Experiences you'll have
In a few days you'll plunge into a completely different reality and become a part of the ethno-expedition. You'll see and try "cold schticks" — the phenomenon is only possible at extremely low temperatures.
You'll meet Evens herders, whose life is daily struggle for survival; learn their customs and mystical pagan rites at the festival "The Pole of Coldness — Oymyakon", which takes place here every year since 2001, embodying the uniqueness of the Yakut and Evenk cultures. At the festival you will meet with the ruler of the cold Chyskhan, performances of ethnogroups, competitions in national sports, competitions and exhibitions.
Route: Yakutsk – Khandyga village – the village of Oymyakon – Tomtor village – Khandyga village – Yakutsk.
To better adapt to the climate and prepare for the tour, you can arrive prior the start of the tour and extend the tour for 1-2 days and devote this time to excursions around Yakutsk or take a trip to the Lena Pillars (extra paid).
Note: for group of up to 3 people, the cost will be 188 000 rubles per person.
Itinerary
The journey begins in Russian Yakutsk, where you will need to get on your own. We are ready to assist with the purchase of tickets. If necessary, leave a comment in the order.
Day 1 Kingdom of Permafrost
Arrival in Yakutsk early in the morning. Meeting at the airport, transfer to «Lena» hotel, double accommodation. Transfer to the ethnographic complex «Chochur-Muran». Acquaintance with Yakutian Laika, dog sledding on the lake Ytyk Kuel. (max. 3 sledges)
Day 2 Trip to Oymyakon
Departure by itinerary: Yakutsk — Oymyakon (1000 km) by Toyota Hiacе or Hyundai Starex minibus. Overnight stop in Khandyga village (433 km). Travel time about 8-10 hours.
Day 3 The road on bones
Transfer to Oymyakon (567 km). Travel time about 12-14 hours through the Verkhoyansk mountain ranges along the Kolyma tract — «The Road of Bones», a unique road built by GULAG prisoners during the Stalin era. Stop for lunch near the weather station Vostochnaia. Arrival at Oymyakon late at night. Accommodation in private apartment.
Days 4-5 The Pole of Cold
These days you will spend in the villages of Tomtor and Oymyakon, where the festival "Oymyakon — the Pole of Cold" will take place. You will participate in spectacular program of the festival, which includes: a meeting with Chyskhan — the Lord of the Cold, performances of dance ethnogroups; racing on reindeer sledges - traditional northern competition, where reindeer herders demonstrate strength and skills; the Miss Pole of the Cold competition; an exhibition of folk crafts and much more.
Day 6 Departure to Khandyga
Drive to Khandyga village (about 470 km).
Day 7 Departure to Yakutsk
Breakfast. Early departure to Yakutsk. Visit to jewelry and souvenir shops in Yakutsk.
Day 8 Departure from Yakutsk
Airport transfer. Flight to Moscow.
Accommodation during the trip
In Yakutsk you will stay at the hotel "Lena" 3*, in standard double rooms with cable TV, a wardrobe, work area, refrigerator and bathroom with toiletries, as well as free Wi-Fi. In Khandyga you will stay in a hotel, in double rooms. In Oymyakon you'll spend two nights in a home-like hotel, in double or triple rooms. In Tomtor you'll stay in the private house of a Yakut family.
Booking
Accommodation during the trip
Meeting and greeting at the Yakutsk airport
Double accommodation in «Lena» hotel 3* in Yakutsk
Transfers according to the program
Excursions according to the program
Accommodation in private apartments in Oymyakon, Khandyga
3 meals a day
English-speaking guide
Insurance
Satellite mobile phone per group
Airtickets to/from Yakutsk (from 20 000 Rub round-trip)
Meals in Yakutsk
Meeting and greeting at the Yakutsk airport
Double accommodation in «Lena» hotel 3* in Yakutsk
Transfers according to the program
Excursions according to the program
Accommodation in private apartments in Oymyakon, Khandyga
3 meals a day
English-speaking guide
Insurance
Satellite mobile phone per group
Airtickets to/from Yakutsk (from 20 000 Rub round-trip)
Meals in Yakutsk
The Pole of Cold Festival