WHY TRAVEL WITH WILD RUSSIA?

and other FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

Why travel with Wild Russia?

We are a young strong-minded team. We are proud of our integrity, personal involvement in the trips, our great business and personal links in the most remote and incredible corners of Russia. We understand western adventure travel management having been involved with some well-established American companies not only in office operations but also outside on the trips they run.

What does the Wild Russia offer?

Only marvels of nature, which can be found nowhere but in Russian wilderness. Ascent to Elbrus - the top of Europe, horse back trek on Altay mountains - the geographical center of Eurasia, Kamchatka volcanoes and landscape gazers - still active and the highest on the continent, kayaking and camping on the lake Baikal - the deepest in the world. And in front of that - our environmental knowledge, professional skills and peerless leadership - every step on the way.

Who are your guides and trip leaders?

All the guides involved in our tours have at least 10 years experience in their specializations. They are not only highly professional, but also very much client service oriented, attentive and have absolutely great personalities. They know how to bring your dreams into reality.

How long have you been in business and how many clients travel with you each year?

We have been in adventure travel business since 1992. We started from small expeditions to Tien-Shan mountains in Central Asia and had about 30 individual clients for the first year. Today about 60 people travel with us during a year. According to our philosophy we try to run quite uncommon adventures for a few but challenging and exploring minded persons and any of our adventures are never similar to each others.

What is the main season for the active operations of Wild Russia?

The main season of our operations starts on the beginning of June, when most our remote destination become accessible to reach and finishes at the end of October. Of course, due to so various geographical locations the best season is specific for each destination. In fact for the Elbrus trip it is from July to September, for the Altay horse back trekking - August-October, for Kamchatka safaris - from May to June. For every program we run it's well described in its itineraries.

Which tools for land transportation Wild Russia uses?

Usually it is the Soviet military track ZIL-130 ( 4x4 extremely powerful engine) with a specially built passenger's cabin. It allows us to travel mostly off-road, cross the mountain rivers and high passes. On the horse-back trek most of the luggage is carried by horses. Where it's available we use Russian helicopters MI-8 and MI-8T, which are broadly used now in Nepal and India due to its reliability. In the "civilized" world we use comfortable "Mercedes" coaches, which are usually supplied by airconditioners.

How's the food?

Mutton, rice and noodles form the basis of our diet, just as it does for the local people. Over the years our hosts have improved the trail rations to include some vegetables, eggs, peanut butter, cheese, canned fish, beans and even "the Russian kompot" at high altitude - juice from dry fruits, now and then.

Is it dangerous?

Yes. Any travel in remote terrain and up the hills, especially on ascent, horse back or river rafting or kayaking on large bodies of water has it's inherent physical dangers. Horses are never totally predictable in their behavior and bad weather and rough terrain can compound safety concerns. Some of the riding is over very rough, steep ground and paddling conditions can change drastically with the weather. At times we are several days from roads and even farther from hospitals. All wilderness travel is dangerous to some degree and each individual must decide if the rewards of experiencing new lands and cultures are worth the risk. Your trip leaders and local guides take a conservative approach to climbing, riding, rafting and paddling with safety foremost in their minds but cannot guarantee that accidents won't happen. Please discuss your concerns about safety with our office before you join a trip.

Are there bandits or brigands?

We are honored guests and our personal security is assured by ancient custom in the Caucasus, Altai and Kamchatka. It is far more likely you will be robbed or assaulted in your hometown.

Is there an age limit?

We have had participants from 24 to 87. All applications are taken on a case by case basis.

Most accommodations, meals, internal travel (air and land) horses, and group camping gear are included. Visas, international and some regular domestic flights are not included. Please see specific trip itineraries for complete details.

What is the advantage of Wild Russia compare to other ground operators?

We are very proud of such our highest standards as the safety of our trips and the people working for us locally from governments to guides. It is that to make the difference in many cases.

Whom can I ask about activities of Wild Russia among the leading adventure travel companies?

Mountain Madness and Boojum Expeditions in USA
Wind Rose GmB in Germany
"Swail Dale Outdoor Club" and "Oban Mountaineering Club" in U.K.