At first, I thought that 6 days of trekking would be too short, but it turned out to be the perfect amount of time: leaving you with a light sense of wonder and a strong desire to return soon! You manage to reset and disconnect from the city hustle, without hitting 'emotional saturation' from the trail! Going on a trek, you prepare for all kinds of weather, and heading North you subconsciously expect it to be freezing! It's the North, after all. But we got lucky, and the North gave us a warm welcome. It was great that the heavy thermal underwear and fleece pants weren't even needed! The North amazed me because it's beautiful not only around you, but also right under your feet! In fact, especially under your feet! Walking barefoot on a carpet of reindeer moss and lichens is pure tactile bliss! I don't know where else you could give your feet such an 'emotional recharge.' I'll also never forget the crunch of dried kelp underfoot and how you sink into it a bit, like in a bog! And, of course, the Northern Lights. My personal favorite touch was the paper maps, animal track guides, and postcards depicting Pomor life, which elevated the camp atmosphere to pure perfection. Not phone photos, but real postcards! The devil is in the details! Thanks again to Pasha for such top-notch organization, from the very first phone call to the farewell dinner! Special thanks for the sense of safety and total confidence in you — that is truly priceless!
I watched Pasha's lecture on trekking across the Kola Peninsula and was struck by the passion with which he talked about the region. Unfortunately, all groups were already fully booked that year, so I couldn't join.
This year, I finally managed to secure a spot on Pasha's 'White Sea — Chasing the Northern Lights' trek. And I can honestly say it left the most vivid impressions. Over 6 days, it felt as though I lived a whole separate life. We saw it all: taiga, ocean coastline, tundra. We caught the Northern Lights, spotted seals, saw a double rainbow, and even came across a mother bear with cubs (from a safe distance, don't worry)
The North stunned me with its power, stillness, and vibrant colors.
Organizationally, Pasha is a perfectionist. The entire trek was thought out to the tiniest detail. He genuinely loves the North, knows gear inside out, and handles logistics flawlessly. It's truly inspiring to see someone who is so deeply dedicated to their craft — it reflects 100% in the experience.
I wholeheartedly recommend everyone to experience the magic of northern wilderness. And Pasha is the best guide to help you do just that.
Ever since childhood, I dreamed of going on a real trek — with backpacks, tents, purely on foot, and to a remote place you can't reach by car =))
As it turned out, none of my friends shared this ambition. Then, browsing the web, I came across a video showing a trek across the Kola Peninsula led by guide Pavel Rudenko. I didn't hesitate for long! =))) I wrote to Pavel, filled out the form, we had a call, and I started getting ready for the trek.
I already owned some gear, and bought the rest. Pavel's packing guide was a huge help — absolute TOP-tier! I had my own tent, but even if you don't have one, everything is provided: solo tent if you want privacy, two-person if you prefer — no problem at all! =)) Since this was my first trek, I had far more questions than answers, which Pavel and the other guys patiently answered along the way!
I'd especially like to highlight the organization of the trek — I'd rate it 10 out of 5 =))) The route is planned so that there are always spots to replenish water; on flatter terrain the daily mileage is longer, while uphill sections are shorter. For me, it was a fascinating experience! I had imagined trail life quite differently)))
As for the variety of landscapes and terrain, it was so diverse that no two places felt alike. Every day brought something new and exciting: berry-filled glades, vast fields of reindeer moss, forest lakes, the White Sea, tides going in and out — everything so scenic words can't do it justice. The Northern Lights were an absolute highlight, of course! We saw them while camping on a mountain: open expanses… mountains… stars… aurora… and nothing else. What could be more magnificent?!!! =)))
I also want to shout out our group. On one hand, complete strangers from different walks of life))) On the other, everyone was open, positive, with different hiking backgrounds. It was great learning new things from them and leveling up my trail skills day by day =))) Heartfelt conversations, chilling on the shores of the White Sea with great company, and countless hilarious moments that still bring a smile to my face =))) Thrilling campfire dinner stories are simply priceless!
And yes! I think Pavel now has another legend to tell — about the hiker who brought the most un-hiking mug ever! Hahaha! This trek became one of the most amazing, colorful, unforgettable adventures of my life!
Pavel, huge respect to you! High five! The North never lets you go! =))
There is a rare gift: revealing the world in all its beauty, where tiny details create a sense of fullness, where crisp air free of scents and noise expands the horizon, and where the unseen wildlife makes its presence deeply felt.
When a person is at peace and in harmony with themselves and their companions — that is a gift Pavel Rudenko possesses. He has unlocked the Arctic for himself and many fellow travelers: the Kola Peninsula, a land of unique magnetic pull, raw power, and beauty.
Deeply passionate about what he does, exceptionally reliable, educated, welcoming, open, and eager to share his experience and warmth, he is constantly expanding his horizons, and it is a true joy to be around him. You want to preserve that connection, which is why people return to trek with Pavel time and time again, immersing themselves in those northern yet heartwarming moments of true recreation.
Any trek along the Kola coast with Pavel is a route that will make you fall in love with the tundra without a doubt. It will suit and delight experienced hikers, those who are just gaining trail experience, and even first-time backpackers alike.
I've never liked writing reviews. It always felt like you had to find just the right words to make it sound nice and read well… but these people, with whom I shared a week of my life, will stay in my memory forever)
Once again, I am genuinely grateful to the Universe for bringing me together with such bright, charismatic people)
Thank you, my dear new friends, for being by my side throughout the entire trek.
This was my first long winter trek across the Kola Peninsula.
Pure delight with a warm aftertaste! The format was very comfortable, allowing me to take photos of nature at my own pace. An interesting and diverse route: the landscape changed every day, from sea to fells, to beaches, with a fox darting past here, and another one there! Plus a cozy atmosphere in the group, a great team, and Pasha is a master of funny stories!
Watching a video about Arctic travel on social media, I came across Pavel's name in the comments. I messaged him that same evening and received a comprehensive reply, which gave me the final push to sign up for the trek.
I immediately appreciated Pavel's thorough, personal approach to organizing the trek — no detail is too small for him. The route was planned to perfection, taking into account rest days, campsites, water sources, and more. During the trek, I was pleasantly surprised that entertainment was arranged after dinner.
Pavel set up a projector, and inside our mess tent we watched documentaries and animated films, discussing the day's events. Far away from civilization, this was truly uplifting for tired hikers.
Selecting the right group members is another great talent of Pavel's. A warm, close-knit bond formed among us throughout the trek. We are still in touch in our group chat today. And I hope to see my fellow tribe members again on the next expedition!
The trek was absolutely wonderful! There was so much pristine beauty, as if no human had ever set foot there before, and we were the very first.
I must say, for me this was a true mental reset — no need to worry about anything or manage logistics. Except perhaps scaring away bears, but by midway through the trek you gain confidence and lose the fear.
The food was delicious — Pasha and Roma are hedonistic master chefs! Safety was top-notch, exactly as expected.
Another great highlight was learning about the history of the Kola Peninsula, told by Pavel with such genuine enthusiasm and knowledge. The team was super fun. Two weeks later, I still miss it and dream of returning to those wonderful northern days in the tundra!
What can I say about the Arctic Ocean beaches? They are beyond compare. What can I say about the mountain tundra? It is pure magic.
This was my fourth time in these places, and they truly resonate as my own. I have been here in storms, throughout week-long treks, and on bright sunny days, and to me, these landscapes are endlessly beautiful.
This trek was also wonderful thanks to our organizers, Pavel and Anna. It is a genuine pleasure to hike with people who share a deep love for this land. And speaking from experience, Pavel and Anna are invaluable organizers because their expertise is not based on rumors or hearsay — they know what they are talking about and what they are doing.
An adventure trek (as opposed to a meditative retreat), a nostalgic trek, a challenging trek. That’s Granitny in a nutshell. But let’s take it step by step.
The program is exceptionally rich: boat drop-off across Kola Bay passing Severomorsk and the Rosatom base, featuring views of warships and nuclear icebreakers. From there, the intensity only builds—steep fells, an abandoned naval town, kilometers wading in hip boots, epic river fords, 10-hour hiking days, terrestrial and marine wildlife—far too much to list.
The nostalgia, in my case, came from the polar day—last experienced 23 years ago—and all the fond memories tied to it; on a broader scale, from the aforementioned abandoned settlement of Granitny, an unfinished brick factory near Teriberka, and other relics of a bygone era.
And as for the challenge: 10 days with just one rest day (by no means lazy!), genuinely rugged terrain, 135 km, and 5,000 meters of elevation gain. The full package, just how we like it!
The team was a dream! Pavel Gennadievich never lets you down! Ilya is brilliant (cooking that well is priceless). Chum is a beast!
Pavel's Runner Run across the Kola Peninsula, pick berries, dodge branches. Seasons change — and so do the clothing and the rules. Will download 1174 KB Failed to load the game. Please check your connection and try again.
