EXPEDITION DOSSIER 22ND JULY – 5TH AUGUST 2019

ACROSS THE TOP OF THE WORLD

TO WRANGEL AND HERALD ISLANDS © J Ross TO WRANGEL AND ACROSS THE TOP OF THE WORLD HERALD ISLANDS

This unique expedition crosses the Circle and includes the isolated and pristine Wrangel and Herald Islands and a significant section of the wild North Eastern Siberian coastline. It is a journey only made possible in recent years by the thawing in the politics of the region and the retreat of summer pack ice in the . The very small distance between 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.

The voyage journeys through the narrow , which separates Russia from the of America, and then travels west along the Chukotka coastline before crossing the De Long Strait to . There we will © G Riehle spend four to five days under the guidance of local rangers on the . Untouched by glaciers during the last ice age, this island is a treasure trove of Arctic biodiversity and is perhaps best known for the multitude of Polar Bears that breed here. We hope to catch many glimpses of © G Riehle this beautiful animal. The island also boasts the world’s largest population of Pacific and lies near major feeding grounds for the Gray Whales that migrate thousands of kilometres north from their breeding grounds in Baja, Mexico. Reindeer, Musk Ox and Snow Geese can normally be seen further inland. A visit to massive bird cliffs on nearby is also planned. The ‘mammoth steppe’ vegetation complex, a rich and diverse relic from the Pleistocene epoch nurtures over 400 plant species and never fails to astound © A Russ visitors with its sublime beauty. The number and type of endemic The human history of Wrangel recently, the establishment of this plant species, the diversity within Island is fascinating on its own. world class nature reserve. A host of plant communities, the presence Highlights include a 3,400 year similarly enthralling stories hail from of relatively recent mammoth tusks old Paleo Eskimo camp in Krassin several optional landings along the and skulls, a range of terrain types Bay, controversy over northern coasts of Chukotka. Our and geological formations in the and ownership of the island, the expert expedition team will take you small geographical space are amazing story of the survivors of the on guided walks, Zodiac cruises and all visible evidence of Wrangel’s Karluk, Ada Blackjack the heroine provide lectures to help you better rich natural history and its unique of the island, the Soviet occupation understand and appreciate this evolutionary status within the Arctic. and militarisation and more unique High Arctic landscape.

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ITINERARY the administrative centre of the Chukotka region, before getting NOTE: You can join this expedition to know your fellow voyagers and either in or in Nome, . crew on board the Akademik Those starting in Nome will fly by a Shokalskiy. If flights have been on Heritage Expeditions charter flight time we plan to depart Anadyr to Anadyr and will join the ship and this evening. As we depart you the expedition members who have are invited to join the captain, travelled direct to Anadyr. officers and the expedition team on the bridge. The Anadyr estuary is Day 0: Nome renowned for its Beluga Whales. Those departing from Nome, © L Whitehouse Alaska, should arrive in Nome Day 2: Anadyrskiy Bay and at Sea A steep scramble from the beach before midday and preferably the As we sail across Anadyrskiy Bay brings you to an abandoned previous night. towards the Bering Strait there Border Guard base, a monument will be introductory lectures, an to Dezhnev and another to all the On arrival, you should check in with introduction to the staff and ship sailors who have sailed these seas. Bering Air at the Nome Airport who and a series of compulsory briefings Cape Prince of Wales in Alaska lies will have details of our charter flight. and drills. There will also be a 89km across Bering Strait. During this flight you will cross the chance to relax or enjoy some , arriving into ‘birding’ with our naturalists and/or Day 4: Kolyuchin Inlet and Anadyr on Day 1 of the expedition. settle into ship life and for many of You will clear Russian Customs and you adjust to the time changes. Immigration. Kolyuchin Inlet is so huge that it Day 3: Lavrentiya and is visible from satellite photos; this Day 1: Anadyr inlet contains vast numbers of waterfowl and migratory waders. All expedition members will arrive We arrive in Lavrentiya Bay this We concentrate our visit on Belaka in Anadyr; depending on your morning to visit the Chukchi spit near the mouth of the inlet. It is time of arrival you may have the Region’s administrative centre of a wild, desolate landscape that is opportunity to explore Anadyr, Lavrentiya. The place takes its name strangely beautiful. We search the from , who landed here dunes and tidal areas for birdlife on St. Lawrence’s Day in 1778. We including Emperor Geese and will explore the township and have Spoon-billed Sandpipers. Gray the opportunity to view the mythical Whales frequent the area and are figure ‘Pelikan’, a Chukotkan sometimes spotted feeding only sculpture which is said to have metres offshore. special powers, we will also visit the local museum which displays an Later today we will arrive at interesting insight into Yupik and Kolyuchin Island; this small island Chukchi cultures. There may be an was once an important Russian opportunity to view Chukchi song Polar Research Station and one of © A Terauds and dance and to interact with the a number dotted across the Arctic. locals. Sadly with the collapse of the USSR there was no money to maintain Sea conditions permitting, we them and they were abandoned; will land at Cape Dezhnev this the buildings are derelict but the afternoon. The north-eastern most wildlife the men studied are still there. point of the Eurasian continent, it is Near the abandoned station at the sometimes possible to see the coast north-western end of the island are of America from this remote and some of the most amazing bird cliffs lonely outpost. It is also an historic in the Arctic; puffins, guillemots, gulls landmark named after the Siberian and cormorants can be observed Cossack, , who in and photographed from just metres 1648 became the first European to © A Terauds away. sail from the Arctic to the Pacific.

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At the south-eastern end of the appreciate. The earliest human island there is a prominent walrus occupation is dated 3,200 years BC haul out, if the animals are present and it has been established that they it is one of the easiest places to were seasonal hunters from Siberia. observe them and get some good The island’s presence was speculated photographs. about and marked on maps by early Russian explorers but it wasn’t until Day 5: At Sea 1849 that it was ‘rediscovered’ by We continue our journey north the British. A Canadian expedition across the Chukchi Sea, there attempted to establish a permanent should be sea ice to negotiate settlement and claim the island for © J Shaw our way through as we get closer Canada; they were evicted by the to Wrangel Island; this may offer Russians who claimed the island. We will pass the , our first opportunities to see Polar sometimes called Tomorrow Island Bears, seals and walrus on ice. Today it is a Russian Federal Nature and Yesterday Isle because they In preparation for our arrival at Reserve of international significance straddle the International Date the island tomorrow there will be and importance. A lot of its Line. Here Russia and America are briefings and lecturers. significance lies in the fact that it is a major denning area. separated by only 2.3 nautical miles of ocean. We will remain in Russian Days 6 to 10: Wrangel and In fact it is sometimes referred to territory as we cruise south past the Herald Islands as a Polar Bear maternity ward on account of the large numbers of islands. Ice and weather conditions pups born there. It is also the last permitting, we will spend the next landfall for migratory species flying In 1867 when the USA purchased few days on Wrangel Island and if north. Each summer thousands of Alaska from Russia the new boundary possible we will also include a visit to birds migrate here to breed, including was drawn between Big (Russian) nearby Herald Island. Snow Geese, Snowy Owls, skuas, and Little (USA) Diomede Islands. This Arctic Terns, Ross’s, Sabine and Ivory makes Island Russia’s Wrangel Island is one of those Gulls. eastern-most possession. The island islands that you have to visit to was originally inhabited by Yupik There are many landings that we Eskimos but after World War II the can make to search out wildlife, wild native population were relocated flowers and Arctic landscapes. Polar to the mainland. Today there are Bears will be high on our list of animals no permanent residents but the to see and with a little patience we Russians maintain a Border Guard should be rewarded with a number station there. It is an important island of encounters. Musk Oxen and for birdlife with good numbers of reindeer were introduced to the Black-legged Kittiwakes, Common island in 1975 and 1948 respectively, and Brunnich’s Guillemot and though reindeer numbers are low. Horned and Tufted Puffin. If the We also have a chance to visit Dragi Border Guards grant permission (we © A Terauds Harbour where the survivors of the have applied for it) we will Zodiac Karluk which was crushed by ice in cruise the coast near the station, 1914 scrambled ashore and lived until the bird numbers in this region are they were rescued. If ice conditions spectacular, especially puffins. permit, we will explore Herald Island to the east of Wrangel Island. We continue along the North Siberian Coast, although well mapped and Day 11: At Sea, Bering Strait and charted, there have been very few North Siberian Coast Expedition Cruises and consequently there is a lot of scope for expedition As we sail south there will be landings. Depending on weather opportunities to download memory and sea conditions we will attempt cards, share conversations and an expedition landing today. recap on our time at Wrangel Island. © A Terauds There are several choices, at Cape

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Vankarem there is a seasonal large Day 14: Preobrazheniya Bay walrus haul out, the animals may or Today we will be in the vicinity of DATES may not be present. The area around Preobrazheniya Bay where there Voyage #1906 the Cape is bounded by narrow sand are some outstanding ‘Bird Cliffs’ Nome to Nome ridges with numerous coastal lagoons which we will Zodiac cruise, the rock 21st July to 4th August 2019 and inlets; nearby there is a small faces, ridgelines and soaring Chukchi village whose residents still spires are home to an abundance Voyage #1906 make their living hunting walrus, seals of bird life. Species that can be seen Anadyr to Anadyr and whales. There is another smaller include Common and Thick-billed 22nd July to 5th August 2019 Chukchi village called Nutepelmen Murres, Black-legged Kittiwakes, which is situated on a spit at the Least and Crested Auklets, Vega entrance to Pyngopikhin Lagoon, Gulls and Arctic Tern. Both Horned PRICES further west of Cape . and Tufted Puffins are normally Heritage Suite $14,500 pp in vast numbers stretched along Has a large lounge area, a separate Day 12: At Sea and Masik Village bedroom with double bed and private cliffside grasses. bathroom. Large forward and side This afternoon we plan to visit facing windows. Masik Village, an archaeological This evening join the staff for site at Mechigmen Bay which is an expedition recap and a Mini Suite $13,650 pp Has a separate bedroom with a double part of Beringia National Park. disembarkation briefing, and bed, lounge and private bathroom. This site consists of subterranean then simply relax as we sail across Large side facing windows. dwellings, food caches and possible Anadyrskiy Bay towards Anadyr. ceremonial structures where Tonight we will enjoy a farewell Superior Plus $13,125 pp Has two lower berths and private bathroom. materials used in construction were dinner to celebrate our journey. These cabins have windows. whale skulls, ribs and jawbones. Day 15: Anadyr Superior $12,075 pp Day 13: Yttygran, Nuneangan and After breakfast it will be time to Has one bunk (one upper and one lower Arakamchechen Islands berth), and private bathroom. These cabins say our farewells. There will be have windows. Yttygran Island is home to the a complimentary transfer to the monumental ancient aboriginal airport or to a hotel of your choice. Main Deck $11,025 pp site known as Whale Bone Alley. Has two lower berths and washbasin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with Whalebones stretch along the beach Those returning to Nome will join a other Main Deck cabins. These cabins have for nearly half a kilometre. There are charter flight that will depart Anadyr a porthole. many meat pits used for storage around midday and, because of and other remains of a busy whaling the International Date Line will arrive ADDITIONAL CHARGES camp that united several aboriginal back in Nome on the evening of the villages at a time. In one location, previous day. However, we strongly Private charter flight Nome to immense jawbones advise that you do not book any Anadyr to Nome $2,000 pp and ribs are placed together in a onward travel from Nome until the Local Payment $500 pp stunning arch formation. following day to allow for possible (All prices are per person in USD) delays in the charter flight. Those Gray Whales are frequently seen returning to Moscow can either be PRICE INCLUDES around the island. After landing transferred to the airport or hotel in at Whale Bone Alley we will take Anadyr, depending on their flight Pre/Post cruise transfers, all on the Zodiacs on a whale-watching times. board ship accommodation with excursion. We will also cruise close meals and all expedition shore inshore of neighbouring Nuneangan Note: During our voyage, excursions. Island (Bird Island) where a large circumstances may make it number of seabirds nest. necessary or desirable to deviate PRICE EXCLUDES from the proposed itinerary. This All items of a personal nature, On nearby Arakamchechen Island can include poor weather and/or laundry, drinks, gratuities. there is a prominent walrus haul out; opportunities for making unplanned International/domestic flights, if the animals are present we will land excursions. Your Expedition Leader

1906260118 visas and travel insurance. and walk across the tundra to view will keep you fully informed. them from the cliffs.

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OVERLAND TRAVERSES © E Bell SPECIAL OVERLAND WRANGEL ISLAND TRAVERSE

In co-operation with the Wrangel Island Nature Reserve we are excited to offer a limited number of seats on a very special Overland Traverse through the heart of this incredible landscape.

For curious explorers who join us to NORTHBOUND ITINERARY circumnavigate Wrangel Island, there is no reason to just wonder what lies Day 1: Doubtful Harbour beyond the coast, over the crest of On arrival at Doubtful Harbour, Wrangel the hills and mountains. The High Island, the Overlanders will go ashore Arctic environment that very few where we will spend the afternoon and people will ever experience is now evening exploring the area including accessible and exclusively available the nearby spit known for large haul to passengers travelling with Heritage outs of walrus. We will also visit Devil’s Expeditions on all ‘Across the Top of Creek, the only archaeological site on © E Bell the World’ expeditions. the island where remains of a Paleo- Eskimos summer camp were We are offering a limited number of discovered recently. The overnight seats on some very special 3-day accommodation will be Wrangel (2-night) Overland Traverses. Transport Ranger huts at Somnitelnya. is by a six wheel Russian built Tundra vehicle brought to the island in 2010. Day 2: Somnitelnya Each traverse is led by rangers from Departing Somnitelnya, the traverse Wrangel Island. travels north firstly over the southern tundra slopes climbing gradually to a © E Bell We have been operating these mountain pass through the Somnitelnie traverses since 2011 and those who Mountains. A steep descent takes us to PRICE have been lucky enough to a tributary of the Mammoth River, the participate literally ‘raved’ over their longest river on the island. In the Cost per person (USD) 1,450 pp experiences. Numbers are strictly evening we will enjoy a walk on the limited; we encourage you to book tundra slopes with possible sightings of early to avoid disappointment. Snowy Owls, Lemmings, Arctic Foxes PRICE INCLUDES and a huge variety of High Arctic plants. We will be staying overnight at Transport, accommodation the Peak Tundra hut, a field hut for (basic field huts) and meals. studies of the Snow Geese nesting Please note this is in addition to nearby. the cost of the cruise. Day 3: Academic Tundra After breakfast we continue down the PRICE EXCLUDES Tundra River to the Academic Tundra, an extensive area that makes up over Travel insurance, gratuities and half the island. There are opportunities other items of a personal nature. to see amazing fields of wild flowers, © E Bell Musk Ox, and potentially reindeer, This Wrangel Island extension is an optional although numbers have been greatly activity and conducted in conjunction with reduced by recent harsh winters. We our voyage but independently operated by will return to the ship at midday near the Park Rangers. It is subject to minimum the Drum Head Mountains (also known numbers, reserve regulations and weather as the Dream Head Mountains) on the and ice conditions. Participants should be north coast of the island. aware that there is no discount or compensation for missed landings that the Northbound and Southbound options main expedition makes possibly including available. Southbound itinerary will

Herald Island while they are participating in 260118 operate in reverse to the above the extension. © E Bell itinerary.

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