Pole of Cold Extreme Overland Expedition on the Road of Bones

Wander Beyond Boundaries to 9th Sept - 22nd Sept 2020 Introduction to Extreme Overlanding xtreme Overland drives are self-drive expeditions that head out to World over, these drives / journeys / expeditions distinguish themselves remote lands. Inherently expeditionary in nature it needs attributes from mere road trips or overland drives (mostly major highways and a few Esuch as self-reliance, adaptability, resilience, resolve etc. pot holed roads etc), by the sheer fact that they are rooted through the unknown, they aspire for what may seem outlandish and unachievable and Historically this domain has evolved from the few forgotten wanderers who most definitely involve terrain that is remote, extreme bereft of creature risked it all to travel the globe on terrain they did not know of and mingling comforts, luxury and the likes. Given the sheer nature of such journeys, they with cultures they had no idea about while taking uncertainty and ambiguity are premised on the fact that vulnerability, and being out of comfort seeds in their stride. the beginnings of self-growth wherein learning, unlearning and relearning are part of a never-ending loop. Over time, the tribe of such over landers has sharply risen, now making the domain a discipline in itself. The greatest value becomes the expedition within an individual who undertakes such drives. Who are we? BB are pioneers in seeding extreme overlanding into the Indian Founded by Nidhi Salgame Tiwari (the 1st woman to drive a trans- context. We showcase that journeys are not just Physical (terrain, continental distance from Delhi to London and the 1st Indian to drive Wdifficulty, driving, culture, food etc.) but requires an individual to to the in North-Eastern ) and Col. S Malik, SM, undertake an equally intense journey within. Retd. (an ex. Army man having served for 24 years with many years of operational experience in extreme terrain driving in Kashmir, Sikkim, Our stripes: Congo and beyond) Pioneers in extreme overlanding, delivering never before experiences via self-drive expeditions. Driven over 340,000kms on extreme terrain Knowledge of preventive maintenance and vehicle management – tracks, trails and roads in 30+ countries across the world undertaken several single car expeditions without back up

Expeditionary, rigorous, challenging and uphold the supremacy of the Understanding of road rules and regulations in most parts of the world human spirit Local liaison in remote corners of the world Our core strengths are extreme terrain 4wd based driving, unknown or lesser known routes exploration, extreme overland (XOL) skills training, Equipped for medical emergencies – Wilderness Emergency Medical conceptualising and leading 4WD based extreme terrain self-drive Technician(WEMT) on board journeys Planning, Managing and Leading an overland expedition Vast exposure and skill for variety of terrain – snow, ice, mud, slush, rock & shrub and sand WBB - Isuzu Spiti XOL, 2017 WBB - Porsche Himalayan XOL, 2016 WBB Expedition Trans-Continental Expedition First All Women ondon, 2015 by Road from Delhi to L Portfolio

WBB - Mahindra Adventure ‘ Overland’ - First crew of womenM driversustang to Himalayan Extreme Overland Skills reach Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang, 2018 India’s First Overland Soloorth-Eastern to the Pole Siberia, of Cold 2016 and Training, 2016 on the Road of Bones, N OL, 2018 Mahindra Adventure Sikkim X

Pole of Cold, Sept 2019 WBB Expedition Portfolio Muddy Tracks, Nagaland, May 2019

ov 2019 Kashmir Revealed - Drive along the L Authentic Mustang, N OC, Dec 2018 Siberia Overland, Aug 2019 Sometimes it takes traveling outside our comfort zone to realise the abilities we never knew we had“ “ Kurt Hahn QUICK INFO Dates 9th Sept - 22nd Sept 2020

Total no of days: 14 Vehicle type: 4x4 expedition ready Toyota Landcruiser Prado or similar Convoy size: 3 vehicles Max team size: 12 Total distance: 2500 kms Average driving time per day: 10 hours Difficulty level: Level 3, challenging Drive tone and tenor: Expeditionary and self-reliant Start point: Yakutsk End point: Magadan

Highlights Pole of Cold - Oymyakon: coldest inhabited place on earth in north eastern Siberia Driving on the Road of Bones - from Yakutsk to Magadan; built on permafrost, considered ‘the most dangerous road in the world’ Insight into life, culture and regional history of Republic The Woolly Mammoth, Permafrost and Regional History museum in Yakutsk and Regional History museum in Magadan Kolyma highway, the most notorious outpost of the far eastern Gulag system Possible dip in the freezing river Magadan regional museum and monument of sorrow Plain remote expanse of the Siberian wilderness - gorgeous uninhabited landscapes strewn with reindeers; population density of 1 person per sq km Largest surviving cold storage of the world - permafrost; remnants of the ice age including permafrost mummies and cave lion mummies Brief Description f road trips, driving, wilderness and remote corners of the world have featured in your bucket list, then this expedition is as far as you can take it. Headed to one of the most remote corners of the world, braving the most challenging road, weather that is anything but hospitable, steeped in fascinating cultural Iand regional history, inhabited by friendly Yakutia people, this expedition reaches out to every driving enthusiast who has dreamt of driving on the toughest and remotest parts of the earth. This route crosses the Siberian region from the west to east, transcends three time zones and reaches ’s far east (also referred to as the edge of the world). It provides for a unique opportunity to explore the backcountry, absorb Yakutia culture, marvel at the natural wonders (remnants of the ice age), and visit Oymyakon - called the Pole of Cold, the coldest inhabited place on planet earth where temperatures drop to -71.6 degrees in peak winter. It also exudes the purity of the expeditionary travel - exposing you to the vagaries of a self-reliant expedition which is unique and highly enriching in itself. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the ardent driving, outdoors and adventure enthusiast. It is not only pushing boundaries on the outside but is deeply enhancing and rich experience within too. By sheer nature of experience, demands of the road and weather, it pushes you to understand the threshold of your inner potential. If you are game and ready to embark on the mother of all possible extreme overland expeditions of the world, join us as we drive out to Russia’s Far East.

...And we mean it! Satty I haven’t seen anything as vast as this. For hundreds of kilometers, when you“ don’t see a single human being, house or village, it is just the wilderness and “you. Feels very remote, no doubt. But also feels so reassuring that there are still such sections on earth - so pristine, untouched and supremely beautiful.

Nidhi This part of the earth showcases the tenacity of the human spirit like none“ other. There is so much history, the land feels ancient. What strikes “me the most is the resilience of the people who live in these areas. Just puts life in perspective. The experience is very humbling. schedule Tentative Schedule 13th Sept 2020 This is one of the longest driving days. Here we begin our drive officially on ‘Road of Bones’ or Kolyma Highway. Destination of the day is Tomtor, nearly 550kms away. Enroute a few mountain passes greet us. The Siberian wilderness in all its glory, the scenery enroute is pretty and just stark. Oymyakon, is just 40 kms away from Tomtor.

9th Sept 2020 Arrive in Yakutsk. Short orientation on expedition, team roles, route, emergency response and preparedness.

10th & 11th Sept 2020 Spend the days sightseeing - visit the Permafrost and regional history museum. Also stop by at the meat market that is unique to Yakutsk. You may choose to visit other tourist sites in the city if you wish.

12th Sept 2020 Drive out early towards Khandyga - the destination for the day. Once out of 14th Sept 2020 Yakutsk city, cross the river Lena by ferry and continue the drive. The initial Post a leisurely breakfast, visit the Gulag museum at Tomtor and further 100 kms is on a black top road, and further the permafrost mud track. Short proceed to drive to the coldest inhabited place on earth – Oymyakon! We of Khandya, cross the river and reach the town by 6-7 pm latest. should reach Oymyakon by lunch time. 15th & 16th Sept 2020 of Yakutia eat a lot of horse meat. The thickness of active permafrost at We spend both these days in Oymyakon which is located beside the Oymyakon (which freezes and refreezes seasonally) is just about 18inches. Indigirka river. The fish from this river is famous all over Siberia. One can Below that is passive permafrost or commonly called permanently frozen get adventurous and take a dip in the freezing river. Once done with the earth. Life here is anything but easy. The intent of staying two days is to be photo-op around the Pole of Cold monument, around Oymyakon is also able to explore Oymyakon on foot, meet people and get an insight into what located a reindeer and horse breeding farm which is worth a visit. The people it takes to live in the coldest inhabited place on earth. 17th Sept 2020 After some rest and recoup at Oymyakon, drive out early towards Ust Nera, an industrial town located further north towards the Arctic. Primarily a mining town (many gold mines in the area), during the Soviet era this was the hub of forced labour or Russia’s version of concentration camps called the . Many gulag memorials punctuate the area. The drive to Ust Nera should take about 8 to 9 hours depending on the snow and weather conditions. At Ust Nera, we also move into a new time zone!

18th Sept 2020 Susuman is our destination for the day. While the driving time is merely 6-7 hours, sometimes owing to poor weather, this section can take longer. Enroute we also stop at Kadykchan which is an abandoned mining town that is now crumbling with time but was fairly intact till recently. It’s a surreal experience to walk around, see the hospital, school, restaurants, living quarters but not a soul lives in the town anymore! We move another time zone and also enter the Magadan administrative area on this day. Susuman is much warmer than Ust Nera and a small mining town once again.

19th Sept 2020 Again a long driving day, the aim to reach Magadan by end of day - about 8 hours away. The drive feels long and is a mix of permafrost road and a short section of tar road towards the end close to Magadan.

20th & 21st Sept 2020 These are rest days at Magadan to relax, walk around, soak up on the culture and history of one corner of the world (as it was referred to for a long time). You could walk around town, see the museum and cathedral or just rest - entirely unto you. The only engagement for the day is a gala dinner on 20th Sept evening to celebrate the journey.

22nd Sept 2020 Magadan is well connected to Yakutsk and Moscow by flight. Depending on what time your flight departs, we shall have you dropped to the airport accordingly. Goodbye! “Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of nowhere. Sometimes in the middle of nowhere you find yourself“ Intense sheer Wilderness Frigid coming of age cold Self-discovery Blizzard New Struggle surreal dARK Huskies FROZEN new Stark mirror remote snow ice Arctic Resilience Work Milestone Tough Intense raw Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Expedition Vehicle Which vehicle will I be driving? You will be driving a Toyota Landcruiser Prado or similar 4wd SUV that has been modified and made expedition ready.

Will I get to drive everyday and all the time? Each vehicle will be shared by 2 or 4 participants (basis your booking). We would ideally like to have a minimum of 2 drivers in each car. This has been designed so to avoid driver fatigue given that the terrain and weather will be challenging. If there is more than one driver in a car, you will have to mutually agree and take turns.

What if the vehicle breaks down? The expedition crew will have a qualified mechanic and electrician who will be able to handle minor repairs in the field. Having said that, the idea is to ensure that the expedition and your personal experience is set up for success. You will be given an expedition ready vehicle with minimum chances of breakdown. In order to achieve this, WBB will take effective steps. This includes extensive preventive maintenance of the vehicle (extensive servicing, tyre care, reinforcement of suspensions etc.). We will also be carrying spares, oils and lubricants as additional resources.

However, given the stress of the road and weather conditions, if there is a minor repair to be undertaken, the expedition crew will handle it. In case of a major breakdown and the vehicle needs to be towed, WBB shall organise for the tow vehicle and make sure that the vehicle reaches the workshop. You will be accommodated in another vehicle till we manage a spare vehicle. In this eventuality, the towing and repair cost will have to be borne by the participant/all those who have used the vehicle.

Who will provide for fuel and is it easily available? We have included the fuel cost in the participation fee. The WBB expedition crew will plan and ensure that the team does not run out of fuel at any point. Fuel is available in few places; the WBB crew is aware of these fuel points and shall plan re-fuelling accordingly. We will also be carrying additional fuel in jerry cans. What if the tyre gets punctured? At the start of the expedition, the WBB crew shall explain tyre care practices to be followed daily. The vehicle team is expected to conduct preventive checks on daily basis. In case of a puncture, the vehicle team will need to change the tyre with guidance from the WBB crew.

Driving What kind driving experience do I need? You will need to get an International Driving Permit from your nearest RTO. As long as you are comfortable with driving, you are most welcome to join the team. In Siberia, we drive on the right side of the road. The vehicle will have the steering wheel on the left in order to assist you. This might take 50-100kms to get used to, but you will be comfortable after that. The WBB crew will guide you on difficult sections and mentor your driving if required.

How many people will be there in this group? This expedition will have a maximum of 12 participants. Each vehicle will have maximum of 4 people.

Can I choose who my vehicle mates will be? Unfortunately not. As expeditionary practice, we would like all team members to get to know each other. Basis competence and requirement on the road, WBB crew will assign vehicles. Remember, we are setting you up for success! However, your request (if any) will definitely be considered.

Food What will the food options be like? On this expedition, you are headed to the remotest corner of the world. In the cities, the food will be mostly continental and consist of both veg and non-veg options. In the interiors, soups, bread, different kinds of meat (mostly roasted, fried and bland) are available. Traditional Siberian food consists of a lot of meat. If you are vegetarian, then options get limited to mostly bread and potatoes. Beetroot soup is common too. Fresh breads, cake, fruit preserves, butter always exist as a backup option. WBB will be carrying stock of spices, pickles and ready to eat foods. You are also advised to carry the same basis your preferences and palate. Each vehicle will also be given an emergency snack kit which will consist of dry fruits, fruit yogurt, fruit juices, chocolates etc.

Since we will be driving, how will we manage lunch everyday? Based on our experience and inputs, lunch will be catered for in cafe’s enroute or packed and carried.

Accommodation What kind of hotels will I be staying in? In cities, we have catered for 3 star hotels. In the interiors, we will be staying in guesthouses. At Oymyakon, there are only homestays. They will be simple, basic but clean and comfortable.

Schedule Is the day-wise schedule fixed? Can it be modified? The schedule has been drawn out basis experience. We will stick to the schedule as far as possible. Delays due to weather, road conditions or acts of nature are not in our control. If required the WBB crew will modify the schedule keeping in mind expedition success.

What are rest days? The rest day is your day; you can structure it the way you want. The idea to is to give ourselves, vehicles some rest. Most rest days at taken at locations where there are also other things to do - like go sightseeing or shop. You may choose whatever suits you best. Besides a team meeting in the evening, the entire day will be at your disposal.

Will there be time for sightseeing? Sightseeing is typically planned as part of the schedule either on rest days or during the start/end of the journey. Limited sightseeing is also part of the driving days. Medical Aid What if there is a medical emergency? WBB has an NREMT registered Emergency Medical Technician on board to cater to all kinds of medical emergencies and illness. The EMT also carries a full fledged first aid kit and supplies to treat all kinds of trauma, medical illnesses, environmental emergencies. Prior to start of the drive, participants are required to submit medical clearance from their physicians and also inform about routine medications being taken. WBB has also mapped out primary healthcare facilities in the expedition area in case hospitalisation or advanced treatment is required. In such an eventuality, the cost of medical treatment/ hospitalisation will be borne by the participant. The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking just new landscapes but in having new eyes! “ Marcel“ Proust Connecting with people

“in far off lands reveals not

just the beauty in the people you meet, but also your own ability to move beyond your“ perceptions and willingness to seek, learn and grow What to expect in Siberia Roads - You will mostly be driving on permafrost mud track. Permafrost is frozen earth. The Road of Bones from Yakutsk to Magadan and the Oymyakon road are permafrost roads. The permafrost freezes and de- freezes according to weather. In summer when the permafrost melts, the road gets slushy. In September, the permafrost would begin freezing again. This permafrost road is what makes the expedition unique. You will also see some river crossings. Since this expedition is headed to the area in Sep, the rivers won’t be frozen as yet. There are also a few mountain passes on this route.

Weather - This year the forecast for Sep predicts max day temperature as +10 degrees and min as -6 degrees. Once the sun goes down, the weather gets considerably cold. Some mountain areas are windy too. Dealing with the cold will be a continuous effort. Infact the cold is the major adversity on this expedition.

Communication - Barring the cities, there is no mobile network. However, there is satellite based internet. You can buy an online subscription and use internet to make calls.

People - The Sakha Republic is inhabited by an arctic community called Yakutia. They are mainly herdsmen who were previously nomadic but are now settled in villages. They herd reindeer and horses mainly. The people for most parts are friendly. However in some interior towns who do not have much exposure to tourists, you might encounter a few indifferent people too. A very very small minority speak English - almost nil in the interiors. To speak to the locals, google translator is the only option.

Safety - Rural Siberia is extremely safe. Though remote and uninhabited for most parts, safety is never a concern. Ust-Nera

46 h 2,379 km Tomtor Khandyga Susuman

Magadan

We say it is WBB - ‘within’ & ‘outside’. Have you wondered why the ‘within’ precedes the ‘outside’? For us, “expeditions are not just about traveling to remote lands and taking all that comes with it in your stride; but they“ are experiencing multiple realities, questioning your own beliefs and perceptions, engaging inward, and thereby building your lens for life. The journey is mostly ‘within’, with the ‘outside’ as the context Cost PER HEAD Includes: On road navigation, leadership & guidance Your visa fees and travel insurance 4wd expedition ready Toyota Landcruiser or similar vehicle Rs. 4 lakhs per All fuel expenses for the drive head (if 4 people are On road minor repair and recovery sharing the vehicle) Services of a mechanic, and local guides All accommodation as is available enroute on twin sharing basis - guesthouses, 3 star hotels, homestays - all basis availability Rs. 5 lakhs per head Food - all meals for entire duration of the expedition; (if just 2 people food will be basic, whatever is locally available would like to Airport transfers Entrance fees to museums at Yakutsk and Magadan share the vehicle) Third party car insurance Snack dump for each vehicle Emergency Medical First Response through a certified EMT Merchandise - as applicable Excludes: 5% GST Flight tickets from your city to expedition start point and back Medical, luggage and travel insurance Personal expenses if any Any special meals which you may choose to have Medical expense if any Others not mentioned above in the ‘fee includes’ section Booking This is a challenging and demanding expedition - only for those who have undertaken overland trips before. On this drive, we will have max of 3 vehicles out of which 2 vehicles are kept aside for participants. The third vehicle will have the WBB expedition crew. Book before Participation will be on first come first serve basis only. 15th Feb 2020 Your participation will get confirmed only when you pay us to avail an a 25% booking advance. early bird discount of Cancellation Any cancellation from side of participant due to any reason: Rs. 50,000/- 30 or less than 30 days prior to start of event - no refund 31 - 60 days prior to start of event - 75% refund More than 60 days prior to start of event - 90% refund

In the eventuality of WBB having to cancel the trip at any point due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control, the cancellation will be as follows: 45 or less from start of event: 90% refund Greater than 45 days - full refund For any further details: +91 97170 02058 (WhatsApp) [email protected] Wander Beyond Boundaries