THE CAPITAL OF THE
SOVIET ARCTIC
Private Tours Only
In addition to our regular group departures to Siberia, we offer on-request escorted trips to Norilsk and the Taymyr Peninsula, available exclusively on a private basis. Get in touch with us for more detailed information on our customised Norilsk Tours!
“The fiery skies of the winter, the summer nights’ miraculous sun. Walk against the wind. Climb mountains. Look to the North. More often.”
THE ROUTE
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DAY 1 • DOLGAN SONGS
Meet-and-greet at Norilsk International Airport and introductory briefing about the region and the rules to observe while visiting Norilsk.
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.
The Dolgans, a Tungusic ethnic group, are the largest ethnic group in the region (after the Russians) and Dudinka is also the birthplace of Dolgan national poet-writer Ogdo Aksyonova, who collected and coauthored several anthologies of Dolgan poems and tales, the most famous thereof being "Songs of the Dolgans".
During our time in Dudinka, we'll visit the Soviet neoclassical building headquartering the local House of Culture (with its canonic Lenin statue at its entrance) and have the chance to meet with members of the Dolgan community, who will share with us stories, verses and insights about their endangered culture, language, and traditions.
Overnight in Dudinka.
DAY 2 • ARCTIC DREAMS
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 to Norilsk runs parallel to Norilsk Polar Railway, which was partially constructed by the prisoners of the infamous Norillag forced-labour camp, 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 • SUBZERO STEAMPUNK
Today we’ll take an excursion to 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.
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2490 €
INCLUSIONS
Accommodation (breakfast included) in twin share, private transport in Russia, all entrance fees, English-speaking guiding service, some traditional lunches, 24/7 on-site and remote assistance.
EXCLUSIONS
Single supplement, international flights, most meals (lunches and dinners), extra drinks, visa fees (if required), tips, travel insurance.
