This canoeing expedition takes you to Russian Karelia, to the Tsirkka – Kem River, situated about 140 km east of the Finnish border. Our route goes through unspoilt and clean wilderness areas. The joys of rhythmic activity combined with the exhilaration of running the rapids and relaxing camp life guarantee that the week will be an unforgettable experience. The tour ends at the beautiful Karelian village of Jyskyjärvi where we will get to enjoy the warm hospitality of the local people.
River: The big unexploited lakes higher up in the catchment area guarantee a fairly constant water level so that the river will not run dry even in the warmest summers. There are plenty of rapids on the river (grade I – III depending upon the water level) so some previous paddling experience is necessary to participate this tour. Rapids are suitable for open canoes as well.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Meeting at 4 pm at the Café Raja-Kontti in Vartius border crossing point in Kuhmo. After checking the papers we board our bus to the border-crossing post, which lies one kilometer away. After the border control, which can take up to few hours, we head to the city of Kostamus where we accommodate in the Hotel Fregatti. Dinner available at the hotel.
Days 2 - 6: After breakfast we can pop into a supermarket to purchace some groceries before heading towards the river by minibus. After a few hours’ drive to east we arrive at the village of Tiiksa which is the starting point of the canoeing. Four paddling days on the Tsirkka-Kem River take us through untamed landscape and several exciting rapids. If necessary we can scout the rapids in advance. The river provides many beautiful camping places where we can rest for the night. Along the river there are also local villager’s fishing huts. Tsirkka-Kem River is popular with Russian paddling enthusiasts aswell, so we can expect to meet other like-minded souls during the journey. For the last night we arrive at the Karelian village of Jyskyjärvi, where we stay with local families and enjoy the invigorating sauna steam and delicious locally produced food.
Day 7: After tasty breakfast we load the canoes into the trailor and head to Finland. In Kostamus we can have a break to buy some souvenirs. The border will be crossed in the afternoon.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Services of the professional paddling guide (finnish /english speaking) for the whole duration of the trip
- Transfers from Vartius border crossing point in Kuhmo (Finland) to the river and back from Jyskyjärvi (Russia) to Vartius
Price Excludes:
- Accommodation:
* One night (day 1) in a hotel in Kostamus, approx. 30 eur/person, incl. breakfast
* One night (day 6) with a local family in Jyskyjärvi, approx. 30 eur/person, incl. dinner and breakfast
- Food, all the food during the canoeing and travel in Russia and the dinner in hotel in Kostamus
- Russian visa
- Canoe rental
- Camping gear.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Finland
Russia
Outdoor: Water Drifter
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
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