended flight from Salekhard to Moscow:
— Direct flight with Yamal Airlines, departure 9:10 AM, arrival 10:10 AM on March 28.


* Participants must be motivated, respectful of Nenets culture, understand the purpose of the trip, and be prepared for possible adjustments due to weather. Adaptability to unfamiliar environments and cultures is essential.

** The order of activities on days 1–5 may change depending on weather or local customs.
Included in the price:

  • Airport transfers according to the itinerary
  • Transportation throughout the program: Trekol all-terrain snow-and-swamp vehicles accompanying the group all 5 days in the tundra
  • Accommodation in a hotel in Salekhard (comfortable double rooms)
  • Accommodation in a chum camp (shared with Nenets families)
  • Three meals a day in the chum, including traditional local cuisine, and full board in Salekhard
  • Processing of permits for entry into the border zone
  • All activities and workshops included in the program
  • Photo and video shooting allowed at no extra charge
  • Visa support
  • Services of an experienced Russian-speaking driver-guide
  • Services of an experienced Russian- and English-speaking guide and team leader
  • Professional ethnographer and practicing specialist present throughout the entire route
  • Expert from the Russian Geographical Society accompanying the entire route
  • Scientific lectures throughout the program
  • Participation in scientific work: introduction to the "anthropological kitchen," field studies, and collection of ethnographic materials (diaries, photos, interviews)

Not included in the price (additional costs):
  • Round-trip airfare to/from Salekhard
  • Medical insurance
  • Russian visa (if required)
  • Optional services indicated in the program, such as the ritual reindeer slaughter ceremony
  • Additional activities listed as optional in the program
  • Tips for the local team
  • Single room accommodation at the hotel

TO TAKE WITH:

  • Very warm winter down jacket/parka with wind protection
  • Weather-appropriate clothing sets (warm wool socks, cotton socks, wool sweater, fleece, warm winter jacket, warm trousers). All outerwear must be windproof (prepare for temperatures down to -25°C and strong winds)
  • Thermal underwear
  • Warm, waterproof, high boots
  • Hat and gloves suitable for cold weather, both windproof
  • Buff or balaclava
  • Sleeping bag rated for a comfort temperature of -5 to -10°C (mornings inside the chum can be as cold as -5°C)
  • Inflatable camping mattress (mandatory!)
  • Personal hygiene items (including towel, wipes, soap)
  • A small supply of favorite snacks and drinks (nothing available for purchase on site)
  • Medical kit (pain reliever, antiseptic, antibiotics, antiviral medication, gastrointestinal remedies, oral rehydration salts, bandages, your personal medications)
  • Thermos (optional)
  • Gifts for local residents (optional)
  • Sunglasses (or ski goggles)
  • Sunscreen and wind protection
  • Headlamp (mandatory!)
  • Photo and video camera, spare batteries, tripod, drone
  • Large backpack or bag for luggage (a small suitcase is also fine)
  • Waterproof bag (optional)
  • Small backpack for short excursions
TEAM
TEAM LEADER

A researcher of Indigenous peoples of the North and an enthusiast of unconventional routes. Over the course of nine expeditions to the Nenets in Yamal, she has explored their lives in both winter and summer, immersing herself deeply in the traditions and modern transformations of these nomadic communities.

Sveta has inspired a love for Russia in over 1,000 foreign travelers. She has volunteered with children in South America, developed a startup in India, danced in the Rio Carnival, and skied in the Himalayas.
СВЕТЛАНА ВАРГИНА
Team leader of MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS,
SCIENTIST OF RUSSIAN GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY

Member of the Environmental Protection Commission of the Leningrad Regional Branch of the Russian Geographical Society. A specialist in the study of rock art in Fennoscandia and the Urals, she has participated in numerous archaeological and ethnographic expeditions across the Russian North, the Urals, Yamal, and Siberia.
Co-author of the project "Sikhirtya: The Legend of the Medieval Arctic."

Currently works as a guide and researcher at the Presidential Library named after Boris Yeltsin in Saint Petersburg.
Research interests: prehistoric and rock art, Arctic ethnography and anthropology, traditional culture, and mythology.
MARIA MESHALKINA
Art historian, ethnographer, tour guide
RESEARCHER AT THE PETER THE GREAT MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY AND ETHNOGRAPHY (KUNSTKAMERA), RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
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
  • Alina Nikulina
    публикация на Facebook
    Все самые яркие и незабываемые путешествия только с Mzungu 😃🤩 краткий видео отчёт о путешествии в Папуа

    http://mzunguexpeditions.com/

  • Victoria Kashnikova
    публикация на Facebook
    Алина тут сделала видео про наш Папуа)
    И, да, за супер-путешествиями обращайтесь в Mzunguexpeditions.com к Alexey Kolbov
KEY FEATURES:
TOUR TO YAMAL
Yamal peninsula, Russia

Best season: March – April, August – September, December


Scientific and cultural focus: an immersive exploration of the lifestyle of the "ideal nomads" — the Nenets. The expedition will explore their language, belief systems, daily practices, and their role in the contemporary Arctic.

Travel by TREKOL all-terrain vehicle deep into the Yamal Peninsula — up to 200 km into the permafrost zone, where winter temperatures can drop as low as -50 °C.

Participation in the Tundra Olympics — traditional Nenets competitions including reindeer sled races, tug-of-war, lasso throwing (tynzyan), and national wrestling.

Hands-on experience of everyday life: sleeping in traditional chums (tents), preparing meals with locals, and learning to drive reindeer sleds.

Full immersion into the nomadic lifestyle: taking part in kaslaniye — the seasonal migration involving the dismantling and setting up of chums, loading sleds, and moving herds across the tundra.

Observation of large-scale reindeer herding, with herds numbering up to 10,000 animals — including discussion of the sophisticated techniques used to manage them in extreme conditions.

Traditional winter ice fishing with local Nenets families.

A rare opportunity to witness the Aurora Borealis — the Northern Lights — on the edge of the world, as the Nenets affectionately call their homeland, Yamal.
PHOTO GALLERY
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