Travel East Russia

<body bgcolor="#8A0019" text="#000000" link="#8A0019" vlink="#AA5500" background="gfx/red3.jpg"> <CENTER> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="22" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="75%" BGCOLOR="#FFFBD0"> <TR> <TD WIDTH="100%" align="left" valign="top"> <P ALIGN="center"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="gfx/title.gif" WIDTH="250" HEIGHT="64"></P> <P ALIGN="center"><IMG SRC="photos/collage.jpg" ALT="collage" WIDTH=361 HEIGHT=313 BORDER=0></P> <P>Welcome to World Wise Ecotourism Network. Through the information on our Website you have an opportunity to acquaint yourself with an intriguing and unknown part of Russia, the Russian Far East and Siberia. To navigate this site, please use the button on top or link through the text on our Home Page. This site offers you the most up to date ecological and travel information about the various <A HREF="overview.html" TARGET="_self">regions</A> in Eastern Russia. If text is not sufficient for you, you may take a <A HREF="photos.html" TARGET="_self">photo tour</A> highlighting the various activities we represent in our <A HREF="travel.html" TARGET="_self">travel programs</A>. </P> <P>Our network includes a number of <A HREF="partners.html" TARGET="_self">travel partners</A> who are the backbone of our operations. You can either book direct with them or travel on World Wise Expeditions that are operated cooperatively, in the more off the beaten path or multiple regions. These programs usually need a more cohesive effort backed both by local and foreign partners giving you the best of two worlds. </P> <P>Our Ecotourism page acquaints you with the <A href="standards.html" target="_self"> standards</A> we incorporate in our joint operations with our network of partners. We also share our hands on international operating and marketing experience with present and potential partners in Russia by consulting on related ecotourism issues. We love to include other worldwide travel partners in the <A href="traveltrade.html" target="_self"> travel trade</A>. Our <A HREF="links.html" TARGET="_self">links</A> will take you to the sites of various organizations active in conservation and ecological programs in Russia in order to provide you, the world wise traveler with the most up to date information to augment the richness of your experience. </P> <P>Travel to Russia still requires an invitation and you will find information on this, airline connections and other travel tidbits under <A HREF="logistics.html" TARGET="_self">travel logistics</A>. Specific regional information is listed under the specific region. </P> <P>World Wise Ecotourism Network has been operating in Eastern Russia and Siberia for more than twelve years. Our clients include: TCS Expeditions, Society Expeditions, Zegrahm, Marine Expedition, Hanseatic Cruises, World Wildlife Fund/Russian Far East, The Foundation for Russian American Economic Cooperation, the US Department of Agriculture, MIR Corporation and others for the past ten years. We will be more than happy to provide you with our excellent references. </P> <DIV align="center"> <TABLE border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="10" width="70%"> <TR> <TD width="50%" rowspan="2">Aaltje van Zoelen<BR><SMALL>US, Managing Partner</SMALL><P><IMG border="0" src="photos/aaltje.jpg" width="121" height="121"></TD> <TD width="50%">Tandy Wallack<BR><SMALL>US, Partner</SMALL><P> <IMG border="0" src="photos/tandy.jpg" width="120" height="155"></TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="50%" rowspan="2" valign="top">Antonina Pronina<BR><SMALL>Russian, Managing Partner</SMALL><BR clear="left"><IMG border="0" src="photos/antonina.jpg" width="170" height="220"></TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="50%">Erik Erlandsen<BR><SMALL>US, Advisor<BR> </SMALL><IMG border="0" src="photos/erik.jpg" width="170" height="165"><SMALL><BR clear="left"></SMALL><BR clear="left">  <P> </P> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="50%">Nancy Cipra<BR> <IMG border="0" src="photos/nancy.jpg" width="150" height="200"></TD> <TD width="50%" align="left">No operations are too difficult for Nancy. Nancy is in charge of formatting our itineraries, marketing research and does training on tour management.</TD> </TR> </TABLE> </DIV> <P>We appreciate your comments and your contributions. If you have a travel experience or some information you would like to share with us, please do not hesitate to contact us at <A HREF="mailto:info@traveleastrussia.com">info@traveleastrussia.com</A> </P> <P>Also if you are a U.S. or Russian travel company offering programs in Eastern Russia, please contact us for a listing on our website at <A href="http://www.traveleastrussia.com">www.traveleastrussia.com</A> </P> <H3 ALIGN="left" STYLE="color: #8A0019">Special Announcement!</H3> <P>World Wise Ecotourism Network (Seattle) and ISD (Institute of Sustainable Development) Vladivostok will host a global tourism conference on May 19-21, 2005 in Vladivostok.</P> <P>"The Creating Global Partnerships for Sustianable Development of Tourism" Conference will feature three different sectors: Ecotourism Tourism and Hospitality. Presently the conference is sponsored by RAPP, Russia Asia Pacific Partnership and Wirnock International. The conference is targeted to include participants of all of East Russia's regions and from Japan, Korea, China, Europe Australia and the US. A special Web Site will be available for registration at the end of January. In the meantime, contact us for more information.</P> <H3 ALIGN="left" STYLE="color: #8A0019"><A HREF="tigertour.html" TARGET="_self">Tiger Tour to the Russian Far East!</A></H3> <P>In April 2005, Steppes Travel, in conjunction with the conservation charity AMUR, is arranging an exploratory eco-tour to the Russian Far East. The main focus of the trip is the Amur (Siberian) tiger and leopard, but it will also take in other wildlife, local peoples, and an exploration of the incredible wild landscapes of this faraway region. This part of the Russian Far East is a unique place in the world where the cold northern climate meets the humid southern one – creating a region that is semitropical in the summer and snowbound in the winter. <B><A HREF="tigertour.html" TARGET="_self">Get all the details!</A></B></P> <H3 ALIGN="left" STYLE="color: #8A0019">World Wise Expeditions</H3> <P>East Russia is a magical place. A place where wilderness still reigns and life in outlying areas still has a rhythm all of its own. A place of change every day, every moment. A place where travel can be so glorious and yet so down to earth.</P> <P>East Russia is also the last place on earth, where we have a chance to do it right. To nurture, conserve and protect its boundless natural resources that sustain all life. To appreciate and respect small indigenous communities ways of life and to always journey with an open mind and gentle heart.</P> <P>We are the experts in Russia's ecotourism development spanning over 14 years of involvement. Our programs offer you well researched authentic experiences. All programs are operated with our local partners, who derive economic benefits from their involvement. We like to expose you to areas that are nearly void of other travelers, where you, nature and your worldwise friends can get back to the things that are important in life. Join us as we explore these fascinating places, stay with local people and get really close to the natural wonders these areas have to offer.</P> <P ALIGN="center"><A HREF="docs/2004schedule.doc">Download Our 2004 Travel Schedule</A><BR><A HREF="docs/Winter2004.doc">Download Our Winter 2004 Newsletter</A></P> <P ALIGN="center"><IMG border="0" src="native/3women.jpg" width="280" height="230"></P> <H3 ALIGN="left" STYLE="color: #8A0019">We operate various types of expeditions:</H3> <P><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="gfx/bullet.jpg" WIDTH="23" HEIGHT="19">  Chita and Buryatia offer the adventurous ecotraveler a range of activities in regions with spectacular scenery, seldom visited preserves, indigenous communities and strong ties with Buddhism and the practices of Shamanism.</P> <P>We spend the aggregate of a month in several regions in Buryatia discussing ecotourism opportunities and practices with local communities, local government, scientists, preserve management and tour companies. We wanted to share some of the information with you to entice you to visit.</P> <DL> <DT><A HREF="chita.html" TARGET="_self">Chita</A> <DD>Chita is far less known then Buryatia as a tourism destination, but deserves the attention of travelers interested in authentic experiences. <DT><A HREF="buryatia.html" TARGET="_self">Buryatia</A> <DD>Buryatia is already recognized as an international tourism destination. </DL> <P ALIGN="center"><IMG SRC="photos/029.jpg" WIDTH=382 HEIGHT=264 BORDER=0></P> </P> <P><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="gfx/bullet.jpg" WIDTH="23" HEIGHT="19">  <B>Don't miss the the Amur River cruise/land tour this year, last year's program was an outstanding success!! </B><BR><A HREF="cruise.html" TARGET="_self">Amur River Cruise Itinerary</A> - September 1-12, 2004</P> <UL> <LI><A HREF="amurriver.html" TARGET="_self">Changing Faces of the Amur River</A> <LI><A HREF="khabarovsk/places.html" TARGET="_self">Places of Interest in Khabarovsk</A> <LI>History, art and culture of the people of the Amur River <UL><LI><A HREF="nanai.html" TARGET="_self">The Nanai</A><LI><A HREF="ulchis.html" TARGET="_self">The Ulchi</A><LI><A HREF="nivkhs.html" TARGET="_self">The Nivkh</A></UL> <LI>Spectacular Nature Reserves<UL><LI><A HREF="nature/bolonsky.html" TARGET="_self">Bolonsky</A><LI><A HREF="nature/bolshek.html" TARGET="_self">Bolshekhekhtsirsky</A><LI><A HREF="nature/komsom.html" TARGET="_self">Komsomolsky</A></UL> <LI><A HREF="everyday.html" TARGET="_self">Vibrant every day life</A> </UL> <P align="center"><IMG SRC="siberia/6.jpg" WIDTH=214 HEIGHT=300 BORDER=0></P> <P><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="gfx/bullet.jpg" WIDTH="23" HEIGHT="19">  <B><A HREF="siberia.html" TARGET="_self">Magnificent Siberia and its people</A></B></P> <P>Siberia, the vast middle part of Russia and its dominant region, Yakutia (or Sakha) are treasure troves waiting to be discovered. While the temperature fluctuates from very hot to very cold, each season brings with its own rhythm and beauty. </P> <P>Yakutia, the largest region in Russia is also the richest in natural resources, such as gold, silver and diamonds. It is also a region offering unsurpassed ecotourism experiences. <B> <A target="_self" href="yakutiatrip.html">Read about our journey!!</A></B></P> <P align="center"><IMG border="0" src="photos/Yakutia1.jpg" width="300" height="204"></P> <P><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="gfx/bullet.jpg" WIDTH="23" HEIGHT="19">  <B>Cultural and nature tours in Chukotka<BR>Operated by our partner Circumpolar Expeditions</B></P> <UL> <LI><A HREF="whales.html" TARGET="_self">Whale and Walrus Tour</A> - June/August, 2005 <LI><A HREF="senyavin.html">Senyavina Strait</A> - June/August, 2005<LI><A HREF="provideniya.html" TARGET="_self">Provideniya/Chukotka</A> - June/August 2005</UL> <P><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="gfx/bullet.jpg" WIDTH="23" HEIGHT="19">  <B>Kunashir Exploration - August 24, 2005</B><BR><I>Jointly operated with our partners in Vzmorye, Sakhalin-Kurile Island Information Agency, the Center for Cultural and Ecological Initiatives and World Wise Expeditions</I></P> <P>Because we feel that Eastern Russia offers great diversity within relative short distances, we offer this program not only because it includes a visit to one of the most beautiful Kurile islands, but also as an introduction to what Eastern Russia has to offer. We begin in cosmopolitan Vladivostok, where we sample a vast collection of historical, cultural and natural wonders. We cross over from the mainland to Sakhalin, offering a picture of soviet style villages and towns settled between verdant sloping mountains, fast running rives and magnificent lakes. The main portion of our time will be spend on Kunashir Island, the "black pearl" offering a multitude of one of a kind natural experiences, after which we visit charming and visually attractive Khabarovsk. For detailed information see our details on the <A target="_self" href="sakhalin.html">Sakhalin Region</A>.</P> <TABLE BORDER="0"><TR> <TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="middle" colspan="2"> <B>Giving the Ancient a Modern Voice - Discover ancient rites and traditions of Russian Far East native cultures, August 2, 2004</B></TD> </TR><TR> <TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="middle"><IMG border="0" src="photos/53.jpg" width="200" height="287"></TD> <TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P>As our lives in our western culture become more and more centered on technology, we realize that we are loosing our innate wisdom connected to our natural environment. At the same time indigenous cultures in Russia are trying to retain their ancient rites and traditions to anchor their culture and to instill in the younger generation a clear sense of identity. Sharing our lives may perhaps gives us both the right way to reestablish ourselves drawing from nature that which is our essence. </P> <P>We will visit with Even, Koryak and Ittlmen women during the International Aboriginal Day in Anavgai in Kamchatka. We will then return to the Khabarovski Krai, which has the largest number of native cultures in Russia. There we will share our thoughts with the Orochi, Nanai and Udeghe people when we visit their individual villages. This trip includes travel by local transportation and living locally adapting to the ways of the local people. You need to be extremely flexible, be in excellent health and have the ability to withstand long road trip. Some of our travel will be by helicopter. Arrival and departure point is Khabarovsk. All transportation including local flights or helicopter transportation is included. Itinerary will be posted shortly. </P></TD> </TR></TABLE> <P><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="gfx/bullet.jpg" WIDTH="23" HEIGHT="19">  <B>Travelogues</B></P> <P><A HREF="wwf.html" TARGET="_self">The Primorsky Coast</A>: Where the Taiga meets the Sea- Steve Nelson</P> <P><A HREF="conquer.html" TARGET="_self">The Kamchatka Peninsula</A>: A world of mountains yet to conquer- Aaltje van Zoelen</P> <DIV align="center"> <TABLE border="0" id="table1" cellpadding="20"> <TR> <TD align="left"><P><CENTER><B>Join our mailing list:</B><BR><form action="/cgi-bin/maillist/maillist.pl" method="post"> <b>Email:</b> <input type="text" name="address" size="18" maxlength="50" value="your@email.com"><br> <font size="-1"> <b>Subscribe</b> <input type="radio" name="action" checked value="subscribe"> <b>Unsubscribe</b> <input type="radio" name="action" value="unsubscribe"></font> <br><input type="submit" value="GO!"> </form></CENTER> </TD> <TD><P ALIGN="center"><A HREF="http://heritage.perm.ru/awards/" TARGET="_blank"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="awards/ba36.jpg" WIDTH="89" HEIGHT="123"></A></P></TD> <TD><p> <a title="The Russian Internet Guide: Your unbiased guide to Russia, Russian websites, Russian businesses and services, Russian women and Russian dating, Russian products, and everything Russian. 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