Da da da. Which way do you turn? While Alaska may be the biggest U.S. state, its population is one of the smallest in the country. Four-fifths of the state’s territory can be reached only by air, and a lot of small towns would have been completely isolated were it not for small planes. The community of Diomede is on the island of Little Diomede in the middle of the Bering Strait, right between Alaska and Russia. Natasha Mozgovaya reports on what residents say life is like. Anna Rice narrates her report. Originally published here
Visiting Little Diomede is one of the most logistically challenging and extreme travel undertakings in North America. Located in the middle of the Bering Strait, just 2.4 miles from Big Diomede (Russia), it is a place where the “End of the World” feels literal. In 2026, it remains a remote outpost where travel is entirely dependent on weather, cargo schedules, and the consent of the local community. There are no roads, no ferries, and no traditional runways on the island. The Helicopter Bridge: The primary way to reach the island is via a scheduled helicopter service from Nome, Alaska, currently operated by Pathfinder Aviation. It primarily serves as a mail and essential service link. The “Ice Runway” (Winter Only): Traditionally, a runway was carved into the sea ice for fixed-wing bush planes. However, due to thinning ice in recent years, this has become increasingly unreliable and is often unavailable. Nome as Your Base: All travel begins in Nome. You will likely spend several days (or even weeks) in Nome waiting for a “weather window.” In the Bering Strait, fog or high winds can ground all flights for 10 days at a time without warning.
The “Price of Admission”: Expect the helicopter flight to cost roughly $400–$600 each way, but the real cost is the “Nome delay.” You must have flexible tickets and a significant financial buffer for extra hotel nights in Nome.
You can get there with our affiliate partners, Expedia. Flights, stays, activities and more. Click here
World Nomads provides travel insurance coverage for Alaska, treating it as part of their USA coverage for activities like hiking, dog sledding, and cruises. Plans include coverage for more than 250 adventure activities, making it suitable for wilderness travel in Alaska, provided you are not traveling against official government advice. If you choose to wander off the path, that is your decision. Finally, Winston Churchill once commente: “I cannot forecast to you the action of Russia. It is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma: but perhaps there is a key. That key is Russian national interests.”
If you do find yourself on “the the “Russian” side, our affiliate partners Tutu.Ru can show you the ropes. Tutu.ru is a leading Russian travel service that offers comprehensive online booking for transportation and accommodation, including train tickets (long-distance and local), airline tickets, intercity bus tickets, and hotel/apartment rentals. The platform provides 24/7 customer support, allows ticket refunds, and offers interactive seat selection. All you need is a warm coat and a sense of adventure! Click here.