New year's RUSSIA GROUP TRIP

Welcome to Russia, Our immigration will be done in Moscow. Today evening, we will reach Murmansk : The biggest city in arctic circle located at city in the extreme northwest of Russia. Our Russia group trip starts here 🙂

As its a long flight, today we will do only basic chores & just get to know each other and the town a bit. We will procure sim , needed winter apparels and some food for the onward journey.

People who don't want to do Murmansk , can skip to Day 5. They can fly in directly to St.Petersburg.

DAY 2 : VISIT HUSKY FARM, & NORTHERN LIGHTS HUNT

Following is going to be the most beautiful 24 hours of your recent months . We start with a visit to the husky farm . We will playing with them & go for a short ride in a husky sledge.

We have professional local guides who keep a close look on the upcoming nights for several weeks . This increases our chances to get much better views.

Tonight , after an evening quick-nap , we will head out for the northern lights ( Aurora Borealis) hunting.

DAY 3 : TOUCH THE END OF THE EARTH: TERIBERKA. XMAS

It’s the last point after which arctic ocean starts , so basically the end of main land as we know it. It takes about 8 hours to go and come back. Note that the weather in this region is too harsh and the possibility of this visit lies, entirely depends if there is highwind / Storm or not.

The day is extreamely Windy . Carry your best gears today

DAY 4 : EXTRA DAY FOR NORTHERN LIGHTS HUNT

Witnessing Aurora is a matter of luck and timing . Hence we keep 1 more Buffer day to increase our possibility to see this.

Did you know ?

Aurora also Happens in other planets ?

It is possible to predict geomagnetic activity and aurora a day or so in advance by detecting solar Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) near the sun.

Aurora also has a sound ?

Note that northern lights depends on weather conditions and isnt guaranteed.

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DAY 5 : FLY OUT TO ST. PETERSBURG, SEE SAVIOUR OF SPILLED BLOOD.

Well hello people, Let’s start St.Petersburg with a walk in the Christmas streets after a few hours of nap for those who are jet lagged. If you have read enough of my posts, you know how we give importance to simple things like going out for a night walk.

Post which we will also go out to see one of these bridge open up for incoming ships. It’s an event worthwhile watching . 1000s of locals come see this every night and clap when it’s all done. Its a 2 am thing, so if you cant stay up until then, you will miss it.

DAY 6 : ENJOY A WALKING TOUR OF THE CITY AND THE HERMITAGE MUSEUM

We will take a walking tour of the town by 11am-1pm. After lunch , let’s head to the world’s second largest museum : home to over 3 million art pieces, which means you will stay there for nearly six years if you spend 1 minute by each piece of artwork, not to mention that you’d cover the distance of about 24 km (15 mi) , walking from one exhibit to the other.

Moreover, there are 117 staircases in the Hermitage & more than 18,800 doors! .Yes, you will get lost, multiple times.

But you will know where to find me:).

Since it is a long day , we will relax sometime , watching a street performance as we wait for others to join us at the Palace square. Find the orange jacket folks. Today we will do a cookout session with others if you are game.

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DAY 7 : EXPLORE THE C 189 SUBMARINE AND SUMMER PALACE

Here is a chance to look into the history of Submarines by getting into one. You will see Torpedos, Old communication instruments and even the living quarters of the Submarine staff.

Built at St. Petersburg's Baltic Factory and launched in 1954, the C-189 is a 613-class diesel-electric submarine that saw 35 years service in the Soviet fleet.

The Guide will be one of the people who actually worked in one of these submarines. (Click here to see)

After lunch, we will head to the Peterhof palace. Peterhof is a town within the Petrodvortsovy district in St. Petersburg, at the shore of the Gulf of Finland, located just 30 kilometers west of St. Petersburg. There’s a popular joke in St Petersburg about how locals wish the island on which the city stands on could drift toward Finland by sea. Or, as it has been told after the Crimea referendum, that St Petersburg should hold its own vote to join Finland once and for all.On the way back , we will also see the europe’s tallest building.

The Summer Palace was planned in 1710, at a vantage location on the bank of the Fontanka River, by Peter the Great, the first Russian Emperor, the Russian Tsar.

DAY 8 : TAKE A MORNING TRAIN TO MOSCOW, EXPLORE A NUCLEAR BUNKER.

By evening we will head out to a nuclear bunker- 80 metre under earth. It is so well hidden that even when you are standing in front of it, you won’t realise the grand scale of it.

We will reach back to Red square at night for its a place to be as they lit up the whole area. (Click here to see).

DAY 9 : EXPLORE RED SQUARE AND NEW YEAR TECHNO PARTY

The vibe of red square for New year night is so vibrant that you wouldn't want to go anywhere else. The fireworks are vibrant and you will see 1000s of joyful folks out here counting for the New year night.

After the countdown, we will head to a Techno club that was built in 1991. This night will remain one of the most memorable new year nights you will ever have.

DAY 10 : BANYA BATH & GUN SHOOTING

Since its Jan 1 , let's start with a BANG :D, We will go first to do some shooting in the afternoon after a late brunch today.

Post that we will be doing one of the most memorable activities of the trip : Banya bath. Both of the activities needs pre booking, so please let us know when you book the trip. Men and women have separate buildings

DAY 11 : EXPLORE VLADIMIR AND SPEND THE NIGHT IN SUZDAL

We will head out from Moscow on a morning train to Vladimir. Only carry couple of pairs of clothes as we will only spend a night in Suzdal. We will be commuting by public transport to Suzdal from Vladimir, and back. Out of the the entire Russia trip, you will remember Suzdal the most.

Suzdal is so perfect in fact, that I sensed a touch of design behind it – Soviet design, to be specific.It turns out that the Soviet Union decided to avoid building any modern buildings in Suzdal in order to preserve its tourist appeal, banning buildings over two stories high – except for cathedrals, of course. So today Suzdal has none of the tall apartment blocks that characterize other former Soviet towns and cities, but is instead filled with beautiful churches and wooden houses!

DAY 12 : RETURN TO MOSCOW , ENJOY A LAST SAUNA BATH AND LAST MINUTE SHOPPING

We will be back to city by evening. Let's do a crazy Banya bath : A Banya typically includes a steam room with wooden benches, leafy branches that are used for massages, and buckets or pools of cold water.

DAY 13 : FLY OUT.

Book any flight today after noon.Our Russia group trip ends here,We bid adieu to meet in some other country.

RUSSIA SPECIFIC FAQs

1) What is the payment schedule if I want to book this trip?

ANS: Bookings close by Nov 20th . You will block the slot by making a a token amount payment of 10k now and remaining in 2 equal instalments.

2) What would be the group size and approximate age group of co-travellers?

ANS: We will be about 10-14 people aged from 20-40

3) Would we need transit visa to fly via Moscow to Murmansk as I see most of the flights going this route.

ANS: No. Your immigration will happen here in Moscow only.

5) How much do you think would be the approximate food expense for the entire trip in Russia?

ANS: It very subjective. Keep around 20k for food and drinks.

6 ) What are the chances of my visa rejection ?

ANS: It usually doesn't get rejected considering our relation with Russia. You will loose the Visa charges if it happens though.

8 ) What are the cancellation policy ?

ANS: Cancellation policy :

Before 45 days of trip, there will be 10% cancellation charge.

Before 30 days and within 44 days of arrival, there will be 25% cancellation charge.

Before 15 days and within 29 days of arrival, there will be 50% cancellation charge.

Within 14 days of trip there will be 100% cancellation charges.

Note :You will not get the Visa charges back once it’s applied

9 ) Which flights to book ?

We will guide you the flights to book.

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Aishwarya Sarda

Unlike others and like some I wanted to xplore some place on my own. I have had trips with family and husband and friends in the past but this time I wanted to experience something different. My search about a back pack trip, on Facebook, insta. Googling and taking references from friends got me to this space of wanderers lead by this man in orange jacket. A truely mesmerizing individual with all the warmth and care for others in him. He was an enabler to my perfect bhutan trip. It was my birthday and new year and I enjoyed every bit of it. The trip was so well planned and optmised for the monies you invested. Vyshak was just not the organiser busy in completion of itenerary. He was in a spree of shifting our travelling experience, collaborating the group to form some rich and thick bonds, organising mafias in the night, connect and lailas(song 🎶) in the our hopping rides, birthday surprises of traveller and now friends on the trip, throwing a rolling new year eve & escorting slaushed ones to the doorsteps with ,and ensuring the smooth hiking of every body on the tigers nest. Yes he was busy in all this.. And to no surprise he started preparing for his next trip to chandrashila pass by catching some sleep on our back journey to India from bhutan. There are few who find there happiness in spreading happiness and u are one amongst them... One who has successfully answered back worthy questions of life. Thank you is just not enough vyshak. I am glad to have met you. Want to xplore many more such places with you... You are awesome ! And yes the 5yrs letter writing plan is super fun.

SLOTS AVAILABLE :

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GROUP TRIP DATES:

Dec 23 - Jan 4

FLIGHTS CONSIDERATION :

Get Flight and visa info

COST ( excluding 5% GST )

1400 USD / Pax ( Before Dec 15 )

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You are loosing Rs.1,000 by not referring this trip to your friend ( Refer to 2 friends who might join you & all of you gets Rs.1,000 off each while you book together )

Refer the trip

HOW TO BLOCK A SLOT ?

Step 1 : Block the slot

You can block the slot by paying a token amount of 10500 INR for this trip either by UPI , credit card/ EMI or by Bank transfer.

Block the slot

Be Proud Of You. A Trip Is Gift To Self. When Was The Last Time You Gifted Yourself ?

Step 2 : Refer 2 people to get a Discount

You are loosing Rs.1000 by not referring this trip to your friend ( Refer to 2 friends who might join you & all of you gets Rs.1000 off each while you book together )

Refer the trip

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Homestay / Lodging
Accommodation on Twin Sharing Basis
All Transport within the trip
Entrance fees to all scenic spots listed in the itinerary
Government taxes and services charges except tips for tour guides and drivers
Breakfast Bed tea/ coffee with “Wake uuuuup guys” call from me
Permits
A Trained Outdoor leader to keep you safe. I Promise 🙂

Mineral Water or any other room service
Cost of any Extra Day
Flight tickets
Lunch and dinner
Any expenses due to deviation from itinerary
Government tax (GST) and Payment gateway charges ( Credit card/ EMI option )

Before 45 days of trip, there will be 10% cancellation charge.
Before 30 days and within 44 days of arrival, there will be 25% cancellation charge.
Before 15 days and within 29 days of arrival ,there will be 50% cancellation charge.
Within 14 days of trip there will be 100% cancellation charges.

All this been said if you or me can find a replacement for the slot. I will be happy to refund the entire amount. 🙂

*Mandatory : Original ID Proof
You need to bring your voters ID / Passport (with at least 6 months validity remaining) for getting the permit along with 2 passport size photographs.
Clothes : 2 Fleece jacket , 3 Synthetic / cotton pants ,4 Full sleeves tees , Sunhat , Woollen head-scarf/ muffler ,Towel , 2 pair of thermals , 1 down jacket ( zero degree equivalent ), Water proof jacket or poncho.

Shoes & socks: High ankle shoes , cotton socks

Skin care essentials : Sunglasses with UV protection ,Lip balm Cold cream, Sunscreen lotioniv)Other accessories : LED Torch/ headlamps (If already bought)

Most people come alone for my trips. About 25% of the people bring a friend or partner.Honestly It really doesn't matter. I have seen on all the batches I have lead. Most people really gel with everyone, even the ones who thought wouldn't gel up, surprise themselves always with the way they got comfortable with everyone.

Each trek/ trip is rated according to the number of days we spend outdoors . If you aren't sure where to start, go with an easy trip or trek.

For trips,

I dreamed of trips where we could go out hike , get exhausted , come back to hotel and have a great evening. This is exactly why some of my trips have Day hikes in it. It is a perfect chance for people who have never hiked in their entire life. Don't worry, We are there :).

For treks,

you can start with Sandhakphu or Chandrashila . You can also benchmark yourself for the treks.

If you can run for 30 mins and cover around 3-3.5 km , then you can go ahead with an easy trek
If you can run for 30 mins and cover around 3.5-4 km , then you can go ahead with an moderate trek
If you can run for 30 mins and cover around 4-5 km , then you can go ahead with an difficult trek

If you have never done a high altitude trek, then start with a easy or Easy- moderate trek. That way you will understand how your body reacts to high altitude and you can check you cardio strength too.

Usually, most batch sizes are between 12-20 people who are aged between 16-38. Most people come alone or with a friend. The trip would feel like you are travelling more with college friends than strangers. We tend to do more outdoorsy things than regular trips .

For example : If we find a very pretty waterfall/ a beautiful sunset / Rainbow on the way. We would stop the vehicle right away to catch the beauty of it.

We usually sleep very late on these trips as we play a lot of group games and most people feel they will miss the precious time with the group members and decides to stay awake.

Here are few places you can read more about the brand and trips