Hundreds of Chinese tourists have been left stranded in Russia’s Arctic Murmansk region after a powerful blizzard blocked the only road connecting the remote village of Teriberka to the outside world.

The travelers have been stuck for two days, facing severe weather conditions and limited evacuation options, The Caspian Post reports via Russian media.

Tourists trapped as road remains closed

The road linking Teriberka to the regional highway was closed on February 9 due to strong winds and heavy snowfall along the Kola-Serebryanskaya Hydropower Plant route. Since then, more than 150 vehicles, including cars and buses, have been unable to leave the area.

According to reports, around 480 visitors are currently in Teriberka, including 343 foreign tourists, many of them from China. Some travelers have been temporarily accommodated in schools and local hotels as authorities struggle to organize safe evacuations.

Helicopter escape becomes costly last resort

With road access severely restricted, some of the most desperate tourists have turned to helicopters equipped with anti-icing systems to escape the isolated settlement. Seats on these flights are reportedly being sold for about 30,000 rubles, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Efforts to move vehicles in organized convoys have faced major challenges. Only one convoy reportedly managed to leave the area at around 2 a.m., underscoring the difficult conditions and slow progress.

Locals blame poor road clearing and unsafe transport

Local residents have criticized the contractor responsible for maintaining the road, claiming there is not enough equipment to clear snow efficiently. Complaints have been filed with the regional governor, prosecutors, and the Ministry of Transport.

Frustration has also been directed at unregulated transport operators. Drivers using unsuitable vehicles reportedly joined convoys, became stuck in the snow, and further delayed evacuation efforts.

Remote Arctic destination faces recurring winter risks

Teriberka, located on the Barents Sea coast, is a popular destination for tourists hoping to see the Northern Lights and Arctic landscapes. However, its remote location and reliance on a single road make it highly vulnerable to extreme winter weather.

Authorities continue working to clear the route and safely evacuate stranded travelers as severe weather conditions persist.