This is a complete, women-friendly guide for first-time travellers joining Divas Sojourn’s Russia Northern Lights trip. It contains everything a new woman traveller needs: how to prepare, what to pack for Arctic March, daily expectations, where you’ll stay and eat, transport tips, safety advice (women-only context), local culture, and how to maximise your chance to see the aurora. The itinerary below is taken from your official trip page and expanded with practical travel advice.
Quick Facts (At a glance)
- Trip: Russia Northern Lights — Women Only (Divas Sojourn).
- Dates / Duration: 14–21 Mar 2026 — 7 nights / 8 days.
- Price (per person): INR 2,95,000 (payment: 50% booking, balance 25 days prior).
- Included highlights: International flights from Delhi, 2 domestic flights, high-speed train, igloo stay, 2 nights aurora-hunting, hotels in Moscow, Murmansk, St. Petersburg, Sami village & Teriberka visits.
- Main activities: Moscow city + metro tour, Murmansk city & Alyosha monument, Nuclear Icebreaker “Lenin”, Sami village, Teriberka (Dragon Eggs beach, Arctic Ocean), snowmobile sleigh, Aurora hunts, St. Petersburg city tour.
- Best months for aurora in the Murmansk region: October–March (peak probability Jan–Mar). March is a strong month for aurora + winter activities.
1) Day-by-day — condensed itinerary (what to expect each day)
- Day 1 — Arrival, Moscow: Arrival in Moscow, transfer to Hotel Izmailovo Vega (or similar), relax, and group meet-up. Dinner provided.
- Day 2 — Moscow city & Metro tour: Red Square, GUM Mall, Alexandrovsky Garden, Zaryadye Park, Moscow Metro experience. Breakfast included.
- Day 3 — Fly to Murmansk: Flight to Murmansk — visits: Alyosha Monument, Five Corners Square, Kola Bay viewpoint, Nuclear Icebreaker Lenin. Stay at Hotel Lapland Village (or similar).
- Day 4 — Sami village + Aurora hunt: Sami village cultural visit (reindeer, lavvu), followed by your first guided Northern Lights night tour (photographer on tour).
- Day 5 — Teriberka (Arctic Ocean): Scenic drive to Teriberka, Dragon Eggs beach, snowmobile sleigh to the Arctic Ocean, frozen waterfalls, wildlife spotting. Igloo-style stay that night.
- Day 6 — Fly to St. Petersburg: Transfer & flight to St. Petersburg, evening free/cultural event.
- Day 7 — St. Petersburg city tour: Kazan Cathedral, Peter & Paul Fortress, other monuments.
- Day 8 — Return to Moscow → Departure: High-speed train to Moscow and onward departure to India.
2) When to go & weather you’ll face (March specifics)
- Why March? Long nights remain, but days are getting slightly longer — giving good aurora-hunting opportunity plus safer daytime conditions for excursions. January–March is commonly recommended for aurora hunts in Murmansk.
- Average March temps in Murmansk: typical daytime highs around −4°C to 0°C and nighttime lows commonly −12°C to −8°C (approximately −6°C average). Dress for temperatures well below freezing, especially at night out on aurora chases.
- What this means practically: daytime excursions are cold but doable with layers; aurora hunts will be the coldest (standing or sitting still at night), so bring high-quality insulation and hand/foot warmers.
3) Packing checklist — Arctic March (women-friendly, practical)
Document & tech
- Passport (valid >6 months), printed itinerary, e-tickets, insurance copy (policy included up to age 59 for Indian passport holders on this trip — verify specifics).
- Power bank, phone, camera + extra batteries (cold drains batteries fast), universal plug adapter (Russia uses Type C & F; 220–230V).
- Photocopies (one with leader & one in luggage), emergency contacts, small waterproof dry bag.
Clothing (layering is essential)
- Base layers (thermal underwear — merino or synthetic) ×2 sets.
- Insulating mid-layers: fleece / down jacket.
- Heavy winter parka (windproof, insulated, downfilled).
- Insulated, waterproof trousers/shell pants.
- Warm hat (covering ears), neck gaiter/balaclava, insulated gloves (and a thin liner pair) — bring glove liners for camera use.
- Wool or synthetic socks (2–3 pairs + spare).
- Insulated, waterproof winter boots rated for −20°C (or better).
- Hand & foot warmers (single-use), sunglasses (snow glare), lip balm with SPF, high-SPF sunscreen for daytime reflections.
Extras
- Small thermos, reusable water bottle (insulated), travel-sized first aid & prescribed meds, blister plasters.
- Travel laundry soap, quick-dry underwear, and sanitary products (if you prefer specific brands).
- Lightweight daypack (waterproof), camera tripod (if you plan long exposures).
- Toiletries & moisturiser (cold + heating dehydrates skin).
What to wear on Aurora hunts
- Layered base + insulating midlayer + parka + insulated boots + hand warmers. Avoid cotton. Move around during waits to keep circulation.
4) Health, insurance & paperwork
- Visa: A Russian visa is required for Indian passport holders (follow the trip’s visa support note; Divas Sojourn includes visa & insurance up to age 59 for Indian passport holders — check the exact scope & documents required). Always reconfirm the timeline for visa processing with the tour operator.
- Insurance: Trip includes some insurance per trip page (verify coverage & buy top-up if needed — especially for winter activities and evacuation).
- Vaccines & health: No special vaccines are universally required, but ensure routine vaccinations are current. Carry enough regular medications and a prescription note. Cold exposure can aggravate asthma/hypertension — discuss with your doctor.
- Altitude/Arctic safety: Not high altitude, but extreme cold is the primary risk (frostbite, hypothermia). Follow the guide instructions, wear proper gear, and report any concerns immediately.
5) Where you’ll stay & eat (what to expect)
- Hotels listed on itinerary: Moscow — Hotel Izmailovo Vega (or similar); Murmansk — Hotel Lapland Village (and igloo house Lapland Village for one night); St. Petersburg — Hotel Cosmos Pribaltyskaya (or similar). Confirm rooming & single supplement policies with Divas Sojourn.
- Food: Breakfasts included a few dinners were included as per the itinerary. Russian cuisine in cities has many options — soups (borscht), pelmeni, pirozhki — and you’ll also find international choices. If you are vegetarian/vegan, confirm menus in advance (large cities are accommodating; remote areas are less so).
- Special stays: Igloo house experience (night in igloo) — a highlight for photos and aurora viewing, but be prepared for rustic, cold-weather accommodations.
6) Getting around & transfers (logistics)
- Flights & trains: The package includes international flights from Delhi, two domestic flights (Moscow↔Murmansk and Murmansk→St Petersburg), and a high-speed train back to Moscow. This means less hassle for intercity transfers, but keep your passport & tickets handy.
- Local transport: Sightseeing is by minivan/minibus per program; aurora chases may involve small-group transfers to darker locations. Follow the guides’ safety briefings.
- Money & tipping: Package notes mandatory tips: USD 5 per person per day (non-negotiable). Have small USD cash for tipping and local rubles for markets/amenities. Confirm exact tipping handling with Divas Sojourn on booking.
7) Aurora hunting — realistic expectations & tips
- No guarantees: Even the best tours cannot guarantee aurora displays — sightings depend on solar activity and clear skies. Tours increase your chances by moving to dark sky spots and monitoring aurora forecasts.
- Best viewing hours: Night peak window typically 20:00–02:00 local time; guides choose the best windows each night.
- Photography tips: Use a tripod, manual mode (long exposures — 5–15s), wide aperture, and higher ISO; bring spare batteries and keep them warm near your body. Let guides/photographers explain recommended camera settings — some nights include a professional photographer.
8) Teriberka & “Dragon Eggs” beach — what to expect
- Teriberka is a rugged Arctic village on the Barents Sea famous for its dramatic cliffs, stone beaches (“Dragon Eggs”), and frozen waterfalls — a cinematic landscape for photos and wildlife spotting. Boat/snowmobile and coastal walks are typical but can be exposed to wind and cold; dress appropriately and follow your guide.
9) Safety & women-specific tips
- Travelling in a women-only group already reduces many solo-traveller safety concerns — still follow standard precautions:
- Share your daily plan with family/friends.
- Keep copies of the passport and emergency contacts with the leader.
- Avoid walking alone late at night in city streets; use group transfers.
- Respect local customs (dress modestly if visiting religious sites).
- Keep a small personal safety kit: a door-stop alarm, a whistle, and a simple first-aid kit.
- Divas Sojourn provides a tour leader and local English-speaking guides for safety and support.
10) Budget & extra costs to plan for
- Included: Flights (international from Delhi), selected meals, activities listed, local transfers, visa & insurance (up to 59 yrs for Indian passport holders) — confirm exact coverage.
- Not included: Guide charges (where applicable), costs from natural/political disruptions, anything not specifically listed, mandatory tips USD 5/day. Plan extra for souvenirs, a few lunches/dinners, camera battery warmers, and personal shopping.
11) Responsible travel & local culture
- Respect the Sami community during village visits — follow guide instructions, ask before photographing individuals, and buy local handicrafts if you can. Keep waste to a minimum, avoid single-use plastics, and stick to marked routes in fragile Arctic areas.
12) Emergency & practical contacts (what to save on your phone)
- Divas Sojourn contact: +91 99714 47722 / contact@divassojourn.com — booking & WhatsApp enquiry available via the trip page.
- Local guide & leader contacts: You’ll receive these with the final documents.
- Embassy/consulate: Save the Russian Embassy contact in India and the nearest consular numbers for St. Petersburg/Moscow for emergencies. (Divas Sojourn assists with visa process — keep copies.)
13) FAQs (quick answers)
Q: Do I need a visa?
A: Yes — Russian visa is required for Indian nationals; Divas Sojourn mentions visa support for Indian passport holders (details & responsibilities will be shared at booking). Always apply with enough lead time.
Q: Is the aurora guaranteed?
A: No — aurora sightings depend on solar activity and weather. The itinerary includes two guided aurora hunts to maximise chances.
Q: How cold will it be?
A: Expect sub-zero temps, typical March averages around −6°C; nights colder. Bring high-quality insulating gear.
Q: Is this trip suitable for first-time international women travellers?
A: Yes — it’s designed for women travellers with a Divas Sojourn leader and local guides; still, prepare for long travel days and cold Arctic conditions.
14) Final checklist before you go (printable)
- Passport + visa documents (2 copies)
- Travel insurance details (print + digital)
- INR & some USD (tips), arrange local currency exchange on arrival if needed
- Arctic clothing layers + insulated boots + hand warmers
- Camera + tripod + spare batteries
- Prescriptions + small medical kit
- Share itinerary with family, save leader contact and local emergency numbers
Booking & next steps
- Book / Enquire: Use the trip page or WhatsApp link for immediate queries. Divas Sojourn phone & WhatsApp are listed on the itinerary page. divassojourn.com
