The Russian Arctic and the North Pole
TRAVELLING TO The Russian Arctic and the North Pole
Only a few places in the world have stirred the hearts of explorers more than the North Pole. This region has unspeakable power and the journey to reach the most northern point on Earth is equally as inspiring. At 90 degrees north, you are at a point on Earth where the only direction you can go is south. A journey to the North Pole offers the chance of a lifetime, the chance to be one of the privileged few to have stood at the top of the world, surrounded by white icescapes. Travelling through thick pack ice, the voyage itself is an exciting adventure.
For travellers seeking a truly remote and wild destination, the Russian Arctic will not disappoint and each day will be an epic adventure of discovery. This vast, largely ignored region on the roof of the world opened up to expedition cruising in its purest form after the dismantling of the Soviet Union. It is an absolute wilderness paradise with mammoth steppe vegetation filled with strange endemic flora where you can observe musk oxen, reindeer, walruses and polar bears plus a multitude of birds including tufted and horned puffins, guillemots and crested auklets. A graveyard of ancient walrus skulls is a haunting reminder of the days of hunting whilst rocky landscapes come alive with colour as the Arctic wildflowers start to bloom.
Only a few places in the world have stirred the hearts of explorers more than the North Pole. This region has unspeakable power and the journey to reach the most northern point on Earth is equally as inspiring. At 90 degrees north, you are at a point on Earth where the only direction you can go is south. A journey to the North Pole offers the chance of a lifetime, the chance to be one of the privileged few to have stood at the top of the world, surrounded by white icescapes. Travelling through thick pack ice, the voyage itself is an exciting adventure.
For travellers seeking a truly remote and wild destination, the Russian Arctic will not disappoint and each day will be an epic adventure of discovery. This vast, largely ignored region on the roof of the world opened up to expedition cruising in its purest form after the dismantling of the Soviet Union. It is an absolute wilderness paradise with mammoth steppe vegetation filled with strange endemic flora where you can observe musk oxen, reindeer, walruses and polar bears plus a multitude of birds including tufted and horned puffins, guillemots and crested auklets. A graveyard of ancient walrus skulls is a haunting reminder of the days of hunting whilst rocky landscapes come alive with colour as the Arctic wildflowers start to bloom.
[ Read Less ]WHY TRAVEL WITH CHIMU ADVENTURES
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We are true Polar specialists. Almost every Chimu team member has travelled to either Antarctica or the Arctic and collectively we have experienced over 50 expeditions.
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You can choose from over 130 cruises to Antarctica and the Arctic,including itineraries aboard our own charter vessels.
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We have inspected and continue to thoroughly research each individual vessel we work with, selecting only those with environmental, safety and value credentials.
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We know all things Polar by heart and will work with you to determine which ship and itinerary is best suited to your needs.
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Travellers visit the Polar regions for different reasons so whether your interests are wildlife or photography, or Antarctic activities such as snowshoeing and kayaking, we can work around you for the perfect trip.
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From your initial enquiry until your trip ends, you will be assigned a personal Destination Specialist who will offer a full service for your travel needs: we can book flights, insurance and any ancillary travel required to complete your journey.
The Russian Arctic and the North Pole REVIEWS
All Chimu Adventures' clients are given the opportunity to review their trip once they return home. These reviews are administered by a third party and as such are unfiltered by Chimu Adventures.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The unit of currency in Russia is the Russian Ruble (RUB).
Please check websites such as www.oanda.com or www.xe.com for up to date exchange rates prior to your departure.
On all Arctic cruises meals are included but drinks and souvenirs need to be purchased separately. Most cruise ships accept Euros € and US $. Major credit cards, in particular Visa and MasterCard are also widely accepted on board.
The official language of Russia is Russian. The indigenous people have their own languages including Nenets and Chukchi.
A high level of fitness is not necessary for Arctic cruises to the North Pole and Russian Arctic, but you need to be in good health as although there is generally a doctor on board the ship, you may be a long way from any other medical assistance. The majority of activities are focused around shore excursions and zodiac cruising and so you need to be agile and able-bodied enough to climb into and out of the inflatable zodiacs from both the ship and the shore. On shore landings you may need to negotiate uneven and slippery ground. Shore excursions generally involve some walking.
All of our tours are 100% tried and tested to ensure that when you travel with us, you’re doing so in a controlled and safe environment with trained experts. We consistently monitor weather conditions and will always provide you with the best possible adventure without risk of injury to you or the vessel. While some activities may need to be rescheduled or cancelled due to weather, every effort is made to have a contingency plan should such conditions become a reality during your expedition. We use our vast experience and knowledge when picking the vessels we sell to provide you with an adventure that’s unforgettable for all the right reasons.
A visa is not required to visit the North Pole but a visa is required by all foreign nationals to travel to the Russian Federation.
Arctic cruises to the North Pole generally take 6-7 days to reach the North Pole with a day spent at the Pole. These cruises are often combined with a 3-4 day exploration of Franz Josef Land, part of the Russian Arctic.
Northeast Passage Arctic cruises are generally 3-4 week voyages that include visits to various points along the Russian Arctic coast and several islands including the Chukotka Peninsula, Wrangel Island, New Siberian Islands, Severnaya Zemlya, Novaya Zemlya and Franz Josef Land.
Russian Arctic cruises are typically 12 to 15 days.