For the traveler from India, the Arctic is a land of ultimate winter fantasy. Imagine swapping tropical warmth for a pristine snowy kingdom where the sky dances with emerald lights. Murmansk, Russia’s largest city beyond the Arctic Circle, turns this dream into an affordable and unforgettable reality. It’s the closest and most accessible Arctic adventure, specially tailored to welcome guests from India.

Why Murmansk is a Perfect Arctic Dream for Indian Travelers

Murmansk is not just another destination; it’s a sensation. The region has seen tourism from Asian countries grow by 50-150% annually, with India being one of the key markets. The reasons are clear: it offers the full Arctic package—Northern Lights, unique nature, and exotic culture—at a fraction of the cost of Scandinavian countries, all while being easier to reach for Indian passport holders.

Murmansk vs. Scandinavia: The Smart Choice

When chasing the Aurora Borealis, Indian tourists often look at Finland or Norway. Let’s see why Murmansk is the smarter, value-packed choice.

🌟 Key Experiences — Cost Comparison:

Murmansk, Russia:

Northern Lights Tour: Approx. INR 7,000
Night in a Glass Igloo: Approx. INR 25,000
Arctic Floating (Ice Floating): Approx. INR 9,000
Husky Sledding Visit: Approx. INR 5,000

Finland:

Northern Lights Tour: Approx. INR 13,000
Night in a Glass Igloo: Approx. INR 60,000
Arctic Floating (Ice Floating): Approx. INR 35,000
Husky Sledding Visit: Approx. INR 10,000

✈️ The Visa Advantage:

While a Schengen visa for Europe involves a lengthy process, a Russian tourist visa for Indians is simpler and can be obtained 100% online with faster approval. There are also ongoing discussions about introducing a visa-free regime for Indian tourists, which could make travel even easier in the future.

Discover «The Heart of the Arctic»: A Award-Winning Itinerary

In 2025, the Murmansk region launched a special 5-day tour called «The Heart of the Arctic», designed specifically for tourists from India and China. This program was recognized as one of the top 10 best tourism projects in Russia. It’s the perfect blueprint for your trip:

Murmansk City: Visit the legendary nuclear icebreaker «Lenin», a symbol of Arctic exploration.
Teriberka Village: Journey to the coast of the Barents Sea, feel the power of the ocean, and see the iconic rocky beaches.
Lovozero & The Sami People: Immerse yourself in the culture of the indigenous Sami people, visit their village, and learn about reindeer herding traditions.
Khibiny Mountains: Explore the Arctic landscapes, try snowmobiling, or visit the incredible «Snow Village» with ice sculptures.

Beyond the Lights: Unique Arctic Adventures

While the Northern Lights are the main star, the Arctic offers much more:

Arctic Wildlife: Go on a whale watching tour in the Barents Sea.
Winter Activities: Experience dog sledding with huskies, reindeer sled rides, or snowshoeing.
Local Flavors: Try the unique Arctic cuisine. Many hotels and tour operators are now part of the «India Friendly» program, ensuring availability of vegetarian and familiar Indian food options.

Practical Guide for Your Arctic Journey

Best Time to Visit: For the Northern Lights, plan your trip between December and March. For midnight sun and hiking, come in June or July.
What to Pack: This is crucial. You need extreme winter clothing: a heavy down jacket, thermal layers, waterproof snow boots, warm gloves, hat, and a balaclava.
Getting There: Fly into Moscow (SVO or DME) and then take a domestic flight to Murmansk (MMK). The flight from Moscow takes about 2.5 hours.
Stay: Choose from city hotels, cozy lodges, or even an eco-hotel on a farm with its own petting zoo for a unique experience.

Start Planning Your Arctic Fairy Tale

Murmansk offers the magic of the Arctic without the Scandinavian price tag. Let Vizit Russia organize your seamless and magical journey to the North.

Where the sky tells its most colorful stories.