The Kingdom of Permafrost is an extraordinary subterranean ice complex located just outside Yakutsk. Here, you'll discover a fairy-tale world of ice sculptures and frozen art. The caverns maintain sub-freezing temperatures year-round, providing a sharp contrast to the summer heat. As you wander through the icy galleries, you'll see expertly carved frozen scenes that skillfully blend modern and ancient Yakutian myths. The highlight is the magnificent throne room, where visitors can sit on a throne made entirely of ice and feel like an arctic monarch. Remember to dress warmly, as the temperature inside can drop to -10°C, even in summer.
The Lena Pillars Nature Park is a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the natural wonders of Russia. It features spectacular rock formations that rise dramatically along the banks of the Lena River. These pillar-like rock formations are more than 200 meters tall and are the result of millions of years of weathering. Visitors can take a boat trip on the Lena River to get an up-close view of this breathtaking natural phenomenon. Along the journey, local guides provide insights into the geological history of the formations, as well as the cultural significance of the area to the indigenous Yakut people. Hiking trails are also available for those who wish to explore the pillars on foot.
Yakutsk Ethnographic Museum, formally known as the Museum of the Peoples of the North, offers a fascinating glimpse into the traditions and lifestyle of the northern indigenous people. You'll be able to see traditional clothing, intricate handicrafts, and tough Siberian hunting and fishing gear used by the ancestors of the region. The museum's outdoor area features authentic reconstructed buildings, including various types of dwellings from nomadic tents to winter houses. The collection of exhibits portrays the adaptive strategies of humans in extreme Arctic conditions and provides an excellent educational experience on the diversity of cultural practices in Yakutia. It's a must-visit destination for anyone interested in anthropology and history.
The Treasury of Yakutia Exhibition, situated in the National Art Museum of the Republic of Sakha, introduces visitors to the riches of the Yakutia region. The exhibition highlights the area's abundance of natural resources, particularly diamonds, gold, and other precious minerals. Visitors can learn about the mining processes, gaze at impressive gemstone collections, and understand the significance of these resources to the local economy. Jewelry enthusiasts and geology fans alike will be captivated by the displays of raw and refined gems, and by the intricate artwork and jewelry fashioned by local craftsmen using traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations.
The Mammoth Museum in Yakutsk is a world-renowned institution dedicated to the research and display of Pleistocene-era fauna, with a particular focus on the woolly mammoth. The museum showcases a rich collection of fossils, bones, and full skeletal reconstructions, providing a window into Ice Age wildlife. Among its rare exhibits is the famous 'Yuka' mammoth, which is one of the best-preserved mammoth specimens ever found. The in-depth exhibits educate visitors on the flora and fauna of the time period, as well as the ongoing research and efforts to clone a mammoth using advanced genetic technologies. A trip to the museum is a fascinating journey into the prehistoric world and a testament to the region's ancient natural history.
A Yakutsk City Tour is the perfect way to get acquainted with the capital of the Sakha Republic. The guided tour typically covers the major landmarks and historical sites of the city, including the iconic Permafrost Institute, beautiful Orthodox churches, and the impressive Yakutsk State Academic Drama Theater. You'll also visit the bustling local market to sample regional delicacies and see where residents shop for daily provisions. Guides provide context and stories that bring Yakutsk’s history to life—from its founding as a Russian fort to its current status as a major cultural and scientific center of the Far East. The city tour offers a comprehensive overview of this unique Siberian city's past and present.
Experience the thrill of traditional dog sledding in Yakutia's stunning wilderness. This activity gives you the opportunity to connect with the indigenous culture and the wondrous Siberian landscape. Glide through snow-covered forests and across frozen rivers, led by a pack of hearty Yakutian Laika dogs, a breed well-adapted to the harsh local climate. Before setting off on your journey, local mushers provide instructions on handling the sled and share insights about their loyal canine companions. With the sled's runners whispering against the snow, and the crisp air filling your lungs, dog sledding stands out as an exhilarating and authentic Arctic adventure.
Delve into the flavors of the North with a culinary tour of Yakut cuisine. The tour starts with a visit to a local market, where you'll learn about the indigenous ingredients that constitute the basis of the region's dishes. Following the market, you'll head to a restaurant specializing in traditional Yakut foods. You'll be able to taste dishes like stroganina (thinly sliced frozen fish), kumys (fermented mare's milk), and for the adventurous, dishes made from horse or reindeer meat. Lessons in how to prepare some of these dishes may also be included, providing insight into the culinary techniques that have been adapted to the region's extreme climate. This tour is ideal for foodies looking to expand their palate and explore new cultural tastes.
Oymyakon, famously known as the 'Pole of Cold', is the coldest inhabited place on Earth, and it’s reachable from Yakutsk. Venturing there is not for the faint-hearted; it is a unique experience that will test your endurance. On this multi-day trip, visitors witness first-hand the extreme living conditions locals contend with daily. The journey involves traveling by robust vehicles designed to cope with the Siberian winter. Attractions include the 'Pole of Cold' monument, the Ice Palace of Chyskhaan, the Keeper of the Cold, and meeting local herders. The trip provides a remarkable insight into the resilience and warmth of human settlement in the face of such extreme weather.
Discover the ancient arts of archery and atlatl spear-throwing in a hands-on cultural experience that echoes the traditional hunting methods of Siberia’s indigenous peoples. Local experts guide you through the use of these primitive tools, teaching you how to aim and release arrows with precision and how to wield the atlatl, a device used for throwing darts or spears farther than by hand alone. The session not only provides an understanding of historic survival skills but also offers an enjoyable outdoor activity that requires focus and coordination. Embrace the challenge and learn how to hit targets like a Yakutian hunter from centuries past.
