In the year 1986, there was a blast at a nuclear reactor inside the construction of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Approximately 49,000 people were moved out, mainly from Pripyat, with another 68,000 being evacuated from wider zones later. Chernobyl Disaster has proven to be the most damaging nuclear catastrophe.
More than 30 years have passed. The area had turned into a ghost town, as a lot of things had remained exactly as they were left when the area was evacuated. The Chernobyl Epic Calamity has become an inspiration for various writers, journalists, and film directors. Its mysterious atmosphere still intrigues artistic souls.
That is the reason why so many people are eager to visit Chernobyl. However, even experienced and adventurous tourists worry about one question: are tours to Chernobyl safe? Some think about radiation, others about zombies, ghosts, or mad animals living there.
Whatever your fears concerning tours to Chernobyl are, we are here to set out only facts and prove that by making the right arrangements and adhering to basic safety guidelines it is clear that to visit Chernobyl is not only safe but also one of the most exciting and unique trips that true adventurers can make.
When Preparing Tours to Chernobyl
If you have decided to visit Chernobyl, you should take into consideration a lot of factors in order to make a trip safe and pleasant.
First of all, you should make up your mind with the type of tour that fits you the most. Among common variants we can point out the following:
- 1-day scheduled trip
- Several-day scheduled trip
- Private trip
Then you can easily choose the season and the dates. Be mindful of the weather conditions during different seasons of the year as winter in the region is snowy and rather cold while summer is hot.
The next step to remember is the cost and of tours and how to pay. Do not forget that scheduled tours to Chernobyl and the ones on request are appraised in a different way.
For the scheduled tour the instructions are:
- Choose and book a trip at least 2 weeks beforehand.
- Payment of 25% in advance.
- Pay the rest of the sum when boarding the bus.
For private visit to Chernobyl, the fundamental principles are:
- Choose and book a trip at least 2 weeks beforehand.
- Payment of 50% in advance.
- Do not forget to pay the exact amount of money left while getting on a bus.
Safety Goes First
Here we will readily provide you with information that will convince you of the reliability of a tour and its appropriate safety level.
Radioactive Irradiation effects last for a long time. However, in the Chernobyl zone, the most dangerous places which can cause acute radiation sickness (ARS) are under the Chernobyl Sarcophagus, so inside the Nuclear Power Plant itself.
Tours to Chernobyl do not cross any dangerous area. Of course, the risk of irradiation still exists, but it is not as harmful as a lot of people think. In particular, a few days of a trip do not cause any health issues. We offer you some fair facts warning on the issue:
- You are more likely to get a dangerous external dose of radiation during a transatlantic flight than during a day trip.
- The probability that you will get poisoned during a several-day tour is extremely low.
To be more precise you during your visit to Chernobyl, you should implicitly follow the simple instructions:
- Do not eat berries or any other food you might find there.
- Do not drink water you might find there.
- Do not go to areas without the permission of your guide.
- Do everything your guide tells you to do.
- Do not take home abandoned animals, toys, or other material things you might find.
Get Ready for Adventures
Thus, you can conclude that the Chernobyl area is today an attractive destination for tourists from all over the world. It is an important place from the point of history, culture, and environmental problems. This place demonstrates the results of careless human activity and its disastrous consequences.
At the same time, tours to Chernobyl are the chance to feel the magical and hair-raising atmosphere of this historical monument. In addition to that, you cannot find any similar alternatives anywhere, as Chernobyl is unique.
When deciding to visit Chernobyl, do not be afraid of unproven myths. Careful research will show you that the arrangers of tours pay due attention to security issues. These trips are aimed at providing an unforgettable experience, historical learning, and a fantastic feeling you will get during your travel to Chernobyl.
Just do not forget that this place still requires you to be careful as well as all extreme sports do. Tours to Chernobyl are indubitably an experience you will be glad to share even after many years.