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On the 1st of August 2.20pm Moscow time a total solar eclipse will cross the territory of Russia. The eclipse will be seen in Novaya Zemlya in the Arctic Ocean, Western Siberia, Yamal, and Altai. It will last for only 2 minutes but the opportunistic travel companies already estimate the profit brought by the eclipse. Where to observe the black solar circle and how much it costs?
Nadym
For the longest period – 2:27 minutes – the eclipse will be observed at Yamal, in particular – in the city of Nadym.
“We are waiting for tourists from different countries. We have received calls from Dutch, French and Portuguese citizens. French ask for cheap hotels, Dutch want to get some special equipment. For tourists we will equip a special observation site with a telescope. Two astronomers from a local university will comment on everything occurring in the sky”, as chief of the Culture, Sports, and Youth Policy Department Vladimir Kozlov says.
According to the local administration, the city lacks hotels and the private sector is the major hope. Bed is around 15EUR, while an apartment costs around 110EUR. The most luxurious apartment in the city is 190EUR. A trip to observe the astronomic phenomenon in Nadym costs minimum 550EUR, including flights, accommodation, and meals.
Altai
The Altai Region gets ready for arrival of over 20.000 tourists. The central eclipse line is to fall on Chemal village. The main site for observing the solar eclipse is Belukha Mount – the highest mountain in Altai. However, the majority of events dedicated to the eclipse will be held in the neighbouring Ust-Koksinsky district known to be populated by Old Believers.
It is impossible to purchase 2-3-day tours to Altai. Normally travel companies offer a one-week trip that includes rafting, mountain climbing, horse-riding and local cuisine meals.
Observing the solar eclipse in Altai will cost minimum 500EUR for tourists staying in tents; an excursion programme + rafting + a visit to the Old Believers roughly costs 675EUR.
Novosibirsk
The local astronomers have estimated that one can observe the total solar eclipse in Novosibirsk once in 300 years. Novosibirsk (and the city of Barnaul) is located only 20-30 kilometres away from the eclipse central line.
According to the local administration, they are going to accommodate tourists in camps due to the hotel rooms have been booked since 2003. Binocular rent outlets open in the city every day and the owners hope to make a good scoop. A lot of guests from Canada, America and Europe are expected to come to the city.
There are two ways to get to the city: to get to Novosibirsk or Barnaul by plane or to travel along the Trans-Siberian. A tour including a plane ticket will cost from 810EUR; going by train will be cheaper. A telescope for rent costs 135EUR.
