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World Wise Ecotourism Network
Your destination guide for East Russia and Siberia
We educate, we teach and we offer
The most authentic travel experiences in eastern Russia

Last Update: 09/05/2008

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

Join the expert in a fascinating cruise/tour of the most fascinating and intriquing places of the Russian Far East.

The beauty of the Russian Far East whether it is the magnificent architecture of the old buildings in Valdiovstok or exploring the realm of the Amur Tiger and Siberian Snow Leopard, in nearby nature preserves, is unique. Adding to that the opportunity to visit the Kuril Islands, by a small expedition ship, which zodiac capability allows you to go to ashore, where no one has tread before, makes this journey even more special. All the has visited these places multiple times and has interesting stories to tell both of her early explorations as well as some insights on the past and current histories of the palces we will visit. Come join us for this trip – Download More Information

 

  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.

Please join us for the following trips in Kamchatka:

Magnificent Kamchatka - spring and fall departures
Kamchatka, Wild and Wonderful - summer departures
Bear Watching at Kurilskoye Lake
See our travel schedule for additional trips in East Russia

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

Discover the Beauty of Primorye
The Realm of the Amur Tiger
See our travel schedule for additional trips to East Russia in 2009

  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.

 

  Volunteer opportunities in East Russia

National parks, preserves and reserves are Russia's treasures. However, there is limited expertise and insufficient money available to protect and preserve these unique natural areas.

Trail building, offering western style guidance, understanding different types of markets and what they need, how to accompany and assure that the term "ecological" tourism is clearly represented in their operations, etc.

Currently, we are exploring opportunities for 2009. Please let us know if you are interested and what area of expertise you represent.

E-mail us at info@traveleastrussia.com

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.

Download Our 2009 Travel Schedule
Download Our Newsletter

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.

Chita

Chita is far less known then Buryatia as a tourism destination, but deserves the attention of travelers interested in authentic experiences.
Buryatia
Buryatia is already recognized as an international tourism destination.

  The Amur River, offers a rich tapestry of cultural and natural experiences.

 

  Magnificent Siberia and its people

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.

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. Read about our journey!!

  Magnificent Lake Baikal

Magnificent Lake Baikal can truly be enjoyed by boarding a small vessel and making stops on the way. This is the way to explore its varied nature and learn more about its geological past and visit some of the sacred places, honored by its local population. Our Magnificent Lake Baikal trip does all that and more.

Mosaic of Cultures

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.

We will visit with small communities of Even, Yakut, Buryat, Nanai, Ulchi and Nivkh people. We will travel, by means of several types of transportation, helicopter, small boats, buses, etc. and stay in B & B’s, or share the homes of local people. Extreme flexibility is required. We will travel from Vladivostok to Yakutia, the Irkutks Region and Khabarovsk, before returning to Vladivostok. All local transportation in Russia is included. See the details..

  Travelogues

The Primorsky Coast: Where the Taiga meets the Sea- Steve Nelson

The Kamchatka Peninsula: A world of mountains yet to conquer- Aaltje van Zoelen


Russian Internet Guide

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Member
The International Ecotourism Society

World Wise Ecotourism Network
1321 W. Emerson  #6
Seattle, WA  98119
Phone: 206-282-0824
Fax: 206-281-4417
E-mail: Info@TravelEastRussia.com

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