The 8th Children of Asia Games are coming. If you have planned a visit to Yakutsk this summer, you need to be aware of all the exciting places and events in the city. Especially for you, we have prepared a checklist that will help you organize an unforgettable trip to the largest city built on permafrost. Welcome to Yakutsk!
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When to travel?
At the end of June, of course! Comfortable weather, the largest traditional holiday, Ysyakh, and the opening ceremony of the 8th Children of Asia Games, which will be a truly international celebration in the homeland of the competition. On the occasion of the Games, guests and residents of the Sakha Republic capital will have a rich cultural and sports program where everyone will find what something up their alley.
Where to go?
A real winter fairy tale in June? It is quite possible! The Permafrost Kingdom tourist complex is just a 15-minute drive from the city. It is hidden inside the mountain where the never-melting ice, or permafrost, is preserved. Do not forget to bundle up. Even at the height of summer, the temperature in the glacier does not rise above -4 °C.
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What to eat?
Winter fishing is one of the main activities for a northern man. Thanks to that, stroganina is always present on the table of the Yakuts. They usually use broad whitefish, nelma, and omul to prepare it. These fish species are harvested only in the icy waters of the Yakutia rivers and lakes. Thus, you can be sure that the fish lived in a clean environment, free of bacteria.
Also, do not forget to try kumis (a drink made from mare's milk), kercheh (cream whipped with berry jam), foal meat, and venison. You can find this diverse menu in the restaurants with Yakut traditional cuisine, located in the city center.
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Touch the history
You can see a visual representation of Yakutian history in the Em. Yaroslavsky Museum of History and Culture of the Peoples of the North. Here you will see the collection of the Yakutia peoples’ cultural monuments. At the entrance, there is a hangar with a whale skeleton. The exposition itself will begin in a hall with a perfectly preserved mammoth skeleton.
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Best photo spots
The Old Town is a historical quarter in the heart of Yakutsk. Merchant houses, trading rows, the main road paved with logs, and an ostrog (a small fort) – this is exactly how Yakutsk looked a century and a half ago. It is like an open-air museum, where you can take a walk in fine weather, pop to the shops and have a delicious meal.
Best souvenirs
The Old Town has many shops with traditional accessories, clothes, and souvenirs. Yakut earrings, horsehair products, ethnic tableware, and, of course, diamonds are excellent gifts for beautiful ladies. For gentlemen, the best gift is definitely a Yakut knife. For the little ones, you can buy a silver amulet decorated with traditional patterns. Also, a good gift for any gender and age are unty, winter boots made of deerskin, which can withstand extremely low temperatures.
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Don't miss it!
The Tuymaada Ysyakh festival will take place in Yakutsk on June 29 and 30. This is a big traditional holiday for all Yakutia people, a kind of New Year. Yakut families gather together to celebrate in a warm and cozy atmosphere. Festivities begin in the morning, and all residents dress up in bright traditional costumes.
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You may wonder where you can see horse racing and competitions of the Yakut heroes, dance the Osuokhai, meet the sun, try Yakut pancakes and kumis, experience the rite of blessing – algys, hear the sounds of khomus, visit the fair and exhibition of unique crafts made by local folk craftsmen or just take a break from the city hustle and bustle. You can find all these at the Yhyakh festival.
The Sakha people are famous for their hospitality, rich culture, pure nature, and kind people. Welcome to Yakutia, we are looking forward to seeing you! Jokuskaiga kersekhe dieri!
Photo: archive of the Children of Asia International Committee, Kierge jewelry house, zavodfoto.ru, dalgeotour.com, 2GIS, varandej.livejournal.com