June 26 - July 1
Yakutsk, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)
Imagine immersing yourself in a culture shaped by the most extreme conditions on Earth—a land where winters plunge to -70°C, yet summers shine with +25°C warmth, endless white nights, and a vibrant celebration of life.
Welcome to Yakutia, where the Children of the Sun invite you to experience their world, shaped by ancient traditions and the raw power of nature.
This summer, embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Sakha culture. Witness Ysyakh, the grand festival of the summer solstice, where rituals, and dance flow in celebration of the sun’s return. Step into the daily life of a Yakut family, marvel at the UNESCO-listed Lena Pillars rising majestically along the river, and savor the flavors of traditional cuisine. Travel to meet reindeer herders and glimpse the timeless nomadic way of life. Feel the eternal frost beneath your feet even as the land basks in the warmth of summer.
Tour to Yakutia
Day 1 - 26 June
Arrival in Yakutsk
6:00 AM to 5:00 PM Upon arrival at Yakutsk airport, travelers will be met by their guide and transferred to the Orto Doidu 3-star hotel. Accommodation in double rooms. Single-room accommodation is available upon request for an additional fee. Rest.
6:00 PM Head out to a scenic spot for a relaxed welcome evening under the open sky. This popular local hangout offers stunning views of the Lena River and the surrounding valley. It’s the perfect place to take in the sunset during the white nights, get to know your fellow travelers, and dive into the spirit of the adventure ahead.
10:00–11:00 PM Return to the hotel.
Day 2 - 27 June
The Diamond Ring of the Coldest Capital
11:00 AM – Visit to the Ethnographic House “Us-Kut” (Three Spirits)
Step into the heart of Sakha culture at Us-Kut, a place of warmth and hospitality run by a local Yakut family. Here, you’ll experience the deep traditions of the region—hear the haunting melodies of the khomus (jaw harp) and the rhythmic chants of Toyuk throat singing. Witness sacred rituals, including offerings to spirits, purification ceremonies, and a special welcome to the rising sun.
The site features a traditional Yakutian home, giving you a glimpse into the daily life of past generations. One of the most meaningful experiences is taking part in the Algys blessing ritual, a ceremony performed for important moments—like the arrival of guests. Led by an Algyschyt, or "white shaman," this ritual includes prayers to the Upper Deities, throat singing, the lighting of a sacred fire, and a ceremonial sprinkling of kumis (fermented mare’s milk), all meant to bring good fortune and connect you to the spirits of the land.
12:00 PM – Tour to the Kingdom of Permafrost
Enter an extraordinary underground frozen world—a permafrost cave where stunning ice sculptures crafted by Yakutia’s finest artisans are on display. The museum also features a mammoth exhibit, an ice slide, and even an ice bar. This frozen museum, set inside a never-melting glacier, is one of the most unique attractions in the world, offering a glimpse into Yakutia’s icy wonders.
1:00 PM – Climb to the Sacred Mountain “Chochur Muran”
This conical peak is one of the highest points around Yakutsk, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Tuimaada Valley, where the city is nestled.
According to legend, this is where Elley Bootur, a mythical hero of the Sakha people, first held the Ysyakh summer solstice festival—an event that marked the beginning of Yakut ethnogenesis.
2:00 PM – Lunch at the Ethnographic Complex Chochur Muran
Step back in time at Chochur Muran, a cultural and historical site near Yakutsk that brings the region’s past to life. Wander through reconstructed wooden buildings, including a merchant’s house, a granary, and a Yakut ostrog (fort) showcasing ancient weapons and everyday artifacts.
The on-site restaurant serves authentic Yakutian and Russian cuisine, offering a taste of traditional flavors. After lunch, explore an Evenki chum (nomadic tent), a hunter’s lodge filled with trophies, a dog musher’s cabin, and even a replica of the legendary Mi-8 helicopter. You can also visit the Alaskan Laika kennel, where you can interact with these loyal sled dogs—or even adopt a puppy.
3:00 PM – Visit to the Mammoth Museum
Yakutsk is home to the world's only museum dedicated entirely to mammoth research and paleontological discoveries. Here, you’ll dive into the Ice Age, exploring the fascinating world of these prehistoric giants that once roamed the Siberian tundra.
5:00 PM – Traditional Dinner with a Yakut Family
Experience daily life in a traditional Yakut household. Guests will learn how locals manage their homes and livestock in extreme climatic conditions, explore traditional handicrafts, and enjoy a home-cooked Yakut meal, offering an intimate glimpse into this remarkable way of life.
7:00 PM – Transfer back to the hotel
Day 3 - 28 June
Experience the Grandest and Most Significant Festival of the Sakha People Ysyakh festival
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Yakut culture through music, dance, and the ancient tradition of kumys drinking. Ysyakh, held in honor of the summer solstice, symbolizes the rebirth of nature and the start of a new life cycle.
08:00 AM – Departure from the hotel
10:00 AM – Arrival at Us Khatyn, the sacred festival land. Participate in the traditional purification and blessing ceremony, followed by an introduction to the central Tree of Life and the ritual Serge pillars—symbolic hitching posts connecting the heavens, earth, and underworld. Witness the grand opening ceremony at the main Kumys Drinking Center.
12:30 PM – Lunch at the festival food court, featuring a variety of traditional Yakutian dishes.
2:00 PM – Free time to explore the festival’s many events, including:
• Osuokhai – the traditional circle dance
• Games of the Ancestors – competitions of strength and agility
• Folklore music performances
• Artisan markets showcasing traditional crafts and horse decorations
• National Yakut cuisine contest
• Cultural performances by ethnic communities
6:00 PM – Departure back to the city
8:00–9:00 PM – Return to the hotel
Day 4 - 29 June
Journey to the Natural Park "Lena Pillars"
On this day, travelers will experience the magic of the Lena Pillars—majestic stone monoliths sculpted by nature over millions of years. This unique natural park, located 200 km (124 miles) from Yakutsk along the banks of the Lena River, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most breathtaking landmarks of Yakutia.
During the summer, the Lena Pillars reveal their full grandeur: the warm sunlight illuminates the sheer cliffs, while endless landscapes stretch beyond the mighty Lena River. This time of year is ideal for visiting—you can hike to the top for stunning panoramic views, see ancient petroglyphs, take a boat ride along the towering rock formations, and feel the raw power of untouched nature. The Lena Pillars are a place where you can truly grasp the vastness of Yakutia and connect with the legacy of millennia.
8:00 AM – Departure from the hotel. The journey will be made in comfortable vehicles (Noah, Voxy, Hiace). Transfer from Yakutsk to the village of Tit-Ary (112 miles). The road is mostly paved, with some gravel sections.
11:00 AM – Arrival at the village. Transfer to a boat for a scenic river journey along the Lena River, passing by the Lena Pillars. Safety briefing provided; life jackets available. The boat is covered with a protective canopy.
12:30 PM – Arrival at the Lena Pillars National Park. Hike to the observation platform for a breathtaking view of the Lena River. The trail is 1.6 miles (2,600 meters) long, with a gradual elevation gain.
4:00 PM – Crossing to the opposite riverbank. Lunch at the "Lena Pillars" recreation base.
6:00 PM – Return to the village of Tit-Ary and transfer back to the vehicle.
9:30 PM – Arrival in Yakutsk.
Day 5 - 30 June
Free Day with Overnight Stay at a Reindeer Herder Camp
This day is yours to explore Yakutsk at your own pace. Whether you prefer shopping, cultural experiences, or a relaxing stroll, the city offers a variety of activities to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the coldest capital in the world.
Suggested Activities in Yakutsk:
Souvenir & Jewelry Shopping – Find unique Yakutian crafts, mammoth ivory carvings, and exquisite diamond jewelry.
Park & Leisure Walks – Visit the central park or enjoy a walk through the historic streets of old Yakutsk.
Museums & Galleries – Explore exhibitions on Yakutian history, mammoth discoveries, and indigenous art.
Cultural Experiences – Attend performances, traditional workshops, or guided city tours.
4:00 PM – Departure to the Reindeer Herder Camp. A 40 km journey takes you into the heart of the Yakutian wilderness, where you will experience the traditional lifestyle of the Evenki reindeer herders. The drive offers stunning views of the northern landscape, gradually leading into untouched nature.
6:00 PM – Arrival & Immersion in Nomadic Culture. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the herding family and introduced to their way of life. Meet the gentle reindeer, walk through the picturesque tundra, and learn about the ancient traditions of the Evenki people.
7:00 PM – Dinner by the Fire & Storytelling. Enjoy a hearty meal of traditional northern dishes, prepared over an open fire. The evening unfolds with stories of Yakutian legends, mystical folktales, and eerie northern myths.
If the weather permits, guests can:
Fish or boat on a pristine nearby lake.
Experience an authentic chum (nomadic tent) and learn about its structure and function in daily life.
Stargaze in the Arctic wilderness, with the chance to witness the stunning Aurora Borealis if the season allows.
Overnight Stay in Traditional Tents (Chum) - Experience the true nomadic way of life, sleeping in a warm, wood-heated chum, surrounded by the peaceful silence of the northern wilderness.
Day 6 - 1 July
Farewell day
Breakfast. Check-out from the hotel by 12:00 PM.
Transfer to the airport.
Tour Price – RUB per person
The price includes:
Accommodation in a 3* hotel, standard double room
Meals (breakfasts at the hotel)
Meet and greet at the airport, as well as airport transfers
All transfers as per the program
English speaking guide throughout the tour
Excursions (as per the program)
Entrance fees to museums and tourist sites (as per the program)
Meals during outdoor trips (except for the Lena Pillars)
The price does NOT include:
Flight tickets to Yakutsk
Visa
Insurance
Meals (lunch/dinner)
Personal expenses
Important❗️❗️❗️ International bank cards do not work in Yakutia. Please bring cash in rubles for any expenses.
Additional Information:
The time frames mentioned in the program are approximate and may be adjusted during the tour. The actual schedule of movements and visits will depend on the number of stops and their duration.
For a comfortable stay, it is recommended to bring a fleece jacket and a windbreaker in case of cool weather or evening time. For excursions with varying types of landscapes, it is advisable to have comfortable, sturdy footwear.
This tour is limited to a maximum of 10 participants, ensuring an intimate and immersive experience. If fewer than four people sign up, the tour will still take place, but the price may be slightly higher.
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