Description
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THE POLE OF COLD OYMYAKON and VERKHOYANSK “THE POLE OF COLD” FESTIVAL
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1. Theme |
SIGHTSEEING & FIRST SIGHT NATURE & SNOW EMPIRE ETHNOS ACTIVITIES ADVENTURES EXTREME EVENTS |
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2. Region, city, itinerary |
Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) Yakutsk – Khandyga – Oymyakon Yakutsk – Bagatai – Verkhoyansk |
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3. Seasonality |
Year round |
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4. The complexity, style of the tour |
Moderate Wildlife watching and trekking Daring & challenging Winter adventure |
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5. Accommodation |
Hotel, hostel, guest house, homestay |
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6. Number of days |
5-8 days |
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7. Number of people |
1-12 people |
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8. Booking conditions |
2-3 weeks prior to check-in date |
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The Pole of Cold is a place where people of Sakha are permanently settled, where they raise deer, hunt and fish for living at record low temperatures. In the Republic of Sakha-Yakutia near the village of Oymyakon, the lowest temperature officially recorded was in February of 1933 at minus 67.7 ° С. Oymyakon is located in a depressed valley and is protected from all sides by mountains, where consequently, the cold heavy air accumulates. The same mountains impede the penetration of moist air masses coming from the oceans. The average monthly temperature in Oymyakon in January is -61 ° C, but can reach as low as -68 ° C. According to unofficial data, in the winter of 1916, the temperature in the village dropped to -82 ° C.
Oymyakon in the local language means "a non-freezing spring" or ice-free water. In this area there are streams, sections of rivers that really do not freeze in such a severe frost. The nature surrounding streams amazes with its unrealness. Since 1926, two settlements have competed for the title of “The Pole of Cold” in the Northern Hemisphere - the village of Oymyakon, and the city of Verkhoyansk, in which the absolute minimum in the Northern Hemisphere was recorded at -67.8 ° C in January of 1885. After that, a meteorological station and the local history museum “Pole of Cold” were organized here. The length of the day varies depending on the time of year, in the summer it is almost 21 hours, and in December no more than 3 hours. Summers in this severe place are beautiful with its white nights, when the sun shines throughout the day. In addition to the differences in seasonal day length, the largest fluctuations in air temperature in Eurasia per year are also observed here - almost 100 degrees, that is, in winter from -67.7 ° C to + 35 ° C in summer. Population numbers of both villages have not changed significantly over the years, they are still about 500 people. Residents of the Pole of Cold do not wear clothes made of synthetic fabrics, because synthetics disintegrate easily in the freezing cold, even cows are dressed up in special clothes in winter so that they do not freeze their udder. There are no common colds in this part of the world, because viruses and bacteria immediately freeze in exhaled air. There are many centenarians in this land. It is not only the climate that surprises you in Yakutia, it is also the local fauna. Unusual horses are bred here, whose body is covered with thick 8-15 cm long hair. Due to this, the Yakut breed of horses is incredibly frost-resistant, even in winter, they continue to live outdoors, regardless of how low the temperature may drop. Also, the Yakut horses are able to search for vegetation under a deep snow cover. People, however, survive on deer meat, horse meat and fish, since no other food is available in winter. Freezing cold in the land of permafrost has become an attractive brand for many tourists. Those who want to test their strength and see what a real winter looks like should go to Yakutia, the land of permafrost. It is an extremely cold, but at the same time a very friendly. When you get to these places, you will be able to explore local life, gastronomic preferences, see the Algys rite, reindeer herders' typical work day, take part in horse-riding routes, sport fishing, hunting, sightseeing, and visit the Pole of Cold festival in late February every year. You can get to Oymyakon by specially equipped vehicles that can drive on any road in summer or winter, with the exception of off-season when the river crossings are closed. To the Pole of Cold in Verkhoyansk the trip is more comfortable - by local airlines. But the program of staying in place and acquaintance with the life and culture of local residents are almost the same. At the end of any "The Pole of Cold" tour you will definitely be awarded for your courage and bravery with a diploma and an honorary sign that you have visited this unusual place. |
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