10 Jul 2018

Bears, Birds & Local Hospitality in Chukotka

Egvekinot and Presbrazhenya

The first full day of our Chukotka: Where Russia's Day Begins  expedition was in the bustling little Chukokta community of Egvekinot. The morning was spent exploring town where everybody made sure to visit the excellent museum which displayed a fascinating range of natural and cultural history from the region, many people also found the magazine (shop) and marvelled at the newly constructed Russian Orthodox Church that occupies pride of place in the middle of town.

During the afternoon we boarded our uniquely Russian overland trucks for a visit to the Arctic Circle, driving up into the mountains the scenery was spectacular with the jagged peaks rising on both sides and the tundra in full bloom all around. The next day was a complete contrast as we explored the bird cliffs of Presbrazhenya Bay by zodiac, the weather was again glorious as we marvelled at the masses of seabirds living along these cliffs.

There were vast numbers of Guillemots, puffins, auklets and kittiwakes which kept us all enthralled. We were also fortunate to see seven brown bears during the course of our explorations with one in particular giving us great views.  © Image Heritage Expeditions from 2017 Chukotka Expedition.