Exploring Chernobyl Exclusion Zone: A Detailed Guide For Tourists
Since the infamous Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 1986, the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ) has become a hot destination for tourists. Located in northern Ukraine, the CEZ is a restricted area that was evacuated following the disaster, and it’s now a place of eerie fascination. A visit to the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone is a unique experience, and this detailed guide is designed to help tourists get the most out of their trip.
What Is Chernobyl Exclusion Zone?
The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone is the 30-kilometer-wide area around the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, which was the site of the 1986 disaster. The zone is divided into three regions: the “Zone of Alienation”, a 10-kilometer-wide area around the nuclear plant; the “Pripyat Exclusion Zone”, a 30-kilometer-wide area around the nuclear plant; and the “Chernobyl Buffer Zone”, a 2,600-square-kilometer area around the nuclear plant. The zone is off-limits to most people, but there are organized tours that allow visitors to explore the area.
What to Expect on a Tour of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone
A tour of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone will include a visit to the abandoned city of Pripyat, the site of the original disaster. There, tourists can explore the empty streets, buildings, and monuments that have been left untouched since the disaster. Tourists can also visit the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, where they can get an up-close look at the reactor and the surrounding area.
The tour will also include a visit to the Red Forest, a section of pine trees that were contaminated by the radiation from the disaster. The forest is now a ghostly wasteland of dead trees and shrubs, and it serves as a reminder of the devastating effects of the explosion.
Safety Tips for Visiting the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone
Because of the radiation that lingers in the area, it is important for tourists to take certain safety precautions when visiting the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Tourists should wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, a hat, and sunglasses to protect from sunburn and radiation exposure. They should also wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain can be uneven and hazardous.
Visitors should also not touch any of the objects in the exclusion zone, as they may be contaminated. They should also listen to their tour guide, as they will know the safest areas to visit. Finally, visitors should not stay in the exclusion zone for longer than necessary, as radiation levels can be high in some areas.
Conclusion
Exploring the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone is an experience like no other. Tourists will get a unique look at the area that was evacuated after the nuclear disaster of 1986, and they will gain a better understanding of the effects of this event. However, it’s important to take safety precautions when visiting the exclusion zone, and to make sure to listen to your tour guide. With a bit of preparation, visitors can have a safe and interesting experience in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.