Skiing along Kostomukshsky Reserve

Region: Karelia

Skiing along Kostomukshsky reserve is a journey to the land of virgin Northern taiga forests (there are trees of up to 300 - 400 years old), transparent lakes and rivers full of rapids.
Kamennaya ("rocky") river owes its name to beautiful canyons, cliffs and stones that surround its channel. Raindeer inhabits the territory, rare birds - golden eagle, sea eagle, osprey, tawny owl - can be observed here. You can see beaver's constructions along the river and salmon, grayling, pike, perch and roach in the river. Plants listed in the Red Book grow here including lichen that is indicator of clean air.
If you are a nature lover you will surely enjoy the trip.

Our guides

Photogallery of tour:

Itinerary:

Day 1	Meeting at the railway station at 11.35. Lunch at a cafe. Transfer by bus, 20 km. Skiing 6 km to the forest refuge. It is situated at an old pine forest (around 300 years old). Banya. Night at the forest refuge.
Day 2	Skiing across pine forest along Kamennaya river to Tsar rapids, 9 km. The highest cliff of the reserve is situated here. Tsar rapids are the biggest on the river (level difference 8 meters, about 100 m long). During the walk we will observe animals' tracks and learn how the animals are counted in the reserve. Lunch at a wooden house near Tsar rapids. Back to the forest refuge. Banya.
Day 3	Learning to drive Polaris snowmobiles, snowmobile ride around the lake. Learning to use snowshoes and walking around the camp. Lunch at the camp. Skiing along snowmobile trail to the forest lake, 5 km. Learning to catch fish with winter fishing rods. Skiing back to the forest refuge. Banya.
Day 4	Skiing up Skalistaya mount, the highest point of the reserve, 9 km. From the mount you will have a very nice view of the surrounding landscapes. Lunch by the fire at the forest lake shore. Back to the refuge. Banya.
Day 5	Breakfast. Short walk in the forest. Preparations for departure. Lunch. Skiing 6 km to the road. Transfer by bus to Kostomuksha, 20 km. Shopping. Departure by train at 17.50.

Price:

6500 rub.

INCLUDED:

transfer from/to Kostomuksha railway station, meals, accommodation at a forest refuge, daily banya (Russian sauna), snowmobile activities, snowshoes, Russian speaking guide, sleeping bags, camp equipment, winter fishing rods, daily entrance fees for the reserve

NOT INCLUDED:

English-speaking guide; transport to the starting point of the program; anithing not mentioned in the INCLUDED section

Equipment

Additional services, expenses:

fishing, snowmobiles rent

Additional information:

Optional tour for 7 days will take place on . The price:
It is possible to organize the tour for individual groups on other dates.

Notes:

Ranger's house description:
two rooms, living-room, stove heating, 12 sleeping places, banya near the house, WC outside, summer kitchen.
The trip starts at Kostomuksha railway station. You can get their by train from St-Petersburg (about 17 hrs, odd days) or from Petrozavodsk (around 11,5 hrs, daily)