See the Northern Lights in Russia on a 5-night winter trip: a Moscow city tour, then two nights in Murmansk above the Arctic Circle with a guided aur…
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This Northern Lights tour package is the quickest way to see the aurora from India. After two nights in Moscow with a guided city tour, you fly to Murmansk, the largest city above the Arctic Circle, for two nights in the heart of Russia's Northern Lights region.
On your first evening in Murmansk, a local guide checks the weather and aurora forecast and drives you away from the city lights for a Northern Lights hunt, with hot drinks and help with photos. The next day you cross the tundra to Teriberka on the Barents Sea, with its ship graveyard and the Dragon Eggs stone beach, and on the last full day you visit a Saami village to meet reindeer and huskies.
The tour runs in winter, as a private trip for couples, families and small groups. Daily breakfast, an English-speaking guide on tours, Murmansk airport transfers and the Teriberka nature park permit are included; we can add the flights from Delhi and to Murmansk. For longer trips, see the Russia Winter Grand Tour or all our Russia tour packages.
Arrive in Moscow and meet your representative at the airport. Transfer to your hotel and complete check-in formalities.
The rest of the day is free to relax after your flight. Depending on arrival time, you may step out for a short walk near your hotel or enjoy Moscow’s winter cafes, illuminated streets and shopping areas.
Overnight stay in Moscow.
After breakfast, proceed for a guided Moscow city tour.
Visit the famous Red Square area, one of the most recognisable landmarks in Russia. See St Basil’s Cathedral from outside, known for its colourful onion domes, and explore the surroundings of GUM, Moscow’s historic shopping arcade. Continue towards the Kremlin exterior area, Sparrow Hills viewpoint and other important city landmarks depending on routing and traffic.
Also experience Moscow’s metro stations, many of which are known for grand Soviet-era architecture, chandeliers, mosaics and marble interiors.
Evening is free for leisure. You may choose to explore local markets, cafes or optional evening experiences.
Overnight stay in Moscow.
After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your flight to Murmansk.
On arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. Later, proceed for Murmansk city sightseeing. Murmansk is the largest city above the Arctic Circle and is known for its port, Arctic history and panoramic views over Kola Bay. Visit city viewpoints and monuments such as the memorial complex dedicated to sailors, the Church of the Saviour-on-the-Waters, the Waiting Woman monument and the Sea Terminal area. You may also view the famous nuclear icebreaker Lenin from outside.
In the evening, proceed for a Northern Lights hunt, subject to weather and aurora conditions. Your guide will check visibility, cloud cover and local forecasts before selecting a suitable viewing route away from city lights. Hot drinks may be served while waiting under the Arctic sky. If the aurora appears, your guide will help capture photographs.
Overnight stay in Murmansk.
After breakfast, depart for Teriberka, a remote Arctic village on the Barents Sea coast.
The drive takes you across tundra landscapes and open northern scenery. Teriberka is famous for its raw Arctic coastline, fishing village atmosphere, old ship graveyard, ocean views and dramatic nature park. Visit the sandy beach area, the giant swing, wooden throne, ship graveyard and coastal viewpoints. Continue to Teriberka Nature Park to see the “Dragon Eggs” stone beach and Batareysky waterfall, where the landscape meets the Barents Sea in a striking Arctic setting.
Lunch is not included and can be arranged locally, subject to availability. Return to Murmansk by evening.
If the aurora forecast is stronger on this night, the Northern Lights hunt may be shifted or repeated at extra cost.
Overnight stay in Murmansk.
After breakfast, proceed for a Saami village experience.
The Saami are the indigenous people of the northern regions, and this visit introduces travellers to Arctic traditions, local stories and winter life. Meet reindeer and huskies, feed the reindeer, take photographs and enjoy simple traditional activities. Depending on snow and programme conditions, you may experience reindeer sledding and a snow-banana ride.
Warm up in a traditional setting with local-style hospitality before returning to Murmansk.
Evening is free for leisure. Optional ice floating or an additional aurora hunt can be arranged at extra cost, subject to availability.
Overnight stay in Murmansk.
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Murmansk airport for your onward flight.
Your Russia winter and Northern Lights journey ends with memories of Moscow’s city charm and the Arctic landscapes of Murmansk.
Hotel names will be provided after booking, subject to availability and confirmation. We do not hold hotel confirmations before booking.
The aurora season in Murmansk runs from about late September to March, when the nights are long and dark. December and early January bring the polar night, when the sun does not rise at all; February and March add longer days for sightseeing with good aurora chances in the evening.
The Northern Lights depend on solar activity and clear skies, so they can never be guaranteed. Your guide picks the best evening and location from the forecast, and an extra hunt can be booked locally if you want a second chance.
Murmansk is usually between −5°C and −15°C in winter, colder at night and on the coast. Pack thermal underwear, a down jacket, a warm cap, gloves, woollen socks and waterproof boots with good grip. Warm suits can be rented locally if you prefer not to buy them.
The cost of a Northern Lights trip from India depends on the number of travellers, your travel month, hotel category and flights, including the Moscow–Murmansk flight. Murmansk is often a more affordable aurora destination than Finland, Norway or Iceland, and Indians can use the Russian e-visa instead of a Schengen visa. Send us your dates for an exact price.
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