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Last updated on May 31, 2025
The Nenets are an Indigenous people of Arctic Russia, renowned for their nomadic lifestyle and deep connection to reindeer herding in the remote, unforgiving tundra of northern Siberia, in a region named Yamalia.
Despite their isolation, it is now possible for travelers to visit Nenets camps, a rare opportunity to meet a truly nomadic culture, while witnessing one of the rawest travel experiences.
In Against the Compass, we offer several expeditions to meet the Nenets throughout year, both in winter and summer.
When it’s best to visit the Nenets: winter or summer?
Travelers interested in this particular part of Russia are often not sure about which season is best for going to Yamalia.
The truth is that both seasons offer incredible experiences, but they’re dramatically different. Here are 30 photos that will help you decide which season is best to travel with us to Yamalia.
Remember that we have the following shceuded for Nenets:
Nenets in summer
Our Nenets summer tour is in:
September 18th to 24th (2025)
In summer, the landscape is more beautiful, with the tundra being green and covered in wildflowers.
Another great advantage is that you are going to see much more reindeers, since in summer, Nenets need to gather them every day for carrying out different types of tasks.
In summer, Nenets often don’t wear their traditional reindeer-made clothes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take amazing photos, plus remember the weather is much more pleasant than the freezing Siberian winter.
However, the main advantage of coming here in summer is that you’ll get to witness the migration, as Nenets families move with their reindeer and sledges every one or two days—a dynamic, ever-changing scene that few outsiders ever get to see.
Nenets in winter
Our Nenets winter tours are in:
November 16th to 22nd (2025)
March 31st to April 6th (2026)
In winter, the whole tundra is frozen, and temperatures drop down to -20ºc and -40ºc. The tundra isn’t as beautiful as in summer but the weather and snow add an epic touch into it. From a weather perspective, it’s colder and more uncomfortable, but don’t worry, chums (local tents) are warm and cozy.
Nenets wear their traditional, reindeer-made clothes, making them particular photogenic.
In winter, you won’t witness Nenets migration (unless staged) but you will be able to see other activities like ice-fishing, or ice collection for their water.
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