Last updated on May 23, 2023

If you’re someone who’s always looking for unique and unconventional experiences, then a visit to Chernobyl might just be the adventure you’ve been seeking. A trip to this abandoned city in Ukraine is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before. It’s a journey through time that takes you back to one of the most significant and devastating events of modern history.

My first introduction to Chernobyl started in 1999 when my friend’s computer crashed on April 26, 1999, and he contacted me to check his PC. I did my research and found that his PC BIOS was damaged because of a computer virus CIH, also known as Chernobyl.

For those who are not familiar, Chernobyl was the site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster, which occurred on April 26, 1986. The explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant led to the release of radioactive material that affected the lives of thousands of people. The immediate area was evacuated, and since then, the city and its surrounding area have been frozen in time.

Visiting Chernobyl is not for the faint of heart. The tour itself is a bit of a surreal experience, from the moment you step into the van that takes you into the exclusion zone. You’re surrounded by a vast forest, and as you drive further in, you start to see the first signs of abandoned buildings and houses. You’ll see the rusted, abandoned vehicles, crumbling apartment blocks, and the eerie silence that engulfs the entire city.

The tour is led by a knowledgeable and experienced guide who will take you through the history of the disaster, the events that led up to it, and the aftermath of the explosion. You’ll see the remains of the nuclear power plant, including the infamous reactor number 4. You’ll also get to visit the abandoned city of Pripyat, which used to be home to over 49,000 people before the disaster.

One of the most striking features of Chernobyl is how nature has taken over the abandoned city. Trees and plants have grown in the most unlikely places. The sight of the abandoned amusement park, with its rusted Ferris wheel, is both haunting and beautiful at the same time.

It’s worth noting that safety measures are taken seriously during the tour. You’ll be given a dosimeter to measure radiation levels, and the guide will make sure that you don’t go into areas that are still highly contaminated. It’s also essential to follow the rules and regulations of the tour, as the exclusion zone is a highly controlled area.

Visiting Chernobyl is a unique and unforgettable experience. It’s a journey through time that will take you back to one of the most significant events in modern history. The haunting beauty of the abandoned city and the stories of the people who lived through the disaster will leave a lasting impression on you. If you’re someone who’s looking for a different kind of adventure, then a trip to Chernobyl should definitely be on your bucket list.

33 years 5 months later, I stood in the same spot across from the infamous reactor No. 4, now covered by a shiny arch.