Joint ethnographic expedition to the "ideal" nomads of the North (the Nenets) and the South (the Korowai Papuans) whilst migrating, with Mzungu, experts scientists and Russian Geographical Society
YAMAL + PAPUA
Joint ethnographic expedition to the "ideal" nomads of the North (the Nenets) and the South (the Korowai Papuans) whilst migrating, with Mzungu, experts scientists and Russian Geographical Society
YAMAL + PAPUA
March 24 — April 13, 2024
(RESCHEDULED FOR March 23 — April 12, 2025)
Tour Yamal peninsula, Russia
New Guinea Island, Papua, Indonesia
* TOGETHER WITH RUSSIAN GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY
tour to Yamal, expedition to Nenets, Far North of Russia, explore Russia Yamal expedition Tour to Salekhard Nenets tribe people Aurora Borealis
Have you ever dreamed of going to the world's edge? But every people has its own one. Nenets nomadic tribe calls it Yamal peninsula, where they migrate year in year out with their countless reindeer herds, and where further there is only cold Kara Sea and ice of the Arctic Ocean. Here, at the world's edge, you will experience fascinating "chum life" of Nenets people, who live practicing reindeer breeding and fishing despite the weather, migrating to new pasture areas and setting their chums as easy as if it was a tourist tent.
And have you ever made geographical discoveries? Would you like to experience the feeling close to that of Nicholas Miklouho-Maclay or James Cook? It is unbelievable, but there is such an opportunity even in the 21st century!
Two days by airplane, two more days by boat on rapid rivers among primeval rainforest and one day of hiking across swampy jungles, falling under water at waist level, in order to see this! – People building their houses high up on the trees and still using traditional tools. To look for the traditional camps of Korowai in the jungle which landscape you won't find on any map – it's a true discovery and a real challenge.
Our unique expedition involves deep dive into the lifestyle and culture of the Nenets reindeer herders in the remote camp near the mouth of the Baidarata River and participation in their migrating during the winter season, as well as exploration of the traditional culture of Korowai Papuans in the upper reaches of Eilanden River during the period of migration and construction of a high-rise tree house, comparison of the nomadic cultures of the "ideal" nomads of the North and the South.
_______________________
Expedition MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS, conducted in collaboration with the Russian Geographical Society (RGS), will be led by Alexey Kolbov aka Mzungu, with representatives from RGS and experts ethnographers and antropologists, including practitioners specializing in the cultures of the indigenous peoples of the Russian North and the Papua.
Participants in the expedition will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the anthropological "kitchen," get into acquintance with fieldwork techniques, collecting of ethnographic materials, and keeping observation diaries. Seminars led by experts will immerse participants in the material and spiritual culture of contemporary nomads, providing a deeper understanding and accurate interpretation of the observations made in the tundra and jungles.
The expedition itself will be a unique experiment in comparative research in the North and South, allowing the identification of how the transformation of traditional culture takes place in two nomadic communities.
The results of the research and impressions are planned to be presented at a seminar at the RGS Headquarters in St. Petersburg.
And have you ever made geographical discoveries? Would you like to experience the feeling close to that of Nicholas Miklouho-Maclay or James Cook? It is unbelievable, but there is such an opportunity even in the 21st century!
Two days by airplane, two more days by boat on rapid rivers among primeval rainforest and one day of hiking across swampy jungles, falling under water at waist level, in order to see this! – People building their houses high up on the trees and still using traditional tools. To look for the traditional camps of Korowai in the jungle which landscape you won't find on any map – it's a true discovery and a real challenge.
Our unique expedition involves deep dive into the lifestyle and culture of the Nenets reindeer herders in the remote camp near the mouth of the Baidarata River and participation in their migrating during the winter season, as well as exploration of the traditional culture of Korowai Papuans in the upper reaches of Eilanden River during the period of migration and construction of a high-rise tree house, comparison of the nomadic cultures of the "ideal" nomads of the North and the South.
_______________________
Expedition MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS, conducted in collaboration with the Russian Geographical Society (RGS), will be led by Alexey Kolbov aka Mzungu, with representatives from RGS and experts ethnographers and antropologists, including practitioners specializing in the cultures of the indigenous peoples of the Russian North and the Papua.
Participants in the expedition will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the anthropological "kitchen," get into acquintance with fieldwork techniques, collecting of ethnographic materials, and keeping observation diaries. Seminars led by experts will immerse participants in the material and spiritual culture of contemporary nomads, providing a deeper understanding and accurate interpretation of the observations made in the tundra and jungles.
The expedition itself will be a unique experiment in comparative research in the North and South, allowing the identification of how the transformation of traditional culture takes place in two nomadic communities.
The results of the research and impressions are planned to be presented at a seminar at the RGS Headquarters in St. Petersburg.
Tour to Yamal Nenets. Have you ever dreamed of going to the world's edge? But every nation has its own one. Nenets nomad tribe calls it Yamal peninsula, where they migrate year in year out with their countless reindeer herds, and where further there is only cold Kara Sea and ice of the Arctic Ocean. Here, at the world's edge, you will experience fascinating "chum life" of Nenets people, who live their life practicing reindeer breeding and fishing despite the weather, migrating to new pasture areas and setting their chums as easy as if it was a tourist tent.
©️ MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS / Alexey Kolbov, 2020 - 2023
©️ МЗУНГУ ЭКСПЕДИШЕНС / Алексей Кольбов, 2020 - 2023
©️ МЗУНГУ ЭКСПЕДИШЕНС / Алексей Кольбов, 2020 - 2023
SCHEDULE & COST:
Dates: March 24 — April 13, 2024 (RESCHEDULED FOR March 23 - April 12, 2025)
Duration: 21 days / 20 nights
Number of participants: 5 — 9
Cost of participation per person:
— 8 900 USD subject to 9 participants,
— 9 300 USD subject to 8 participants,
— 10 000 USD subject to 7 participants,
— 10 800 USD subject to 6 participants,
— 11 900 USD subject to 5 participants.
10% early booking discount (in case you book before January 9, 2024)
Everything included (also 6 flights and full board in the expeditional part) except for:
— Flight Moscow — Jakarta — Moscow
— Medical insurance,
— Russian visa (if needed),
— Indonesian visa (35 USD),
— lunches and dinners in the cities in Indonesia.
Estimated cost of flight Moscow – Jakarta – Moscow: 700 — 1000 USD. Usually bought on your own.
Single supplement in hotels: 400 USD (single accommodation provided in the hotels along the whole itinerary).
Single supplement in tents: 200 USD (single accommodation in tents provided in Papua).
TRAVEL PROGRAM: TOUR TO YAMAL AND PAPUA
Day 1. March 24, 2024 (Sunday). MOSCOW — SALEKHARD — NENETS NOMADIC CAMP
At 8 a.m. meeting at the airport of Salekhard. Set out for Yamal Tundra in order to reach reindeer herders nomad camp, area of Landiq'yato lake and Yenzor Yaha river, Yamal peninsula (TREKOL all terrain vehicle, driving time approx. 8 - 12 hours, subject to weather and road conditions).
Packed lunch en route. Evening arrival in traditional Nenets chum, meeting with the family. Dinner in chum, incl.national cuisine.
* Recommended flight:
- direct flight from Moscow to Salekhard by YAMAL airlines, departure at 3:15 am, arrival in Salekhard at 8:00 am.
Meals included: lunch, dinner
Accommodation: chum (traditional Nenets dwelling)
Day 2. March 25, 2024 (Monday). TRADITIONAL ICE FISHING WITH NENETS
After breakfast, traditional Nenets' ice-fishing. Setting or check-up of fishing nets with driving to the lake. Reindeer herder uses any opportunity to catch fresh fish for his family, as he knows which river or a lake is full of fish. As soon as a new nomad camp is set near such location, they take their nets and ready for catch. But it is not as easy as it may seem. You need to cut through one meter thick ice to set the net, yes, you have to work hard to catch the fish.
Wood cutting, ice chopping, and other everyday activities of Nenets nomads.
Lunch, dinner (including national cuisine), night in chums, all together with Nenets families.
In the afternoon we can also witness the traditional way of hunting. This season Nennets people normally hunt hare or quail.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: chum (traditional Nenets dwelling)
Day 3. March 26, 2024 (Tuesday). VISITING REINDEER HERD OR MIGRATING IN TUNDRA
After breakfast set out for the main herd on snowmobiles or reindeer sleigh. Slow deep dive into the world of Nenets reindeer herder, i.e. in the world of his reindeers. Here the whole life of a human is devoted to the pace of reindeers life. Every day despite the weather, they entrap reindeers. For this purpose they set corral of sledge, made in the morning at the herd coming. Thud of hooves is like a wake up clock. Sledges are forming semi-circle, tied with a rope. First reindeers come into this corral, then they are caught and taken for gear up. Men leave the corral stepping over the rope, but women go under it.
Involvement into reindeers lassoing, sleigh riding, reindeers' bread feeding, taking pictures.
Lunch, dinner (incl. national cuisine), night in chum.
If weather permits, we can witness migration – moving of the whole nomad camp to a new place in tundra. All chums are being dismantled and loaded to sledges with the whole stuff. Nenets people get together the whole herd, harness reindeer to sledges and move to a new location many kilometers far from the previous one. They set up chums at a new place and set up housekeeping. Migrating along tundra is an essential part of life of these nomadic people, who move hundreds kilometers to the north and back every year. Dismantling, setting-up and migration usually takes the whole day. There is an opportunity to take pictures of the whole process. Participants can drive in TREKOLs (not to be paid separately) or by specially prepared for guests nartas (sledges) hitched to the horses (to be additionally paid by such person who uses nartas).
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: chum (traditional Nenets dwelling)
Day 4. March 27, 2024 (Wednesday). TRADITIONAL SPORTS AND PARTICIPATION IN NENETS LIFE
After breakfast getting acquainted with everyday life of Yamal chum-keeper. It is women who build house for the whole family. To build a house is to curry, adapt, foul reindeer coat with smoke, than to sew niuk, cover for chum. Women are also in charge of sewing dress and footwear for the whole family. In terms of -40 C it is very important to make warm and comfortable malitsa (reindeer parka) for men and yagushka for women.
Workshops on treatment of reindeer skins, bead weaving, making special natural ropes of reindeer veins or sewing and fitting of national dress, taking pictures.
Today we will also get acquainted with Nenets traditional sports, such as wrestling, pole pulling, lasso throwing and many others. If weather is favourable, we can attend the reindeer sleds racing!
Evening conversation around fire about traditional folklore, culture and religion.
Lunch, dinner (incl.national cuisine), night in chum.
OPTIONALLY (to be additionally paid): ritual reindeer slaughter ceremony.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: chum (traditional Nenets dwelling)
Day 5. March 28, 2024 (Thursday). NENETS NOMADIC CAMP — SALEKHARD
After breakfast series of workshops: making poles for chum (choosing wood, preparing tree trunks, preparation and finishing), cargo sleigh repair or throwing the tynzyan (lasso) onto khorey (pole for steering the sledge).
About 10 a.m. set out for Salekhard (TREKOL all-terrain vehicle/ snowmobile, way-time approx 8 – 12 hours, subject to weather and road condition). Quick lunch on the way.
Arrival to Salekhard. Dinner in Okhota restaurant, traditional cuisine of Russian North.
Overnight in the hotel.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: hotel Parallel or similar
Day 6. March 29, 2024 (Friday). SALEKHARD — MOSCOW — FLIGHT TO JAKARTA (INDONESIA)
Breakfast. Transfer from the hotel in Salekhard to the airport.
Morning flight from Salekhard to Moscow, departure at 9:10 am. Arrival in Moscow at 10:10 am.
You can drop off your winter stuff in Moscow and pick-up your summer cloths that you'd need in the jungle.
Most probably, change the airport in Moscow.
After 6 pm, evening flight from Moscow to Jakarta with 1 stopover in Bangkok, Istanbul, China or Gulf of Persia.
Overnight on the flight to Jakarta.
* Recommended flight from Salekhard to Moscow:
— direct from Salekhard to Moscow by YAMAL airlines, departure at 9:10 am, arrival in Moscow DME at 10:10 am on March 29.
* Recommended flights from Moscow to Jakarta (Indonesia):
— with Air China, departure at 18:55 on March 29 from SVO, arrival in Jakarta at 21:15 on March 30 (stopover in Beijing 7 hours 15 minutes),
— with China Eastern Airlines, departure at 19:10 on March 29 from SVO, arrival in Jakarta at 22:45 on March 30 (stopover in Shanghai 8 hours 15 minutes),
— with Turkish Airlines, departure from Moscow VKO at 20:10 on March 29, arrival in Jakarta at 18:00 on March 30 (stopover in Istanbul 2 hours 20 minutes),
— with Qatar Airways, departure from Moscow SVO at 16:55 on March 29, arrival in Jakarta at 14:55 on March 30 (stopover in Doha 4 hours),
— with Etihad Airways, departure from Moscow SVO at 23:25 on March 29, arrival in Jakarta at 21:55 on March 30 (stopover in Abu Dhabi 4 hours 45 minutes),
— or any other flight with departure from Moscow no earlier than at 17 on March 29, and with arrival in Jakarta any time on March 30.
Accommodation: no
Meals included: breakfast
Day 7. March 30, 2024 (Saturday). JAKARTA
On the flight to Jakarta.
Arrival in Jakarta until end of the day. Transfer to the hotel Mercure Jakarta Batavia 4* and rest.
Optionally, dinner and, if time permits, walk along the city.
Accommodation: hotel Mercure Jakarta Batavia 4*
Meals included: no
Day 8. March 31, 2024 (Sunday). JAKARTA — TIMIKA
Sightseeing in Jakarta: walking tour in Jakarta Old Town and visiting National Museum of Indonesia. If time permits, we can also optionally visit the Park "Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature".
Evening flight from Jakarta to Timika, after 8 pm.
Overnight on the flight to Jakarta.
* Recommended flights from Jakarta to Timika:
— from Jakarta direct with Lion Air, departure from Jakarta at 22:00 on March 31, arrival in Timika at 6:05 am on April 1,
— or any other flight with arrival in Timika no later than at 7 am on April 1.
Accommodation: no
Meals included: breakfast
Day 9. April 1, 2024 (Monday). TIMIKA — AGATS
Arrival in Timika before 7 am from Jakarta or from another city. Meeting with the guide and catch up for the short breakfast in the airport.
At 10:40 am (the flight schedule may change) flight with Wings Air from Timika to Agats (Ewer airport), Asmat province.
Arrival in Agats at 11:30 am.
Check-in at the guest house Sang Surya or similar.
Visit Museum of Asmat culture, as Agats represents the center of Asmat people, very famous for their elaborative wood carving culture and forgotten practices of headhunting and cannibalism.
Walking tour around Agats town.
Agats is wonderful town which is fully built on the stilts. It slightly resembles Venice, but while high tide the navigation by boats is not possible.
All bikes in the town have an electro engine and move soundless. It all surrealistically looks like numb movie.
Dinner in local karaoke cafe or Rumah Makan Muslim canteen, at your choice.
Accommodation: guest house Sang Surya or similar
Meals included: breakfast
Day 10. April 2, 2024 (Tuesday). AGATS — BINAM VILLAGE OF CITAK
After having breakfast in our guest house, we start our expedition by open motorised long boats up to the swamps of Agats and further to upstream rivers Surets and Eilanden, up to Binam village. It may take some 9 — 10 hours.
We can enjoy the beauty of the wild and the people who live on the river bank.
Midway of our journey we stop for lunch for 40 min in Asmat village (Fos or another one) and our cook will prepare everything.
Arrive late in Binam modern village, also mounted on the stilts, where Citak Mitak people live. Citak are part of Asmat culture, but they speak their own language.
Here we will meet the family of our captain and walk around Asmat/Citak village to see what is their lifestyle.
Asmat tribe in the past well known for traditional wood carving and also for former practices of headhunting and cannibalism, nowadays live close to rivers or swamps and practice fishing and hunting, and in the last years also trading.
Dinner and overnight in local house of our captain under our own mosquito nets.
Accommodation: local house under mosquito nets
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 11. April 3, 2024 (Wednesday). BINAM VILLAGE — MODERN VILLAGE OF KOROWAI
After breakfast, we continue our journey to the first village of Korowai – missionary (village of Baigon or modern vilage of Korowai or another one, depending on the information about Korowai traditional villages at the moment). By motor boat through Eilanden River it takes around 6 — 7 hours (packed lunch en route), overcoming challenging stream and rapids, which is big adventure in itself. The upper-heads of Eilanden are wild with old rainforest on the banks and remote tribes living deep in the jungle.
Upon arrival to the first (modern) village of Korowai (motor boat crew waits for us in this village or upper/lower of the stream until we return), while engaging our porters, getting information about the itinerary and villages in the jungle, our cook prepares food and we have a dinner.
Mingle with locals around the fire. Overnight all together in long house of modern Korowai people under our own mosquito nets.
Accommodation: local house under mosquito nets
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 12. April 4, 2024 (Thursday). MODERN VILLAGE OF KOROWAI — KOROWAI TRADITIONAL VILAGE
After breakfast and getting all information about Korowai villages in the jungle, together with porters we set off on foot into the jungle to Korowai traditional village deep in the rainforest. Walk about 3 to 5 hours before reaching the traditional Korowai village Aleaton with tree houses built high up on the trees (or another village).
First getting into acquaintance with Korowai traditional village and its inhabitants.
Dinner and overnight in tents.
Accommodation: tents
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Days 13 – 17. April 5 — 9, 2024 (Friday — Tuesday). KOROWAI TRIBE IN 3 DIFFERENT VILLAGES
Within these days we live in 3 different Korowai villages deep in the jungle (Aleaton, Baylom and Marcus nomadic villages or others), engaging porters from each new village in order to find the further way or correct our itinerary.
We walk approx. 3 to 7 hours a day when we are changing location, overcoming rivers and swamps – a very big adventure! We sleep in our tents on the earth or in the traditional tree houses together with Korowai people.
Tribal Korowai are commonly called tree house people because they build houses high on the trees to avoid the threat from another tribe or from evil spirits. It is said that some of them used to practice cannibalism a decade ago, and some sinior Korowai paople still remember about these practices. Some of Korowai still use the tools from the Stone Age not having any appliances made of metal, but this is something which is passing away rapidly.
In the jungle in one village we can see one or two families. Each Korowai family has the territory to find food. Korowai are nomadic people and they always move from one place to another looking for the food. Hunting animals in the wild, fish in the creek or in the swamp is their lifestyle, which is considered the work for men. Korowai women are responsible for gathering such kind of food like insects, sago (sago is one of the palm trees they process to get starch – Korowai's staple food) etc. They eat everything what lives in the jungle and if they serve food on you, then you should eat it, as saying "no" may really offend Korowai people. In every village, if Korowai want to make something special, they can invite their neighbors to join.
In one particular village we can stay 1 or 2 days and see what their activity is and join them. On different days we participate in following activities of Korowai tribe: experience the full process of extracting sago starch from sago palm tree and collecting sago grubs, go with Korowai to hunt wild pigs or cassowary, traditional way of fishing with Korowai, traditional folklore and storytelling around fireplace in the tree house, having meals etc.
We will have chance to witness the process of building tree house. This procedure gathers together people from different families who always help each other in such an important event.
The building of traditional tree house high up on the tree (some 20-25 meters) is a true quintessence of Korowai lifestyle, when one can witness all important activities and real life of the tribe.
Our purpose is to find the most interesting Korowai villages deep in the jungle as possible within this timeframe and to find traditional habitable tree houses built high up on the trees (up to 20-30 meters high) and also participate the main event – building the traditional Korowai treehouse high up on the tree.
While staying with Korowai tribe, we sleep in our tents on the earth or can stay in tree houses.
Accommodation: tents or Korowai traditional tree houses
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 18. April 10, 2024 (Wednesday). KOROWAI TRADITIONAL VILLAGE — MODERN VILLAGE OF KOROWAI — BINAM VILLAGE
After breakfast, we start walking towards the first modern village or another place on the riverbank (some 4 — 7 hrs walking).
Upon return from the jungle, we load everything to the boat and continue the journey by open motor boat downstream Eilanden River until the village of Binam (it takes around 5 – 6 hours).
Here we stay in already close to us family of captain.
Accommodation: local house under mosquito nets
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 19. April 11, 2024 (Thursday). BINAM VILLAGE — AGATS
After breakfast, we continue the journey by boat from Asmat village to Agats. It takes some 6-8 hours.
Lunch in Fos and swimming in the river en route.
Transfer to the hotel. Check-in in the guest house Sang Surya or similar, having rest.
Dinner in local cafe, at your choice.
Accommodation: guest house Sang Surya or similar
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Day 20. April 12, 2024 (Friday). AGATS — TIMIKA
After breakfast, by boat transfer to the airport of Ewer (40 minutes).
Flight from Ewer to Timika at 12 pm with Wings Air.
Arrival in Timika at 12:50 pm.
Transfer to the hotel Swiss Belinn Timika 4*.
Well deserved rest after expedition and farewell dinner in Swiss Bistro.
Accommodation: Swiss Belinn Timika 4* or similar
Meals included: breakfast
Day 21. April 13, 2024 (Saturday). TIMIKA — FLIGHT BACK VIA JAKARTA
Morning after breakfast, private transfer to Timika airport for return flight.
* Recommended flights from Timika to Jakarta:
— to Jakarta with Lion Air, departure from Timika at 10:45 am, arrival in Jakarta at 14:30,
— or any other flight with departure from Timika at any time on April 13 and connecting with the flight from Jakarta to Moscow.
* Recommended flights from Jakarta to Moscow:
— with Air China, departure at 22:45 on April 13, arrival in Moscow SVO at 16:55 on April 14 (stopover in Beijing 6 hours 40 minutes),
— with China Eastern Airlines, departure at 23:30 on April 13, arrival in Moscow SVO at 17:20 on April 14 (stopover in Shanghai 5 hours 00 minutes),
— with Turkish Airlines, departure at 21:00 on April 13, arrival in Moscow VKO at 11:00 am on April 14 (stopover in Istanbul 2 hours 30 minutes),
— with Qatar Airways, departure at 18:45 on April 13, arrival in Moscow SVO at 13:50 on April 14 (stopover in Doha 9 hours 30 minutes),
— or any other flight with departure from Jakarta at any time on April 13 , but connecting with the flight from Timika to Jakarta.
Accommodation: no
Meals included: breakfast
* The participant of the expedition to the Korowai and Nenets people should be motivated, respect the culture of the Korowai, be aware of the purpose of the trip and possible adjustments to plans depending on weather conditions, be in a good shape (physical conditions) and the ability to adapt in an strange environment and culture.
** The itinerary can be changed in the course of expedition by team leader for the sake of the interests of the expedition team and due to safety reasons.
*** Activities schedule on days in the Korowai and Nenets tribes may be changed depending the weather conditions or subject to the local's will.
Dates: March 24 — April 13, 2024 (RESCHEDULED FOR March 23 - April 12, 2025)
Duration: 21 days / 20 nights
Number of participants: 5 — 9
Cost of participation per person:
— 8 900 USD subject to 9 participants,
— 9 300 USD subject to 8 participants,
— 10 000 USD subject to 7 participants,
— 10 800 USD subject to 6 participants,
— 11 900 USD subject to 5 participants.
10% early booking discount (in case you book before January 9, 2024)
Everything included (also 6 flights and full board in the expeditional part) except for:
— Flight Moscow — Jakarta — Moscow
— Medical insurance,
— Russian visa (if needed),
— Indonesian visa (35 USD),
— lunches and dinners in the cities in Indonesia.
Estimated cost of flight Moscow – Jakarta – Moscow: 700 — 1000 USD. Usually bought on your own.
Single supplement in hotels: 400 USD (single accommodation provided in the hotels along the whole itinerary).
Single supplement in tents: 200 USD (single accommodation in tents provided in Papua).
TRAVEL PROGRAM: TOUR TO YAMAL AND PAPUA
Day 1. March 24, 2024 (Sunday). MOSCOW — SALEKHARD — NENETS NOMADIC CAMP
At 8 a.m. meeting at the airport of Salekhard. Set out for Yamal Tundra in order to reach reindeer herders nomad camp, area of Landiq'yato lake and Yenzor Yaha river, Yamal peninsula (TREKOL all terrain vehicle, driving time approx. 8 - 12 hours, subject to weather and road conditions).
Packed lunch en route. Evening arrival in traditional Nenets chum, meeting with the family. Dinner in chum, incl.national cuisine.
* Recommended flight:
- direct flight from Moscow to Salekhard by YAMAL airlines, departure at 3:15 am, arrival in Salekhard at 8:00 am.
Meals included: lunch, dinner
Accommodation: chum (traditional Nenets dwelling)
Day 2. March 25, 2024 (Monday). TRADITIONAL ICE FISHING WITH NENETS
After breakfast, traditional Nenets' ice-fishing. Setting or check-up of fishing nets with driving to the lake. Reindeer herder uses any opportunity to catch fresh fish for his family, as he knows which river or a lake is full of fish. As soon as a new nomad camp is set near such location, they take their nets and ready for catch. But it is not as easy as it may seem. You need to cut through one meter thick ice to set the net, yes, you have to work hard to catch the fish.
Wood cutting, ice chopping, and other everyday activities of Nenets nomads.
Lunch, dinner (including national cuisine), night in chums, all together with Nenets families.
In the afternoon we can also witness the traditional way of hunting. This season Nennets people normally hunt hare or quail.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: chum (traditional Nenets dwelling)
Day 3. March 26, 2024 (Tuesday). VISITING REINDEER HERD OR MIGRATING IN TUNDRA
After breakfast set out for the main herd on snowmobiles or reindeer sleigh. Slow deep dive into the world of Nenets reindeer herder, i.e. in the world of his reindeers. Here the whole life of a human is devoted to the pace of reindeers life. Every day despite the weather, they entrap reindeers. For this purpose they set corral of sledge, made in the morning at the herd coming. Thud of hooves is like a wake up clock. Sledges are forming semi-circle, tied with a rope. First reindeers come into this corral, then they are caught and taken for gear up. Men leave the corral stepping over the rope, but women go under it.
Involvement into reindeers lassoing, sleigh riding, reindeers' bread feeding, taking pictures.
Lunch, dinner (incl. national cuisine), night in chum.
If weather permits, we can witness migration – moving of the whole nomad camp to a new place in tundra. All chums are being dismantled and loaded to sledges with the whole stuff. Nenets people get together the whole herd, harness reindeer to sledges and move to a new location many kilometers far from the previous one. They set up chums at a new place and set up housekeeping. Migrating along tundra is an essential part of life of these nomadic people, who move hundreds kilometers to the north and back every year. Dismantling, setting-up and migration usually takes the whole day. There is an opportunity to take pictures of the whole process. Participants can drive in TREKOLs (not to be paid separately) or by specially prepared for guests nartas (sledges) hitched to the horses (to be additionally paid by such person who uses nartas).
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: chum (traditional Nenets dwelling)
Day 4. March 27, 2024 (Wednesday). TRADITIONAL SPORTS AND PARTICIPATION IN NENETS LIFE
After breakfast getting acquainted with everyday life of Yamal chum-keeper. It is women who build house for the whole family. To build a house is to curry, adapt, foul reindeer coat with smoke, than to sew niuk, cover for chum. Women are also in charge of sewing dress and footwear for the whole family. In terms of -40 C it is very important to make warm and comfortable malitsa (reindeer parka) for men and yagushka for women.
Workshops on treatment of reindeer skins, bead weaving, making special natural ropes of reindeer veins or sewing and fitting of national dress, taking pictures.
Today we will also get acquainted with Nenets traditional sports, such as wrestling, pole pulling, lasso throwing and many others. If weather is favourable, we can attend the reindeer sleds racing!
Evening conversation around fire about traditional folklore, culture and religion.
Lunch, dinner (incl.national cuisine), night in chum.
OPTIONALLY (to be additionally paid): ritual reindeer slaughter ceremony.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: chum (traditional Nenets dwelling)
Day 5. March 28, 2024 (Thursday). NENETS NOMADIC CAMP — SALEKHARD
After breakfast series of workshops: making poles for chum (choosing wood, preparing tree trunks, preparation and finishing), cargo sleigh repair or throwing the tynzyan (lasso) onto khorey (pole for steering the sledge).
About 10 a.m. set out for Salekhard (TREKOL all-terrain vehicle/ snowmobile, way-time approx 8 – 12 hours, subject to weather and road condition). Quick lunch on the way.
Arrival to Salekhard. Dinner in Okhota restaurant, traditional cuisine of Russian North.
Overnight in the hotel.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: hotel Parallel or similar
Day 6. March 29, 2024 (Friday). SALEKHARD — MOSCOW — FLIGHT TO JAKARTA (INDONESIA)
Breakfast. Transfer from the hotel in Salekhard to the airport.
Morning flight from Salekhard to Moscow, departure at 9:10 am. Arrival in Moscow at 10:10 am.
You can drop off your winter stuff in Moscow and pick-up your summer cloths that you'd need in the jungle.
Most probably, change the airport in Moscow.
After 6 pm, evening flight from Moscow to Jakarta with 1 stopover in Bangkok, Istanbul, China or Gulf of Persia.
Overnight on the flight to Jakarta.
* Recommended flight from Salekhard to Moscow:
— direct from Salekhard to Moscow by YAMAL airlines, departure at 9:10 am, arrival in Moscow DME at 10:10 am on March 29.
* Recommended flights from Moscow to Jakarta (Indonesia):
— with Air China, departure at 18:55 on March 29 from SVO, arrival in Jakarta at 21:15 on March 30 (stopover in Beijing 7 hours 15 minutes),
— with China Eastern Airlines, departure at 19:10 on March 29 from SVO, arrival in Jakarta at 22:45 on March 30 (stopover in Shanghai 8 hours 15 minutes),
— with Turkish Airlines, departure from Moscow VKO at 20:10 on March 29, arrival in Jakarta at 18:00 on March 30 (stopover in Istanbul 2 hours 20 minutes),
— with Qatar Airways, departure from Moscow SVO at 16:55 on March 29, arrival in Jakarta at 14:55 on March 30 (stopover in Doha 4 hours),
— with Etihad Airways, departure from Moscow SVO at 23:25 on March 29, arrival in Jakarta at 21:55 on March 30 (stopover in Abu Dhabi 4 hours 45 minutes),
— or any other flight with departure from Moscow no earlier than at 17 on March 29, and with arrival in Jakarta any time on March 30.
Accommodation: no
Meals included: breakfast
Day 7. March 30, 2024 (Saturday). JAKARTA
On the flight to Jakarta.
Arrival in Jakarta until end of the day. Transfer to the hotel Mercure Jakarta Batavia 4* and rest.
Optionally, dinner and, if time permits, walk along the city.
Accommodation: hotel Mercure Jakarta Batavia 4*
Meals included: no
Day 8. March 31, 2024 (Sunday). JAKARTA — TIMIKA
Sightseeing in Jakarta: walking tour in Jakarta Old Town and visiting National Museum of Indonesia. If time permits, we can also optionally visit the Park "Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature".
Evening flight from Jakarta to Timika, after 8 pm.
Overnight on the flight to Jakarta.
* Recommended flights from Jakarta to Timika:
— from Jakarta direct with Lion Air, departure from Jakarta at 22:00 on March 31, arrival in Timika at 6:05 am on April 1,
— or any other flight with arrival in Timika no later than at 7 am on April 1.
Accommodation: no
Meals included: breakfast
Day 9. April 1, 2024 (Monday). TIMIKA — AGATS
Arrival in Timika before 7 am from Jakarta or from another city. Meeting with the guide and catch up for the short breakfast in the airport.
At 10:40 am (the flight schedule may change) flight with Wings Air from Timika to Agats (Ewer airport), Asmat province.
Arrival in Agats at 11:30 am.
Check-in at the guest house Sang Surya or similar.
Visit Museum of Asmat culture, as Agats represents the center of Asmat people, very famous for their elaborative wood carving culture and forgotten practices of headhunting and cannibalism.
Walking tour around Agats town.
Agats is wonderful town which is fully built on the stilts. It slightly resembles Venice, but while high tide the navigation by boats is not possible.
All bikes in the town have an electro engine and move soundless. It all surrealistically looks like numb movie.
Dinner in local karaoke cafe or Rumah Makan Muslim canteen, at your choice.
Accommodation: guest house Sang Surya or similar
Meals included: breakfast
Day 10. April 2, 2024 (Tuesday). AGATS — BINAM VILLAGE OF CITAK
After having breakfast in our guest house, we start our expedition by open motorised long boats up to the swamps of Agats and further to upstream rivers Surets and Eilanden, up to Binam village. It may take some 9 — 10 hours.
We can enjoy the beauty of the wild and the people who live on the river bank.
Midway of our journey we stop for lunch for 40 min in Asmat village (Fos or another one) and our cook will prepare everything.
Arrive late in Binam modern village, also mounted on the stilts, where Citak Mitak people live. Citak are part of Asmat culture, but they speak their own language.
Here we will meet the family of our captain and walk around Asmat/Citak village to see what is their lifestyle.
Asmat tribe in the past well known for traditional wood carving and also for former practices of headhunting and cannibalism, nowadays live close to rivers or swamps and practice fishing and hunting, and in the last years also trading.
Dinner and overnight in local house of our captain under our own mosquito nets.
Accommodation: local house under mosquito nets
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 11. April 3, 2024 (Wednesday). BINAM VILLAGE — MODERN VILLAGE OF KOROWAI
After breakfast, we continue our journey to the first village of Korowai – missionary (village of Baigon or modern vilage of Korowai or another one, depending on the information about Korowai traditional villages at the moment). By motor boat through Eilanden River it takes around 6 — 7 hours (packed lunch en route), overcoming challenging stream and rapids, which is big adventure in itself. The upper-heads of Eilanden are wild with old rainforest on the banks and remote tribes living deep in the jungle.
Upon arrival to the first (modern) village of Korowai (motor boat crew waits for us in this village or upper/lower of the stream until we return), while engaging our porters, getting information about the itinerary and villages in the jungle, our cook prepares food and we have a dinner.
Mingle with locals around the fire. Overnight all together in long house of modern Korowai people under our own mosquito nets.
Accommodation: local house under mosquito nets
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 12. April 4, 2024 (Thursday). MODERN VILLAGE OF KOROWAI — KOROWAI TRADITIONAL VILAGE
After breakfast and getting all information about Korowai villages in the jungle, together with porters we set off on foot into the jungle to Korowai traditional village deep in the rainforest. Walk about 3 to 5 hours before reaching the traditional Korowai village Aleaton with tree houses built high up on the trees (or another village).
First getting into acquaintance with Korowai traditional village and its inhabitants.
Dinner and overnight in tents.
Accommodation: tents
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Days 13 – 17. April 5 — 9, 2024 (Friday — Tuesday). KOROWAI TRIBE IN 3 DIFFERENT VILLAGES
Within these days we live in 3 different Korowai villages deep in the jungle (Aleaton, Baylom and Marcus nomadic villages or others), engaging porters from each new village in order to find the further way or correct our itinerary.
We walk approx. 3 to 7 hours a day when we are changing location, overcoming rivers and swamps – a very big adventure! We sleep in our tents on the earth or in the traditional tree houses together with Korowai people.
Tribal Korowai are commonly called tree house people because they build houses high on the trees to avoid the threat from another tribe or from evil spirits. It is said that some of them used to practice cannibalism a decade ago, and some sinior Korowai paople still remember about these practices. Some of Korowai still use the tools from the Stone Age not having any appliances made of metal, but this is something which is passing away rapidly.
In the jungle in one village we can see one or two families. Each Korowai family has the territory to find food. Korowai are nomadic people and they always move from one place to another looking for the food. Hunting animals in the wild, fish in the creek or in the swamp is their lifestyle, which is considered the work for men. Korowai women are responsible for gathering such kind of food like insects, sago (sago is one of the palm trees they process to get starch – Korowai's staple food) etc. They eat everything what lives in the jungle and if they serve food on you, then you should eat it, as saying "no" may really offend Korowai people. In every village, if Korowai want to make something special, they can invite their neighbors to join.
In one particular village we can stay 1 or 2 days and see what their activity is and join them. On different days we participate in following activities of Korowai tribe: experience the full process of extracting sago starch from sago palm tree and collecting sago grubs, go with Korowai to hunt wild pigs or cassowary, traditional way of fishing with Korowai, traditional folklore and storytelling around fireplace in the tree house, having meals etc.
We will have chance to witness the process of building tree house. This procedure gathers together people from different families who always help each other in such an important event.
The building of traditional tree house high up on the tree (some 20-25 meters) is a true quintessence of Korowai lifestyle, when one can witness all important activities and real life of the tribe.
Our purpose is to find the most interesting Korowai villages deep in the jungle as possible within this timeframe and to find traditional habitable tree houses built high up on the trees (up to 20-30 meters high) and also participate the main event – building the traditional Korowai treehouse high up on the tree.
While staying with Korowai tribe, we sleep in our tents on the earth or can stay in tree houses.
Accommodation: tents or Korowai traditional tree houses
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 18. April 10, 2024 (Wednesday). KOROWAI TRADITIONAL VILLAGE — MODERN VILLAGE OF KOROWAI — BINAM VILLAGE
After breakfast, we start walking towards the first modern village or another place on the riverbank (some 4 — 7 hrs walking).
Upon return from the jungle, we load everything to the boat and continue the journey by open motor boat downstream Eilanden River until the village of Binam (it takes around 5 – 6 hours).
Here we stay in already close to us family of captain.
Accommodation: local house under mosquito nets
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 19. April 11, 2024 (Thursday). BINAM VILLAGE — AGATS
After breakfast, we continue the journey by boat from Asmat village to Agats. It takes some 6-8 hours.
Lunch in Fos and swimming in the river en route.
Transfer to the hotel. Check-in in the guest house Sang Surya or similar, having rest.
Dinner in local cafe, at your choice.
Accommodation: guest house Sang Surya or similar
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Day 20. April 12, 2024 (Friday). AGATS — TIMIKA
After breakfast, by boat transfer to the airport of Ewer (40 minutes).
Flight from Ewer to Timika at 12 pm with Wings Air.
Arrival in Timika at 12:50 pm.
Transfer to the hotel Swiss Belinn Timika 4*.
Well deserved rest after expedition and farewell dinner in Swiss Bistro.
Accommodation: Swiss Belinn Timika 4* or similar
Meals included: breakfast
Day 21. April 13, 2024 (Saturday). TIMIKA — FLIGHT BACK VIA JAKARTA
Morning after breakfast, private transfer to Timika airport for return flight.
* Recommended flights from Timika to Jakarta:
— to Jakarta with Lion Air, departure from Timika at 10:45 am, arrival in Jakarta at 14:30,
— or any other flight with departure from Timika at any time on April 13 and connecting with the flight from Jakarta to Moscow.
* Recommended flights from Jakarta to Moscow:
— with Air China, departure at 22:45 on April 13, arrival in Moscow SVO at 16:55 on April 14 (stopover in Beijing 6 hours 40 minutes),
— with China Eastern Airlines, departure at 23:30 on April 13, arrival in Moscow SVO at 17:20 on April 14 (stopover in Shanghai 5 hours 00 minutes),
— with Turkish Airlines, departure at 21:00 on April 13, arrival in Moscow VKO at 11:00 am on April 14 (stopover in Istanbul 2 hours 30 minutes),
— with Qatar Airways, departure at 18:45 on April 13, arrival in Moscow SVO at 13:50 on April 14 (stopover in Doha 9 hours 30 minutes),
— or any other flight with departure from Jakarta at any time on April 13 , but connecting with the flight from Timika to Jakarta.
Accommodation: no
Meals included: breakfast
* The participant of the expedition to the Korowai and Nenets people should be motivated, respect the culture of the Korowai, be aware of the purpose of the trip and possible adjustments to plans depending on weather conditions, be in a good shape (physical conditions) and the ability to adapt in an strange environment and culture.
** The itinerary can be changed in the course of expedition by team leader for the sake of the interests of the expedition team and due to safety reasons.
*** Activities schedule on days in the Korowai and Nenets tribes may be changed depending the weather conditions or subject to the local's will.
EXPEDITION'S LEADERS AND EXPERTS
EXPEDITION LEADER
Ideologist and team leader of many expeditions, including the first Russian expedition in Niger for Cure Salée festival, the first Russian dog sleds expedition to Cape Dezhnev.
Photographer, author of numerous publications in Discovery and Vokrug Sveta, member of the Russian Geographical Society.
The invincible optimist and tireless heart and brain of MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS!
Ideologist and team leader of many expeditions, including the first Russian expedition in Niger for Cure Salée festival, the first Russian dog sleds expedition to Cape Dezhnev.
Photographer, author of numerous publications in Discovery and Vokrug Sveta, member of the Russian Geographical Society.
The invincible optimist and tireless heart and brain of MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS!
EXPERT OF RUSSIAN GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY
PhD candidate in Historical Sciences, Associate Professor at the Higher School of Economics.
Specializing in the phenomenon of the "Other," the history of tourism, and cultural appropriations.
Research interests: cultural anthropology and semiotics of travel, marketing, and medialandscape of destinations.
A member of the Council for Sustainable Development of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Also, a part of the Union of Scientists of St. Petersburg.
PhD candidate in Historical Sciences, Associate Professor at the Higher School of Economics.
Specializing in the phenomenon of the "Other," the history of tourism, and cultural appropriations.
Research interests: cultural anthropology and semiotics of travel, marketing, and medialandscape of destinations.
A member of the Council for Sustainable Development of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Also, a part of the Union of Scientists of St. Petersburg.
EXPERT ETHNOGRAPHER
Candidate of Historical Sciences, Senior Researcher at the Center for Social Studies of the North at the European University in St. Petersburg. Specializes in the ethnography of the Russian Arctic, with fieldwork experience in every region of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation and in Alaska.
Research interests: mobility and spatial perception among residents of the Far North and Siberia; local economy; anthropology of infrastructure.
Candidate of Historical Sciences, Senior Researcher at the Center for Social Studies of the North at the European University in St. Petersburg. Specializes in the ethnography of the Russian Arctic, with fieldwork experience in every region of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation and in Alaska.
Research interests: mobility and spatial perception among residents of the Far North and Siberia; local economy; anthropology of infrastructure.
EXPERT ETHNOGRAPHER
Antropologist, ethnographer, practicing scientist, specialist in Papuan peoples, with descent experience on the field among local Papuan communities
Antropologist, ethnographer, practicing scientist, specialist in Papuan peoples, with descent experience on the field among local Papuan communities
_________________________________
Alexey KOLBOV aka MZUNGU
"This is my most anticipated and, perhaps, deepest expedition for the last couple of years.
Where it became possible to combine in a scolarly format two completely different nomadic cultures, both of which are at the peak of my professional interest."
Natalia BELYAKOVA
"The tour from the northern to the southern nomads is a great scientific ambition, challenging logistics and high emotional research intensity. Joining this ethnographic and cultural immersion involves an exceptional experience. Personal transformation is inevitable - welcome to travel to yourself."
EXPERTS' PORTFOLIO
Antropologist, ethnographer, practicing scientist&
Specialist in Papuan peoples, with descent experience on the field among local Papuan communities
Education
2021: Defense of the dissertation "Mobility and spatial structuring among the Dolgans of the Taymyr-Yakut borderland" (supervisors - N.B. Vakhtin, V.N. Davydov) in the field of "Ethnography, Ethnology, and Anthropology."
2014-2017: European University in St. Petersburg, Faculty of Anthropology (graduate program).
2014-2017: Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Kunstkamera), Department of Siberian Ethnography (graduate program).
2012-2014: European University in St. Petersburg, Faculty of Anthropology (master's degree).
2008-2012: Saint Petersburg State University, Faculty of Sociology (bachelor's degree).
Expedition List:
August-September 2023: Zabaykalsky Krai
February-March 2023: Alaska, Yukon River Valley
September 2022: Arkhangelsk
July 2022: Taymyr
April-May 2022: Taymyr
March-April 2022: Yakutia, Nizhnekolymsky Ulus
June-July 2022: Taymyr
March 2021: Yakutia and Chukotka
March 2020: Komi Republic and Nenets Autonomous Okrug
September 2019: Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Vladivostok
August 2019: Chukotka
April 2019: Chukotka
August 2018: Taymyr and Yakutia
April 2018: Nenets Autonomous Okrug and Taymyr
March 2018: Arkhangelsk Oblast and Nenets Autonomous Okrug
November 2017: Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug
October 2017: Nenets Autonomous Okrug
August 2017: Murmansk
February-April 2017: Taymyr
February 2016: Taimyr
December 2015: Taimyr
April-June 2015: Taimyr and Yakutia, Anabar Ulus
November 2014: Taimyr
January-February 2014: Taimyr
March 2013: Taimyr
Participation in Scientific Projects
2022-2024: "Land of the Brave: Overcoming Uncertainty in Interaction with the Physical and Social Environment in the Russian Arctic" (funded by the Russian Science Foundation - RNF).
2021-2024: "Food in the Russian Arctic: Resources, Technologies, and Innovations" (funded by RNF).
2018-2020: "Arctic Connections: People and Infrastructures" (funded by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research - RFBR).
2017-2019: "Russian Harbors of the Trans-Arctic Route: Spaces and Societies of the Arctic Coast of Russia on the Eve of a New Era of the Northern Sea Route Development" (funded by the Ministry of Education).
2017-2018: "Social Foundations of Informal Economy: Natural Resource Use in the North, Siberia, and the Far East" (funded by RFBR).
2017-2018: "On the Edge of the State: Economy of Private Informal Natural Resource Use in the North and Far East" (funded by the Hamovniki Foundation for Social Research Support).
2015-2016: "Youth in Northern Cities (Norilsk, Nikel, Monchegorsk): Demand for Urban Environment" (funded by JSC "Norilsk Nickel").
2014-2016: "Generation of the Nineties in Contemporary Arctic: Assessment of the Present and Expected Future" (funded by RNF).
2015-2016: Participation in organizing the international conference "10th Siberian Readings," Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Kunstkamera).
2014-2015: Preparation (jointly with K.A. Gavrilova) of the international summer school for graduate students and young scientists "Field Experiences in Northwest Russia," European University in St. Petersburg and University of Vienna.
2010-2011: "East to West" scholarship for study and research, Bielefeld University, Germany.
Selected Publications
2023 Vasilyeva V. Infrastructural brokers in a logistical cul-de-sac: a case of Taimyr wild winter road drivers. In Siberian world, J.P. Ziker, V.N. Davydov, J. Fergusson, eds. London: Routledge.
2022 Vasilyeva V.V. Social logistics: private entrepreneurs and food supplies to the "northern outskirts." Ethnographic Review. No. 6. Pp. 213-232.
2022 Gavrilova K.A., Vasilyeva V.V. Family economy: annual budgetary cycle of households in Kamchatka and Taymyr. Ethnography. No. 4(18). Pp. 33-55.
2022 Vasilyeva V.V., Gavrilova K.A. Exchange practices and social networks as mechanisms for overcoming deficits in local communities of Taymyr and Kamchatka. Anthropological Forum. No. 54. Pp. 99-131.
2020 Vasilyeva V.V., Karasyova A.I., Bolotova A.A. Mobility, infrastructures, and sense of place. In "Children of the Nineties" in contemporary Russian Arctic: a collection of articles / eds. N. Vakhtin, S. Dudek. St. Petersburg: EU SPb Publishing, 2020.
2020 Lyarskaya E.V., Vasilyeva V.V., Karasyova A.I. Leaving and staying: the social mechanics of northern migrations. In "Children of the Nineties" in contemporary Russian Arctic: a collection of articles / eds. N. Vakhtin, S. Dudek. St. Petersburg: EU SPb Publishing, 2020.
2020 Vasilyeva V.V. The elusive Northern Sea Route and the local community of Dixon: the promise of infrastructure. Siberian Historical Research. 2020. No. 3. Pp. 76-88.
2019 Vasilyeva V.V. Infrastructure beyond the state: "wild" winter roads and the export of commercial products in Taymyr. Ethnographic Review. 2019. No. 4. Pp. 61-75.
2018 Vasilyeva V.V. Spatial orientation among the Dolgans of the Taymyr coast of the Arctic Ocean. Ural Historical Journal. 2018. No. 3. Pp. 31–39.
2017 Gavrilova K., Vakhtin N., Vasilyeva V. Anthropology of the Northern Sea Route and Some Tendencies in the Social Studies of the Russian Arctic. Polar Journal 2017. Pp. 1-12.
2017 Bolotova A., Karaseva A., Vasilyeva V. Mobility and Sense of Place among the Youth in the Russian Arctic. Sibirica 2017 (4). Pp. 77-123.
2021: Defense of the dissertation "Mobility and spatial structuring among the Dolgans of the Taymyr-Yakut borderland" (supervisors - N.B. Vakhtin, V.N. Davydov) in the field of "Ethnography, Ethnology, and Anthropology."
2014-2017: European University in St. Petersburg, Faculty of Anthropology (graduate program).
2014-2017: Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Kunstkamera), Department of Siberian Ethnography (graduate program).
2012-2014: European University in St. Petersburg, Faculty of Anthropology (master's degree).
2008-2012: Saint Petersburg State University, Faculty of Sociology (bachelor's degree).
Expedition List:
August-September 2023: Zabaykalsky Krai
February-March 2023: Alaska, Yukon River Valley
September 2022: Arkhangelsk
July 2022: Taymyr
April-May 2022: Taymyr
March-April 2022: Yakutia, Nizhnekolymsky Ulus
June-July 2022: Taymyr
March 2021: Yakutia and Chukotka
March 2020: Komi Republic and Nenets Autonomous Okrug
September 2019: Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Vladivostok
August 2019: Chukotka
April 2019: Chukotka
August 2018: Taymyr and Yakutia
April 2018: Nenets Autonomous Okrug and Taymyr
March 2018: Arkhangelsk Oblast and Nenets Autonomous Okrug
November 2017: Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug
October 2017: Nenets Autonomous Okrug
August 2017: Murmansk
February-April 2017: Taymyr
February 2016: Taimyr
December 2015: Taimyr
April-June 2015: Taimyr and Yakutia, Anabar Ulus
November 2014: Taimyr
January-February 2014: Taimyr
March 2013: Taimyr
Participation in Scientific Projects
2022-2024: "Land of the Brave: Overcoming Uncertainty in Interaction with the Physical and Social Environment in the Russian Arctic" (funded by the Russian Science Foundation - RNF).
2021-2024: "Food in the Russian Arctic: Resources, Technologies, and Innovations" (funded by RNF).
2018-2020: "Arctic Connections: People and Infrastructures" (funded by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research - RFBR).
2017-2019: "Russian Harbors of the Trans-Arctic Route: Spaces and Societies of the Arctic Coast of Russia on the Eve of a New Era of the Northern Sea Route Development" (funded by the Ministry of Education).
2017-2018: "Social Foundations of Informal Economy: Natural Resource Use in the North, Siberia, and the Far East" (funded by RFBR).
2017-2018: "On the Edge of the State: Economy of Private Informal Natural Resource Use in the North and Far East" (funded by the Hamovniki Foundation for Social Research Support).
2015-2016: "Youth in Northern Cities (Norilsk, Nikel, Monchegorsk): Demand for Urban Environment" (funded by JSC "Norilsk Nickel").
2014-2016: "Generation of the Nineties in Contemporary Arctic: Assessment of the Present and Expected Future" (funded by RNF).
2015-2016: Participation in organizing the international conference "10th Siberian Readings," Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Kunstkamera).
2014-2015: Preparation (jointly with K.A. Gavrilova) of the international summer school for graduate students and young scientists "Field Experiences in Northwest Russia," European University in St. Petersburg and University of Vienna.
2010-2011: "East to West" scholarship for study and research, Bielefeld University, Germany.
Selected Publications
2023 Vasilyeva V. Infrastructural brokers in a logistical cul-de-sac: a case of Taimyr wild winter road drivers. In Siberian world, J.P. Ziker, V.N. Davydov, J. Fergusson, eds. London: Routledge.
2022 Vasilyeva V.V. Social logistics: private entrepreneurs and food supplies to the "northern outskirts." Ethnographic Review. No. 6. Pp. 213-232.
2022 Gavrilova K.A., Vasilyeva V.V. Family economy: annual budgetary cycle of households in Kamchatka and Taymyr. Ethnography. No. 4(18). Pp. 33-55.
2022 Vasilyeva V.V., Gavrilova K.A. Exchange practices and social networks as mechanisms for overcoming deficits in local communities of Taymyr and Kamchatka. Anthropological Forum. No. 54. Pp. 99-131.
2020 Vasilyeva V.V., Karasyova A.I., Bolotova A.A. Mobility, infrastructures, and sense of place. In "Children of the Nineties" in contemporary Russian Arctic: a collection of articles / eds. N. Vakhtin, S. Dudek. St. Petersburg: EU SPb Publishing, 2020.
2020 Lyarskaya E.V., Vasilyeva V.V., Karasyova A.I. Leaving and staying: the social mechanics of northern migrations. In "Children of the Nineties" in contemporary Russian Arctic: a collection of articles / eds. N. Vakhtin, S. Dudek. St. Petersburg: EU SPb Publishing, 2020.
2020 Vasilyeva V.V. The elusive Northern Sea Route and the local community of Dixon: the promise of infrastructure. Siberian Historical Research. 2020. No. 3. Pp. 76-88.
2019 Vasilyeva V.V. Infrastructure beyond the state: "wild" winter roads and the export of commercial products in Taymyr. Ethnographic Review. 2019. No. 4. Pp. 61-75.
2018 Vasilyeva V.V. Spatial orientation among the Dolgans of the Taymyr coast of the Arctic Ocean. Ural Historical Journal. 2018. No. 3. Pp. 31–39.
2017 Gavrilova K., Vakhtin N., Vasilyeva V. Anthropology of the Northern Sea Route and Some Tendencies in the Social Studies of the Russian Arctic. Polar Journal 2017. Pp. 1-12.
2017 Bolotova A., Karaseva A., Vasilyeva V. Mobility and Sense of Place among the Youth in the Russian Arctic. Sibirica 2017 (4). Pp. 77-123.
PhD in Historical Sciences, Associate Professor at the Higher School of Economics.
Specializing in the phenomenon of the "Other," the history of tourism, and cultural appropriations. Research interests include cultural anthropology and semiotics of travel.
A member of the Council for Sustainable Development of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Also, a part of the Union of Scientists of St. Petersburg.
Director of the Department of Expeditionary Activities and Tourism Development at the Russian Geographical Society.
Specializing in the phenomenon of the "Other," the history of tourism, and cultural appropriations. Research interests include cultural anthropology and semiotics of travel.
A member of the Council for Sustainable Development of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Also, a part of the Union of Scientists of St. Petersburg.
Director of the Department of Expeditionary Activities and Tourism Development at the Russian Geographical Society.
SCIENTIFIC JUSTIFICATION OF EXPEDITION
Expedition participants will be involved in the inner workings of anthropology, including learning about fieldwork, collecting ethnographic materials and keeping a scientific journal of observations.
The original lectures by scholars will delve into the material and spiritual culture of contemporary nomads, allowing a deeper understanding and accurate interpretation of what is observed in the tundra and jungles.
The scientific objective of the expedition is a comparative study of nomadic traditions in the North and South. In particular, we will discover our own influence on the societies in question: how the tourism industry is integrated into the lives of the groups under study and what place it takes in their economic practices. Participants will try to see culture through the eyes of locals, but not just as an outside observer.
The results of the research and impressions are planned to be presented at the RGS Headquarters in St. Petersburg.
Main research directions:
Research methods:
The original lectures by scholars will delve into the material and spiritual culture of contemporary nomads, allowing a deeper understanding and accurate interpretation of what is observed in the tundra and jungles.
The scientific objective of the expedition is a comparative study of nomadic traditions in the North and South. In particular, we will discover our own influence on the societies in question: how the tourism industry is integrated into the lives of the groups under study and what place it takes in their economic practices. Participants will try to see culture through the eyes of locals, but not just as an outside observer.
The results of the research and impressions are planned to be presented at the RGS Headquarters in St. Petersburg.
Main research directions:
- Ethnographic tourism;
- The phenomenon of mutual influence of the "Alter" (tourist, guest, traveler) and local residents. Interaction of local residents with tourist groups/tourists;
- Ethnographic studies of the traditional material culture of the Nenets and Khanty peoples and its transformation. Traditional and "new" tools, materials, technologies. Interconnection of the transformation of things and methods of conducting economic activitie
Research methods:
- Participant observation;
- Photography and video recording;
- Conducting interviews and conversations with community representatives (local residents/tourist group/guides/tour leaders).
Cost includes:
· Flight Moscow — Salekhard — Moscow, including the hand luggage and 20 kg of checked-in baggage,
· flight Jakarta — Timika — Jakarta, including the hand luggage and 20 kg of checked-in baggage,
· flight — Timika — Agats — Timika, including the hand luggage and 20 kg of checked-in baggage,
· 3 times a day meals in expeditional parts of itinearary and in Salekhard,
· breakfasts in the cities,
· twin/double accommodation in good hotels in the cities,
· twin/double accommodation in tents in Korowai tribe (accommodation under the mosquito net in Korowai tree house is also possible, however not every day),
· common accommodation in local houses in Papua and in chum in Nenets family (in chum – together with Nenets family),
· drinking water for expeditional parts of itinearary (except for the cities),
· all transport and airport transfers according to the program throughout the whole itinerary,
· transport services in Yamal: TREKOL all-terrain vehicles available for all 5 days
· motor boat, motor drivers,
· cook and porters,
· hiking equipment (tents, dishware),
· Special Permission fees,
· permits for entering border area
· Entrance fee to protected areas
· all activities and workshops as per the program
· photo and video shooting
· visa support
· very experienced local guide in Papua in expeditional part of itinearary,
· very experienced driver-guide in Yamal in expeditional part of itinearary,
· Korowai local guides and porters in the jungle,
· Russian and English speaking team leader Mzungu throughout the whole itinerary,
· Two professional scientists, practicing ethnologists, throughout the whole itinerary,
· lectures of scientists throughout the whole itinerary,
· participation in scientific work: touching the "anthropological kitchen", learning how to work "in the field", collecting ethnographic materials (diary entries, photographs, interviews etc),
· participant from Russian Geographical Society throughout the whole itinerary,
Cost excludes (to be additionally paid):
· International flight Moscow – Jakarta – Moscow
· international medical insurance
· Indonesian visa,
· Russian visa (if needed)
· lunches and dinners in the cities in Indonesia,
· additional services (marked as optional in the program), such as ritual reindeer slaughter ceremony
· excess baggage charge
· alcohol and drinks, personal expenses
· tips for local crew
· single supplement in hotels and tents
To take with (for Yamal part):
- very warm winter feather coat/parka with windstopper
- wear sets up to the weather (warm wool socks, cotton socks, wool sweater, fleece, warm winter jacket, warm trousers). All outer layer's clothes should be with windstopper (to be prepared for minus 30 degrees C and strong wind)
- thermal underwear,
- warm boots, warm and waterproof high boots
- hat and gloves for cold weather, both with windstopper
- buff / balaclava
- sleeping bag for -5/-10 degrees Celsius COMFORT temperature (can be minus 5 in the morning in chum)
- inflating tourist mattress (is a must!)
- personal hygiene products (incl. towel, hygiene tissues, soap)
- minimum set of favorite snacks and drinks (nowhere to buy)
- personal medical kit (analgetic, antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, intestinal, multivitamins, rehydration, court plaster, your personal medications)
- thermos (up to you)
- gifts to locals (up to you)
- sunglasses (alpine skiing glasses)
- sunblock and wind protection
- forehead torch (is a must!)
- photo and video camera, spare batteries, tripod
- big backpack or bag for stuff
- small backpack for short walks
- dry bag (up to you)
To take with (for Papua part):
· two wear sets (trousers, long sleeve shirt, T-shirt, underwear, socks, sun hat;
· comfortable and hard wearing shoes: 1) light ones for the city; 2) HIGH rubber boots (waterproof) for jungles; 3) trekking snickers or shoes for time in the tribe;
· light trekking jacket;
· raincoat;
· swimsuit;
· sun glasses and sun protection cream;
· personal medical kit (analgesic, antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, intestinal, multivitamins, rehydration, court plaster, your personal medicine);
· personal hygiene items (towel, dry paper tissues, soap);
· forehead torch (is a must!);
· travel backpack (better waterproof), not more than 70 liters capacity;
· small backpack for personal stuff and photo-, videocameras (waterproof);
· sleeping bag for warm weather (+15 C comfort temperature),
· tourist sleeping mat;
· anti mosquito net (is a must!);
· various anti mosquito repellents (is a must!);
· anti malaria prevention medication (up to you to decide but recommended);
· COVID-19 vaccination certificate is nor currently needed, but the requirement may change;
· waterproof case for the documents;
· dry bag (up to you, but recommended)
· photo and video camera,
· drone
· tripod
· additional batteries for cameras and powerbank,
· waterproof case for camera would be appropriate
· Flight Moscow — Salekhard — Moscow, including the hand luggage and 20 kg of checked-in baggage,
· flight Jakarta — Timika — Jakarta, including the hand luggage and 20 kg of checked-in baggage,
· flight — Timika — Agats — Timika, including the hand luggage and 20 kg of checked-in baggage,
· 3 times a day meals in expeditional parts of itinearary and in Salekhard,
· breakfasts in the cities,
· twin/double accommodation in good hotels in the cities,
· twin/double accommodation in tents in Korowai tribe (accommodation under the mosquito net in Korowai tree house is also possible, however not every day),
· common accommodation in local houses in Papua and in chum in Nenets family (in chum – together with Nenets family),
· drinking water for expeditional parts of itinearary (except for the cities),
· all transport and airport transfers according to the program throughout the whole itinerary,
· transport services in Yamal: TREKOL all-terrain vehicles available for all 5 days
· motor boat, motor drivers,
· cook and porters,
· hiking equipment (tents, dishware),
· Special Permission fees,
· permits for entering border area
· Entrance fee to protected areas
· all activities and workshops as per the program
· photo and video shooting
· visa support
· very experienced local guide in Papua in expeditional part of itinearary,
· very experienced driver-guide in Yamal in expeditional part of itinearary,
· Korowai local guides and porters in the jungle,
· Russian and English speaking team leader Mzungu throughout the whole itinerary,
· Two professional scientists, practicing ethnologists, throughout the whole itinerary,
· lectures of scientists throughout the whole itinerary,
· participation in scientific work: touching the "anthropological kitchen", learning how to work "in the field", collecting ethnographic materials (diary entries, photographs, interviews etc),
· participant from Russian Geographical Society throughout the whole itinerary,
Cost excludes (to be additionally paid):
· International flight Moscow – Jakarta – Moscow
· international medical insurance
· Indonesian visa,
· Russian visa (if needed)
· lunches and dinners in the cities in Indonesia,
· additional services (marked as optional in the program), such as ritual reindeer slaughter ceremony
· excess baggage charge
· alcohol and drinks, personal expenses
· tips for local crew
· single supplement in hotels and tents
To take with (for Yamal part):
- very warm winter feather coat/parka with windstopper
- wear sets up to the weather (warm wool socks, cotton socks, wool sweater, fleece, warm winter jacket, warm trousers). All outer layer's clothes should be with windstopper (to be prepared for minus 30 degrees C and strong wind)
- thermal underwear,
- warm boots, warm and waterproof high boots
- hat and gloves for cold weather, both with windstopper
- buff / balaclava
- sleeping bag for -5/-10 degrees Celsius COMFORT temperature (can be minus 5 in the morning in chum)
- inflating tourist mattress (is a must!)
- personal hygiene products (incl. towel, hygiene tissues, soap)
- minimum set of favorite snacks and drinks (nowhere to buy)
- personal medical kit (analgetic, antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, intestinal, multivitamins, rehydration, court plaster, your personal medications)
- thermos (up to you)
- gifts to locals (up to you)
- sunglasses (alpine skiing glasses)
- sunblock and wind protection
- forehead torch (is a must!)
- photo and video camera, spare batteries, tripod
- big backpack or bag for stuff
- small backpack for short walks
- dry bag (up to you)
To take with (for Papua part):
· two wear sets (trousers, long sleeve shirt, T-shirt, underwear, socks, sun hat;
· comfortable and hard wearing shoes: 1) light ones for the city; 2) HIGH rubber boots (waterproof) for jungles; 3) trekking snickers or shoes for time in the tribe;
· light trekking jacket;
· raincoat;
· swimsuit;
· sun glasses and sun protection cream;
· personal medical kit (analgesic, antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, intestinal, multivitamins, rehydration, court plaster, your personal medicine);
· personal hygiene items (towel, dry paper tissues, soap);
· forehead torch (is a must!);
· travel backpack (better waterproof), not more than 70 liters capacity;
· small backpack for personal stuff and photo-, videocameras (waterproof);
· sleeping bag for warm weather (+15 C comfort temperature),
· tourist sleeping mat;
· anti mosquito net (is a must!);
· various anti mosquito repellents (is a must!);
· anti malaria prevention medication (up to you to decide but recommended);
· COVID-19 vaccination certificate is nor currently needed, but the requirement may change;
· waterproof case for the documents;
· dry bag (up to you, but recommended)
· photo and video camera,
· drone
· tripod
· additional batteries for cameras and powerbank,
· waterproof case for camera would be appropriate
TESTIMONIALS OF OUR CLIENTS
FROM PREVIOUS EXPEDITIONS TO YAMAL AND PAPUA :
FROM PREVIOUS EXPEDITIONS TO YAMAL AND PAPUA :
- Stefano Cisee reco on FacebookWe went to Siberia (Nenets people) with Aleksey. It has been one of the best trips I have done so far. Amazing landscapes, snowy and desolated, that give you the feeling of infinite and you understand what it really means when nature takes over. Aleksey really supported us in everything including nespresso coffee in the morning since we are italians :) organization was very good, really suggested!
- Дима Пупинотзыв опубликован на FacebookГлавное в поездках с Алексеем - не только возможность увидеть далекие места и экзотические ландшафты - но и уникальная возможность пообщаться с людьми у которых в голове зашиты программы очень сильно отличающиеся от наших, собираюсь уже в третий раз в этом году с ним поехать - был в Нигере и на Ямале теперь мечтаю об Амазонии
- Giacomo Carlinisee reco on FacebookI really really recommend Mzungu Expeditions!! I've been in Siberia with him to take pictures to Nenets People. It is a hard trip, because of the weather and the cold, but Alexey organized everything very well, and we could travel and move as we wanted with no problem at all. Alexey works with local professionals, so the experience is rich, full and safe. I loved my trip with him!!
- Sara Biancisee reco on FacebookI had an absolutely amazing trip to Yamal. Alex is a great tour leader and an exceptional person as well. The expedition bringhed me into the authentic nenets's life. Thank you mzungu expeditions! :-)
- Marco Marconeотзыв опубликован на FacebookTraveling in an authentic way, respecting people. Alex is reliable, experienced, a gentleman.
- Dmitriy Shinотзыв опубликован на FacebookTrip that touched! Right people, in the right place and in the right time and of cause with the right trip provider! This is a trip I want to go more! Thank you Alexey Kolbov and Mzungu Expeditions, thank you all guy's from trip who became a real friends for me!
- Сергей Мартьяновотзыв опубликован на FacebookОтлично съездили на Ямал. Приключений было выше крыши. Подобрала отличная команда.
- Наталья Ципилеваотзыв опубликован на Facebook#ЭтоТундраДетка �
или как я оказалась на Крайнем Севере и узнала, что он бескрайний!
Накануне Нового 2018 года, в 6 утра, ожидая вылета на свободную Кубу, было принято решение ехать на Ямал.
Впереди было 3 месяца, чтобы собраться, но как это часто бывает, сборы откладывались до последнего. За 2 недели до поездки началась подготовка: покупка тёплых вещей, поиск туристических сумок, подбор спальника, термобелья, посуды, специальной обуви и так далее. Именно в этот момент я поняла, что это будет путешествие, которое будет отличным от всех других.
С момента прибытия в аэропорт Шереметьево и начались наши приключения. Внезапный досмотр вещей, веселые посиделки в зале ожидания, потерявшийся багаж нашего путешественника, первая встреча с Салехардом. Переезжая Обь по зимнику, в шутку прощаясь с цивилизацией, мы смеялись над замёрзшей водой в бутылках.
А потом...началась пурга. Не метель с мягкими снежинками, а пурга со снежной кбрупой, которая больно бьёт в лицо и руки. Когда не видно неба и земли. Через 5 часов ломается один из 3 трэколов. И водители в течение 3 часов под обжигающим ледяным ветром её ремонтируют.
Дорога в арктическую тундру. Долгая, сложная и местами опасная. Но она и стала важной частью нашего приключения. Наверное за эти 15 часов в пути, по полному бездорожью понимаешь, что такое настоящий дикий Север.
Уставшие, мы встретили рассвет 🌅 на месте нашего дальнейшего пребывания - в стойбище оленеводов. И расстелив по-быстрому спальники, заснули все как убитые. А утром началась адаптация к местной жизни, погоде, еде, иногда очень сильному ветру 💨 , метелям и яркому солнцу ☀️.
Оленина и рыба 🐟 были основными нашими продуктами. И конечно чай ☕️ и что покрепче 😉🥃 Наши повара Лёня и Оля кормили нас очень вкусно! Через день мы были готовы пить из одной кружки и есть одной ложкой. Лишь бы успеть 😂 к обеду или ужину.
Каждый день был расписан. Зимняя рыбалка, забой оленя и проба тёплой крови; разбор и сборка чума, катание на оленях, даже приготовление еды- это отдельная история. Ведь вода в тундре-это снег, который нужно натопить для начала.
Не смотря на позднюю ямальскую весну, было много-много солнца и синего неба! И конечно, белоснежная сказка, которая окружила нас, погрузила всех нас в другой мир!
Это была полная перезагрузка. Без телефонов, без соцсетей, без дресс кода, без каких-либо масок. Только ты и тундра. Только снег и олени . Только наша экспедиция в составе 13 человек и наши гостеприимные ненцы. И никого больше на 260 км. НИ-КО-ГО!
Поэтому каждый из нас стал частью дружной веселой команды.
И поверьте, самый грустный момент был тогда, когда пришла пора уезжать из тундры...
Сейчас принято говорить «выйти из зоны комфорта». Так вот для меня, покидая бесконечную сНежную тундру, я выходила из настоящего душевного комфорта.
Это авантюрное решение поехать на Крайний Север, жить жизнью оленеводов стало самым ярким приключением в моей жизни!
Я счастлива знакомству и дружбе с Алексеем Кольбовым, а для нас просто Мзунгу, организатором нашей экспедиции, который пригласил меня и мою сестру! Спасибо Mzungu Expeditions за всё!
И хочется сказать, до свидания 👋🏻 тундра, спасибо гостеприимный Ямал и надеюсь 🤞🏻 до встречи!
Мечтаю о новых путешествиях и верю, что однажды я обязательно соберу рюкзак 🎒 и снова отправлюсь в путь!
#ЭтоТундраДетка
#Ямал2018
#MzunguExpeditions
- Alina Nikulinaпубликация на FacebookВсе самые яркие и незабываемые путешествия только с Mzungu 😃🤩 краткий видео отчёт о путешествии в Папуа
✅ http://mzunguexpeditions.com/ - Victoria Kashnikovaпубликация на FacebookАлина тут сделала видео про наш Папуа)
И, да, за супер-путешествиями обращайтесь в Mzunguexpeditions.com к Alexey Kolbov
KEY FEATURES:
TOUR TO YAMAL
Yamal peninsula, Russia
Best season: March – April, August – September, December
Traveling on TREKOL to 200km depthward Yamal peninsula, the area of ever frost, where temperature goes up to -50 degrees in winter.
Introduction to local sports competitions and even participation in tug-of-war, national wrestling, and lasso throwing.
Practical learning of culture and everyday life of "True people" (as Nenets people call themselves), overnights in traditional chums.
Participation in migration (kaslanie) - an event involving the relocation of a settlement to a new location, including dismantling the chum, loading all belongings onto sleds, harnessing the sleds with reindeer, migrating, and establishing the settlement in a new location.
Posturing of an enormous herd, sometimes counting to 10 thousand units, in an attempt to find out who goes after who in Polar Tundra, reindeers after Nenets people or vice versa:)
Reindeer sledge riding
Reindeer roping skills and cooking traditional Nenets meals. During migrating seasons when Nenets people move several times a week, we offer participation in migration.
Traditional ice fishing
Chance to see polar lights (Aurora Boreales) in Yamal, which Nenets people ironically call edge of the world
Yamal peninsula, Russia
Best season: March – April, August – September, December
Traveling on TREKOL to 200km depthward Yamal peninsula, the area of ever frost, where temperature goes up to -50 degrees in winter.
Introduction to local sports competitions and even participation in tug-of-war, national wrestling, and lasso throwing.
Practical learning of culture and everyday life of "True people" (as Nenets people call themselves), overnights in traditional chums.
Participation in migration (kaslanie) - an event involving the relocation of a settlement to a new location, including dismantling the chum, loading all belongings onto sleds, harnessing the sleds with reindeer, migrating, and establishing the settlement in a new location.
Posturing of an enormous herd, sometimes counting to 10 thousand units, in an attempt to find out who goes after who in Polar Tundra, reindeers after Nenets people or vice versa:)
Reindeer sledge riding
Reindeer roping skills and cooking traditional Nenets meals. During migrating seasons when Nenets people move several times a week, we offer participation in migration.
Traditional ice fishing
Chance to see polar lights (Aurora Boreales) in Yamal, which Nenets people ironically call edge of the world
KEY FEATURES:
TOUR TO KOROWAI
Papua, Indonesia
Best season: March – October
A 5-day trip on several airplanes, boats and on foot in rubber high boots across swamps of the Western part of the New Guinea island, which still remains the one of the last islands on Earth where people live in Stone Age. People from small tribe of Korowai build their houses high up in the canopy, hunt cassowaries, believe in spirits and in some remote parts of the jungle still practicing cannibalism.
Hunting with Korowai people, fishing in a traditional way by means of drying river bed, together with the whole village getting sago starch from sago palm tree trunk (which forms up to 90% of their ration!) and Korowai favorite treat – Capricorn beetle larvae, something which you may not refuse :)
Overnights in tents or together with the indigenous people in their house on iron tree built with no nails at 40 meters height!
Overnight in Asmat people village, who half century ago were known as headhunters and held in fear all neighbor tribes (including Korowai), and nowadays peacefully fish in Brazza river and visit Protestant Church.
Tracking on wet inhospitable jungles, wading rivers through or on fallen trees, sinking up to waist level in swamps, losing the way, orienting with the help of local guides by the sun at daytime and by stars at night time.
Papua, Indonesia
Best season: March – October
A 5-day trip on several airplanes, boats and on foot in rubber high boots across swamps of the Western part of the New Guinea island, which still remains the one of the last islands on Earth where people live in Stone Age. People from small tribe of Korowai build their houses high up in the canopy, hunt cassowaries, believe in spirits and in some remote parts of the jungle still practicing cannibalism.
Hunting with Korowai people, fishing in a traditional way by means of drying river bed, together with the whole village getting sago starch from sago palm tree trunk (which forms up to 90% of their ration!) and Korowai favorite treat – Capricorn beetle larvae, something which you may not refuse :)
Overnights in tents or together with the indigenous people in their house on iron tree built with no nails at 40 meters height!
Overnight in Asmat people village, who half century ago were known as headhunters and held in fear all neighbor tribes (including Korowai), and nowadays peacefully fish in Brazza river and visit Protestant Church.
Tracking on wet inhospitable jungles, wading rivers through or on fallen trees, sinking up to waist level in swamps, losing the way, orienting with the help of local guides by the sun at daytime and by stars at night time.
PHOTO GALLERY
Why with MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS?
- 1UNIQUENESS
We find the most astonishing places on Earth and speed up to reach them. Our motto is to go ahead of road roller, touch the unique and unknown, before it disappears. - 2ADVENTURISM
Wherever we go, we look for challenging activities and adventures, filling the journey with absolutely different spirit and emotions. That is why people join us over and over again. - 3SAFETY
In our trips we pay special attention to safety. All our travels are based on personal experience, equipped with the best gear, involving proved providers and experienced local guides who perfectly know local features. - 4EXPERIENCE
We have a unique experience of the most offbeat expeditions and ascents, deep knowledge of countries and peoples, and are ready to share it with you. All the expeditions and climbings are guided by Mzungu himself, guaranteeing exciting traveling and your comfort. - 5REASONABLE PRICE
All our trips are reach in adventures, with high quality accommodation, transportation and meals included. We do not save on it. Thanks to solid contacts with reliable providers we offer really good prices and high quality.
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