NORTHERN CANYONS OF SOTKA RIVER. EXCLUSIVE HIKING TOUR
The Sotka River is the main attraction of the Pinega Nature Reserve, which was founded in 1974, and located in the Arkhangelsk region. Around 30 km of the Sotka River flows across the territory of the Pinega Nature Reserve and belongs to the Dvinsko-Pechora basin. The total length of the river is 350 km.
A turbulent stream flows in deep canyon–like valleys. River banks, composed of gypsum deposits, are 50-70 meters high. A large number of karst springs forming caves enter the Sotka River valley. Unique karst landscapes with various karst dips, hollows, logs, lakes, and outliers are formed on river sides and watersheds.
✔ Group of 3-7 people
TOUR SCHEDULE FOR 2020
Duration: 2 days / 1 night
Schedule of tours: on request.
Book a tour at least 5 days before the expected date.
PRICE
Per person
5 600 RUB – tent accommodation
PROGRAM
9:30 – Transfer to the village Pinega (17 km). Excursion to the Karst Museum in the Pinega Nature Reserve.
12:00 – Transfer to the border of the Nature Reserve (5-8 km).
12:30 – Hiking to the banks of the Sotka River (7-10 km depending on weather conditions).
Trail characteristics:
It consists of three sections. The first section (3.5 km) is uphill. It requires a mild ascent from 20m to 100m above sea level. The trail passes through regenerated forests: tall grass and wet soil, rubber boots are essential! Along the way, we stop to take photos, explore local landscapes, and relax by the stream with crystal clear water. The second section of the trail (~ 2.5 km) with fallen trees and karst pits runs along the border of the Pinega Nature Reserve. Abrupt downhill walk to the river is the final section of the trail.
Tea break. Preparation for a rafting trip with instructor.
Whitewater rafting in inflatable boats (rafting time depends on water level; average flow rate is 3-7 km / h). The total length is 7 km. River banks, composed of gypsum deposits, are 50-70 meters high. A large number of karst springs forming caves enter the Sotka River valley. Unique karst landscapes with various karst dips, hollows, logs, lakes, and outliers are formed on river sides and watersheds.
Stop for a photo and a visit to the natural entrance of Leningradskaya cave.
Dinner cooked at the stake. Camp installation.
The River Sotka is where salmon travel to spawn the next generation; only fishing with rod is permitted.
9:00 – Breakfast
10:00 – Walk along karst shores of the Sotka River (1.5 hours).
Rafting on the Sotka River (2 hours). Collecting boats, tea drinking on the beach.
Transfer to Golubino Forest Hotel (25 km.)
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Local guideTransportation3 meals a dayTea drinking
Rafting
Boat rental
Excursion service
ADDITIONAL COSTS (OPTIONAL)
-
- Airfare and train tickets;
- Talagi Airport – Arkhangelsk transfer:
- 1 000 RUB per passenger car (4 seats)
- Round-trip transport (Arkhangelsk-Golubino-Arkhangelsk):
2 400 RUB per adult
1 800 RUB per child
- Individual transfer from Arkhangelsk to Golubino (one way):
- 8 000 RUB – per passenger car (4 seats)
TOURIST REMINDER
- Please note that the tour is designed for physically fit and active tourists. Hiking trail is 10 km long. Unpredictable northern nature often throws surprises in the form of regular rains and annoying midgets, so you should be prepared. River rafting involves independent rowing: the river is narrow and quite shallow.Consumption of alcoholic beverages and smoking is not permitted throughout the journey (Smoking is allowed in designated areas only).
Protected areas legislation prohibits any activity that may be contrary to the objectives of the reserve, including: fishing, hunting, making fires in non-equipped places, pollution of the territory, collection of zoological, botanical, mineralogical and other forest products.
Destruction and damage of barriers and other information signs and stands of the reserve as well as equipped recreation areas. Other activities violating natural processes, threatening the state of natural complexes and objects, and not related to the objectives of the reserve.
Being part of the group requires tourists to observe the given time schedule and follow the route, taking into account the interests of the group. We ask you to stick to a schedule and follow the rules in order to avoid being late. The Golubino Forest Hotel reserves the right to change the order of services without reducing their volume. Persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs are prohibited from the tour.
