closing tag is in template navbar
timefactors watches



TZ-UK Fundraiser
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 50 of 58

Thread: chernobyl tour, anybody done it??

  1. #1
    Master Neilw3030's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2015
    Location
    Exeter, Devon, UK
    Posts
    4,046

    chernobyl tour, anybody done it??

    As the title says really, have a birthday coming up and as usual the questions are being asked "what do you want" ??
    Then I get this idea, especially after watching the series, grateful for any tips or pointers if anybody has been and done it.
    Looking to make it a long weekend flying out of Manchester most likely.

  2. #2
    Yes, was brilliant...I recommend a day tour.
    Think I used these guys...
    https://www.chernobyl-tour.com/engli...pyat-town.html
    Would suggest a long weekend in Kiev...one of the most amazing cities I've been to.
    A lot to see.

    Sent from my SM-G930F using TZ-UK mobile app

  3. #3
    Master Neilw3030's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2015
    Location
    Exeter, Devon, UK
    Posts
    4,046
    Thats the tour outfit i was looking at, seems fairly straight forward if a little far away from Kiev.

  4. #4
    They depart from Kiev and will drop you back there.
    Long day though so bring some snacks!
    Tour guide was great too.
    Cheers.

    Sent from my SM-G930F using TZ-UK mobile app

  5. #5
    Master reggie747's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    The Mersey Riviera
    Posts
    7,184
    And there's me thinking, watching the show, that the radiation is gonna be around for a long time ?

    Did I miss something ?

  6. #6
    Grand Master JasonM's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Cambridgeshire
    Posts
    16,144
    A friend of mine did it a few months back, said it was a hell of a experience, very moving and fascinating at the same time. I can get details if you like?
    Cheers..
    Jase

  7. #7
    They say it's safe: https://www.chernobyl-tour.com/about_radiation_en.html

    I personally wouldn't go there, but i'm just a sceptical guy :)

  8. #8
    Master
    Join Date
    Apr 2016
    Location
    Yorkshireman at heart
    Posts
    3,128
    Blog Entries
    2
    I'd want to be as far away from Chernobyl as possible. At least for the next thousand years.

  9. #9
    Master sean's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    UK/Canada
    Posts
    4,677
    This was filmed in the early nineties.

    Start at 35 minutes in.


  10. #10
    Master
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Location
    Lake District
    Posts
    2,792
    I'd love to go, I do have experience with this industry though😉

  11. #11
    Master
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    Here and there
    Posts
    1,408
    Definitely do it.
    We visited a fair few years back (pre new covering) and when we were there we were the only visitors that day. I am sure that has changed though as it seems to attracting more people given the tv series, horror movie etc
    It’s quite an experience from a number of perspective 1) how man can really mess up on such a huge scale, 2) sacrifice some people made to stop it getting worse 3) how nature can fix a lot given time.
    It’s a full day trip out of Kiev. We had lunch there as well (just do not eat any wild berries etc), which in itself was a bit surreal.

  12. #12
    Master
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    Here and there
    Posts
    1,408
    Should have mentioned they carry giegercounters the whole time and spikes on one side of the structure, with soft mosses (that absorb radiation easily), radiation burnt trees etc is all scary/mind bending/ fascinating

  13. #13
    Master Neilw3030's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2015
    Location
    Exeter, Devon, UK
    Posts
    4,046
    Guys, thanks for all the input, I am super keen to go and have a look. As to the radiation, it cant be that bad surely, after all the workers they had there
    building the new cover, somewhere in the program it stated that some workers were living in Pripyat, but for no longer than two weeks at a time to cut
    down on transit time.
    Now I just got to convince the missus that a 12-13 hour day trip is a good idea, wish me luck.

  14. #14
    Master
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    Here and there
    Posts
    1,408
    Radiation is fine given level and amount of time you are there. Pripyat part of the tour is also amazing. Seeing the speed everyone had to leave and now how fast the forest is reclaiming the town....

    All the best with the trip !

  15. #15
    Master Ruggertech's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2019
    Location
    Deepest darkest South Wales.
    Posts
    7,058
    All logic dictates it is now safe for the short time you are actually there, but I've just tonight watched the first episode of the TV series and there is no way I would go there even if I could persuade my wife. Illogical of me definitely, but can't help it.
    The wildlife has been doing very well though without us apparently.

  16. #16
    Master Neilw3030's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2015
    Location
    Exeter, Devon, UK
    Posts
    4,046
    Really enjoyed the series, the massive web of lies and ineptitude was astonishing.
    And the bravery of workers to go and work there, though I guess there was little choice and did the average man have any idea of the dangers.

  17. #17
    Grand Master TheFlyingBanana's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Bedfordshire and your back garden
    Posts
    23,109
    Quote Originally Posted by Neilw3030 View Post
    Guys, thanks for all the input, I am super keen to go and have a look. As to the radiation, it cant be that bad surely, after all the workers they had there
    building the new cover, somewhere in the program it stated that some workers were living in Pripyat, but for no longer than two weeks at a time to cut
    down on transit time.
    Now I just got to convince the missus that a 12-13 hour day trip is a good idea, wish me luck.
    Have you had kids yet?

    Just kidding!

    Probably.
    So clever my foot fell off.

  18. #18
    Master
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Mid Glamorgan
    Posts
    5,472
    Is it like Auschwitz in that you are not allowed to touch anything?

  19. #19
    Master Neilw3030's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2015
    Location
    Exeter, Devon, UK
    Posts
    4,046
    Quote Originally Posted by TheFlyingBanana View Post
    Have you had kids yet?

    Just kidding!

    Probably.
    I’m Johnny old bloke😂

  20. #20
    Master
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    Here and there
    Posts
    1,408
    Kids turned out fine for me :)
    Had them after the visit (both me and the wife went).

  21. #21
    Master
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    Here and there
    Posts
    1,408
    Just had a look at some of the pics from the visit.
    Have a pic of my wife and mum sat on a bench with the rusting ferris wheel of the funfair that was in Pripyat at the time in the background.
    Looks ‘normal’ until you realise the setting/surroundings.

  22. #22
    Master Neilw3030's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2015
    Location
    Exeter, Devon, UK
    Posts
    4,046
    Well, good news for me, the wife says yes.
    Game on for a visit now, hopefully August bank holiday weekend.

  23. #23
    Master
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Location
    Zagreb,Croatia
    Posts
    1,195
    I have a question.

    Why would you visit it?

    I feel the same way with people visiting Vukovar in Croatia.

    Vukovar was completely destroyed during last war over here. It was turned to dust by heavy artillery fire for 3 months of siege and burned to ground. It was also place of massacres,war crimes and fully blown war insanity unseen from Vietnam war.

    I am from town 25 miles east from it and every time I go to visit mother I have to go through the town.

    The whole place even 30 years after war looks gloomy and bitter. Not a pleasant place to visit. Some places carry negative aura around them,why would you visit them?

    I am not judging just asking rhetoric question.

  24. #24
    Master
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    Here and there
    Posts
    1,408
    Quote Originally Posted by sinner77 View Post
    I have a question.

    Why would you visit it?

    I feel the same way with people visiting Vukovar in Croatia.

    Vukovar was completely destroyed during last war over here. It was turned to dust by heavy artillery fire for 3 months of siege and burned to ground. It was also place of massacres,war crimes and fully blown war insanity unseen from Vietnam war.

    I am from town 25 miles east from it and every time I go to visit mother I have to go through the town.

    The whole place even 30 years after war looks gloomy and bitter. Not a pleasant place to visit. Some places carry negative aura around them,why would you visit them?

    I am not judging just asking rhetoric question.
    To learn from the past so hopefully it does not happen again.

  25. #25
    Grand Master Neil.C's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    SE England
    Posts
    27,035
    Quote Originally Posted by JP28 View Post
    To learn from the past so hopefully it does not happen again.
    Unfortunately nobody ever learns.
    Cheers,
    Neil.

    My Speedmaster website:

    http://www.freewebs.com/neil271052

  26. #26
    Master Tony's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Teesside/Angola
    Posts
    2,343
    Quote Originally Posted by kozza6 View Post
    bring some snacks!

  27. #27
    Quote Originally Posted by Neilw3030 View Post
    Well, good news for me, the wife says yes.
    Game on for a visit now, hopefully August bank holiday weekend.


    I've been looking into it since the series finished and was put off going in the summer by comments saying how hot it is. You have to wear long sleeved shirts and long trousers during the visit. Sounded quite unpleasant.

    Also saw mentioned the giant radar station was a must see. Pictures look incredible.

  28. #28
    Master Neilw3030's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2015
    Location
    Exeter, Devon, UK
    Posts
    4,046
    Quote Originally Posted by sinner77 View Post
    I have a question.

    Why would you visit it?

    I feel the same way with people visiting Vukovar in Croatia.

    Vukovar was completely destroyed during last war over here. It was turned to dust by heavy artillery fire for 3 months of siege and burned to ground. It was also place of massacres,war crimes and fully blown war insanity unseen from Vietnam war.

    I am from town 25 miles east from it and every time I go to visit mother I have to go through the town.

    The whole place even 30 years after war looks gloomy and bitter. Not a pleasant place to visit. Some places carry negative aura around them,why would you visit them?

    I am not judging just asking rhetoric question.
    Thats a valid question.

    I guess its because I can really, it does interest me as abandoned places do, to see how nature is reclaiming and adapting itself to a man made disaster.
    Because something bad happened there is not a good enough reason to not visit, although its not quite the same as the place you mention.
    Why do people go to Auchwitz ?? morbid curiosity, to remember, to hope it never happens again, to get a feel for mans inhumanity to his fellow man.

  29. #29
    Grand Master Saint-Just's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Ashford, Kent
    Posts
    28,934
    To refresh memories? because if people (as much of the general public as possible) remember what happened maybe it is less likely to happen again?
    'Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain' - Schiller.

  30. #30
    Master
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    portsmouth
    Posts
    1,348
    I’m booked in for late August - remember it happening as a teenager . Hopefully won’t bake too much - it looks a long day but very interesting

  31. #31
    Master
    Join Date
    Apr 2016
    Location
    Yorkshireman at heart
    Posts
    3,128
    Blog Entries
    2
    Quote Originally Posted by JP28 View Post
    Radiation is fine given level and amount of time you are there. Pripyat part of the tour is also amazing. Seeing the speed everyone had to leave and now how fast the forest is reclaiming the town....

    All the best with the trip !
    Bear in mind that there is no "safe" level of radiation.

  32. #32
    Master
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    Here and there
    Posts
    1,408
    Quote Originally Posted by trident-7 View Post
    Bear in mind that there is no "safe" level of radiation.
    And also that there is a level of radiation everywhere at all times too.

  33. #33
    Quote Originally Posted by Neilw3030 View Post
    As the title says really, have a birthday coming up and as usual the questions are being asked "what do you want" ??
    Then I get this idea, especially after watching the series, grateful for any tips or pointers if anybody has been and done it.
    Looking to make it a long weekend flying out of Manchester most likely.
    Drop me a pm...I'd like to share a few thoughts.



    Sent from my SM-G930F using TZ-UK mobile app
    Last edited by kozza6; 22nd June 2019 at 02:07.

  34. #34
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Galway
    Posts
    796
    I’d love to see it, but radiation is really, really, really nasty stuff. Will be staying as far away as possible from it during my lifetime.

  35. #35
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Location
    South East
    Posts
    459
    The best without question is a private tour with these guys:
    https://www.tourkiev.com/

    Do not go on a tour with other randoms, you won't do anything interesting and you won't be able to actually explore. The private tour means you and a guide or in my case me a mate and a guide. We went to see what we wanted, the radar array, the school, a particular tower block etc etc. Take a dosemeter as it's good to know. The guide knew of a few spots which we went to where old bits.of graphite were still around.
    Even with all this are levels where the same on the way out as in and our total dose was like having a full body x-ray.

  36. #36
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Location
    South East
    Posts
    459
    Also do the missile silo tour! It's a hell of a long drive out, but so worth it. Amazingly interesting and if you aren't already, it will put you off nuclear missiles for life.

  37. #37
    Journeyman
    Join Date
    Feb 2019
    Location
    Buckinghamshire, UK
    Posts
    63
    Just to add my 2 penny worth. I went back in 2015 pre-new cover. Absolutely fantastic experience.

    We went for the 5 day experience in October. I've travelled a fair bit to Ukraine and been thought the season but Autumn is one of my favourite, the Ukrainian countryside is beautiful at that time of year when all the leaves are turning. The temperature is lovely, not too hot and no sign of the chilling winter in sight.

    Over the 5 days we went to:

    1) Kinder Garden out of the city
    2) Chernobyl village
    3) Pripyat (multiple times) - Ferris wheel, sports track, hospital, supermarket, climbed multiple tower blocks etc.
    4) Went as close to the nuclear power plant as possible.
    5) Science research lab
    6) Cooling towers
    7) Spent almost a whole day at the Douga (The OTH RADAR) - aka the woodpecker. (Went into the 'James Bond esq' command and control centre, and all the support buildings (yes, I climbed the antenna array :D)

    All accommodation was on site for the 4 days (though we thought we were being bussed in and out each day).

    Probably the best urban exploration experience I've ever been to. It's perfectly safe, there are no go areas (such as areas of the hospital) but the guide we had was absolutely fantastic (Nikolai). Can't recommend highly enough for anyone who's 1) into Cold War history, 2) into urban exploration or 3) likes climbing stuff!

    Ta

  38. #38
    Grand Master Mr Curta's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Mainly UK
    Posts
    17,281
    Quote Originally Posted by GregR_ View Post
    Just to add my 2 penny worth. I went back in 2015 pre-new cover. Absolutely fantastic experience.

    We went for the 5 day experience in October...
    And there's that added bonus of now not having to turn the light on to read at night

  39. #39
    How did the trip go?

    My eldest come down this evening and said he wants to go next year and so now are looking in to it.
    Has anyone else been recently with any info or advice, things to look out for etc?

  40. #40
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    20,041
    Blog Entries
    1
    Quote Originally Posted by ronnie3585 View Post
    I’d love to see it, but radiation is really, really, really nasty stuff. Will be staying as far away as possible from it during my lifetime.
    This for me. Totally unfounded perhaps but I can’t see the attraction. I don’t need to visit it to learn how badly things can go wrong with man in charge.
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  41. #41
    Master
    Join Date
    Jun 2018
    Location
    dunfermline fife
    Posts
    1,453
    Anyone who’s been got pictures?

  42. #42
    Quote Originally Posted by oldoakknives View Post
    This for me. Totally unfounded perhaps but I can’t see the attraction. I don’t need to visit it to learn how badly things can go wrong with man in charge.
    Why does anyone want to go anywhere?
    To me it’s just somewhere iconic, interesting and very different to visit

  43. #43
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    20,041
    Blog Entries
    1
    Quote Originally Posted by Franky Four Fingers View Post
    Why does anyone want to go anywhere?
    To me it’s just somewhere iconic, interesting and very different to visit
    Thats fine, but I can think of lots of more interesting places to visit than a nuclear plant that had some sort of meltdown! Each to his own I suppose.
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  44. #44
    Quote Originally Posted by oldoakknives View Post
    Thats fine, but I can think of lots of more interesting places to visit than a nuclear plant that had some sort of meltdown! Each to his own I suppose.
    Yeh absolutely, the thought of wandering around some ruins does nothing for me.

  45. #45
    Master
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Lancashire
    Posts
    2,562
    Just an update on this thread if anyone can help.

    Flying to Kiev on 17th February for 4 nights ...can anyone recommend a decent hotel near the centre.

    Thanks

  46. #46
    Master
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    Here and there
    Posts
    1,408
    Hyatt, Radisson

  47. #47
    Did the your early December, really enjoyed it

    Sent from my Redmi Note 5 using Tapatalk

  48. #48
    Master
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Dorset
    Posts
    3,024
    If all goes to plan I'll be visiting in the summer of 2021.

    Sent from my VOG-L29 using Tapatalk

  49. #49
    Master
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Lancashire
    Posts
    2,562
    Quote Originally Posted by macdaddymac View Post
    Did the your early December, really enjoyed it

    Sent from my Redmi Note 5 using Tapatalk
    Which tour company did you use

    Thanks

  50. #50
    Grand Master
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    North
    Posts
    18,929
    Blog Entries
    2
    Quote Originally Posted by oldoakknives View Post
    Thats fine, but I can think of lots of more interesting places to visit than a nuclear plant that had some sort of meltdown! Each to his own I suppose.
    Its actually really fascinating.
    The area around it has turned into a huge and flourishing nature reserve with wild horses, loads of flora and fauna etc. Plus the whole reclamation of human space and architecture by un-fettered nature must be of some interest even if you close your eyes and pretend its not due to Chernobyl?

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

Do Not Sell My Personal Information