Eichar, Kuntsevich, Borzenkov, and a professional geologist catch a train to start their journey. Eichar tries to imagine the hikers in the train station, but it has been rebuilt since 1959. He wants to take a picture, but his companions stop him without explaining why. As the men eat, Eichar reflects on his trip so far. Meeting Yudin has been revelatory, but others have been less pleased to see him. One reporter accused him of exploiting the Dyatlov mystery for profit, though in reality Eichar has spent a great deal of his own money to finance his expedition. Currently, Eichar believes that an avalanche, while basic, is the most likely explanation for the hikers’ deaths. They likely fled the tent when they heard a frightening rumbling sound, only to get disoriented in the dark and fail to find their way back. Eichar takes a nap as he waits for the train to arrive in Serov.

After Yudin departs, the hikers set out on the most challenging part of their journey so far. They will spend several days following the Lozva River and then the Auspiya River. The terrain is rough, as the Lozva is not always sufficiently frozen, while its banks are rocky and hard to navigate.