Journey to the Pole of Cold
Yakutia & Oymyakon Expedition
Travel to the heart of Eastern Siberia and experience one of the most extreme adventures on Earth. This expedition leads you through the frozen landscapes of Yakutia to Oymyakon, the legendary Pole of Cold, where winter temperatures reach unimaginable levels and ancient Arctic traditions are still alive. A once-in-a-lifetime journey for true explorers, photographers, and lovers of raw, untouched nature.
Expedition Overview
The Yakutia and Oymyakon expedition is an extraordinary journey into one of the most remote and extreme regions on Earth. Traveling through Eastern Siberia, in the heart of the Sakha Republic, you will reach Oymyakon, famously known as the coldest permanently inhabited place on the planet.
This expedition is designed for adventurous travelers seeking authentic experiences, extreme nature, and a deep connection with local cultures.
This expedition is designed for adventurous travelers seeking authentic experiences, extreme nature, and a deep connection with local cultures.
Where Is Oymyakon, the Pole of Cold
Oymyakon is located in Yakutia, one of the largest and least populated regions in the world. Winter temperatures here can drop below –60°C (–76°F), creating a truly unique natural environment.
Visiting Oymyakon means discovering a way of life shaped by extreme cold, resilience, and centuries-old traditions that still define daily life today.
Visiting Oymyakon means discovering a way of life shaped by extreme cold, resilience, and centuries-old traditions that still define daily life today.
Expedition Highlights
During this Yakutia winter expedition, you will experience:
- Guided tour of Yakutsk, the coldest city in the world
- Visit to the Kingdom of Permafrost
- Excursion to Lena Pillars National Park
- Long drives across frozen rivers and winter roads
- Arrival in Oymyakon, the legendary Pole of Cold
- Outdoor experiments in extreme temperatures
- Ice fishing and Arctic winter photography
- Meetings with local Yakut and Even communities
Local Culture & Traditions
Yakutia is not only about extreme cold, but also about a rich and ancient culture. Throughout the expedition, you will discover:
- Traditional Yakut cuisine adapted to Arctic conditions
- Folk music and the iconic khomus (mouth harp)
- Ritual dances and storytelling
- Visits to remote villages and family guesthouses
- Insight into the daily life of people living in permafrost
- These cultural encounters make the journey deeply authentic
Daily Itinerary Experience
The expedition follows a carefully planned route that combines adventure and comfort:
- Arrival and city tour in Yakutsk
- Snowmobile or winter excursions to Lena Pillars
- Overland travel through untouched Siberian landscapes
- Overnight stays in small settlements and Oymyakon
- A full day at the Pole of Cold with local activities
- Return journey with additional cultural stops
Accommodation & Transport
Accommodation varies depending on location:
- Comfortable hotels in Yakutsk
- Apartments or guesthouses in remote settlements
- Simple but warm guesthouses in Oymyakon
Extreme Cold & Preparation
This expedition takes place in one of the coldest environments on Earth. Proper preparation is essential:
- Thermal clothing and insulated boots
- Fur hats, gloves, and face protection
- Cold-weather photography equipment
- Personal essentials for Arctic travel
Program 8 days/7 nights - Tour to Yakutia
Day 1 – Arrival in Yakutsk
Arrival in Yakutsk, the capital of the Sakha Republic and the coldest city in the world. Meeting with the local guide and transfer to the hotel. Depending on arrival time, short city walk and first introduction to life in extreme cold. Overnight in Yakutsk.
Day 2 – Yakutsk City Tour & Kingdom of Permafrost
City sightseeing in Yakutsk, including local markets and cultural landmarks. Visit to the famous Kingdom of Permafrost, an underground ice complex carved into frozen ground. Learn about the unique geology and climate of Yakutia. Overnight in Yakutsk.
Day 3 – Lena Pillars National Park
Full-day excursion to Lena Pillars National Park, a UNESCO-listed natural site. Travel across frozen rivers and winter roads, followed by a walk among the spectacular rock formations rising above the Lena River. Return to Yakutsk in the evening. Overnight in Yakutsk.
Day 4 – Yakutsk – Khandyga
Departure from Yakutsk by 4x4 vehicles. Drive along the legendary Kolyma Road through vast frozen landscapes, forests, and rivers. Stops along the way for photography and lunch. Arrival in Khandyga, a small Siberian settlement. Overnight in local accommodation.
Day 5 – Khandyga – Oymyakon
Continuation of the journey deeper into Yakutia. Cross mountain passes and frozen rivers while heading toward the Pole of Cold. Arrival in Oymyakon, one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth. Welcome dinner with local hosts. Overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 6 – Oymyakon: The Pole of Cold
Full day in Oymyakon. Visit the Pole of Cold monument, take part in outdoor experiments in extreme temperatures, and experience daily life in permafrost conditions. Optional activities include ice fishing and village walks. Cultural evening with traditional Yakut food and music. Overnight in Oymyakon.
Day 7 – Oymyakon – Tomtor – Return Journey
Departure from Oymyakon with a stop in Tomtor, another village competing for the title of Pole of Cold. Visit local sites and interact with residents. Begin the return journey toward central Yakutia. Overnight in a roadside settlement or Khandyga area.
Day 8 – Return to Yakutsk & Departure
Final drive back to Yakutsk. Transfer to the airport for departure or optional extra night in the city. End of the expedition.
Arrival in Yakutsk, the capital of the Sakha Republic and the coldest city in the world. Meeting with the local guide and transfer to the hotel. Depending on arrival time, short city walk and first introduction to life in extreme cold. Overnight in Yakutsk.
Day 2 – Yakutsk City Tour & Kingdom of Permafrost
City sightseeing in Yakutsk, including local markets and cultural landmarks. Visit to the famous Kingdom of Permafrost, an underground ice complex carved into frozen ground. Learn about the unique geology and climate of Yakutia. Overnight in Yakutsk.
Day 3 – Lena Pillars National Park
Full-day excursion to Lena Pillars National Park, a UNESCO-listed natural site. Travel across frozen rivers and winter roads, followed by a walk among the spectacular rock formations rising above the Lena River. Return to Yakutsk in the evening. Overnight in Yakutsk.
Day 4 – Yakutsk – Khandyga
Departure from Yakutsk by 4x4 vehicles. Drive along the legendary Kolyma Road through vast frozen landscapes, forests, and rivers. Stops along the way for photography and lunch. Arrival in Khandyga, a small Siberian settlement. Overnight in local accommodation.
Day 5 – Khandyga – Oymyakon
Continuation of the journey deeper into Yakutia. Cross mountain passes and frozen rivers while heading toward the Pole of Cold. Arrival in Oymyakon, one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth. Welcome dinner with local hosts. Overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 6 – Oymyakon: The Pole of Cold
Full day in Oymyakon. Visit the Pole of Cold monument, take part in outdoor experiments in extreme temperatures, and experience daily life in permafrost conditions. Optional activities include ice fishing and village walks. Cultural evening with traditional Yakut food and music. Overnight in Oymyakon.
Day 7 – Oymyakon – Tomtor – Return Journey
Departure from Oymyakon with a stop in Tomtor, another village competing for the title of Pole of Cold. Visit local sites and interact with residents. Begin the return journey toward central Yakutia. Overnight in a roadside settlement or Khandyga area.
Day 8 – Return to Yakutsk & Departure
Final drive back to Yakutsk. Transfer to the airport for departure or optional extra night in the city. End of the expedition.
Who This Expedition Is For
The Oymyakon expedition is ideal for:
- Adventure travelers
- Photographers and filmmakers
- Explorers of extreme destinations
- Travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences
