Arctic Russia 2008

Dog-sledging with Reindeer Herders and Native People - Kamchatka

Solovetski Islands in Winter

Dog-Sledging with Reindeer Herders and Native People - Kamchatka

Kamchatka has spectacular scenery and is also the home of several native peoples, some of whom still maintain their traditional life of herding Reindeer. For centuries these people have used dog-sledges in the wilderness and it is with them that we travel. We may sit on the sledges and be driven by the dog handlers or drive our own team. Our dog-sledging route takes us over the pristine snow-covered mountain passes, high plateaux and valleys close to the beautiful volcano, Ichinskiy. We visit a reindeer herders' winter camp and the wilderness home of a family of Koryak fishermen. Nights are passed in huts or yurts (large, heated tents).

Price: £3000

Solovetski Islands in Winter

Solovetski Monastery: Arcturus Expeditions

This expedition provides a wonderful opportunity to visit the crisp, snowy landscapes of the north. Described as one of the "jewels of Russia", the Solovetski Islands, with their legendary 16th Century Monastery and surrounded by the frozen White Sea, are beautiful and extremely peaceful. We shall travel by train from Moscow to Archangel on the banks of the ice-bound Dvina River, through a snow-covered rolling landscape of farms and silver birch woods, dotted with villages, hamlets and wooden churches. From there we fly to the Solovetski islands for a seven-night stay in a homely and comfortable guesthouse. Our days will be spent exploring the main island using horse-drawn sledges and snow-shoes (provided). There are many tracks through the woods of "dancing" birches leading to small lakes and the ice-bound coast. Depending on the ice conditions we may be able to walk out to some of the off-shore islands. We shall also visit the monastery and ride in a horse-drawn sledge to Serniki Hill and the Botanic Gardens. In the evenings we enjoy sitting around a wood fire and experiencing a Russian banya. For those who wish it is also possible to cross-country ski.

Price: £2200