17-Day Indigirka Delta Ross’s Gull Photography Expedition
A specialist 17-day Arctic expedition from Yakutsk to the Indigirka Delta, centred on a Ross’s Gull colony and the region’s cranes, loons and tundra birds.
About this tour
This photographic expedition uses Yakutsk and Chokurdakh as gateways to the Indigirka Delta, one of the most remote breeding landscapes on the itinerary. The central camp lies within walking reach of a dependable Ross’s Gull colony, allowing repeated sessions instead of a single encounter.
Field time follows Arctic light rather than a conventional daytime schedule. Evening and overnight sessions are prioritised when the low sun is strongest, with attention also given to Siberian Crane, Yellow-billed Loon, Long-tailed Jaeger, shorebirds and the broader tundra community. Forest birding around Yakutsk adds a contrasting final chapter.
Participants should expect wet, uneven walking while carrying camera equipment, simple tents and shared facilities, small-boat transfers and limited comfort away from Yakutsk. This is deliberately an intensive product for experienced wildlife photographers who value access and light over a relaxed daily rhythm.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Russia.
Birds you can spot
Locustella lanceolata
target
Stercorarius longicaudus
target
Emberiza leucocephalos
target
Rhodostethia rosea
target
Leucogeranus leucogeranus
target
Calliope calliope
target
Xenus cinereus
target
Gavia adamsii
target
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Yakutsk
Travel to Yakutsk and meet the expedition team before the internal flight. The precise arrival deadline is confirmed with the final travel pack.
Day 3
Fly north to Chokurdakh
Take the scheduled internal flight to the Arctic settlement and organise equipment for the river journey. Local birding depends on flight and weather timing.
Day 4
Boat transfer into the Indigirka Delta
Travel by small boat through the river system to the private camp. The route begins to reveal tundra waterbirds, shorebirds and the open delta landscape.
Day 5
Seven days at the Ross’s Gull camp
Work from the delta camp for repeated photography sessions near the gull colony. Timing follows the best light, while daily searches also cover cranes, loons, jaegers and breeding shorebirds.
Day 11
Return by boat to Chokurdakh
Leave the field camp and navigate back to town. Weather and river conditions govern the transfer, with local birding added when practical.
Day 12
Chokurdakh birding
Survey habitats around the settlement for additional waterbirds and tundra species before the return flight south.
Day 13
Flight to Yakutsk
Return to Yakutsk and recover from the remote camp stage. Flight schedules and Arctic weather remain operational variables.
Day 14
Taiga and Lena River birding
Spend three days in forest and floodplain habitat west of Yakutsk. Rubythroats, warblers, buntings and other taiga birds broaden the expedition beyond its Arctic focus.
Day 17
Departure
Transfer to the airport for onward travel after the final Yakutsk birding programme.
Locations & map
- Yakutsk - Sakha Republic Russia (Taiga, Lena River floodplain and urban logistics base.)
- Chokurdakh - Sakha Republic Russia (Remote Arctic settlement on the Indigirka River.)
- Indigirka Delta - Sakha Republic Russia (Tundra, wetlands and river channels near the Arctic coast.)
3 stops in itinerary order. Select a marker for its name.
Availability & pricing
Price: Price on request
Availability is confirmed after your inquiry.
Included
- In-tour transport - Transport specified for the confirmed land programme.
- Twin-share accommodation - Hotels, guesthouses or camps described in the itinerary.
- Meals during the land programme - Meals are included during the confirmed tour.
- Permits and protected-area entrances - Required local permits and entrances in the confirmed route.
Not included
- International flights - Travel to the start and from the finish is not included.
- Visas and travel insurance - Travel documents and insurance remain the traveller’s responsibility.
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses - Not included unless specifically confirmed.
Transport & stays
- Domestic flight, small boats and local road transf
Accommodations
- Yakutsk hotel, Chokurdakh lodging and private delta camp (days 1-17) Twin-share or expedition tents Private facilities in Yakutsk; shared basic facilities in Chokurdakh and at camp
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Are the target birds guaranteed?
No. The named species are priorities supported by the route, but every sighting depends on wild birds and current conditions.
Can this itinerary be arranged privately?
A private variation may be possible. Send your dates, group size and priorities through BirdWatch.info for a current proposal.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.