Welcome back, readers!
I'm excited to share my experience of a unique summer getaway to Yakutia!
So, how did I end up choosing Yakutia as my destination? Simple – I was looking for interesting travel directions in Russia and wanted to save some money. And that's when I stumbled upon a great find: flights to Yakutia on certain days of the week cost just 7,000 rubles one way. It's a government program that offers discounted flights on some routes.
I was thrilled and started researching what Yakutia has to offer, as my knowledge of the region basically stopped at Lena Pillars and permafrost (my friend, my friend, that's all I knew!).
I found out that Yakutia is a rapidly developing tourist destination, and there's plenty to see and do. I convinced my friends to join me, and we were all set with our tickets.
From Krasnoyarsk, the flight to Yakutsk takes just three hours, and we flew with Aurora Airlines, a subsidiary of Aeroflot. The flight was comfortable.
Our six-day trip (including the day of arrival and departure) was just the right amount of time to see the main attractions and interesting places.
We booked our accommodation through Yandex.Travel in advance, opting for an apartment instead of a hotel room, which turned out to be cheaper. We chose a place close to the city center so it would be easy to get around.
✔️ Getting from the airport to the city
The first challenge we faced was calling a taxi. Be aware, Yandex.Taxi doesn't work well in Yakutia. We tried to call a taxi for 15 minutes before being told to use a different app – inDriver. The idea behind inDriver is that you set the price you're willing to pay for the ride. It was really inconvenient, as we didn't know the approximate cost of the trip. We later got used to it and started checking other apps for the estimated price before using inDriver.
✔️ Food
Food in Yakutia is expensive. There's a lack of vegetables and fruits, and what's available looks pretty bad. We did some reconnaissance on the day of our arrival.
We had breakfast and dinner at home and went to local eateries for lunch, as we were staying in the city center. The prices were reasonable there.
It's worth noting that the average salary in Yakutia is much higher than in central Siberia, so it might seem like prices are high (similar to those in Norilsk). The prices are set according to the local wage. Still, it's essential to be prepared for this.
❕Day one
✔️ The Museum of the Kingdom of Permafrost
First things first, we headed to the Museum of Permafrost. We took a taxi (we'd already gotten used to the weird taxi app by then). You can also take public transportation, but it's a 10-kilometer ride from the city, and walking from the bus stop to the museum would take a while. The taxi ride took just 15 minutes.
This museum stole my heart – we left the heat of +35°C and ended up in a place that was even cooler than the city itself, surrounded by ice. I wrote a separate review about this museum (The Museum of Permafrost), so I won't say much about it here.
I visited this museum, which is located inside a glacier on Mount Chochur-Muran, and I was blown away by its unique charm. It used to be a storehouse for products during the Soviet era, but since 2005, it's been turned into a tourist complex.
This place is a real gem and a must-see. The sparkling, glowing elements inside the glacier are a sight to behold. I was grinning from ear to ear!
There are plenty of sculptures depicting national myths and folklore. You'll even find traditional national costumes and accessories on display.The sculptures come with informative signs that give you a deeper understanding of the people behind them.
The ice labyrinth of the Minotaur left me speechless!
I highly recommend visiting this museum, even if you're just passing through the city. It's a quick visit, but it'll leave you with a ton of positive emotions.
What's interesting is that the sculptures change from time to time, so if you visit the museum again, you might spot something new!
✔️ Viewing Platform
When I'm exploring a new city, I always make it a point to visit the viewing platform. And this time, it worked out perfectly. The viewing platform is located on Mount Chochur-Muran, which is home to the 'Kingdom of Eternal Frost' museum. Everything is close and convenient, so after visiting the museum, we headed straight to the viewing platform on the mountain summit.
There's no staircase, but we were glad to have those ropes on our way down the mountain – the sand was slippery, and we were sliding all over the place. I wouldn't recommend visiting in the rain!
The view from the viewing platform is stunning – you can see the entire city.
For me, it's not complete until I see a city from a height. It's not a must-see, but it's an essential part of getting to know a new place.
✔️ Ethnographic Complex 'Chochur-Muran'
The ethnographic complex is just a short walk from the museum.
The complex features a restaurant serving traditional dishes, which was our main goal. We walked there in about 10 minutes.
We were in for a disappointment - it was super hard to get a table. You'd better book in advance to avoid our mistake. But the complex has a pretty big territory, so we took a stroll around.
We saw these little cottages near the main building.
This colorful pond with ducks was a highlight.
This hunter's cabin replica was a fun find.
There were animal skulls all over the place.
This local husky caught our eye - we also saw a memorial for sled dogs, but I didn't take a photo of that.
Check out those eyes - aren't they adorable?
We had enough excitement for the day and headed back home.
It would've been great to try the local food at a restaurant, but that didn't work out.
❕Second day
We visited the central park on the second day. It's not modern, small, but really cozy.
I love places like this - they're a big part of the city's atmosphere for me.
A walk through the park won't take up much of your time (less than an hour), and there's a pine forest inside that's lovely to stroll through - I definitely recommend it if you have the time.
✔️ We needed to experience the cultural side of the city, so we chose the gallery of foreign art named after M.F. Gabyshev (a branch of the art museum)
The entrance fee was minimal (300 rubles for an adult ticket), and the building itself looks like a pink and white biscuit - it's really interesting. By the way, this used to be a county treasurer's office.
The gallery consists of just two rooms, and there's a space for workshops and events on the second floor - we didn't go up.
<\/a> <\/div> <\/div>We didn't take a guided tour, but instead walked around the halls, looked at the paintings and exhibits, and exchanged our impressions. The foundation of the gallery's collection consists of paintings donated from Mikhail Fyodorovich Gabyshyev's family, a well-known Yakut professor. Most of the works are from Western European art of the 16th-19th centuries.
<\/a> <\/div> <\/div>After we'd seen the entire collection, we decided to take a stroll around the grounds, visit the inner courtyard. It's a bit run-down, but clean and tidy – you can tell the staff take care of the territory.
I found the place to be cozy and intimate. You won't get bored or tired, but you will get a sense of the cultural heritage. I'd definitely recommend visiting.
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✔️ In the evening, we went on an immersive historical tour of Yakutsk's center, "Voice Within"
"Voice Within" is an emotional and meaningful immersive walk, a sunset concert, and an audio performance where guests become the main characters in the unfolding events. The walks are suitable for first-time visitors to Yakutsk and those who've lived there for a long time.
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<\/a> <\/div> <\/div>The tour was packed and interesting. We had to move quickly – there was a lot to see.
However, there were moments to stop and take some beautiful shots, but then we had to catch up with the group.
First, the tour took us within the historical district.
<\/a> <\/div> <\/div>Using a game-like, theatrical approach, they introduced us to the city's history, immersing us in the atmosphere.
As we progressed, representing how the city looked in the past, we moved towards the center (which isn't historical anymore).
We saw what a guard tower might have looked like.
<\/a> <\/div> <\/div>When we walked around the city, we were introduced to notable people: scientists, researchers, professors, teachers, architects...
This is great – they don't forget the people who've contributed so much to the city's development.
<\/p> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>I really liked the immersive tour concept – the actor was great too. The whole experience turned out to be heartwarming and uplifting.
Before the tour started, we'd walked around the historical district on our own. It's a small and cozy place.
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❕Third day
On the third day, we had another tour
When you visit Yakutia, you'll encounter three main tour directions:
1. Kuruuluur (waterfall), Turykhaya (mountain), Buluus (glacier)
2. Len's Pillars
3. Bisonarium, Tukulany (dunes)
We chose the first two. Each of them takes a whole day, with an average price of 10,000 (you can find it cheaper or more expensive). The price depends on how many people are in the group and how far in advance you book the tour. We ended up paying a lot because we didn't plan it all in advance and started looking and booking on the spot. The most expensive route is still the Lena Pillars. And we also had Tukulans included in the tour to the Lena Pillars, which also affected the cost.
On the third day, we headed to the first destination. We left Yakutsk early in the morning. We crossed the Lena River on a ferry and continued our journey by car. Along the way, we listened to the tour guide's stories about the development of tourism in Yakutia, Yakutian cinema, the Yakut people, their language, spirits, and beliefs - it was very informative and interesting. Although it was a long way, the time flew by unnoticed.
✔️ Our first stop was the Lednik Buluus
Buluus, by the way, translates to 'glacier'.
It's located not far from Yakutsk, about 100 km away. Both tourists and locals often visit it. The entrance is paid, but our tour guide bought the tickets for us as part of the tour package.
Before descending (at the top) there's a platform with grills, benches, and chairs - places for rest.
Here's the view of the glacier from the top.
How did the glacier form?
River ice in Yakutia is an absolutely unique natural phenomenon characteristic of permafrost areas where, in spring and winter, groundwaters from cracks in the soil or riverbeds burst onto the surface, forming powerful ice plates that can be several meters thick and cover dozens of hectares. These ice formations don't melt even in warm weather, creating ice fields and cascades amidst the taiga and rocks.
There are actually many glaciers in Yakutia, but this one is the only one equipped for tourist visits.
It's a very unusual feeling - walking on ice in 30-degree heat.
You don't really need warm clothes, but I'd recommend bringing non-slip shoes. The glacier melts from the top, and you need to be careful while walking on it.
Here's how these ice formations are created by nature. It looks very impressive, but the dirty stains on the surface of the glacier ruin the view.
And here's a beautiful green moss surrounding the glacier from some sides, looking very picturesque.
This place has been recognized as a landscape-hydrological natural reserve of republican significance.
Visiting the glacier left me with a sea of positive emotions. It's a beautiful place created by nature. There were only a few people, and everyone just spread out in different areas of the glacier without disturbing each other.
✔️ After the glacier, we headed to Kurułuur.
This is a waterfall located on the Menda River. Since the waterfall is close to the glacier, visiting both places at the same time is a great idea. There's a cafe on the territory before the waterfall where you can grab a bite to eat.
Kurułuur translates to waterfalls. It's as simple as that, just like the glacier.
These waterfalls are rapids on the Menda River, which has a rocky bed that cuts through the taiga. The Menda River forms several rapids and deep pools.
Entry to the territory is paid, but our guide bought the tickets for us. The area has benches and rest spots, so you can spend the whole day there. It's definitely worth visiting, especially on a nice day.
We arrived on a cooler day, so we just walked around the territory and enjoyed the views.
I think it's more interesting to look at the rocky surroundings of the river than the waterfall itself, which is quite small.
The layered rocks in the area of the Yakut waterfalls, Kurułuur (Krułuulur), are mainly composed of limestone and dolomite, formed from the accumulation and compaction of carbonate remains of marine organisms, such as shells, corals, and algae, as well as from the deposition of minerals.
✔️ We ended this day with a trip to the Turuk Haya mountain.
Again, the name is straightforward, Turuk Haya means "steep rock" in translation.
This attraction is a rocky formation made of mountain limestone.
From the observation deck, you can see a breathtaking view of the Samartai valley.
There's a stele in the shape of an eagle - the totem of the Khangalassky ulus - installed on the observation deck.
After hiking up the mountain, we headed back down, which was a long journey, including a ferry ride. The day was packed with emotions and impressions. By the time we finished the excursion, we were exhausted and didn't have the energy for anything else. I wouldn't recommend combining it with anything else.
But I highly recommend visiting these incredible places.
Day four
✔️ On the penultimate day of our trip, we went on an excursion to Lensky Stolby. It was combined with a visit to the dunes, but I'd say that was a bit unnecessary. After visiting Lensky Stolby, we were tired and didn't feel like climbing the dune. We decided to go for a swim in the Lena River instead, so we didn't take any photos of the dunes.
Our journey started the same way as the previous day, with the same route by car to the ferry, with a group of tourists. But this time, we took a boat instead of the ferry. We changed transport and set off.
We sailed along the picturesque rocky shores of the Lena River. Watching the scenery was interesting. The view was stunning.
Along the way, we made a stop to see the rock paintings (petroglyphs). We got off the boat to take a look. To be honest, I didn't really see much. The paintings were barely visible, and we even got closer to take a better look. They didn't impress me much. But the rock formations were incredible, with their twisted shapes, like something out of a fairy tale.Our second stop was near the arch of wishes. You often see these arches and passageways in rock formations, formed by the weather over time. We decided to make a wish, just like we did on Altai. The arch was similar to the one we saw there. We had to walk through it and make a wish, which we happily did. The guide told us that our wish would definitely come true. I hope it does.
These beautiful succulents are growing at the foot of the rocks.
Tourists and those relaxing by the river have built little stone pyramids. We joined in and built our own pyramid.
After our second stop, we spent a significant amount of time sailing towards the main attraction - Lensky Stolby. The view was starting to get a bit monotonous, and I think the gentle rocking of the boat put me to sleep.
As we approached the Lena Pillars, our guide gave us the green light to get off the boat and explore on foot. The view was breathtaking.
The boat glided across the water, leaving behind refreshing sprays, and sometimes bouncing up and down on the waves. A fresh breeze blew, and on the shore, majestic cliffs stood in a row, creating quirky figures. One moment, I'd spot a medieval castle, and the next, I'd see people's faces... I could stare at the view for hours, always discovering something new.
Decembrist Alexander Bestuzhev-Marlinsky was enchanted by this place, writing: 'A sacred silence lies over this untouched creation, and the soul merges with the wild, yet majestic nature.'
The Lena Pillars are a vast complex of vertically stretched rocks, weirdly stacked along the Lena Riverbank.
We'd get close, then pull back. We were given the chance to take plenty of beautiful shots from different angles.
The rocks stretch for 40 kilometers along the Lena Riverbank. Paddling and taking in this beauty can be done for hours – the view of the rocks is stunning, awe-inspiring. The height varies, but in some areas, the rocks can reach up to 200 meters.
I'm sure the guides take us to the most scenic parts. The landscapes are incredible, and I couldn't put their beauty into words. You really need to see it for yourself.
How were the Lena Pillars formed?
The limestone rock formation dates back to around 560-540 million years ago. At that time, the entire area was the bottom of a prehistoric sea. Later, due to tectonic processes, the Earth's crust in this area rose. And 400,000 years ago, these unusual rock formations appeared, shaped by surface and underground water, wind, and sun.
And finally, we arrived at our destination.
✔️ National Park "Lena Pillars" is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The park entrance fee is 700 rubles per person, and when buying a ticket, you need to sign the logbook (which I assume is some kind of safety measure).
One of the park's goals is to facilitate scientific and educational activities. Every year, scientists come here, and the park hosts environmental camps, fieldwork, and a summer school led by academic Nikita Solomonov.
The park can be roughly divided into five zones: a protected area, a specially protected area, a recreational area, an area for economic activities, and ethnic territories. In the protected area, economic activities are prohibited, and it's not possible to stay there for leisure.
On the ethnic territories, traditional Evenk communities live and work, practicing hunting, fishing, reindeer herding, berry and mushroom picking, and haymaking.
You should check out the gift shop before you start your journey, it's actually really cool, that's where I bought all the souvenirs I brought back from Yakutia. There's also a store where you can grab a drink.
The trailhead has some buildings being constructed, there will be cafes near the water's edge when they're finished. I visited when they weren't open yet. There's a public restroom available, it's not super comfortable, but it gets the job done.
The trail itself is a wooden boardwalk, there are railings in place (although not the whole way yet) and a warning sign about potential slippery conditions in the winter. You don't have to worry about that in the summer.
It's clear that the park is still being developed, the trail is still being laid down.
The park has strict rules in place, and that's a great thing! It helps us preserve this amazing place in its natural state, minimizing the impact of human activity.
You've got to stick to the signs, don't wander off the trail, and only take photos without a flash. No smoking, no drinking, don't pick the flowers or trees, and don't vandalize the rocks or trees. The goal is to keep human impact to a minimum – that's one of the main missions of the national park. There are trash cans along the route, so make sure to dispose of your trash there.
One of the rules really stands out in these awesome signs, they repeat periodically. Check this one out, it warns against wandering off the trail in a pretty humorous way.
There are other signs too, they're mostly motivational. They give you a boost when you're climbing.
I wouldn't say the trail is hard, it might get a bit monotonous at some point. The forest surrounds you on both sides, you can't see the mountains, and you've got to keep climbing.
The trail is divided into sections, each one shows you how far you've come and how much farther you've got to go.
And then there's this sign at the top! It's really nicely done.
The signs are made of wood and fit in perfectly with the eco-trail design.
At the top, there are several viewing platforms, all of them are equipped with railings, and you're not supposed to go past them, but everyone does. The view of the Lena River is stunning.
Check it out, it's incredible!
I love how the pine trees surround this place. It's like nature's own little sanctuary.
The observation decks have benches and stools where you can sit and take in the breathtaking views.
As I looked out at all this, I realized that climbing up wasn't so bad after all.
Since we were on a guided tour, we had to stick to a schedule, but it was worth it. We got to explore, take in the views, and head back down without feeling overwhelmed. Going back down was a breeze and didn't take as long.
I'd like to end this review with a quote from Alla Zaharova's poem 'Lenskie Stolby':
A mist rises at dawn,
Along the shore, walls of whimsical rocks,
Kilometer-long columns stand,
Guarding ancient land.
And then, finally, it's the ascent,
To the rocky outcrop, and already, at the top,
Before us, a creation unfolded,
Of the vast sky, the taiga, and the river...
From this beauty and these stone statues,
You can't tear your eyes away.
I'd stand there, gazing for hours,
At the wonder of nature, which has captivated us.
And if you ever see the columns,
You'll never forget them.
Places like these evoke,
A mix of awe, reverence, and fear
❕ In the end, I have to say that I didn't regret choosing this place for my vacation. It was something new, interesting, and engaging for me.
As I mentioned at the beginning, our entire trip took 6 days. One day to arrive, one day to leave, and 4 full days that I tried to detail as much as possible.
When I was planning my trip to Yakutia, I spent a lot of time researching. I hope that my review and experience will be helpful to someone who's planning a trip to this unique place.
And finally, if you haven't been to Yakutia yet, I highly recommend that you do. Or at least, make a plan to go!
Thanks for reading!