EXPEDITIONS RussianExpeditions.net/2011
Year of explorations expedition to remote areas of Russia and Earth
Adventure ahead! In 2011 we are preparing a series of special expeditions to the most remote regions of Russia end Earth. In the team of travelers and explorers we will take part in ethnographic, geographic and ecological researches. • visit tropical jungles and look in at tribes villages at New Guinea, • walk up to the foot of sacred Kanchenjunga in Himalaya and visit the most remoted state of India • see the highlights of Altai mountains, observe the everyday life of nomads, cross Teletskoe lake by motorboat, • walk through virgin forests of Baikal national park and meet the culture of Buryat people, • travel across Gobi desert, visit the festival of golden eagle Alexander Permyakov hunting ant try the nomadic way of life Head of “Russian Expeditions” • bathe near the edge of Victoria Falls and watch for the mitravelers club grations of whales Every expedition is not only researches, but also an impresalex@russianexpeditions.ru sive trip. Visiting significant places of nature, history and culture, +372 (56) 82-56-76 lectures of scientists and explorers, photo seminars, excursions +7 (965) 075-4959 and theme events. skype: ru_expeditions Expeditions are accompanished by TV taking groups and mass media journalists. Our expeditions are opened for everybody. Join and discover this amazing world!
Contents Adventure ahead!
About the travelers club What you can do in the expedition Expeditions, not tours Expedition bases How to join club activities? Schedule of main thematic events Trip grade system
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MARCH
New Guinea | Indonesia
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MAY
Himalaya | India
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JULY
Southern Altai | Russia
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AUGUST
Baikal Lake and Buryatia | Russia
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SEPTEMBER
Altai and Gobi desert | Russia — Mongolia
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JUNE — SEPTEMBER
Lena river and New Siberian islands | Russia
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NOVEMBER
Southern Africa | Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa
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ABOUT THE TRAVELERS CLUB
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Travel with professionals
“Russian Epeditions” is a team of travelers, scientists, photographers, journalists and all those who like expeditions, explorations and active way of life. Members of the club led a tens of expeditions, we travel a hundreds of thousands kilometres. In addition, “Russian Expeditions” organized large tourism projects, tens of theme workshops, and series of festivals. Our specialization is original, significant projects. We like challenges and can work where, in principle, nobody is. Therefore, the two main directions of our activity is an organization of expeditions to remote regions of Russia and the world, and the special private journeys. Every trip with “Russian Expeditions” carefully worked out and runs through obscure places, so we do not have the directory with dozens of routes. Development of a trip can take several months, so our routes is custom-made, we can say “hand-made”. And, as a rule, they are not repeated. Each expedition has its own idea, which we realize during the trip.
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Not the price, but value is important for us. Journey to the End of the Earth can change whole life, and this makes it invaluable. Twice as nice, if it fits in reasonable budget
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WHAT YOU CAN DO IN THE EXPEDITION
PRICING AND DISCOUNTS
ETHNOGRAPHY
ECOLOGY
PRICING
The problem of globalization is one of the most important in the modern world. Experienced travelers know that it is a difficult task today to find authentic cultures. Ethnographic research, which help to keep information about endangered cultures, becomes more important than ever. Members of the expedition could help scientists to collect ethnographic information. Ethnographers of leading scientific institutions of Russia will tell you in detail how you can join to explorations and what issues is interesting for researchers today.
An important direction of expedition activity is monitoring of environmental conditions and helping to solve environmental problems. “Russian Expeditions” is preparing a special project that would direct to a number of environmental problems in remote regions of Russia. Therefore, we value activities such as gathering information about environmental problems in these regions to exchange experience with foreign colleagues, to monitor the organization of national parks and reserves.
Organizing fee is formed of: a) the cost of accommodation, meals, excursions, medical travel insurance; b) the collective cost of the expedition: hire cars, rental of equipment, national park entrance fees etc.; c) the maintenance costs of the expedition for scientists and researchers; d) Organization fee for the current activities of the club. Fee does not include airfare, meals in cafes and other personal expenses.
PHOTOGRAPHY
JOURNALISM
DISCOUNTS
Capture those places which are on the route of expedition, has always been an important task for travelers. Fridtjof Nansen made sketches from the life of the Inuit of Greenland, and James Cook took artists in every expedition. Today the photography remains an important means for describing the region. To improve the skills of photographers, we regularly conduct workshops and photo openairs in expeditions and in different cities of Russia and abroad.
Media is an important component of social activity of expeditions. Through the media travelers can tell about the aims and results of the expeditions, to share observations and experiences, to report about important issues and threats. Any of the participants of the expedition can help to make and publish articles for media. Especially for this purpose we organize seminars and workshops about travel journalism, share experiences and ideas.
5% discount to all events and expeditions for the club members and members of previous expeditions and trips. Member’s discount takes effect 90 days after membership submission 3% discount receive participants of workshops, photo openairs and other activities of the club if they registrated to the event through the “Russian Expeditions” website. In addition, there are special conditions for participants who are willing to participate in the task of the expedition - studies, surveys, etc.
Expeditions, not tours
Many people ask us what the expeditions different from the tours. Indeed, the difference is often not so obvious — and they are both traveling on the planet.
of great explorers «notTimes remained in the past.
After 50 years the world will be different, and most important that might make traveler today is to keep for future generations the knowledge of all the diversity of contemporary world
»
The difference is in aims. Goals is distinguished an expedition from the tour and a traveler — from the tourist. Expedition is a trip with explorers for scientific purposes. Tour is a trip to relax. Participation in expeditions actively involve people in the life of the region through which passes the journey. We meet the locals, learn and try their way of life and traditional rituals, visiting remote corners of nature, seek for a great shot. Besides, we do not forget about fun — mountain climbing, rafting, guided tours, an evening rest in the camp. Despite the fact that Google Maps has photographed the entire planet, and travelers cannot discover a terra nova, there’s still the number of actual missions. In “Russian Expeditions” we consider that the most important is environmental, ethnographic, and geographic projects, and actively participate in their implementation. We meet with foreign counterparts, visit nature reserves and national parks, observing the local cultures. All expeditions are accompanied by the researchers — this is empolyees of the club “Russian Expeditions” and representatives of scientific organizations. Under their leadership, anyone can become an explorer — you need only to wish. The results can be published in magazines, movies, lectures and just vivid impressions. Join the team and be explorer!
Expedition camps In addition to the expeditions to remote regions of Russia and the world in 2011, the club will set expedition camps in the Altai mountains and in the Pskov region. Expedition camp is the center of active rest, where you can not only actively spend your time, but also get the skills of ethnography, ecology, astronomy, survival in the wild, etc. Expedition camps become the centers of the implementation of environmental, geographic and ethnographic projects of the club in the region. In addition, the expedition camps will provide extensive excursion programs — visiting archaeological and historic sites, meeting with the culture, adventure entertainment: rafting, horseback riding, mountain climbing and much more. Expedition camp — a best opportunity to spend bright days outdoors, make new friends, gain special travelers skills and meet the scientists.
How to join club activities?
In addition to the expeditions, our club organizes a lot of special events. This is educational programs, workshops and seminars, festivals of travelers and much more. Part of funds raised goes to research. By the end of 2011 we are planning to create a system of grants which could help in the development of the most important ethnographic, ecological, and geographic projects in Russia. Today you can help the club in many ways. Join the Club is the easiest action that does not require efforts. Fill the form on the page www.russianexpeditions.net/club-membership, pay an annual membership fee of 20 USD and you’re in the club! Members of the club receive significant benefits for participation in all club events, as well many events are free for them. Take part in expeditions — discover the remote corners of Russia and the world. Meet interesting people, watch for wildlife, engage in research or simply enjoy the travel far from urban civilization. Do not forget your camera — expedition is a great opportunity to make the best shots. Present participation to your friend or relative - if it would be useful for your relatives or friends to take part of our expeditions, practice photography, see the world - give him involved in our projects or membership in a club. Gift packing you can discuss with our specialists. Become a corporate partner. “Russian Expeditions” is interested in cooperation with the business. We offer a range of partner programs and always seek to maximize mutual work. Find out how we can be useful to each other and join the world of research with us!
Schedule of main thematic events
Project “The travelers school”: master classes in travel-photography and journalism. March 4-6: St. Petersburg March 8-10: Kazan March 11-13: Ufa March 15-17: Chelyabinsk March 18-20: Ekaterinburg March 22-24: Perm March 25-27: Moscow April 18-24: Festival of travelers “Russian Expeditions” in Moscow May 7-9: summer survival course, Pskov region 18-29 May: Festival of travelers “Russian Expeditions” in St. Petersburg. May 18-June 12: Club photoexhibition in the gallery of Karl Bulla, St. Petersburg June-August: the work of expedition camps in the Altai mountains and in the Pskov region. June 11-13: photo openair in Tatarstan. July 8-10: photo openair on “Days of the Middle Ages” in Tallinn. 12-27 September: Meeting of the club members and worshops in Moscow and St. Petersburg November 4-6: Adventure race VeloTrophy December 9-11: winter survival course: Novgorod Oblast. New activities, detailed announcements - at www.russianexpeditions.ru/events
TRIP GRADING SYSTEM The expedition routes is in the remote regions of the world, so each trip is required from participants to be rady to the absence of the usual benefits of civilization and to unknown routes. For the convenience of participants, we divided the routes into 5 classes.
1 class — very easy route. Moving by car, comfortable climatic conditions, heights not more than 2500 meters above sea level, moving no more than 500 km. per day, light radial hiking. No requirements for clothing and equipment.
2 class — easy route. Moving by car, horseback-riding, hiking or easy rafting. Comfortable climatic conditions with the ex-
ception at some parts of the route - in deserts, jungles, mountains, etc., heights not more than 3500 meters, moving no more than 500 km. per day, in exceptional cases - no more than 850 km. per day. Possible some advice for clothes and equipment of participants.
3 class — route of medium difficulty. Moving by car, horseback-riding, hiking, rafting. Moderately difficult climatic conditions: desert, mountains, jungle. Altitude up to 5000 m, in the Himalayas and Tibet in some areas are possible rises to 6000 m. In the highlands possible overcoming of passes and some easy mountain climbing . Probably lagre amplitudes of daytime and nighttime temperatures. Desirable to have tourist equipment - a down and / or membrane jackets, fleece suits, etc. Welcomed good physical shape and readiness for adventure. 4 class — complexity is above average. Jeeping in the far remote regions, rafting high degree of complexity, mountaineer-
ing and climbing of the middle level, difficult trekking. Routes of 4 class take place at hard to reach places of the planet. Possible adverse climatic conditions and the considerable heights. In mountainous regions participants must be ready to cases of altitude sickness. Heights up to 6000 m, in Tibet and the Himalayas possibly higher rises. Rafting up to 50 miles a day, overcoming the rapids of the highest class of complexity. Availability of tourist equipment required, a list of equipment needed depends on the region’s. Good physical shape, ready for a real adventures - a mandatory requirement.
5 class - routes of high complexity. Climbing with serious obstacles, hiking the high categories of difficulty, extreme jeeping, survival course. Possible pathfinding and first ascents. The maximum height of 6000 meters and above. Necessarily the availability of special equipment, high quality clothing for extreme conditions. Requires excellent physical shape and ready to go where no one had gone before.
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Our expeditions is saturated travel, so they often may be present elements of a higher category of difficulty. In this case, the complexity is noted by a fraction. For example, 3/4, which means that a third category with the elements of the fourth.
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MARCH
New Guinea | Indonesia
“Can a man who was born and raised in the civilized world, to feel at home in a society where people are still living under the laws of prehistoric world?” Explorer Alexander Pototsky went in New Guinea with this question. He set himself the task to live in a tribe of Papuans and become their “own” in order to be able to compare materials of the expedition Nicholas MiklukhoMaclay with the modern life of tribes of New Guinea. In March a team of researchers and explorers of the club “Russian Expeditions” will join Alexander to see for life of the tribes of New Guinea. We will walk along mountain trails, visit the remote villages, will try to dive into the life of the islanders. Alexander Pototsky, experienced traveler to Asia, who spent here a few years exploring the continent, will lead the expedition.
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13 car transfers, trekking to jungle, ethnographic observation. The duration of the expedition:
14 days New Guinea - the second largest island in the world after Greenland.
Several areas of the island are included to UNESCO World Heritage List. It is one of the most unexplored areas in the world. In New Guinea there are all high-altitude areas from the tropics to the eternal snows. The first ascent of the mountain located here Punchak Jaya, the highest peak in Oceania, committed Heinrich Harrer, the main character in the movie “Seven Years in Tibet”.
Length of the route from Jakarta:
7000 km
local flights + car + trekking
Class: 3 Organization fee:
Itinerary: • 1 day. Arrival to Jakarta. Receiving a visa. Flight to Jayapura. Recreation, sightseeing, free time. • 2 day. Flight to Wameno. Accommodation for the night in the huts. • 3-11 days. Trekking in the Baliem valley. Visiting remote villages of Angguruk, Pronggoli and Kosarek. Living in the tents and the huts, watching the life of local people. Detailed route through the valley depends on weather conditions, availability of local missionary aircraft and other factors. At the end of the route returning to Wameno. • 12 day. Flight to Jayapura. Accommodation for the night at the hotel. • 13 day. Flight to Jakarta. Free time. • 14 day. Flight home.
1850 USD EXPEDITION AIMS: • ethnographic observation for the tribes of Indonesian part of the island of New Guinea • Exploring the interaction between representatives of different cultures in the single team • passage of the combined route on the island, visiting the various regions of New Guinea • Taking photos and video
MAY
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Himalaya | India Sikkim - the most remote state in India, located on the border with Nepal and China. Communicated with Tibet in the past, Sikkim today is the one of the centers of spiritual life in India. In 1924 the family of Nicholas Roerich lived here. Also here is the residence of Karmapa - head of the Buddhist Karma Kagyu. Team of “Russian expeditions� will travel to mountainous valleys covered with subtropical flora and tea plantations. Our goal is five-domed Kanchenjunga, the third mountain in the world. One of the most inaccessible mountains in the world, Kanchenjunga peak is considered as a sacred mountain. We will pass along its foot to the pass Gocha-La, overlooking the Himalayas. From Gocha La we will see Everest and Makalu, Lhotse and Kangchenjunga itself - four of the five highest peaks in the world! In addition, during the expedition we observe the modern life of people of Sikkim. In the past, Sikkim was one of the ancient Himalayan kingdoms, and today there are tens of peoples. In Sikkim we will meet Hindus, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and the locals regularly hold religious and national holidays.
17 trekking to the Himalayas, visiting monasteries, photography, ethnographic observation. The duration of the expedition:
16 days
Length of the route from Delhi:
Himalayas — the highest mountains in the world. 9 snowy giants higher than 8000 meters, surrounded by hundreds mountains higher than 6000m, rise above the boundaries of Nepal, India and China. People are coming here for the silence and majesty of the mountains. In addition, the Himalayas is the birthplace of Buddhism. Here lived Buddha Sakyamuni and great teachers such as Padmasambhava. Many monasteries located in the mountains of the Himalayas, including the residences of the heads of all Buddhist schools.
Itinerary: • 1 day. Arrival in New Delhi. Introducing to the city. • 2 day. Flight to Siliguri. Transfer by minivan to Darjeeling. • 3 day. Darjeeling. • 4 day. Gangtok and Rumtek Monastery. • 5-13 days. Trekking to Kanchenjunga National Park. • 14 day. Return to Gangtok. Leisure time. • 15 day. Transfer to Siliguri, the flight to Delhi. • 16 day. Flight home.
2400 km flights + minivan + trekking
Class: 2/3 Organization fee:
1560 USD EXPEDITION AIMS: • acquaintance with the work of the Kanchenjunga National Park • ethnographic observation of life of population of Sikkim • passage of a route through the park Kangchenjunga and climbing on Gocha La pass (4,940 m) • Analysis of organization of ecological tourism in the region
Ýтнография documentary project
Ethnography is a series of documentary films about the Russian peoples. In focus — their daily life, traditions and customs that are often radically different from the usual townspeople lifestyle. To collect the material we are preparing a series of expeditions to different regions of Russia, which will be held to 2011 — 2012. The team of travelers club “Russian Expeditions” will visit the mountains of Altai and the Baikal taiga, travel to the shores of the Arctic Ocean and to semidesert south of Tuva, in the Baltic region and in the steppes of the Southern Urals. In 2011, the route of the expedition will take place in Buryatia and Irkutsk Oblast, Altai Krai and the Republic of Altai, Bashkiria, Sverdlovsk Region, the Pskov region. The expedition team is professional travelers, journalists and ethnographers. To participate in the expeditions are open to all who are interested in remote regions, ethnic culture and untouched nature. In part of the expeditions will be conducted educational lectures on ethnography, workshops in travel photography and video.
JULY
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Southern Altai | Russia Ýтнография The first expedition of the project “Ethnography”. Participants of the trip will go to the southern margin of Siberia, on the border with Mongolia, where remained the traditional way of life of Altaic and Kazakh. Two weeks that the team of travelers club will be in Altai, we will devote a remote regions of southern Altai. Unspoiled nature of the highlands, ancient burial mounds, rock carvings, stone warriors and traditions of shamanism and Burkhanism ... This region of Altai - a godsend for explorers. We will live in the neighborhood with the nomads, be able to observe their life and traditions and to take an active part in the everyday life of nomads. In addition, for members of the expedition has been prepared a special program of travel, the route which passes through one of the most beautiful places in the Altai and allows to get acquainted with this mountainous country. Travelers will visit the highlands and the eternal snows, look from pass to canyon of Chulyshman, will see Teletskoe lake.
rise to highlands of Altai, ethnographic observation, familiarity with the archeology of Altai The duration of the expedition:
14 days
Length of the route from Barnaul:
2100 km
minivan + terrain vehicle + motorboat
Altai — mountainous country in the heart of Eurasia. Translated from the
Mongolian “Altyn” means “gold”, so often Altai called the Golden mountains. It is considered that from here came almost all the nations of Central Asia — the Altaic language family unites languages from Japanese to Turkish. In ancient times, the Altai was inhabited by the Scythians, leaving thousands of archaeological sites — is the rock carvings, burial mounds, stone warriors.
Class: 2 Organization fee:
1090 USD EXPEDITION AIMS:
Itinerary: • 1 day. Arrival to Barnaul. Moving to the Altai. • 2-9 days. Journey through the highands of Altai. Ascent to alpine valleys, visiting archeological sites, acquaintance with the life of the local population. • 10-12 days. Visiting the valley of Chulyshman and Teletskoe lake. • 13 day. Returning to Barnaul. • 14 day. Flight home
• ethnographic observations for the life of herders southern part of Altai Republic • ilming and television broadcast • taking photographs
AUGUST
Baikal Lake and Buryatia | Russia Ýтнография The second expedition of the project “Ethnography” will go to Lake Baikal. It is not only the most famous lake in Russia, but also a place with a rich culture. We observe Buddhist rituals of local people, and more ancient ritual whose roots dating back to ancient times. During the expedition our companions will be orientalists, specializing in the culture of the Baikal region. In addition, the team of “Russian expeditions” will visit the national parks and see the remote areas of Lake Baikal. Together with environmentalists, we’ll pass through the taiga and get acquainted with the life of nature reserves, will cross Lake Baikal on motorboat and hear the legends about this mystical lake, visit the beautiful island of Olkhon and learn about the shamans of Lake Baikal. Travelers get acquainted with the life of cities of Eastern Siberia. We will walk through the streets of Irkutsk and visit the home of the Decembrists Volkonsky, see the capital of Buryatia — Ulan-Ude and traveled in the center of Buddhism in Russia — Ivolginsk datsan.
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crossing of Lake Baikal on motorboat, hiking into the taiga with environmentalists, observing wildlife The duration of the expedition:
14 days
Length of the route from Ulan-Ude:
Baikal — the deepest lake of the world, containing 19% of the world’s
fresh water. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 2/3 of more than 2500 species of fauna and flora, living in the lake, found only in Baikal. The western shore of the island is inhabited predominantly Russian, and population of the eastern shore is buryat people. It is noteworthy that the Russian par with indigenous people often believe in spirits that inhabit natural objects - the lake, mountains, passes.
Itinerary: • 1 day. Arrival in Ulan-Ude. Introducing to the city. • 2 day. Visiting the Ivolginsky Datsan. • 3-8 days. Barguzin Bay, Pribaikalsky National Park, trekking in Sacred Nose Peninsula, a visit to the site of displaying of the Buddhist goddess Yanzhima, meeting with the Buryat rituals. • 9-12 days. Olkhon island. • 13 day. Irkutsk. • 14 day. Flight home.
1200 km
minivan + trekking + motorboat
Class: 2 Organization fee:
1190 USD ЦЕЛИ ЭКСПЕДИЦИИ: • ethnographic observations of the life of the population of Buryatia and Irkutsk region • analysis of nature reserves and the tourist industry • filming and television broadcast • taking photographs
SEPTEMBER
Altai and Gobi desert | Russia — Mongolia Ýтнография
In September, the team of “Russian expeditions” will go to Mongolia. The route of the expedition will pass through all the Altai Mountains to the border with Mongolia, and then we go 1000 kilometers on land of nomads. Our task - to gather photographs and make a film about the life of this amazing region. We will meet with herders, visit the festival of golden eagle hunting, drive through the Gobi Desert and visited the region the Great Lakes valley, famous for the variety of birds. The brightest colors of the mountains and lakes, almost medieval lifestyle of the nomads and the total absence of civilization. Western Mongolia - one of the most “photogenic” places on the planet. Altai Mountains, Gobi desert landscapes, vast water expanses of the Mongolian lakes and untouched wild.
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the transboundary expedition, visiting natural sites, archaeology, ethnography The duration of the expedition:
15 days
Length of the route from Barnaul:
Western Mongolia — most remote from the capital region of the country. Large part of western Mongolia is covered by mountains of Mongolian Altai and the Gobi Desert. Population — Kazakhs, most engaged in nomadic herding. Lifestyles of the local population is more similar to the Middle Ages. Many still prefer the traditional costumes than modern clothing, and among the nomads is common to hunt with golden eagles. Every autumn hunters come to the competition.
Itinerary: • 1 day. Arrival in Barnaul. Going to Altai. • 2 day. Continue the path through the Altai to Mongolia. • 3 day. Crossing the border. The town of Bayan-Ulgii. • 4-10 days. Bayan-Ulgii — the Gobi desert. Traveling from remote areas of the desert, to the Great Lakes valley. • 11-12 days. Golden eagle hunt festival. • 13 day. Return to Russia. Altai. • 14 day. Return to Barnaul. • 15 day. Flight home.
2500 km
transfers by minivans and jeeps.
Class: 2 Organization fee:
1270 USD EXPEDITION AIMS: • ethnographic observation of life of population in western regions of the Gobi Desert • taking photos and video
JUNE — SEPTEMBER
Lena river and New Siberian islands | Russia
Zoological expedition on the motor-sailing catamaran “Fin Whale” will be held on the Lena over 3500km. from the town of Ust-Kut to the mouth of the Lena River, and then on the Laptev Sea to the New Siberian Islands. The purpose of the expedition - the study of fauna of the Lena River and Laptev Sea. Together with a group of zoologists members of the expedition will fall into the world of the East Siberian taiga wilderness and be among the most bizarre rocks of famous Lena Pillars. Their eyes will see rare animals and birds in their natural habitat. And those who handled the polar circle, will be able to enjoy the sunsets, turning into sunrises throughout the night and see the polar day, when the low night-sun paints the exotic landscapes of northern unearthly colors.
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River trip on the yacht, watching wildlife, ethnography, photo and video shooting 1 stage: 1 — 25 of June 2011
25 days
Length of the route from Ust-Kut:
Lena river — longest river, whose basin is entirely in the territory of
Russia. Originated 12 kilometers from Lake Baikal, Lena stretches for 4,400 kilometers to the Laptev Sea. Rock outs of different colors and shapes, areas of sand dunes, numerous islands, untouched diversity of flora and fauna makes the journey along the river character of of real exploration. The width of the Lena River reaches 30 km at a depth of 10-20 meters.
Itinerary: • 1 day. Arrival in Ust-Kut. Preparations for the start. • 2 day. Start of the expedition. • 3-23 days. Movement along the Lena under a sail and engine from Ust-Kut to Yakutsk. Landing site for research, filming, sightseeing and exploring the countryside. Timetable on the river depends on the wishes of the participants, the research program and weather conditions. • 24 day. Arrival in Yakutsk. Introducing to the city. Meetings with scientists and the media. • 25 day. Flight home.
2000 km sailing
Class: 2 Organization fee:
1890 USD EXPEDITION AIMS: • zoological observation of the fauna of the Lena River • taking photos and video
River and sea voyage on the yacht, watching wildlife, ethnography 2 stage: 26 of June — 20 of July
25 days
Length of the route from Yakutsk:
Yakutia
— the largest region in Russia and the largest administrative unit in the world. The territory of Yakutia is comparable to the size of India, and the total population - less than a million people. At the same time Yakutia is rich nature of the North, flora and fauna. There are more than 700 000 rivers and 800 thousand lakes. Almost the entire territory of Yakutia is covered by permafrost, capacity of which reaches 1,5 kilometers.
Itinerary: • 1 day. Arrival to Yakutsk. Introducing to the city. Start of expedition. • 2-23 days. Movement along the Lena under a sail and motor from Yakutsk to Tiksi. Landing for research, filming, sightseeing and exploring the countryside. Timetable on the river depends on the wishes of the participants, the research program and weather conditions. Passage of the Lena mouth and exit into the Laptev Sea. • 24 day. Arriving at the port of Tiksi. Introducing with the settlement. • 25 day. Flight home
2000 km sailing
Class: 2/3 Organization fee:
1870 USD EXPEDITION AIMS: • zoological observation of the fauna of the Lena River • taking photos and video
voyage on the yacht, watching wildlife, photo and video 3 stage: 21 of July — 1 of September 2011
42 days
Length of the route from Yakutsk:
Laptev sea — marginal sea of the Arctic Ocean. Located between the
Taimyr Peninsula and New Siberian Islands. One of the most severe of Arctic seas, whose surface is almost covered with ice year-round. Here live seals, narwhal, sea hares. The New Siberian Islands is home to polar bears. Interestingly Laptev walrus subspecies, isolated from their Pacific counterparts. This is the least studied of walruses.
Itinerary: • 1 day. Arrival to Tiksi. Preparing to start. • 2 day. Start of the expedition. • 3-40 days. Conducting through the ice of the Laptev Sea to the New Siberian Islands. Investigation of the islands. We intend to visit and explore the coast and waters of the islands Stolbovoi, Belkovsky, Kotelny, Large and Small Lyakhovsky, Bennett. In addition to working from the board the catamaran, planned surface hiking trails on the islands and the mainland coast. • 41 day. Return to Tiksi. • 42 day. Flight home
3500 km sailing
Class: 4 Organization fee:
6 790 USD EXPEDITION AIMS: • Exploring of distribution and abundance of marine mammals, rare birds in the waters of the Laptev Sea • taking photos and video
NOVEMBER
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Southern Africa | Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa Three-week trip to Africa - it’s the most brilliant spectacle of landscapes, vast deserts and savannahs, deep canyons, dried up lakes, bizarre forms of huge rocks and the night sky in Africa, where millions of shining stars. We will go to national parks in Botswana and the Namib Desert. See the Victoria Falls and living in the colonial villas, will meet with the tribes of Bushmen and get acquainted with their way of life. We rise into the sky on balloons, take part in rafting on the legendary Zambezi, pass on ethnic boats to Okavango delta, go down to the gold mine, visit cheetah farm, take part in a jeep safari, walk on a boat on the Atlantic for whale watching, take a cruise on the historic ship and of course, go to observation of wild animals and photohunting. 7000 kilometers in southern Africa, we’ll pass on specially prepared expedition vehicles under the guidance of scientists and Africanists. Research program would amount to ethnographic observations, analysis of national parks and the organization of ecological tourism in the region.
transboundary expedition, desert and savannah, ethnography, observation of Atlantic fauna The duration of the expedition:
Southern Africa — geographic region that unites 7 countries of the
African continent, situated south of the Zambezi River. There are hundreds of the unique natural and cultural sites, and 14 of them are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is the Victoria Falls, the ruins of ancient cities, national parks, the giant Vredefort crater formed by impact asteroids, and the “cradle of humankind”, where found the remains of the ancient people on Earth.
Itinerary: • 1 day. Arrive in Johannesburg. Introducing to the city. • 2-4 days. Zimbabwe and Botswana. Victoria Falls, Chobe safari park • 5-7 days. Botswana. Wildlife Watching in the Okavango Delta. • 8-12 days. Namibia. Kalahari Desert, Etosha National Park, cheetah farm, mountain Shpitskoppe. Rest after moving to town Swakopmund. • 13-16 days. Namibia. Travel along the Atlantic, between the sea and sand dunes. Rookery of fur seals in Walfish Bay, a giant canyon of Fish River, the desert sands of the Namib-Naukluft Park. • 17-19 days. South Africa. Orange River, Cedarberg Mountains, Cape of Good Hope and monitoring the migration of whales. • 20-21 days. Flight home
21 days
Length of the route from Johannesburg:
7000 km combined route
Class: 2/3 Organization fee:
5570 USD EXPEDITION AIMS: • ethnographic observation of the population of Southern Africa • analysis of work of national parks • analysis of environmental organizations and adventure tourism in the region • taking photos and video
Ask the explorer Alex Permyakov Head of the travelers club "Russian Expeditions" alex@russianexpeditions.ru skype: ru_expeditions +372 56 82-56-76 +7 965 075-49-59
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with “Russian Expeditions” Travelers club “Russian Expeditions”, 2010