{"id":52057,"date":"2024-10-03T11:32:11","date_gmt":"2024-10-03T09:32:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/?p=52057"},"modified":"2026-02-06T20:07:21","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T18:07:21","slug":"nenets-travel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/nenets-travel\/","title":{"rendered":"How to visit the Nenets in Yamalia (Arctic Russia)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Nenets-travel-guide-Featured-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Nenets-travel-guide-Featured-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Nenets-travel-guide-Featured-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Nenets travel guide\" class=\"wp-image-52065\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group atc-info-box is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center m-0 has-white-color has-atc-primary-green-background-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>Wanna travel to <\/strong>Nenets <strong>with Against the Compass?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns px-5 mb-0 is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-normal-font-size\">Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Nenets on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-atc-primary-green-color has-text-color has-link-color has-normal-font-size wp-elements-7bfa4a4e9812d3e6286a0c1253d01f81\"><strong><strong><strong>November 14th to 20th, 2026<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-atc-primary-green-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/tours\/nenets-april\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> learn more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The Nenets are an ethnic group indigenous to Arctic Russia, a group of nomads and reindeer herders living in the extreme north of Siberia, in one of the most challenging environments in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite living in one of the most isolated places on Earth, today it\u2019s possible to meet Nenets, while staying in their camps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the rawest and most authentic experience you will ever have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide will explain everything you need to know to visit the Nenets in Russia\u2019s extreme north.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember that we have scheduled <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/destinations\/russia\/nenets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nenets Expeditions<\/a><\/strong> on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>November 14th to 20th, 2026 &#8211; <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/tours\/nenets-april\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">APPLY NOW<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eaeaea\">For practical information, check our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/russia-travel\/\">Russia Travel Tips<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Pinterest-1-685x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Pinterest-1-685x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Pinterest-1-685x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Visit Nenets, Russia\" class=\"wp-image-52107\" style=\"width:465px;height:auto\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In this travel guide to Yamal, you will find:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group table-of-contents is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><p class=\"table-of-contents__title\" style=\"font-size:20px\">Table of Contents<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#1\">Intro<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#2\">Location<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#3\">Getting in<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#4\">Traveling around<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#5\">When to visit<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#6\">Where to stay<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#7\">Itinerary<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#8\">Practical tips<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#9\">More information<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1\">Introduction to cohabiting with the Nenets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Since 2014, I have been traveling to some of the remotest areas in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From riding on top of an iron ore train across the Sahara to having the whole of Djenn\u00e9 all to myself in <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-mali\/\"><strong>Mali<\/strong><\/a>, or reaching the <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/jam-minaret\/\"><strong>Minaret of Jam<\/strong><\/a> by public transportation in <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-afghanistan\/\"><strong>Afghanistan<\/strong><\/a>; I have experienced endless raw adventures, for which I consider myself very fortunate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the few days I spent cohabiting with the Nenets in far-north Russia was a whole other level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just imagine a group of people living in what is perhaps the least known and remotest region in the world: Arctic Russia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This part of Arctic Russia (Yamalia, north Siberia) is not only extremely freezing, it\u2019s also massively isolated, there aren\u2019t any roads, and there\u2019s absolutely nothing but endless frozen tundra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Still, Nenets choose to live there out of a tent and with a few hundred reindeer: that\u2019s all they have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Arctic tundra is the Nenets\u2019 actual home, where they live and keep moving 365 days a year under the most extreme weather conditions, surviving on reindeer blood, meat and little else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Living together with the Nenets is an extremely rough experience, the reason being that their life is really harsh but that\u2019s precisely the point: <strong>to experience what it&#8217;s like to live in the Arctic tundra of Siberia<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Trust me, nothing can get as raw as this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Nenets-food-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Nenets-food-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Nenets-food-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Nenets food\" class=\"wp-image-52069\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Nenet drinking blood from a recently killed reindeer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2\">Location: where are the Nenets?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Arctic-tundra-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Arctic-tundra-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Arctic-tundra-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Arctic tundra\" class=\"wp-image-52071\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The vast Arctic tundra, where Nenets live<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Tundra Nenets live in the northern part of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yamalo-Nenets_Autonomous_Okrug\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug<\/a><\/strong>, an autonomous region that forms part of Tyumen Oblast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important to keep in mind that not all Nenets choose to have a nomadic style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of them live in towns and villages within Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, and have ordinary jobs. They work in banks, supermarkets and the public sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, thousands of Nenets are still living a 100% nomadic style, migrating across the tundra that borders the Kara Sea every 2-3 days, 365 days a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nenets&#8217; location in the following map<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/u\/0\/embed?mid=1DkTKzeeHOhOU7MX-Tv0raIff7zaZ_sQ&#038;ehbc=2E312F&#038;noprof=1\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3\">How to get to Yamalia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The main transportation hub in Yamalia is a small city named Salekhard, the administrative center of Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get to Salekhard by plane<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are daily 3-hour flights from Moscow to Salekhard with <a href=\"https:\/\/yamal.aero\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>Yamal<\/strong><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/yamal.aero\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong> Airlines<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also find direct flights from Saint Petersburg, Kazan and Ekaterinburg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Please remember that due to the current sanctions, it\u2019s not possible to book flights using a foreign bank card directly from the airline\u2019s website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aviasales.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>Aviasales<\/strong><\/a> instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information, refer to the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/russia-travel\/#8\">transportation section<\/a><\/strong> of our travel guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get to Yamalia by train<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Salekhard doesn\u2019t have a train station but alternatively, you can take a train to Labytnangui, a small town less than 20km from Salekhard, located just across the Obi River by ferry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From Moscow, there are direct trains to Labytnangui, but keep in mind that it\u2019s a 48-hour train journey, kind of cool for those with plenty of time, but do plan accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check train schedules on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tutu.travel\/poezda\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>Tutu Travel<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4\">How to get around Yamalia and reach the Nenets\u2019 camps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Nenets live spread across the vast tundra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What is more, they also keep moving all year long, plus you can only be sure of where they are if you&#8217;re able to get in contact with them on  a satellite phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, it\u2019s plainly obvious that there isn\u2019t any public transportation to take you there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To make things even more complicated, regular 4WDs can\u2019t drive across the tundra, only TREKOLs, a Russian-manufactured vehicle designed for that specific terrain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This makes traveling to Yamal particularly complicated and expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Trekol-vehicle-768x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Trekol-vehicle-768x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"52075\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Trekol-vehicle-768x1024.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-52075\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Tundra-vehicle-768x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Tundra-vehicle-768x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"52077\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Tundra-vehicle-768x1024.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-52077\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5\">Best time to visit Nenets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how to visit Tundra Nenets, season by season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Meeting Nenets in winter: December to mid-March<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>From December to March, tundra nomads live in the harshest of all conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They live in north Siberia, where winter temperatures never exceed more than -25\u00baC, dropping to -50\u00baC at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Can you still visit Nenets in winter?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, you can, they will be happy to accommodate you and you won\u2019t be the first traveler to stay in their tent, but you will certainly suffer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/DSC07921-21-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/DSC07921-21-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/DSC07921-21-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Nenets traditional clothes\" class=\"wp-image-54499\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The advantage of visiting the Nenets in winter is that you&#8217;ll see them in traditional clothes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Meeting Nenets during &#8216;mild&#8217; winter: mid-March to May and mid-October to November<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>During the shoulder season, the tundra is covered in snow but temperatures rarely drop below -25\u00baC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to experience white tundra landscapes without suffering too much, this is the best season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember that we have a tour on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>November 14th to 20th, 2026 &#8211; <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/tours\/nenets-april\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">APPLY NOW<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/DSC07421-31-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/DSC07421-31-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/DSC07421-31-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Nenets in winter\" class=\"wp-image-54496\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This was during the month of April<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Meeting Nenets in summer: June to September<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While summer might seem an ideal season to visit the Arctic tundra due to higher temperatures, June to August is the worst time to travel in Yamalia, for 2 reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The tundra is plagued with mosquitos<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The level of the river is too high to cross it in the tundra vehicles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, September should be fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While the weather in September is not as good as in July and August, you don\u2019t have problems with mosquitos, and the river level is just right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember that we have the following tour in September:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Nenets-in-summer-1024x682.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Nenets-in-summer-1024x682.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Nenets-in-summer-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Nenets in summer\" class=\"wp-image-52085\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Nenet trying to catch their reindeer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eaeaea\">Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/nenets-summer-winter\/\"><strong>30 photos that will make you want to visit the Nenets in Siberia<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6\">Accommodation when visiting the Nenets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Nenets live in a traditional tent called <em>chum<\/em>, a pyramid-shaped tent made of reindeer skin with very basic amenities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Nenets-chum-1024x682.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Nenets-chum-1024x682.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Nenets-chum-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Nenets chum\" class=\"wp-image-52087\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This is what a chum looks like<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A <em>chum<\/em> has to be basic because they set them up and take them down every few days, all year round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Chums<\/em> are big enough to accommodate up to 10 people, including the family of Nenets, and you\u2019ll be sleeping with them and 4 other travelers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/DSC07398-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/DSC07398-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/DSC07398-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Nenets chum in winter\" class=\"wp-image-54502\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Nenets chum in winter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s for accommodation in the tundra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Salekhard, Yamalia\u2019s main town, there are several hotels, and we recommend a 3-star hotel called <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/b48NfmUYNsfcnuU29\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Hotel 89<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/No-alt-text--1024x682.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/No-alt-text--1024x682.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/No-alt-text--1024x682.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-52089\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Nenets setting up a chum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7\">Yamalia Itinerary: things to do when visiting the Nenets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s our suggested itinerary for visiting the Nenets and the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember that this is the itinerary we follow on all our <a href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/destinations\/russia\/nenets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Nenets expeditions<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our upcoming date:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>November 14th to 20th, 2026 &#8211; <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/tours\/nenets-april\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">APPLY NOW<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 1 \u2013 Arrival in Salekhard and transfer to Yamal Peninsula<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Flights from Moscow to Salekhard arrive at 8 am, which is the perfect time to start your journey into the tundra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alternatively, there\u2019s a second flight arriving at 4 pm, but you will have to spend the night in Salekhard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We recommend Hotel 89, sometimes also listed as Parallel Hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The journey from Salekhard to Nenets\u2019 campsite takes 8 &#8211; 12 hours, depending on their present location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Nenets-location-1024x682.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Nenets-location-1024x682.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Nenets-location-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Nenets location\" class=\"wp-image-52091\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The campsite you will arrive on day 1.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 2, 3 and 4 \u2013 Living with the Nenets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Three full days is the amount of time I recommend spending with the Nenets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important to remember that cohabiting with Nenets is more about observing their daily life, focusing on high-quality photography, and helping them with their daily chores, rather than having a full day packed with activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Nenets-daily-lives-1024x682.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Nenets-daily-lives-1024x682.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Nenets-daily-lives-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Nenets daily lives\" class=\"wp-image-52093\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Nenet&#8217;s daily chores<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>However, you can still do plenty of activities, which typically include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fishing:<\/strong> especially ice-fishing during the colder months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Witnessing migration:<\/strong> This is a full day event that implies packing the sleds with all their stuff, and moving to their next location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Nenets-migration-1024x682.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Nenets-migration-1024x682.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Nenets-migration-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Nenets migration\" class=\"wp-image-52095\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Nenets preparing for migration<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Reindeer gathering:<\/strong> Nenets use their reindeer for many different things, so they need to gather them all together almost every day no mean feat, for which they need 3 to 4 hours at least.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/no-alt-text-Nenet-gathering-her-reindeer-1024x682.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/no-alt-text-Nenet-gathering-her-reindeer-1024x682.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/no-alt-text-Nenet-gathering-her-reindeer-1024x682.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-52097\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Nenet gathering her reindeer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Reindeer slaughtering:<\/strong> This isn\u2019t for everyone but it\u2019s certainly something to experience. After killing the chosen reindeer, they drink its blood while still warm, and eat some of the organs raw. The meat is consumed over the following days and\/or weeks. Once they run out of meat, they start over with the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is part of the ritual:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/no-alt-text-3-682x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/no-alt-text-3-682x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"52099\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/no-alt-text-3-682x1024.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-52099\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/what-do-Nenets-eat--682x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/what-do-Nenets-eat--682x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"52101\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/what-do-Nenets-eat--682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"what do Nenets eat?\" class=\"wp-image-52101\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nomad games:<\/strong> Nenets play their own games\/sports and, if you are staying with them for long enough, you are likely to see a demonstration. All their games are related to strength and lasso skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Nenets-wresling-1024x682.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Nenets-wresling-1024x682.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Nenets-wresling-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Nenets wresling\" class=\"wp-image-52103\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 5 \u2013 Transfer to Salekhard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We recommend departing no later than 8 am, since there will be a long journey ahead of you, a 12-hour drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After almost 5 days of no shower, being back in Salekhard feels absolutely great, and these are the restaurants I recommend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/74uHibqpCyvJ6mW57\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Okhota<\/strong><\/a>: traditional food from the region<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/FU9F5X8vrLvFhtxg9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Khmel&#8217; I Sol\u2019<\/a><\/strong>: local brewery with German dishes, burgers, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/frFmSfkvU3eMayeo9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Il Gusto<\/strong><\/a>: western-like food, a bit fancy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 6 \u2013 Visit Salekhard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Salekhard is a small town but there are quite a few interesting things to do, the most interesting being <strong>Yamal National Museum<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recently renovated, I was very impressed by the quality of that museum. They even feature 2 small mammoths rescued from the permafrost, so you can still appreciate their skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Salekhard also has its Lenin Square, a local market selling typical regional products, and two souvenir shops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/visit-Salekhard-1024x670.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/visit-Salekhard-1024x670.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/visit-Salekhard-1024x670.jpg\" alt=\"visit Salekhard\" class=\"wp-image-52105\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The streets of Salekhard<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 7 \u2013 Departure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The flight from Salekhard to Moscow departs at 9:30 am<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8\">More practical information for visiting the Nenets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eaeaea\">For all the information <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/es\/spanish-visado-rusia\/\">related to visas<\/a><\/strong>, money, getting a SIM card, etc., please check our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/russia-travel\/\">travel guide to Russia<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Packing list<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important to bring suitable gear and clothes for the frozen tundra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is our recommended packing list for visiting the Nenets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wet wipes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hand sanitizer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Headlamp<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Power bank and\/or spare batteries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Personal toiletries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Towel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thermo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inflatable camping mattress<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Personal medical kit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sunscreen<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For April and November tours, the temperature can easily drop to -25\u00baC, even -30\u00ba. The temperature inside your <em>chum<\/em> in the middle of the night \u2013 without the fire on \u2013 will be around -10\u00baC. We recommend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Extra warm jacket<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Windbreaker<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sleeping bag (-10\u00baC)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Extra warm gloves<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Winter hat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thermal T-shirt and pants<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thermal socks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Extra layers of warm clothes (having lots of layers is the best protection against freezing temperatures)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For the September tour, the temperature will drop to -8\u00baC max. You will need the same type of clothes, but perhaps not as many layers and a slightly lighter sleeping bag (-5\u00baC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s the food like?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Reindeer meat, usually accompanied with soup, pasta or rice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before heading into the tundra, we recommend stopping at the supermarket to buy extra snacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What about vegetarians?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nenets can cook plain rice and pasta but I recommend bringing your own snacks, such as instant noodles, for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Internet and connectivity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s no connection in the tundra, you\u2019ll be completely offline for your entire stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Can I charge my devices when we&#8217;re in the tundra?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Nenets have a generator which they can switch on at night. This can be used for emergencies, but I still recommend bringing a power bank and spare batteries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9\">More helpful information to visit Russia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#2b8f2b\">\ud83d\udce2 In my <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-resources\/\"><strong>Travel Resources Page<\/strong><\/a> you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">All guides and articles for traveling in Russia destination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/russia-travel\/\">Russia Travel Guide<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/nenets-travel\/\">How to visit Chechnya<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/russia-visa\/\">How to get visa for Russia<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/chukotka-travel\/\">How to visit Chukotka<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/nenets-summer-winter\/\">30 photos that will make you want to visit the Nenets in Siberia<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Pinterest-2-685x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Pinterest-2-685x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Pinterest-2-685x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Visit Nenets, Russia\" class=\"wp-image-52109\" style=\"width:462px;height:auto\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wanna travel to Nenets with Against the Compass? Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Nenets on: November 14th to 20th, 2026 The Nenets are an ethnic group indigenous to Arctic Russia, a group of nomads and reindeer herders living in the extreme north of Siberia, in one of the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":52065,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[340],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-52057","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-russia"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52057","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=52057"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52057\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":56937,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52057\/revisions\/56937"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/52065"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=52057"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=52057"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=52057"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}