Kamchatka eco tours, bear viewing, fishing, skiing, hiking and more

Reindeer Herders' Day in Esso

 

Trip Dates:  Either Feb 22 - Mar 2 or Feb 29 - Mar 9 Or book a private departure		Price: from $2160	Total Days:  10 Group size:  2-6 Activity level 1 2 3 4 5
Activities:	XC ski, dog sledding, snowshoe, snow mobile transport, public bus

Reindeer Herders’ Day in Esso

Reindeer Herders’ Day originated long before Soviet times, when the Even herders would gather in springtime at a “yarmarka” or outdoor market to trade and sell furs, meat, handiwork like their beautifully made reindeer hide and fur clothing.  Esso, located in the Bystrinsky Nature Park,  part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Volcanoes of Kamchatka,” honors these hard working people and the ancient traditions in a village festival. This spectacular setting and the community of about 1200 Russians and aboriginal people welcomes winter visitors to cozy accommodations, warmed by natural geothermal heat.    The day of the festival promises dog sledding, demonstrations of traditional herding skills, beautiful dance, and lots of food.  Return by the public bus to Yelizovo and spend your final 2 days snowshoeing or XCountry skiing in the area. 
Note:  The dates for this trip will be decided by the community based on winter weather conditions. 

Esso Reindeer Herders’ Festival Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Kamchatka and transfer 15 minutes to the Bolshakova St. guest house, run by American Martha Madsen.  Visit the local market and go for a short snowshoe hike to loosen up after the flight to Kamchatka.  Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring local seafood, vegetables, and berries.  Have a short orientation to the trip ahead.

Day 2  After a sumptuous breakfast, depart Yelizovo at 930 by public bus to Esso, 650 km north.  Bus makes several stops, including a 30-minute lunch stop in Milkovo, where you can get a quick lunch at the cafe “Taiozhniy”. Arrive at the bus stop in Esso and walk the short distance to your guest house. Walk with your guide to a local cafe and buy your dinner.

Day 3 Visit the Bystrinsky Park Visitor Center, for orientation about Kamchatka’s largest nature park.  Depart by dog team and travel 10 km to the Dymsykansky Ranger Station where you will spend the night.  Spend the night in the cozy yurt and enjoy a Russian banya or steam bath.  Enjoy hearty camp lunch and dinner.

Day 4 In the morning you may snow shoe in the area, and then depart by 1100 back to Esso by dog team with snow mobile support.  Breakfast provided as well as a snack on the trail.  Check back into your guest house.  Dinner on your own with guide at a local cafe. 

Day 5  - 6 Reindeer herders’ day festivities in Esso and Anavgai.  Join the celebrations, view dog sled races, lassoing reindeer, wrestling in the snow, traditional food cook-off, aboriginal dance, and other festivities.  Guest house, meals on own.

Day 7 7:30 bus departure to Yelizovo, stop en route in Milkovo for lunch, arrive in Yelizovo in late afternoon. Transfer to guest house.  Enjoy a welcoming dinner.

Day 8 Transfer 1 hour by car to the trail head and snow mobile pick up.  To Vilyuchinsky Volcano by snow mobile, with your snow shoes or cross country skis.  Explore area, return to Snowy Valley Lodge to spend the night.  2-4-person rooms, shared bath.  Meals included.

Day 9 In the afternoon, snow mobile transfer to the road and drive back to your guest house.  Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 10  Breakfast. Airport transfer.  Departure.

Note:  Weather and other unforeseen circumstances can necessitate changes in the schedule and we make every effort to adhere to this program. 

Confirm the trip has the minimum needed to operate before buying your airline tickets to Kamchatka.

Price includes:  Professional instruction and guiding, meals as noted; accommodations; all permit fees, documents for visa support and registrations, and snow shoe use. 

Not included:  Transportation to Kamchatka; trip insurance; some meals as noted; snacks or energy foods; alcoholic beverages; guide gratuities and personal items.

Qualifications
This trip is rated AVERAGE or 3 for people who can 4-6 hours of activity per day.  Participants must be able to carry their own small rucksack with personal gear, lunch, water, and clothing.  Rolling hills and flat terrain with some steep ascents/descents.  Uneven trails. Previous experience is recommended, but not required.  Snow shoeing is strenuous, so it is suggested that participants get ready by enjoying regular exercise in preparation for this trip.

Food & hydration
Bring your own quick snacks to be eaten when snowshoeing throughout the day.  Energy bars, trail mix, salami, and salty snacks are all good choices.  

Weather
Daytime temperatures in Yelizovo usually range between minus 14 to minus 20, and in Esso from minus 20 to minus 35 or even lower.  We will provide a required winter clothing list for you when you book this trip. 

Note:  The price is based on double accommodations. If you prefer single accommodations, there will be an additional single supplement.  Also the final dates will be set by the Bystrinsky Administration by early January 2012. Contact us for more information.