THE MYSTERIOUS
CAPITAL OF THE
SOVIET ARCTIC
February 01 ⇾ FebruaRy 04
August 01 ⇾ August 04
In addition to our regular group departures to Norilsk, we also offer tour services for private travel parties and lone wolves alike. As a traveller-oriented boutique operator, tailored trips and bespoke adventures are our bread and butter. Get in touch for more info on our customised journeys to Norilsk!
ITINERARY
DAY 1 — Dudinka
Meet-and-greet at Norilsk International Airport and introductory briefing about the region, the route and the set of rules to observe while visiting Norilsk and the surrounding areas.
Transfer to Dudinka, a major port town along the Yenisei River and the capital of the Taymyrsky Dolgano-Nenetsky District, a semi-autonomous subdivision within the immense Krasnoyarsk region created ad hoc to grant some sort of political representation to the indigenous Dolgan and Nenets people.
We’ll spend the rest of the day touring Dudinka and its surroundings: Soviet monuments, concrete apartment blocks, polar landscapes and fur and fish markets.
Overnight in Dudinka.
DAY 2 — Norilsk
We’ll leave Dudinka in the morning and head east towards Norilsk, an exquisitely Soviet urban reality and the world’s largest city north of the polar circle.
The road connecting Dudinka to Norilsk runs parallel to Norilsk Polar Railway, which was partially constructed by the prisoners of the infamous Norillag forced-labour camp and now owned by Norilsk Nickel, a large mining conglomerate extracting nickel and other raw materials from the area.
Short before Norilsk, we’ll stop at the abandoned military outpost of Alykel and in the rough-and-ready mining town of Kayerkan, perfect places to hunt for Soviet relics and urban decay.
Once in Norilsk, we’ll spend a few hours touring both the city’s Soviet highlights (Lenin Statue, City Museum, Drama Theatre) and its lesser-known sides, such as Nurdi Kamal, the world’s northern mosque.
Overnight in Norilsk.
DAY 3 — Talnakh
Today we’ll take an excursion on the eastern bank of the Norilsk River to visit the Soviet planned city of Talnakh, where we’ll enjoy an extensive architectural tour through the many unconventional wonders of its steampunk urban landscape.
If you grow tired of post-Soviet sceneries, you may opt for some laidback hours on the shores of Kyllakh-Kyuyel lake just outside of Talnakh: a popular retreat for local couples and families alike.
In the afternoon we’ll transfer back to Norilsk to enjoy a last walk amongst the imposing Stalinist shapes of the city centre, before eventually closing off the tour with a grand dinner at the best restaurant in town.
Overnight in Norilsk.
DAY 4 — TAYMYR EXTENSION
After enjoying a last Arctic meal together, we'll take care of your transfer to Norilsk International Airport.
Those travellers with a few more days to spare should seriously consider a Taymyr extension to crown their Norilsk sojourn: you won’t regret it!
End of the tour.
990 €
INCLUSIONS // Double/twin hotel accommodation (breakfast included), private transport in Russia (car/minivan), all entrance fees, English-speaking guiding service, 24/7 on-site and remote assistance.
EXCLUSIONS // Single supplement, international flights, main meals (lunches and dinners), extra drinks, visa fees (if required), tips, travel insurance.