Stories of Chernobyl : a tour to the Belarusian exclusion zone

The main objective of our trip is to get acquainted with the activities of the Polesie State Radioecological Reserve, to learn about radiation contamination issues with the scientific staff of the reserve, as well as to monitor the flora and fauna of the territories where human activity was almost completely terminated. You will be surprised how quickly nature has recovered: for 30 years of human absence, the reserve’s territory was inhabited by the Przhevalsky horse, and the number of bison here is one of the highest in Belarus. Thanks to the ban on hunting in the exclusion zone, the number of wolves and ungulates has also recovered.

Photo: hawat.by

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05:00 - departure from Minsk (a parking spot near central railway station).

09:30 - starting the tour at the nature reserve.

Our one-day itinerary includes a maximum of locations for experiencing the reserve. We will start the route from the museum, then visit several villages, an industrial building, and the Priapiat' River shore.

17:30 - dinner in a café of Khoiniki.

18:30 - departure for Minsk.

Arriving in Minsk around 23:00.

Our route is built due to the lowest dosimeter indicators, which makes our stay at the territory of the reserve safe. We will visit the resettled villages, the Pripyat river, to whose shores abandoned boats are still moored and other industrial buildings.

The reserve is a territory with a particularly high status of protection, it also has a checkpoint system, so you can only visit the exclusion zone as part of an organized group. Participants have to join the group as early as possible so that we can get entry passes: it should be at least 5 days before the tour starts.

Get a better overview of the tour by reading an article on Lonely Planet written by one of our guests.

 

The best tour company I had to deal with in Belarus. Definitely would recommend these guys, both for regular tourism and visiting the exclusion zone of Belarus! The exclusion zone there is very different to that of Ukraine, so it's awesome if you manage to visit both. Regarding the tour company, I really liked how people at WalkToFolk are committed to doing something really unique, are very responsive and are always ready to help. If it's your first time in Belarus - definitely call these guys!
Anton
Karina was a wonderful guide for our two-day tour of the Polesie State Radioecological Preserve (the Belarusian side of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone). She met our group in Minsk and traveled with us to the preserve and back. We saw a fascinating mixture of wildlife and abandoned settlements. We also spoke with workers in the preserve, who were happy to provide information about the many ongoing projects in the region. Karina was a friendly and helpful host, fluent in English, and an invaluable link to the local personnel. I would highly recommend her tours!
Jesse
Our visit in the Belarus Exclusion Zone was amazing, but even more so because of our guide Karina who made it special. The land arrangements, meals and tour content were unique, and her impeccable English and friendly approach added volumes to this unique experience. We were on time and on point despite the complex itinerary and rugged terrain, and the information and narrative delivered was very interesting and unique even for seasoned Zone travelers.
Evan

Price:

Included in the price:
  • transfer from Minsk and back;
  • transfer at the territory of the reserve;
  • guiding by scientific department staff of the reserve;
  • entry passes;
  • dinner in a cafe in the town of Khoiniki.
Not included:
  • health insurance.
from 260 BYN

The listed price is relevant to a scheduled tour or a group of 16+ participants.

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