Witness an Amazing Natural Phenomenon on a Total Solar Eclipse Tour

Witness an Amazing Natural Phenomenon on a Total Solar Eclipse Tour

A total solar eclipse is a fascinating natural phenomenon which many people are prepared to travel to distant places to observe. The next total eclipse of the sun will take place on 1 August 2008, and can best be observed from four locations in Russia, being Noyaya Zemlya, Nadym, Central Siberia and Novosibirsk. Many tour operators in Russia have arranged tour packages to incorporate this rare event in an exciting sight-seeing tour.

According to NASA, America’s National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the total solar eclipse will be observed over Arctic Canada, Greenland, Svalbard and Frans Josef Land, the four above-mentioned locations in Russia, as well as China and Mongolia. However, it is generally agreed among astronomers, professional and amateur, that Russia will offer the best vantage points for the total solar eclipse.

One of the suggested hiking tours designed to show nature lovers some of the best spots in Russia, starts off with a sightseeing tour of Moscow, the capital city of Russia and a veritable treasure trove of culture and history. From there visitors will fly to Barnaul in Central Siberia and will be driven to the base camp to enjoy a traditional Russian sauna, dinner and a good night’s rest in a wooden lodge. The following day hikers will cross the Kuzuyak pass of the majestic Altai Mountains (often referred to as the Russian Tibet), spending the night in tents. The following day’s trek brings hikers to the vantage point in the Altai Mountains where, according to NASA, weather conditions will be perfect for observation. The eclipse will last for 2 minutes and 27 seconds – it may seem short, but it will be an unforgettable sight. The balance of the journey takes hikers over rivers, through ravines and ancient unspoiled forests, past lakes and waterfalls. This tour is a must for trekkers who appreciate unspoiled natural beauty – it doesn’t get better than this.

For the not so energetic, but nevertheless adventurous, there are tours which take in the grandeur of St. Petersburg and Moscow, then fly to Novosibirsk in Siberia to observe the solar eclipse from a viewing point just outside the city. Novosibirsk is situated on the Trans-Siberian railway, so visitors can incorporate the viewing of the total solar eclipse into a Trans-Siberian adventure. There are numerous touring options incorporating a choice of the best viewing areas as well as many of the most popular tourist attractions.

A visit to Russia is always worthwhile. Including the awe-inspiring experience of viewing the total solar eclipse will turn your visit to Russia into the ultimate memory-making vacation.