Russian Travel routes: Yamal Peninsula

 In the Nenets language Yamal means the Ends of the Earth. This northern pearl of Russia is harsh, but incredibly beautiful region. Most of the territory of this region is located behind the Polar Circle. The majority of natives are Nenets whose life was connected with deer for a long time. «Children of deer» – this is how the Nenets call themselves. Deer is a sacred animal for Nenets, their source of food, clothes, transport and money.

Yamal is a stronghold of extreme and ethnic tourism. The most interesting route is Salehard – Laborovaya trading post (factory). If you travel there you would know the ethnic culture of Yamal people, participate in their daily life and rituals. Yamal people are very genial and hospitable.

The Polar Ural is the best choice for active and extreme recreation. You’ll never find a better place for hiking, walking and skiing, water trips and sport fishing. There are many archeological and ethnical museums in the region, some historical objects of federal importance such as a «Mangazee settlement»,  «Ust-Poluy settlement», museum park «Jivun»,  geological monument of nature «Harbeiskiy».

Photos by Ivan Dementievskii

Translated by Lola Kamyshanskaya for Friendly Russia