Travel East Russia

World Wise Ecotourism Network offers you the most up to date travel information about the various regions in Eastern Russia. Our travel programs focus on the environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and well being of people in the places we visit. Perhaps a photo tour highlighting the various activities will serve as a better tool to show what we do and how we do it! Our network includes a number of travel partners who are the backbone of our operations.

Because we wish to operate in a sustainable manner, we use ecotourism standards that we incorporate in all our programs. We also share our experience of international operating and marketing experience with present and potential partners in Russia by consulting on travel related sustainable issues. We include other worldwide travel partners in the travel trade. Our links will take you to the sites of various organizations active in conservation and ecological programs currently operating in East Russia and Siberia.

Travel to Russia still is quite complicated and you will find information on airline connections and other travel tidbits under travel logistics. Specific regional information is listed under regions.

World Wise Ecotourism Network has been operating in Eastern Russia and Siberia for more than twelve years. More ...

Aaltje van Zoelen US, Managing Partner	Erik Erlandsen US, Advisor
	Antonina Pronina Russian, Managing Partner
Nancy Cipra No operations are too difficult for Nancy. Nancy is in charge of formatting our itineraries, writing some of our brochure text, marketing research and trains and manages our tour staff.

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 info@traveleastrussia.com

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 www.traveleastrussia.com

Breaking News

One of the Wonders of the World disappeared on Sunday, June 3, as the Valley of Geysers, a natural phenomena in Kamchatka's Kronotsky Stale Biosphere Reserve was flooded due to an avalance. There were travelers at the Valley at the time, but they miraculously survived, as the mud slide just stopped a meter short of the helicopter pad. Current news has it that the dam has broken and that perhaps some of the geysers may revive.

Photos of the landslide in Kamchatka's Valley of Geysers can be found on Igor Shpilenok's website under New
Photos (http://www.shpilenok.com/new/index.htm) When you click on each of the thumbnails, you will get an enlargement plus, below it, an image taken in the approximate same place BEFORE the natural disaster.

Kamchatka

Kamchatka by far is one of the most exciting ecotourism destinations in East Russia. Its rich biodiversity is known all over the world. Active and dormant volcanoes dominate the landscape. The biggest brown bear in the world roams alongside fast, running rivers that abound with different types of fish World class fishing is one of the main stays of Kamchatka's tourism.

The region also is home to the famous Kronotsky reserve and the wondrous Valley of the Geysers, smaller than Yellowstone, but perhaps more picturesquely located. . Three additional protected areas offer unique wilderness experiences, the Yuzhno-Kamchatksy Reserve, Nalychevo and Bystrinsky Nature Parks. Further north, Kluchevskoye park, nearby the volcano with the same name, offers experiences for scientists, hikers aand climbers. Esso and Anivgai, nearby villages, located in Kamchatka Switzerland, are home to the Even and Koryak reindeer herders.

The latest figures about the number of Amur Tigers in East Russia fortunately show that their number has stayed the same. Researchers from WWF report that approximately 334-417 adult tigers remain and about 100 cubs. The numbers reflect the work on tiger preservation that has been done by organizations, such as World Wildlife Fund, the Save-the-Tiger Fund, U.S. National Wildlife Foundation and others, who have established a protective network to save these magnificent animals from extinction.

For those interested in observing Amur Tigers in the wild, that is virtually impossible, the tigers are extremely elusive and difficult to observe in the wild. However, there are various projects that are dedicated to Amur Tiger conservation and these projects are accessible year round. We offer various trips to the Primorsky Krai

Expedition cruising along the Kamchatka Peninsula and the Kuriles

Most of the Russian Far East coastal areas are wilderness areas that cannot be reached other then by ship. Since there are few harbors, these ships need to anchor far from the shore and transfer their passengers ashore by zodiac. By far, these expeditions offer the most exhilarating look at the landscapes, wild and marine life that inhabit the coastal areas. Not to mention the local populations that still live far away from the more populated cities. The news is out and there are now two that offer these types of expeditions.

Get involved as a volunteer with Nalychevo Nature Park on Kamchatka

Nalychevo Nature Park (Kamchatka, Russia) in cooperation with PR Naturetours (Germany) will be hosting an international summer camp for University students and others interested in a learning experience in the sphere of ecology, geology, geography, biology and landscape design. The dates of the camp are: August,17 –September,06 2007.

As a participant you will be involved in field work with a biologist and volcanologist. These combined activities will create enhanced knowledge about nature and its geological processes on Kamchatka. As a participant also you will be able to explore Nalychevo and the Yuzhno-Kamchatsky Nature parks, meet with representatives of Kamchatka’s global ecological funds (WWF, UNDP) and experience Kamchatka protected wilderness areas.

World Wise Expeditions

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 that has changed significantly over the past ten or so years, but where people remain the same, always kind, curious and open towards travelers of all kinds.

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 and to appreciate and respect small indigenous communities ways of life and to always journey with an open mind and a gentle heart.

We are the experts in Russia's ecotourism development spanning over 14 years of involvement. Our programs offer you well researched authentic experiences. Our aim it to expose you to areas that are nearly void of other travelers, where you and your 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 explore Russia’s incredible wealth of culture and nature.

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We operate various types of expeditions:

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.

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.