Highlights
- Navigate rivers surrounded by wild nature, in the Polar Urals mountain range
- Meet one of the most important indigenous minority ethnic groups in Russia
- Live an adventure that will leave a mark on you
Introduction
When you think of Siberia, you probably think of snow and ice. What you may not know is that when summer arrives it brings the perfect conditions for rafting. Its clean and crystalline waters make the rivers inhabit a large number of fish and make this part of Russia a perfect place for lovers of fishing and rafting.
Our local guide has been rafting trips in Siberia for years, so we know the rivers like the back of our hand. The rapids on the river range from a gentle Class I to a much more exciting Class III. We will also take you to our favorite places to fish and camp. If you feel like soaking in, you can join the fish for a little swim! We will have a good fire to warm you up when you get out of the water.
This adventure runs in the rivers that are born in the mountain range that separates Europe from Asia. The Urals, specifically in the Polar Urals. In this territory several indigenous ethnic groups coexist: The Janty and the Nenets. Both towns dedicated in this region mainly to reindeer herding. The Nentsy or Nenets are the minority indigenous ethnic group in Russia and in Yamalia there are about 30,000 people.
As an option, we can extend this trip to 10 days, 2 days that we will spend with the local Nenets nomadic reindeer herders.
Note: The final route and activities may vary slightly, as the weather can be unpredictable here in Yamal. We may need to adapt the program depending on the group, prevailing conditions and available options at the time. There is no cook on this trip, but you’re welcome to help us prepare meals and learn how to become a fantastic camp chef! During the expedition the cooperation of all participants will be crucial – you‘re always welcome to lend a hand.
Other important information
- There is an option to add a 2 night homestay with the Nenets people at a riverside cabin – please advise at the time of booking if you wish to add this to your tour. An additional 200 Euro cost applies
- Alcohol is strictly prohibited during the whole stay with the Nenets family
Fitness and dietary requirements
- A moderate level of fitness will certainly help increase the enjoyment of the trip. No prior rafting experience is needed.
- Dietary requirements should be discussed prior but can usually be catered for
Recommendations for Clothing and Equipment
- Will be sent at the time of booking
- Accommodation: 1 night at the Salekhard hotel (twin-share), 6 nights in camping (2 nights in a homestay with Nenets if this option is selected)
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Amaroq explorers guide
- Local guide
- All transfers in Salekhard
- Vehicles and fuel during the expedition
- Arctic Safety / Protective Equipment
- Rafting equipment, including wetsuits and life jackets
- Tents, sleeping bags and cooking equipment for camping
- Permits and invitation letter for visas
- Round-trip flights from Moscow to Salekhard
- Personal expenses such as drinks, tickets, phone calls, etc.
- Travel insurance
- Clothing and personal equipment, backpack ... (If you have questions, contact us)
- Use of banya / sauna in Salekhard
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From Salekhard to Makar-Ruz (camp)
From the airport or from the hotel if we arrive a day before, they will come to pick us up and on the way to our camp, we will make presentations and discuss what to expect in the next few days. We will set up camp and have lunch before delivering the rafting equipment.
We know that some people will have experience rafting, but we will always do a safety review or instruction this afternoon. Once we have the rafting equipment ready, we will have dinner and then spend the night by the fire before heading to our tents for the night.
Accommodation: Tent for 2 people
Meals: Lunch / Dinner included
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Rafting in Makar-Ruz
In the morning after breakfast, we’ll gear up for rafting and go over safety basics again before heading out on the water. We will start with something easy, navigating some class I and II rapids before arriving at our place for lunch.
After lunch we return to the river, continuing to the planned place to camp and spend the night. Once there, we change our gear for dry clothes before setting up camp. We will have to prepare a bonfire to prepare dinner! A help always comes in handy, eh? And after telling stories in front of the fire, to sleep like you drink.
Accommodation: tent for 2 people
Meals: B / L / D included
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From Makar-Ruz to river Haramatolou
Once we have had breakfast, we will break camp and return to the water. This morning we completed the last stretch of the Makar-Ruz river before its outlet in the Haramatolou river. Here, we will stop for lunch and rest before boarding the Haramatolou class II and III rapids in the afternoon.
We will arrive at our camp to spend the night and, at this point, you will already be professionals in everything that refers to setting up a camp and spending the night. We will cook over the fire and more talks, if there is strength left before going to sleep.
Accommodation: tent for 2 people
Meals: B / L / D included
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Days 4-6 – Haramatolou and Sob rivers
During day 4 we will arrive at the confluence of the Haramatolou and Sob rivers before lunch.
The next few days we will spend them collected in the calm of the Sob river, where we will settle into a kind of routine. Rafting in the morning and in the afternoon is complemented by fishing, hiking and camping: we can take it easy, look for wildlife trails, go on an excursion or whatever we prefer!
Accommodation: tent for 2 people
Meals: B / L / D included
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From Sob river to Salekhard
This morning we will have a leisurely breakfast and then dismount camp before returning to Salekhard by speedboat. We will go to check in at the hotel once we get to town. We can organize a city tour, or visit a local Russian banya or sauna depending on the time we return.
Tonight we will have our farewell dinner together.
Accommodation: hotel in Salekhard (twin-share)
Meals: B / L / D included
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From Salekhard to Moscow
Comidas: B incluided
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HOMESTAY OPtIONAL WITH NENETS
This is a unique opportunity to meet the indigenous peoples of Siberia and get a glimpse of what their lives are like. We think it is one of the most interesting experiences in this part of Russia!
From the Sob river to the Nenets hut
In the afternoon of the 6th we arrive at the Nenets’ hut by the river, where we will unload and greet our hosts for the next two nights. This is an opportunity to spend time with the Nenets in a different environment than their usual chums where they live most of the year.
Accommodation: Nenets host family
Meals: B / L / D included
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Life with the Nenets
Today you will have the opportunity to see what life is like for the Nenets who stay near the river during the summer. You will get to see how they fish and we will share meals with them today.
Accommodation: Nenets host family
Meals: B / L / D included
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Sob river
After breakfast with the Nenets, we reload our rafts and head downstream. Today we cover a distance of 25 km navigating the river before setting up camp for the night.
Accommodation: tent for 2 people
Meals: B / L / D included
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From Sob river to Salekhard
This morning we will have a leisurely breakfast and then dismount camp before returning to Salekhard by speedboat. We will check into the hotel once we get to town. We can organize a city tour, or visit a local Russian banya or sauna depending on the time we return.
Tonight we will have our farewell dinner together.
Accommodation: hotel in Salekhard (twin-share)
Meals: B / L / D included
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From Salekhard to Moscow
Transfer to Salekhard airport after breakfast to catch your flight back to Moscow.
Meals: B included
