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Welcome to Murmansk, located in the far reaches of Northern Russia, a land of powdery snow, endless tundra, and the mesmerising Aurora Borealis!A city on the Kola Peninsula, 200km north of the Arctic Circle, Murmansk is arguably one of the best places within the polar regions to view the Northern Lights. Formed in the ionosphere, anywhere from 80 to 1,000 km above the earth's surface, this incredible natural phenomena occurs when electrons and protons, emitted from the sun, are carried by solar wind towards our planet.
Upon entering the Earth's atmosphere and interacting with its magnetic field, the sun molecules emit nitrogen and hydrogen, to cause the glowing, multicolored phenomenon known as the Aurora Borealis.
However, this is not a permanent fixture of the skies. The Northern Lights only occur from mid-September to the end of March, and it is believed that the period around the spring Equinox (March 21st) offers the greatest spectacle. This is due to the favourable conditions of cloudless skies, low humidity and temperature levels, and high atmospheric pressure.
Besides craning our necks and looking to the heavens each night, on this winter trip to Murmansk we will also experience the essence of Russia, discovering the native people, ancient traditions and folklore unique to this region. Venturing beyond the Arctic Circle, we will journey across the far north of the Kola Peninsula, traversing polar tundra, magical white forests and mountainous wilderness, by dog sled, snowmobile and reindeer!
Ready to chase the dancing lights?
Let’s go!
DAY 0: Departure
Meet at DXB at 09:00 for our flight to Murmansk via Moscow at 11:10.
DAY 1: Arrival and Murmansk city tour
Arriving just after midnight, we’ll be met by our guide and transfer to the hotel to check in and get some rest. In the morning, we head out for a city tour of Murmansk, visiting key places of interest. There will be plenty of photo opportunities with “Lenin”, the now decommissioned nuclear-powered icebreaker, launched in 1957 as the first of its kind. It was built by the former Soviet Union to clear a year-round passage for shipping on the Northern Sea Route, which connects Russia's far east and Europe through the Arctic.
There will be time to explore a bit and grab some dinner before we reconvene later in the evening and head out to begin our hunt for the Northern Lights.
DAY 2: Teriberka village and Barents Sea
After breakfast we head to the shores of the Barents Sea towards the village of Teriberka, 120km from Murmansk. After a three-hour drive down an icy road, we will be greeted by scenes from a fascinating time capsule (or a horror movie – your choice) as the abandoned houses of Teriberka come into view. Now home to just 600 residents, the village was made famous by the 2015 Oscar-nominated drama Leviathan. Upon arrival we will tour Teriberka, visiting a wooden ship cemetery dating back to the Imperial Era. We will then head to the Arctic coast to take in the vast tundra landscape, mighty waterfalls and huge frozen rocks, set against the backdrop of the icy Barents Sea.
After lunch we make the drive to Aurora Village, our home for the next two nights. In the evening we’ll have another excursion to spot the Northern Lights.
DAY 3: Free day in Aurora Village
Today you are free to explore the area and try any number of optional activities popular in this land of ice and snow. Try your hand at ice lake floating, snow shoeing or traditional ice fishing, and maybe catch something to eat for lunch.
Later on we set off on a snowmobile safari to see more of the surrounding tundra landscape and spot wildlife like polar foxes, hares and hunting birds. Afterwards, you can relax in a traditional Russian banya (sauna) to ward off the chill and relax your muscles.
DAY4: Saami village and husky dog sledding
Today we head to the Saami settlement, one of the largest tourist complexes on the Kola Peninsula. Here, we will meet the Saami people’s precious reindeers, who are not only essential to their way of life, but are surprisingly affectionate and enjoy being stroked and fed by visitors. Surrounded by vast countryside, we will learn more about the ancient Saami culture, go reindeer sledding and play some traditional games – lasso throwing, anyone?
After an authentic lunch of fish soup, berry pie, and herbal tea, we will head to a Siberian husky farm to learn the incredible story behind the evolution of this iconic northern breed. We will then hop abroad an exhilarating sled ride through the snowy forest.
Afterwards, we’ll head back to the city for some dinner, and then transfer to the airport to make our journey home.
Level of difficulty:
Easy, available for everyone (temp range -6C to -12C).
Cost:
4290 AED excl. flights,
8990 AED incl. flights.
Cost valid until OCT 10th - past this date cost will change.
Activities:
Husky dog sledging, snow mobile drive, immersing in Saami culture, sightseeing and soaking in the Northern Lights from your own bed.
Optional:
Ice lake floating, ice fishing, snow shoeing, Russian banya (sauna).
Accommodation & meals: 2 nights in 4 star hotel, 2 nights in Aurora Igloos, double sharing. Meals excluded.
Specifically excluded: Visa, meals, insurance.
Visa: agency only (for every passport).
See yah in Murmansk x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 00971 50 4848238
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup
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