Description
SO DIFFERENT – SO CLOSE
Khabarovsk (Nanai) – Birobidjan (Jews) – Kamchatka (Koryaks, Evens) – Sakhalin (Koreans)
DAY 1 Khabarovsk (Nanai indigenous people)
Nanai is the largest group of aborigines today (just over 12,000 people) living on the left and right banks of the Amur. The traditional economy has always been fishing, which can be done year-round. Nanai knew, caught and processed more than 120 species of fish. They live mainly settled in small villages. The Nanai people have a rich culture carefully preserved till nowadays. Today we plunge into the life of Nanai ancestors living in the aboriginal Nanai village of Sikachi-Alyan not far from Khabarovsk (70 km outside). We get acquainted with the traditions, way of life, beliefs, myths and legends of the Nanai people, traditional art of the Nanai. Another proud of locals and one of the “must-see” places near Khabarovsk are ancient stone drawing – petroglyphs, which are more than 12,000 years old and have long been a world heritage site. Besides, in the program:
- Trying on the national male and female Nanai clothes sewn from fish skin with hand-embroidered patterns.
- Tasting of national dishes: fresh tala, fish soup and dumplings from Far Eastern fish, teas from local herbs and other dishes of national cuisine.
- And finally, the national games and fun of the Nanai people: tugging sticks, rope jumping, group game "Chakpan", archery, javelin throwing.
Day 2 Birobidjan (Jews)
Birobidzhan - the center of Jewish culture in the Far East, is only 2,5 hours away from Khabarovsk by car or train along Trans-Siberian Railway. A guide from Birobidzhan - inborn Jewish woman will tell you an interesting story about the survival of Jews in these lifeless territories after they were gathered here in the years of Stalin's repressions. You will also have a sightseeing tour of the city’s history, visit Bira river embankment and an unusual sight – the monument “for the 1st settlers”. You’ll learn much about the features of today's way of life of Jews in the Far East at visit to Jewish society, Synagogue, Jewish school. And of course, Jewish style lunch is waiting for you in kosher café.
Day 3 Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky (Koryaks, Evens)
Trip to the Mayachniy cape from where picturesque panorama of the Pacific Ocean, the Avacha bay surrounding by volcanos and Tri Brata rocks is open.
Excursion to the Ethnic Style Village - sledge dogs’ kennel introduces you to the culture of indigenous people of Kamchatka: Koryaks, Itelmens, Evens. The guests will hear the history of sled dog racing in Kamchatka, which is closely connected with the culture and traditions of local aboriginal people, meeting the dogs, training the basic skills of driving a dog sled, dog sledding in turns. After, watch traditional dances and learn some of the dancing moves. You can also take pictures wearing traditional clothes, learn about the Kamchatka natives’ lifestyle and enjoy flavored hot fish soup (ukha) in the fresh air.
Day 4 Sakhalin Koreans
Around 10% of the whole amount of Russian Koreans which are more than 45000 people set up a huge diaspora in Sakhalin island. All of them are South Koreans’ descendants brought here by Japanese in the beginning of 20th century as a working power. Today Koreans are completely adapted to modern Russian life, still the story of how they appeared here and how their lives interlaced with Russian historical events deserve attention. Today we visit Uzhno-Sakhalinsk, Korsakov town and Pozharskoye settlement to route the sights connected with Koreans living here and in the end visit Korean cultural center. Korean cuisine lunch is included no doubt.
This tour is a modal plan that can be changed or prolonged in the cities of visit depending on your requirements and flight schedules.
