Yakutia, also known as the Sakha Republic, covers a vast region of Siberia, roughly the size of India. Most internationally famous for the Lena, the 11th largest river in the world, Yakutia also holds the record for the coldest recorded temperature in the Northern Hemisphere in the small village of Oymyakon. It’s also renowned for its paleontological discoveries, ranging from Yuka the woolly mammoth, to Dina and Uyan, the exceptionally well-preserved cave lion cubs discovered in 2015.
THE VALLEY OF DEATH
Deep in the tundra of the Evenkia region lies a collection of giant metallic cauldrons embedded into the earth. The region has been feared for centuries by the local reindeer herders as these objects of an unknown, and potentially extra-terrestrial origin, have been known to cause mysterious nausea and skin ailments. Nevertheless, venturing on foot and by reindeer would make a worthy journey to discover whether there is truth to be found from these stories. At the very least you’ll learn a lot about the ancient trade routes that once existed through the tundra and learn some life stories from the Evenki herders.
LENA RIVER
Being the easternmost of the three great Siberian rivers that flow into the Arctic Ocean (the others being the Ob and Yenisei), at 4400km+ there’s more than a lifetime’s worth of exploring to be had just along its banks. Starting out near the world’s deepest and oldest freshwater lake, Baikal, it flows towards the Arctic, passing by Yakutsk, the capital of Yakutia, and the towering Lena Pillars which are reputed to be the “cradle of human civilisation” as some of the oldest tools in the world were discovered on its banks.
YAKUTSK
With a population of 300,000, Yakutsk is considered the coldest city in the world for its size, with temperatures regularly dropping below -34C. It was first inhabited by the Yakuts in the 13th-14th Century and first founded as an Imperial Russian fort in the 17th Century by Pyotr Beketov. Ever since then it has remained as the most important East Siberian city, from where centuries of Russian expansion spawned out to the Far East, and further south. Year on year it grows in strength as it is also responsible for 1/5 of the world’s diamond production.
THE NEW SIBERIAN ISLANDS
The New Siberian Islands are an isolated archipelago enshrouded in myth and first discovered by an early Cossack expedition in the early 18th century. Even farther north are the De Long Islands. Beyond here lies the mystical Sannikov Land, a region of phantom islands seen by countless expeditions and cartographers over the centuries, but one never proved to exist despite countless attempts to reach them.
VISAS
Letter of invitation and visa required for most nationalities. Must be applied for in advance at a Russian embassy or consulate.
WEATHER
January temperature range: -13 °C to −30 °C. July temperature range: +13°C to +25 °C.
MONEY
Russian rouble. ATMs are available in all cities and over-the-counter bank withdrawals are also possible in smaller areas. USD also accepted for large payments in many areas.
For up to date exchange rates please have a look at www.xe.com
ELECTRICITY
Two prong European style systems (types C and F).
WIFI
Reliable wifi in major towns and cities. No internet connection outside of these areas.
FOOD
Typical of Russia: Dill. Dill. And more dill. Lots of potatoes, beetroot and root vegetables. Meat and fish centre in most dishes. Bulgar wheat is a popular grain.
ALCOHOL
Alcohol is permitted and is widely available
LANGUAGE
Russian. Yakut (also known as Sakha language) is spoken by 450,000 people. Tungus spoken by 75,000 in small areas.
RELIGION
Russian Orthodox Christianity. Shamanism. Animism.
DRESS CODE
No special dress code.
SAFTEY & SECURITY
The FCO considers Yakutia to be a low risk region to travel.
RECOMMENDED READING
The Shaman’s Coat: A Native History of Siberia by Anna Reid
Siberia: A History of the People by Janet M. Hartley