Clubok

Yamal: Life with Reindeer Herders

A small-group winter expedition from Salekhard into the forest-tundra to stay with Nenets reindeer herders, fish, and help gather the herd.

Duration
4 days
Group size
4-7
Difficulty
2/5
Minimum age
18+

Overview

Travel from Salekhard deep into Yamal's forest-tundra for an immersive winter expedition with a family of Forest Nenets reindeer herders. Ride in Arctic all-terrain vehicles, spend time in a traditional chum, try Nenets food and fishing, hear northern stories, and help locate and gather the reindeer herd.

The expedition welcomes groups of 4-7 adults and is rated 2 out of 5 for difficulty. It requires long journeys and simple camp living in winter conditions. We agree the dates, complete overnight plan and return connection with you before booking. Northern-lights sightings are not guaranteed.

Clubok takes care of domestic connections, transfers, accommodation and halal meals throughout the agreed trip. Share your arrival city in Russia and dietary requirements; we put the complete arrangements and price in writing before payment.

Sunset over the winter road seen through an all-terrain vehicle windowTraditional Nenets chum lit from within under the winter night sky

Tour route

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Meeting and travel

Clubok arranges your domestic connection to Salekhard and airport welcome, with the planned meeting at 09:00. We coordinate city transfers and the expedition into the forest-tundra.

The drive to camp takes approximately 6-8 hours in Arctic all-terrain vehicles, with a planned 05:30 departure on day 2. The expedition returns to Salekhard on day 4. We confirm the full overnight plan before payment; if the flight connection requires a further hotel night and next-morning airport transfer, we arrange both in your complete quote.

Reindeer sled crossing the snowy forest-tundraBright green aurora rippling across the night skyNenets herder beside reindeer at a canvas winter camp

Your day-by-day journey

1Day 1 - Salekhard and Nenets culture

Arrive in Salekhard and go for breakfast. Leave your luggage at the hotel, then visit urban Nenets families near the Labytnangi crossing for an introduction to Nenets culture and history, followed by lunch. Return to the hotel to check in. The rest of the day is free for museums, exploring the city, and buying any personal supplies needed for the expedition.

Nenets hosts in traditional clothing standing with long wooden poles
2Day 2 - Into the forest-tundra

Depart at 05:30 in heated Arctic all-terrain vehicles for the 6-8 hour journey to the Forest Nenets camp. After lunch with the hosts, head out for traditional Nenets fishing. Return for dinner and a fire before sleeping in the chum. If conditions cooperate and you still have energy, wait for the northern lights.

Large-wheeled Arctic all-terrain vehicle on a snowy mountain road
3Day 3 - Gathering the reindeer herd

After an early breakfast, set out by all-terrain vehicle and snowmobile to find and gather the reindeer herd. This is a full-day activity. Hot tea and snacks are carried for the route, while lunch and dinner remain part of the day's plan. Return to the camp for a fire and another night in the chum, with a further chance to watch for the aurora.

Nenets herder beside reindeer at a canvas winter camp
4Day 4 - Return to Salekhard

Have breakfast and leave for Salekhard at 07:00. Visit local-history museums and enjoy free time before a group dinner. Clubok coordinates the onward journey; if your flight leaves the next morning, we arrange the additional hotel night and airport transfer as specified in your complete quote.

Traditional Nenets chum lit from within under the winter night sky

Accommodation

The four-day expedition combines a Salekhard hotel stay with two nights in a heated traditional chum at the Nenets camp. This is a camp experience, not hotel-style accommodation: we explain the sleeping and bathroom arrangements and the equipment you need before payment.

We confirm the complete night-by-night plan with your flights. A further Salekhard hotel night after the day-4 return, if needed for the connection, is arranged and listed in your complete quote.

Your guides

Stanislav

Stanislav

English and Arabic

Hi, I’m Stanislav. I love sharing the quiet side of a destination: a scenic walk, a good conversation, and time to take it all in. I’m here to help you feel at home along the way.

Reindeer gathered beside Arctic all-terrain vehiclesNorthern lights glowing green above a snowy forest

Your Clubok package includes

We include the services below in your agreed package. The complete quote reflects your arrival city, dates and travel arrangements. Displayed estimates and demo prices are not final quotes.

  • Arctic all-terrain transport to and from the camp and for the expedition activities.
  • Accommodation in Salekhard and at the Nenets camp as specified in the confirmed overnight plan.
  • Local expedition guides, satellite communication and the photography service specified in the itinerary.
  • The planned cultural visits, fishing and reindeer-herding experience, subject to the hosts' daily work and conditions.
  • Domestic connections within Russia and airport or station transfers specified in your complete Clubok quote.
  • Halal breakfast, lunch and dinner during the agreed trip, including free days; meal timings follow your arrival and departure schedule.
  • English- and Arabic-speaking guide support, plus 24/7 WhatsApp assistance. Remote routes may have limited connectivity.
  • Travel insurance arranged for your itinerary; we confirm the insurer, covered activities and policy terms before payment.

Budget separately

These costs are not covered by the tour price. Optional activities are your choice.

  • International travel to and from Russia and personal visa or document fees.
  • Personal Arctic clothing and equipment and optional activities beyond the agreed expedition.
  • Souvenirs, personal purchases and upgrades you choose outside the agreed quote.

What to pack

Bring a warm membrane jacket or windproof down jacket, insulated trousers, hat, gloves, scarf, thermal base layers, a fleece, warm EVA winter boots, spare footwear, and two or three pairs of warm socks.

Also bring a camera and tripod, power bank, thermos, headlamp with spare batteries, light daypack, personal first-aid kit, sunglasses, and protective cream for wind and sun. Confirm the expected temperatures and any specialist Arctic equipment with Clubok.

Booking and cancellation

Before you pay, Clubok sends a written quote with the deposit, balance due dates and cancellation schedule for your complete trip. Domestic tickets, accommodation and activities may have different refund conditions; we explain any non-refundable amounts in that document.

Contact Clubok to request a change or cancellation. We coordinate with the providers and confirm any applicable charges and refund. Weather-dependent activities may be rescheduled or replaced; the options and any price adjustment are agreed with you.

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