# What To Expect On a Guys Weekend Adventure to Chernobyl *By James Hills, mantripping.com — Updated November 2020* When it comes to bucket-list adventure ideas for a guys weekend, there are few more enticing than visiting the site disasters. It is a primal reminder that no matter how powerful and talented we are as men, natural forces are exponentially more so. A few years ago when I was in Ukraine I was only a few hours from being able to visit Chernobyl but simply didn't have time in the itinerary to make it happen. Hopefully one day I'll be able to visit there but here's what to expect if you do visit Chernobyl ... Chernobyl exclusion zone is one of the most popular touristic destinations in Ukraine. One of the biggest nuclear disasters converted this land into a unique place. Nuclear power plant, unfinished reactors, military radar, ghost city, many villages, and rich wildlife – those are just some of the locations from the huge list that you can visit with [Chernobyl Story Tours](https://chernobylstory.com/). Whatever exactly you are looking for when visiting it you can be sure you will find everything and even more. ## Time Machine to the Soviet Era 26th of April 1986 changed the flow of life in these lands forever. The population was evacuated, factories stopped working, all the constructions were frozen, and all events were postponed indefinitely. Dealing with the ruins of the reactor and decontamination of the surrounding area were two main priorities back to the time. Authorities announced that evacuation would be temporary, so everyone expected to see the land alive again sooner or later. But it never happened. When visiting the Chernobyl zone today, you can find footprints of the Soviet Union everywhere. In the village of Zalissya (which used to be the biggest village of the area, by the way) you’ll be taken to the House of culture. There is a red banner above the stage saying that “Communism is the bright future of humankind”. When exploring Zalissya further, you will find “Lada” car frames next to some of the private houses: those cars where the most common ones in the Soviet Union. Guys Trip Destinations and Getaway Ideas CRUISEWESTCOAST [Should You Buy Cruise Ship Wi-Fi? A First-Timer Cruiser's Guide to Staying Connected At Sea](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcruisewestcoast.com%2Ffirst-timers-guide-to-staying-connected-on-a-cruise.html&id=379&type=blog&site=mantripping) [Read More →](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcruisewestcoast.com%2Ffirst-timers-guide-to-staying-connected-on-a-cruise.html&id=379&type=blog&site=mantripping) MANTRIPPING [Six NASCAR Sites You Must Visit in Charlotte North Carolina - Where Racing Lives](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mantripping.com%2Ftravel%2Fcharlotte-north-carolina-where-racing-lives.html&id=1463&type=blog&site=mantripping) [Read More →](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mantripping.com%2Ftravel%2Fcharlotte-north-carolina-where-racing-lives.html&id=1463&type=blog&site=mantripping) MANTRIPPING [All The Dirt on Mint 400: The Great American Off-Road Race](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mantripping.com%2Ftravel%2Fmint-400-the-great-american-off-road-race.html&id=1472&type=blog&site=mantripping) [Read More →](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mantripping.com%2Ftravel%2Fmint-400-the-great-american-off-road-race.html&id=1472&type=blog&site=mantripping) We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Another location with Soviet atmosphere can be found in the forests of the 10-kilometers zone. It is military radar Duga-1. Soviet Army red stars on the gate welcome you as you enter the area through the main checkpoint. Big impressive array (150 m of height) was put out of service right after the accident and today is called The Monument to the Cold War. Apart from the metal construction, you can see military facilities like the Command Center, training centre, driving school and square surrounded with propaganda posters. Before heading to next location, pass by the secret military town Chernobyl-2: the place where the officers and their families used to live. To get more impressions (and not only those related to the Soviet past) go to Pripyat. The city was inhabited by almost 50,000 people, and all of them were evacuated on the 27th of April. Since that time, Pripyat has been owned by nature and no one else. Despite the fact that the forest is literally eating the place, you can still walk on the main square and get to the most interesting locations: river port and riverside café, an amusement park with its iconic Ferris wheel, stadium, swimming pool, vehicles’ graveyard etc. The list of the locations visited in the ghost city of Pripyat is formed depending on the available time and tour format (group or private), however, is always fascinating. If you want to visit open-air museum of the Soviet times, pick up two-day tour and stay the night in Chernobyl town. Firstly, Chernobyl is unique place as long as this is the only settlement in the exclusion zone that can be legally inhabited. Secondly, since the time of the Soviet Union, almost nothing has changed there. You can walk Soviet Street there and arrive to the main square with statue of Vladimir Lenin. Don’t forget to visit one of the few shops in Chernobyl where you will find everything: from socks and shaving foam to sausages and beer. Because of the curfew, nobody is allowed to stay outside after 10 p.m., so it’s time to get to your hotel and have a rest. ## Meet the Locals: Re-Settlers Although the population was not allowed to come back to the zone after the evacuation, many people did it. 1200 of former inhabitants of the zone came back to their homes during 1987. They had many reasons to do so and, on the other hand, authorities couldn’t deal with it. Today, there are around 100 of them living in Chernobyl town and in small villages of the exclusion zone. On a tour, you can visit some of them as well. They are always happy to welcome guests in their houses, so will lay a table for you and put as many dishes on it as they can. You will be offered a shot of homemade vodka (it is called “samogon”) and lard with rye bread. Apart from this, they will be happy to tell you their stories. This is a good opportunity to talk to those ones who witnessed the events of April 1986. On the other hand, they demonstrate how life goes on despite all the disasters. ## How to Get Ready For A Tour of Chernobyl First of all, you have to contact tour agency and provide them with your personal details. The exclusion zone is a restricted area, so you’ll not be allowed to enter without a professional guide and without your documents. In case you decide to pick up a private tour, your guide will contact you to discuss the locations you’d like to visit and your preferences. Basically, the agency will take care of the rest: insurance, transport, tickets and accommodation (in case of a multiple-day tour). You have to make sure you wear comfortable clothes and shoes, bring your documents, and everything you consider useful and necessary to have with you on a tour. In case of any concerns, you can contact your agency and/or your guide. By the way, in one day visitors absorb the same amount of radiation as during one hour of flight. So, unless you decide to eat mushrooms from the Red Forest, visiting the Chernobyl zone is absolutely safe. Details Written by: James Hills Last Updated: 30 November 2020 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Cruises Are Expensive, Here's How to Finance Your Guys Trip Without Sinking Your Wallet Jun 20, 2026 [Cruises Are Expensive, Here's How to Finance Your Guys Trip Without Sinking Your Wallet](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/financing-guys-cruise-vacation-guide.html) [Plan Your Next Vacation Today!](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html) ### Products & Gift Ideas #### I Doubted Electric Grilling Until The Kenyon City Grill Proved Me Wrong Jul 02, 2026 [I Doubted Electric Grilling Until The Kenyon City Grill Proved Me Wrong](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/kenyon-city-grill-review.html) #### Gorilla GCG-1200 Steel Utility Cart Is The Lawn and Garden Hauler That Saved My Back Jul 02, 2026 [Gorilla GCG-1200 Steel Utility Cart Is The Lawn and Garden Hauler That Saved My Back](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/gorilla-gcg-1200-utility-cart-review.html) #### I Spent a Weekend With the Cricut Explore 5 - and It Totally Does Belong in the Man Space Jun 25, 2026 [I Spent a Weekend With the Cricut Explore 5 - and It Totally Does Belong in the Man Space](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/cricut-explore-5-review.html) ### Top Guys Trip Ideas: #### Guys Weekend Guide To Visiting Santa Maria California Jun 02, 2021 [Guys Weekend Guide To Visiting Santa Maria California](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/guys-weekend-guide-to-visiting-santa-maria-california.html) #### Chase The Northern Lights on This Swedish Balloon Tour Jan 22, 2020 [Chase The Northern Lights on This Swedish Balloon Tour](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/chase-the-northern-lights-on-this-sweedish-balloon-tour.html) #### We've Found Your New Home Base: Basecamp Hotel Tahoe Oct 05, 2015 [We've Found Your New Home Base: Basecamp Hotel Tahoe](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/we-ve-found-your-new-home-base-at-basecamp-hotel-tahoe.html) ### Related Articles #### How to Rent the Right Car for an Iceland Road Trip [How to Rent the Right Car for an Iceland Road Trip](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/renting-a-car-in-iceland.html) #### Could Atlanta Lose Entertainment Spending During the 2026 World Cup? [Could Atlanta Lose Entertainment Spending During the 2026 World Cup?](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/atlanta-world-cup-entertainment-spending.html) #### Amsterdam Canal Cruises for a Guys Trip: Where to Board and How to Plan [Amsterdam Canal Cruises for a Guys Trip: Where to Board and How to Plan](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/amsterdam-canal-cruise-guys-trip.html) #### Paris Catacombs: What Guys Need to Know Before You Go : Updated After 2026 Reopening [Paris Catacombs: What Guys Need to Know Before You Go : Updated After 2026 Reopening](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/paris-catacombs-guide.html) #### European River Cruises Made for a Guys Trip: Rhine, Bordeaux, Douro, and Rhône [European River Cruises Made for a Guys Trip: Rhine, Bordeaux, Douro, and Rhône](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/european-river-cruises-guys-trip.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/search.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/sitemap.html) - [** Polls](https://www.mantripping.com/polls.html) - [Community Login](https://www.mantripping.com/registration/login.html) - [Brand Engagement Newsletter](https://www.mantripping.com/pr-ops-newsletter.html) - [Links](https://www.mantripping.com/links.html) - [Pitch Portal](https://www.mantripping.com/pitch.html) - [Men's Travel Survey](https://www.mantripping.com/the-mantripping-guys-trip-report-spring-2026.html) --- ### Need help planning? **Heather** is a cruise and travel specialist at mantripping.com with over 15 years of experience in personalized trip planning. She helps travelers plan cruise vacations tailored to their specific needs — whether it's choosing the right ship, coordinating a group, or finding the best itinerary for your budget and interests. **Get in touch:** - [Request a personalized quote](https://mantripping.com/book-with-heather?ref=agent) - Email: heather@flowmediamarketing.com --- **About mantripping.com:** Men's travel, lifestyle, and adventure since 2010. Honest reviews from 20+ years of travel experience. *Source: [What To Expect On a Guys Weekend Adventure to Chernobyl](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/what-to-expect-on-a-guys-weekend-adventure-to-chernobyl.html) — mantripping.com* **Related content you may find useful:** - [Travel guides and destination reviews](https://mantripping.com/travel/) - [Men's lifestyle and gear reviews](https://mantripping.com/mens-lifestyle/)