Full Day Tour Of Chernobyl And Prypiat From Kiev
Chernobyl and Prypiat are two cities located in northern Ukraine, near the border with Belarus. They are notorious for the nuclear disaster that occurred in 1986, when one of the reactors at the Chernobyl power plant exploded, causing a massive release of radioactive material into the atmosphere.
Despite the tragedy, these two cities have become popular tourist destinations in recent years, as people from all over the world come to see the abandoned buildings, eerie landscapes, and the infamous power plant.
If you're planning a trip to Ukraine, a full day tour of Chernobyl and Prypiat from Kiev is a must-do activity. Here's what you can expect from this unique and unforgettable experience:
What to Expect from the Tour?
The full day tour of Chernobyl and Prypiat starts early in the morning, usually around 7 am, when a guide picks you up from your hotel in Kiev. You will then drive for about two hours to reach the exclusion zone, which is the area around the power plant that was evacuated after the disaster.
Once you pass through the checkpoint and enter the zone, you'll be given dosimeters to measure the level of radiation in the area. Don't worry, though; the level of radiation is safe for tourists as long as you follow your guide's instructions and don't touch anything.
The tour includes visits to various sites in the zone, such as the abandoned city of Prypiat, which used to be home to 50,000 people before the disaster. You'll see the school, hospital, apartment blocks, and other buildings that were abandoned overnight when the evacuation was ordered.
You'll also visit the Chernobyl power plant and see the infamous Reactor 4, which was responsible for the explosion. You'll learn about the details of the disaster, its impact on the environment and local people, and the measures taken to contain the radiation.
The tour includes a lunch break, during which you'll have a chance to taste local food and talk to other tourists. The tour usually ends around 6 pm when you return to your hotel in Kiev.
What to Bring on the Tour?
Before you embark on the tour, make sure you bring the following essentials:
- Valid passport or ID
- Comfortable shoes
- Warm and waterproof clothes (depending on the season)
- Snacks and water (there are no shops in the zone)
- Cash for souvenirs (some places do not accept credit cards)
You should avoid bringing unnecessary items, such as drones, as they are not allowed in the zone.
Is It Safe to Visit Chernobyl and Prypiat?
It's a common misconception that visiting Chernobyl and Prypiat is dangerous due to the radiation. However, the level of radiation in the zone is safe for tourists as long as you follow your guide's instructions and don't touch anything.
The dosimeters that you'll be given during the tour will measure the level of radiation in the area, and your guide will ensure that you don't go over the safety limits. The tour operators also follow strict safety regulations to ensure that visitors are not exposed to any unnecessary risks.
Overall, the tour is a safe and unique experience that will give you a glimpse into the past and present of Chernobyl and Prypiat. Just make sure you follow the safety rules and listen to your guide.
Conclusion
A full day tour of Chernobyl and Prypiat from Kiev is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you should not miss if you're visiting Ukraine. It's a chance to see a part of history that is both tragic and fascinating, and to learn about the impact of the nuclear disaster on the environment and local people.
The tour is safe and well-organized, and it includes visits to various sites in the exclusion zone, such as the abandoned city of Prypiat and the Chernobyl power plant. You'll also have a chance to taste local food and talk to other tourists.
Just remember to bring the essentials, follow the safety rules, and be respectful of the place and its history. The tour is a unique opportunity to explore one of the most interesting places on earth, and it's definitely worth the trip.