How to prepare for a trip to the ‘Pole of Cold’ in Russia

Yakutia is the coldest region in Russia and the town of Verkhoyansk, as well as the village of Oymyakon, are the coldest settlements in Yakutia. It is there that temperatures below -67°C (-89°F) have been recorded. Seeing with your own eyes how people live at the ‘Pole of Cold’ is a dream for many travelers. But, how do you prepare for such a trip to ensure a hassle-free experience?

How to get to the ‘Pole of Cold’

The journey usually begins in Yakutsk, the capital of the republic. This is a major city (a population of about 400,000) that can be reached by plane from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk and other cities. There’s also direct air service with Harbin, China.

Oymyakon is located about 1,000 km from Yakutsk and Verkhoyansk is about 1,300 km away. The former is usually reached by a specially prepared vehicle over two days, with an overnight stay in the settlement of Khandyga; the latter is reached by flying to the settlement of Batagay, then proceeding by car.

In both cases, it's best to contact a travel agency, as there is no regular public transport on these routes.

And don't forget to arrange a visa, if you need one.

When is the best time to visit Oymyakon?

Winter there lasts from late September to mid-May, with January and February considered the coldest months. The optimal time for a trip is late March to mid-April. During this period, it is still very frosty, but the daylight already lasts 13-14 hours. It’s often at this time that traditional winter festivals and sports events take place.
It's important to remember that there won’t be any luxury hotels or restaurants along the way, but hot running water and a warm room in a guest house will be provided.

How to dress for the trip

The main principle is layering. Several warm items are more effective than one "very warm" one. The locals dress as follows:

• Baselayer (Thermal underwear). Preferably two layers: a bottom layer for moisture-wicking, a top layer for heat retention. Two pairs of warm socks.
• Mid-layer: Fleece or wool pants and a sweater (or regular everyday clothes).
• Optional: A warm ski suit.
• Outerwear: A long down jacket or fur coat. Several hats (you can wear one on top of another).
• Footwear: ‘Valenki’ (felt boots), traditional Yakut ‘unty’ (fur boots) or other footwear with a very thick sole and fur lining.
• Accessories: Mittens or gloves are essential (preferably two layers), as well as a balaclava, buff or wide scarf to protect your face from the wind.

Safety in the extreme cold

Many tourists, especially foreigners, have little idea of what frost below -40°C (-40°F) is like. Even experienced athletes should remember that not everyone (or all equipment) can withstand such conditions.

• Electronics: In the cold, smartphone and camera batteries drain instantly. Bring spare batteries and keep them close to your body.
• Food: Eat hot meals and drink warm beverages. It's also better to avoid alcohol, as it creates an illusion of warmth but accelerates heat loss.
• Health: At the first signs of frostbite (whitening skin, loss of sensation), immediately go into a warm building and warm up.

BONUS: What else to see on the trip besides the winter?

In Yakutsk, you can see and even touch permafrost, try the local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the world of Yakut cinema!

In Oymyakon:

• Take a photo in front of the stele displaying the record low temperature.
• Meet Chyskhaan, the Yakut "spirit of the cold".
• See the unique Yakut horse breed.
• See the non-freezing river (after all, Oymyakon translates to "unfrozen water"). The water temperature is about +4°C (+39°F) and the bravest can even take a dip to feel the contrast!

In Verkhoyansk:

• Take a photo with the ‘Pole of Cold’ monument.
• Visit the local history museum.
• See the Northern Lights. Verkhoyansk is located above the Arctic Circle (67°33′ N), and you’ll be able to observe bright auroras for almost the entire winter.

Along the way, you will find traditional Yakut villages, winter roads (‘zimniki’ – roads across frozen rivers) and an introduction to traditional local culture. And, of course, those very snaps of frozen noodles and boiling water!

Good luck on your journey and may the reading on your thermometer never drop below -60 °C (-76°F)!