The traveling on Siberian river - Lena, with stops in old towns and villages, admiring unique nature.

Description of the route

Yakutsk

Yakutsk is the capital of the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic. Yakutsk was founded in 1632 as a Cossack fort but did not grow into a city until the discovery of large reserves of gold and other minerals in the 1880s and 1890s. These reserves were developed extensively during the industrialisation under Stalin and the rapid growth of forced labour camps in Siberia. Yakutsk is the biggest city built on continuous permafrost. Most houses are built on concrete piles. The Lena River runs through the city, and in the summer there are various boat.

This geological formations have fascinated travelers since the 17th century. About 140 km up river from Yakutsk, the rocks of the cliffs along the side of the river has been eroded away into delicate shapes of a reddish brown color. The extremely steep column are made of Kimberly limestone. Surrounding more softer rocks were eroded over million years ago. Today the stone rocks look like amazing creatures and towers, pillars and columns, towering over 150 meters high. The Lena Pillars extend along the river for about 80km. On the top of columns there is a viewing platform with a view on taiga.

Mouth of Vilui River

Mouth of Vilui River (405 km. down from Yakutsk). Vilui is the biggest left tributary of Lena. It is 2,450km long. During the “green” stop tourists will try their luck in fishing, enjoy a fish soup made from the northern river whitefish.

Zhigansk is one of the oldest Siberian settlements of the lower Lena. Zhigansk's fortress was founded in 1632 ( the same age as the fortress in Yakutsk). There is a Local Lore museum with interesting facts and findings that inform us about old nature features and culture of this region.

Kousur is one of the oldest Sibirian settlements as well. It is situated on the right bank of the Lena river 1318 km northwards from Yakutsk. Kousur was founded when the indigenous Evenks and Yakuts peoples renounced their nomadic lifestyle and became settled. Nowadays Kyusyur is a regional cultural centre. Walking tour there will give you the opportunity to get acquaintance with the local life stile.

The distance from Yakutsk - 1730 km. It is a boundary post. Tiksi appeared on the map by the mid of 1930’s when Soviet vessels became to travel regularly to the region. The navigation period there is extremely short (2. 5 months). You can see the first sun rays there only on the 7th of February. Unique museum of Art and Arctic development and culture open the doors for the visitors.

Column island. Lena Tube

Column island. Unusual shape of this island attracts attention of all people who was cruising by it. Lena Tube. From the ship board - watching of steep rocky coast in height up to 400 meters. The ship is as though hang above lead water, the width of a channel decreases up to 2 km and less.

Natara

This stop is located on the right bank of the Lena in 975 km. north from Yakutsk. There's a tunguss fishing village. A few families set up there decades ago. There are no telephones, no cars. The tourists will get acquainted with Sub-Arctic nature, enjoy a forest walk and try their luck in fishing.

Northern Polar circle
Agrafena Island

This island always frightened of sailors. Every one who has ever passed the island gave a gift to it ( for mysterious Russian princess who had sent many diseases to the Yakut people). But in spite of numerous gifts, Agraphena is likely to sink any boat drifting by her island. Agraphena Island is situated near the boarder of the Polar Circle. Tourists cross the Polar circle twice and have “Neptune celebration show” with special suits.

Sottintsy

Is located in 65 km. from Yakutsk. Visit to the museum of history, architecture and culture of Yakutian people.

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