Across The Roof of The World

July 24 - August 7, 2022

A unique expedition that crosses the Arctic Circle, including Wrangel and Herald Islands, two isolated and pristine islands in the Russian Arctic.  The ship also stops along a section of the wild North Eastern Siberian coastline; a journey only made possible in recent years by the thawing in the region's politics and the summer pack ice in the Chukchi Sea. The very small distance between Russia and the USA along this border area was known as the Ice Curtain, behind which, then and now, lies one of the last great undiscovered wilderness areas in the world.

Itinerary

Day 0: Nome

For those departing Nome, Alaska, your adventure begins with a flight across the Bering Sea and International Date Line to the remote port of Anadyr.

Day 1: Anadyr

Day 2: Anadyrskiy Bay

Day 3: Yttygran, Nuneangan and Arakamchechen Islands

Day 4: Cape Dezhnev and Uelen Village

Day 5: Kolyuchin Island

Days 6 to 10: Wrangel and Herald Islands

Day 11: North Siberian Coast

Day 12: Kolyuchin Inlet

Day 13: Bering Strait and Chukotka Coast

Day 14: At Sea

Day 15: Anadyr

full itinerary

“This grand wilderness in its untouched freshness ... this severely solitary land in the topmost, frost-killed end of creation.”

John Muir

 A Day Along the Chukotka Coast

During the six-day voyage it takes to reach Wrangel Island, we stop at several villages along the Chukotka Coast, providing a rare glimpse into both human and animal life in this remote region. The Bering Strait is the scene of one of the planet's largest wildlife migrations, including, Beluga, Bowhead, Gray Whales, Polar Bears, Ringed and Ribbon Seal and countless seabirds. On the mainland, we will be treated to a rare buffet of locally (and sustainably) harvested seal and whale meat along with a dance recital in full native dress. Twice a day we get into our Zodiacs, exploring tiny inlets rife with Snow Geese, Snowy Owls, Sabine and Ivory Gulls, Puffins, and more.

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As we travel further north and the pack ice gets heavier, we see an increase in Polar Bears along with their cubs. "Daylight" lasts nearly 20 hours at this time of year. Wildlife watching on deck is possible at any time. 

Things that make this trip unique

There are multiple companies offering trips to the Arctic, but Heritage Expeditions continues to be the only company allowed to overnight a handful of passengers on Wrangel. Even without this optional expedition, traveling to the "The Roof of the World" by way of the Bering Strait is an extraordinary adventure. Several years back. more than 250 Polar Bears were sighted on Wrangel during a single cruise.  Although the pack ice is receding throughout much of the world, this particular region continues to offer lots of ice, and lots of animals. For those travelers who typically aren't tempted to board a ship amongst a throng of hundreds or even thousands, there is both intimacy and privacy aboard the Spirit of Enderby. 

Overland Itinerary 

(limited to five people)

Option 1

Day 1: Doubtful Harbour

On arrival the Overlanders will go ashore and spend the afternoon and evening exploring the area including the nearby spit known for large haul outs of walrus. The overnight accommodation will be Wrangel Ranger huts at Somnitelnaya.

Day 2: Peak Tundra

Travel north firstly over the southern tundra slopes to a mountain pass through the Somnitelnie Mountains and down to a tributary of the Mammoth River, the longest river on the island. In the evening we will enjoy a walk looking for Snowy Owls, Lemmings, Arctic Foxes and a huge variety of High Arctic plants. Stay overnight at the Peak Tundra hut.

Day 3: Academic Tundra (Dream Head)
Continue down the Tundra River to the Academic Tundra, an extensive area that makes up over half the island. There are opportunities to see amazing fields of wild flowers, Musk Oxen, and potentially reindeer. We will return to the ship around midday.

(limited to five people)

Option 2

Day 1: Doubtful Harbour

On arrival the Overlanders will go ashore and spend the afternoon and evening exploring the area including the nearby spit known for large haul outs of walrus. The overnight accommodation will be Wrangel Ranger huts at Somnitelnaya.

Day 2: Neozhidannaya River

Travel west over the tundra as we follow the Mammoth River. Depending on the amount of snow we may need to travel via Devil’s Creek, the archaeological where the remains of a Paleo-Eskimos summer camp were discovered. Enjoy an evening walk on the tundra and overnight at the Neozhidannaya Ranger Huts.

Day 3: Cape Thomas

As we follow the Neozhidannaya River to Cape Thomas on the Western Plateau we will be entering Musk Oxen country, and be on the lookout for this elusive animal. Polar Bears are often seen at Cape Thomas, a known denning site, as well as Snowy Owl, Snow Bunting and Lemming. We will return to the ship around midday.

Questions and Answers

What's the weather like?

Temperatures can range from the mid-30s to the mid-50s. However, the damp ocean air often makes it feel much colder. Rain is possible during the southern portion along the Chukotka Coast. Once we enter the pack ice the surface temperature decreases but often the sun's reflection makes it feel much warmer. As always, wear layers!

How close will we get to the Polar Bears.

Close . . . but not too close. The majority of Polar Bear sightings will be from the deck of the ship as the bears walk across the pack ice.  During our landings on Wrangel, we are well-protected by the Island's rangers. 

What about seasickness?

Typically, the seas in this region are no more or less threatening than in other Arctic regions—this is not like crossing the Drake Passage. However, for those who are prone to seasickness, advance preparedness is the key. 

If this is an expedition, what are the physical requirements?

Each person must be ambulatory, The amount of walking or hiking is at the sole discretion of the individual. Most important is the ability to get into a Zodiac.  There will be helping hands to guide you.