Pole of ColdExtreme Overland Expedition on the Road of Bones

Wander Beyond BoundariesYakutsk to Magadan

9th Sept - 22nd Sept 2020

Introduction to ExtREmE OvERlandIng

Extreme Overland drives are self-drive expeditions that head out to remote lands. Inherently expeditionary in nature it needs attributes such as self-reliance, adaptability, resilience, resolve etc.

Historically this domain has evolved from the few forgotten wanderers who risked it all to travel the globe on terrain they did not know of and mingling with cultures they had no idea about while taking uncertainty and ambiguity in their stride.

Over time, the tribe of such over landers has sharply risen, now making the domain a discipline in itself.

World over, these drives / journeys / expeditions distinguish themselves from mere road trips or overland drives (mostly major highways and a few pot holed roads etc), by the sheer fact that they are rooted through the unknown, they aspire for what may seem outlandish and unachievable and most definitely involve terrain that is remote, extreme bereft of creature comforts, luxury and the likes. Given the sheer nature of such journeys, they are premised on the fact that vulnerability, and being out of comfort seeds the beginnings of self-growth wherein learning, unlearning and relearning are part of a never-ending loop.

The greatest value becomes the expedition within an individual who undertakes such drives.

Who are WE?

WBB are pioneers in seeding extreme overlanding into the Indian context. We showcase that journeys are not just Physical (terrain, difficulty, driving, culture, food etc.) but requires an individual to

undertake an equally intense journey within.

Our stripes:Pioneers in extreme overlanding, delivering never before experiences via self-drive expeditions. Driven over 340,000kms on extreme terrain tracks, trails and roads in 30+ countries across the world

Expeditionary, rigorous, challenging and uphold the supremacy of the human spirit

Our core strengths are extreme terrain 4wd based driving, unknown or lesser known routes exploration, extreme overland (XOL) skills training, conceptualising and leading 4WD based extreme terrain self-drive journeys

Vast exposure and skill for variety of terrain – snow, ice, mud, slush, rock & shrub and sand

Founded by Nidhi Salgame Tiwari (the 1st woman to drive a trans-continental distance from Delhi to London and the 1st Indian to drive to the Pole of Cold in North-Eastern Siberia) and Col. S Malik, SM, Retd. (an ex. Army man having served for 24 years with many years of operational experience in extreme terrain driving in Kashmir, Sikkim, Congo and beyond)

Knowledge of preventive maintenance and vehicle management – undertaken several single car expeditions without back up

Understanding of road rules and regulations in most parts of the world

Local liaison in remote corners of the world

Equipped for medical emergencies – Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician(WEMT) on board

Planning, Managing and Leading an overland expedition

India’s First Overland Solo to the Pole of Cold and

on the Road of Bones, north-Eastern Siberia, 2016

First all Women trans-Continental Expedition

by Road from delhi to london, 2015

Himalayan Extreme OverlandSkills training, 2016

WBB - mahindra adventure ‘mustang Overland’ - First crew of women drivers toreach lo manthang, Upper mustang, 2018

WBB Expedition PORtFOlIO

WBB - Porsche Himalayan xOl, 2016

WBB - Isuzu Spiti xOl, 2017

Kashmir Revealed - drive along the lOC, dec 2018

WBB Expedition PORtFOlIO

Siberia Overland, aug 2019

Pole of Cold, Sept 2019

authentic mustang, nov 2019

mahindra adventure Sikkim xOl, 2018

muddy tracks, nagaland, may 2019

“ “Sometimes it takes traveling outside our comfort zone to realise the abilities we never knew we had Kurt Hahn

QUICK INFO9th Sept - 22nd Sept 2020

Total no of days: 14Vehicle type: 4x4 expedition ready Toyota Landcruiser Prado or similar Convoy size: 3 vehicles Max team size: 12Total distance: 2500 kmsAverage driving time per day: 10 hoursDifficulty level: Level 3, challengingDrive tone and tenor: Expeditionary and self-reliant Start point: Yakutsk End point: Magadan

Pole of Cold - Oymyakon: coldest inhabited place on earth in north eastern Siberia Driving on the Road of Bones - from Yakutsk to Magadan; built on permafrost, considered ‘the most dangerous road in the world’Insight into life, culture and regional history of Sakha Republic The Woolly Mammoth, Permafrost and Regional History museum in Yakutsk Gulag and Regional History museum in Magadan Kolyma highway, the most notorious outpost of the far eastern Gulag system Possible dip in the freezing Indigirka river Magadan regional museum and monument of sorrow Plain remote expanse of the Siberian wilderness - gorgeous uninhabited landscapes strewn with reindeers; population density of 1 person per sq kmLargest surviving cold storage of the world - permafrost; remnants of the ice age including permafrost mummies and cave lion mummies

dates

Highlights

Brief dESCRIPtIOn

If road trips, driving, wilderness and remote corners of the world have featured in your bucket list, then this expedition is as far as you can take it. Headed to one of the most remote corners of the world, braving the most challenging road, weather that is anything but hospitable, steeped in fascinating cultural and regional history, inhabited by friendly Yakutia people, this expedition reaches out to every driving enthusiast who has dreamt of driving on the

toughest and remotest parts of the earth. This route crosses the Siberian region from the west to east, transcends three time zones and reaches Russia’s far east (also referred to as the edge of the world). It provides for a unique opportunity to explore the backcountry, absorb Yakutia culture, marvel at the natural wonders (remnants of the ice age), and visit Oymyakon - called the Pole of Cold, the coldest inhabited place on planet earth where temperatures drop to -71.6 degrees in peak winter. It also exudes the purity of the expeditionary travel - exposing you to the vagaries of a self-reliant expedition which is unique and highly enriching in itself. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the ardent driving, outdoors and adventure enthusiast. It is not only pushing boundaries on the outsidebut is deeply enhancing and richexperience within too. By sheernature of experience, demandsof the road and weather, it pushesyou to understand the threshold ofyour inner potential. If you aregame and ready to embarkon the mother of all possibleextreme overland expeditionsof the world, join us as we driveout to Russia’s Far East.

...and we mean it!Satty “ “Nidhi “ “This part of the earth showcases the tenacity of the human spirit like none

other. There is so much history, the land feels ancient. What strikesme the most is the resilience of the people who live in these areas.

Just puts life in perspective. The experience is very humbling.

I haven’t seen anything as vast as this. For hundreds of kilometers, when you don’t see a single human being, house or village, it is just the wilderness and you. Feels very remote, no doubt. But also feels so reassuring that there are

still such sections on earth - so pristine, untouched and supremely beautiful.

9th Sept 2020 Arrive in Yakutsk. Short orientation on expedition, team roles, route, emergency response and preparedness.

10th & 11th Sept 2020 Spend the days sightseeing - visit the Permafrost and regional history museum. Also stop by at the meat market that is unique to Yakutsk. You may choose to visit other tourist sites in the city if you wish.

12th Sept 2020 Drive out early towards Khandyga - the destination for the day. Once out of Yakutsk city, cross the river Lena by ferry and continue the drive. The initial 100 kms is on a black top road, and further the permafrost mud track. Short of Khandya, cross the river Aldan and reach the town by 6-7 pm latest.

scheduletentative SCHEdUlE

13th Sept 2020 This is one of the longest driving days. Here we begin our drive officially on ‘Road of Bones’ or Kolyma Highway. Destination of the day is Tomtor, nearly 550kms away. Enroute a few mountain passes greet us. The Siberian wilderness in all its glory, the scenery enroute is pretty and just stark. Oymyakon, is just 40 kms away from Tomtor.

14th Sept 2020 Post a leisurely breakfast, visit the Gulag museum at Tomtor and further proceed to drive to the coldest inhabited place on earth – Oymyakon! We should reach Oymyakon by lunch time.

of Yakutia eat a lot of horse meat. The thickness of active permafrost at Oymyakon (which freezes and refreezes seasonally) is just about 18inches. Below that is passive permafrost or commonly called permanently frozen earth. Life here is anything but easy. The intent of staying two days is to be able to explore Oymyakon on foot, meet people and get an insight into what it takes to live in the coldest inhabited place on earth.

15th & 16th Sept 2020 We spend both these days in Oymyakon which is located beside the Indigirka river. The fish from this river is famous all over Siberia. One can get adventurous and take a dip in the freezing river. Once done with the photo-op around the Pole of Cold monument, around Oymyakon is also located a reindeer and horse breeding farm which is worth a visit. The people

17th Sept 2020After some rest and recoup at Oymyakon, drive out early towards Ust Nera, an industrial town located further north towards the Arctic. Primarily a mining town (many gold mines in the area), during the Soviet era this was the hub of forced labour or Russia’s version of concentration camps called the Gulags. Many gulag memorials punctuate the area. The drive to Ust Nera should take about 8 to 9 hours depending on the snow and weather conditions. At Ust Nera, we also move into a new time zone!

18th Sept 2020 Susuman is our destination for the day. While the driving time is merely 6-7 hours, sometimes owing to poor weather, this section can take longer. Enroute we also stop at Kadykchan which is an abandoned mining town that is now crumbling with time but was fairly intact till recently. It’s a surreal experience to walk around, see the hospital, school, restaurants, living quarters but not a soul lives in the town anymore! We move another time zone and also enter the Magadan administrative area on this day. Susuman is much warmer than Ust Nera and a small mining town once again.

19th Sept 2020 Again a long driving day, the aim to reach Magadan by end of day - about 8 hours away. The drive feels long and is a mix of permafrost road and a short section of tar road towards the end close to Magadan.

20th & 21st Sept 2020 These are rest days at Magadan to relax, walk around, soak up on the culture and history of one corner of the world (as it was referred to for a long time). You could walk around town, see the museum and cathedral or just rest - entirely unto you. The only engagement for the day is a gala dinner on 20th Sept evening to celebrate the journey.

22nd Sept 2020 Magadan is well connected to Yakutsk and Moscow by flight. Depending on what time your flight departs, we shall have you dropped to the airport accordingly. Goodbye!

“ “

Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of nowhere. Sometimes in the middle of nowhere you find yourself

Intense Sheer WilderNeSS Frigid

Arctic ResIlIence Work

dArK huSkieS FrOZEN NEw staRk

MIlestone tough iNtENsE raW

cOld sElF-discOvErycOmiNg of AgE

suRRealStruggleB l I z z a R d n e w

sNOw IceM I R R o RReMote

Frequently asked QUEStIOnS (FaQ)Expedition VehicleWhich vehicle will I be driving? You will be driving a Toyota Landcruiser Prado or similar 4wd SUV that has been modified and made expedition ready.

Will I get to drive everyday and all the time? Each vehicle will be shared by 2 or 4 participants (basis your booking). We would ideally like to have a minimum of 2 drivers in each car. This has been designed so to avoid driver fatigue given that the terrain and weather will be challenging. If there is more than one driver in a car, you will have to mutually agree and take turns.

What if the vehicle breaks down? The expedition crew will have a qualified mechanic and electrician who will be able to handle minor repairs in the field. Having said that, the idea is to ensure that the expedition and your personal experience is set up for success. You will be given an expedition ready vehicle with minimum chances of breakdown. In order to achieve this, WBB will take effective steps. This includes extensive preventive maintenance of the vehicle (extensive servicing, tyre care, reinforcement of suspensions etc.). We will also be carrying spares, oils and lubricants as additional resources.

However, given the stress of the road and weather conditions, if there is a minor repair to be undertaken, the expedition crew will handle it. In case of a major breakdown and the vehicle needs to be towed, WBB shall organise for the tow vehicle and make sure that the vehicle reaches the workshop. You will be accommodated in another vehicle till we manage a spare vehicle. In this eventuality, the towing and repair cost will have to be borne by the participant/all those who have used the vehicle.

Who will provide for fuel and is it easily available? We have included the fuel cost in the participation fee. The WBB expedition crew will plan and ensure that the team does not run out of fuel at any point. Fuel is available in few places; the WBB crew is aware of these fuel points and shall plan re-fuelling accordingly. We will also be carrying additional fuel in jerry cans.

What if the tyre gets punctured? At the start of the expedition, the WBB crew shall explain tyre care practices to be followed daily. The vehicle team is expected to conduct preventive checks on daily basis. In case of a puncture, the vehicle team will need to change the tyre with guidance from the WBB crew.

DrivingWhat kind driving experience do I need?You will need to get an International Driving Permit from your nearest RTO. As long as you are comfortable with driving, you are most welcome to join the team. In Siberia, we drive on the right side of the road. The vehicle will have the steering wheel on the left in order to assist you. This might take 50-100kms to get used to, but you will be comfortable after that. The WBB crew will guide you on difficult sections and mentor your driving if required.

How many people will be there in this group?This expedition will have a maximum of 12 participants. Each vehicle will have maximum of 4 people.

Can I choose who my vehicle mates will be? Unfortunately not. As expeditionary practice, we would like all team members to get to know each other. Basis competence and requirement on the road, WBB crew will assign vehicles. Remember, we are setting you up for success! However, your request (if any) will definitely be considered.

Food What will the food options be like? On this expedition, you are headed to the remotest corner of the world. In the cities, the food will be mostly continental and consist of both veg and non-veg options. In the interiors, soups, bread, different kinds of meat (mostly roasted, fried and bland) are available. Traditional Siberian food consists of a lot of meat. If you are vegetarian, then options get limited to mostly bread and potatoes. Beetroot soup is common too. Fresh breads, cake, fruit preserves, butter always exist as a backup option.

WBB will be carrying stock of spices, pickles and ready to eat foods. You are also advised to carry the same basis your preferences and palate. Each vehicle will also be given an emergency snack kit which will consist of dry fruits, fruit yogurt, fruit juices, chocolates etc.

Since we will be driving, how will we manage lunch everyday? Based on our experience and inputs, lunch will be catered for in cafe’s enroute or packed and carried.

Accommodation What kind of hotels will I be staying in? In cities, we have catered for 3 star hotels. In the interiors, we will be staying in guesthouses. At Oymyakon, there are only homestays. They will be simple, basic but clean and comfortable.

Schedule Is the day-wise schedule fixed? Can it be modified? The schedule has been drawn out basis experience. We will stick to the schedule as far as possible. Delays due to weather, road conditions or acts of nature are not in our control. If required the WBB crew will modify the schedule keeping in mind expedition success.

What are rest days? The rest day is your day; you can structure it the way you want. The idea to is to give ourselves, vehicles some rest. Most rest days at taken at locations where there are also other things to do - like go sightseeing or shop. You may choose whatever suits you best. Besides a team meeting in the evening, the entire day will be at your disposal.

Will there be time for sightseeing? Sightseeing is typically planned as part of the schedule either on rest days or during the start/end of the journey. Limited sightseeing is also part of the driving days.

Medical AidWhat if there is a medical emergency? WBB has an NREMT registered Emergency Medical Technician on board to cater to all kinds of medical emergencies and illness. The EMT also carries a full fledged first aid kit and supplies to treat all kinds of trauma, medical illnesses, environmental emergencies. Prior to start of the drive, participants are required to submit medical clearance from their physicians and also inform about routine medications being taken. WBB has also mapped out primary healthcare facilities in the expedition area in case hospitalisation or advanced treatment is required. In such an eventuality, the cost of medical treatment/hospitalisation will be borne by the participant.

“ “

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking just new landscapes but in having new eyes! Marcel Proust

“

“

Connecting with peoplein far off lands reveals not

just the beauty in the peopleyou meet, but also your ownability to move beyond yourperceptions and willingness

to seek, learn and grow

What to expect In SIBERIaRoads - You will mostly be driving on permafrost mud track. Permafrost is frozen earth. The Road of Bones from Yakutsk to Magadan and the Oymyakon road are permafrost roads. The permafrost freezes and de-freezes according to weather. In summer when the permafrost melts, the road gets slushy. In September, the permafrost would begin freezing again. This permafrost road is what makes the expedition unique. You will also see some river crossings. Since this expedition is headed to the area in Sep, the rivers won’t be frozen as yet. There are also a few mountain passes on this route.

Weather - This year the forecast for Sep predicts max day temperature as +10 degrees and min as -6 degrees. Once the sun goes down, the weather gets considerably cold. Some mountain areas are windy too. Dealing with the cold will be a continuous effort. Infact the cold is the major adversity on this expedition.

Communication - Barring the cities, there is no mobile network. However, there is satellite based internet. You can buy an online subscription and use internet to make calls.

People - The Sakha Republic is inhabited by an arctic community called Yakutia. They are mainly herdsmen who were previously nomadic but are now settled in villages. They herd reindeer and horses mainly. The people for most parts are friendly. However in some interior towns who do not have much exposure to tourists, you might encounter a few indifferent people too. A very very small minority speak English - almost nil in the interiors. To speak to the locals, google translator is the only option.

Safety - Rural Siberia is extremely safe. Though remote and uninhabited for most parts, safety is never a concern.

KhandygaTomtor

Ust-Nera

Susuman

Magadan

46 h2,379 km

“ “We say it is WBB - ‘within’ & ‘outside’. Have you wondered why the ‘within’ precedes the ‘outside’? For us, expeditions are not just about traveling to remote lands and taking all that comes with it in your stride; but they are experiencing multiple realities, questioning your own beliefs and perceptions, engaging inward, and thereby

building your lens for life. The journey is mostly ‘within’, with the ‘outside’ as the context

Cost PER HEadIncludes: On road navigation, leadership & guidance Your visa fees and travel insurance 4wd expedition ready Toyota Landcruiser or similar vehicleAll fuel expenses for the driveOn road minor repair and recovery Services of a mechanic, and local guides All accommodation as is available enroute on twin sharing basis -guesthouses, 3 star hotels, homestays - all basis availability Food - all meals for entire duration of the expedition;food will be basic, whatever is locally availableAirport transfers Entrance fees to museums at Yakutsk and MagadanThird party car insuranceSnack dump for each vehicleEmergency Medical First Response through a certified EMTMerchandise - as applicable

rs. 4 lakhs perhead (if 4 people aresharing the vehicle)

rs. 5 lakhs per head(if just 2 people

would like toshare the vehicle)

Excludes: 5% GSTFlight tickets from your city to expedition start point and back Medical, luggage and travel insurance Personal expenses if any Any special meals which you may choose to haveMedical expense if anyOthers not mentioned above in the ‘fee includes’ section

Book before15th feb 2020

to avail anearly bird

discount ofrs. 50,000/-

This is a challenging and demanding expedition - only for those who have undertaken overland trips before. On this drive, we will have max of 3 vehicles out of which 2 vehicles are kept aside for participants. The third vehicle will have the WBB expedition crew. Participation will be on first come first serve basis only. Your participation will get confirmed only when you pay us a 25% booking advance.

Booking

Any cancellation from side of participant due to any reason:

Cancellation30 or less than 30 days prior to start of event - no refund31 - 60 days prior to start of event - 75% refundMore than 60 days prior to start of event - 90% refund

In the eventuality of WBB having to cancel the trip at any point due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control, the cancellation will be as follows:

45 or less from start of event: 90% refund Greater than 45 days - full refund

+91 97170 02058 (WhatsApp)info@wanderbeyondboundaries.com Wander Beyond Boundaries

For any further details: