Yakutsk Tourist Guide: Eat, See, and Bring the Exotic

Yakutsk is not only about permafrost, diamonds, and reindeer. There are places to go, sights to see, and food to eat. Deputy Minister of Entrepreneurship of the republic Maria Karpova told 14.RU in an interview that some consider the region a one-time visit, all because many tourists don«t even know what to amaze themselves with. So where to go in Yakutsk? The Ministry of Entrepreneurship has compiled a checklist of places.

Where to Go?

It«s not worth coming in the off-season — there»s no ferry and it«s slushy. It»s best to visit in winter or summer. In winter, you can experience real frosts and see how the capital lives in the fog, and in summer, stroll at the large-scale Ysyakh festival (the Yakut summer festival), which is not only full of local color but also features a national fashion week and local Olympics.

We recommend visiting the Algys blessing ritual, which is held at the local center of spiritual culture — the Archy House. It will charge you with positive energy, wish you health, and set you up for new achievements.

To see Yakutsk from a bird«s-eye view, you can climb Chochur Muran Hill. It»s on the outskirts, and you can get there by city bus or taxi. For convenience, stairs have been built. There is also the «Kingdom of Permafrost», where you can slide down a hill, lie on an ice bed, or drink some spirits from ice glasses.

Near the hill, a complex of the same name has been built, where Yakutian Laikas with blue eyes are bred and national cuisine is prepared. In winter, when the snow is firmly settled, you can ride a dog sled and hug the fluffy laikas to your heart«s content; they have a very affectionate and curious nature.

For a better understanding of local science and culture, it«s worth visiting the Mammoth Museum to see the wonder of archaeology with your own eyes, and at the museum of the Institute of Permafrost Studies, you can descend 16 meters (about 52 feet) underground and see for yourself what permafrost is. Learn more about the history of exiles to the North at the house-museum »Yakut Exile«, the building was constructed in 1880.

For lovers of beauty, the «Treasure House of Yakutia» is a must-visit, but note that you cannot enter freely; you need to book a tour that lasts 45 minutes. Moreover, the museum«s website notes that if you are 15 minutes late, you will not be able to enter. Therefore, plan your visit and route in advance.

If you come in winter, the Peasant Market is a must-visit to not only stock up on treats but also to see how local vendors work outside at -40°C (-40°F) and even -50°C (-58°F).

What to Eat?

Yakut national cuisine is very filling and long-lasting, its only downside is sometimes the smell of intestines and blandness. Local chefs organically incorporate various sauces, vegetables, and even fruits into their dishes. There are several restaurants in Yakutsk where you can try both basic dishes and food with a touch of modern realities.

The Ministry of Entrepreneurship recommends stroganina (shaved frozen fish) from chir (a type of fish), the «Indigirka» salad from the same fish — we warn that the fish is raw and frozen. Also, you can order salamata — it«s like porridge and béchamel sauce in one bowl. Foal meat in any form; drink byrpakh — a fermented milk drink (those with lactose intolerance should be cautious. — Ed.); beef offal soup, which may not appeal to everyone, but it»s still worth trying; bread with yagel (so-called reindeer moss. — Ed.); local street food — fish on sticks, affectionately called mundushka.

Also, it«s worth trying pancakes. But restaurants don»t serve them, so you should either befriend a Yakut or make them yourself using our recipe.

Here, you won«t find an insane explosion of flavors and rare combinations; Yakuts ate simply, as the main goal was to gather strength to withstand the local climate. At the same time, many fall in love with the local food and note its color and beneficial properties.

For variety, you can eat foal intestines filled with blood and milk, raw liver, or simply intestines boiled in water. See more local dishes in the article by 14.RU.

What to Bring Back?

An important question for every tourist: «What Yakut thing to gift to loved ones?» The republic is famous for its silver jewelry, so for girls, you can bring a kosopletka — a national hair ornament. Also, Yakut earrings and other silver items make excellent gifts. By the way, jewelry for men can also be found, but mainly they make rings, animal fangs, chains, and amulets for them.

Of course, fish makes an excellent gift. If flying far, it«s better to stop by the Peasant Market and browse the counters with smoked or salted delicacies. Simply finger-licking good.

If you want to spice up your home decor, national tableware is perfect. Particularly popular are kamalki (small hearths for lighting fires. — Ed.) or choroon — drinking vessels. Local craftsmen apply beautiful patterns and give the tableware a special shape.

Yakuts revere Siberian cranes — rare red-listed birds. According to beliefs, they bring happiness and luck, so if you wish the same for your loved ones, a souvenir with the bird will be very appropriate.

At the local post office, you can come across a bunch of bright postcards with images of landmarks or patterns. And in bookstores, it«s worth looking at collections of Yakut fairy tales. We want to warn that some of them may seem cruel: heroes kill each other and can even eat alive, and animals call humans »cross-eyed«, sending their enemies to people to be killed. But not all tales are cruel, so for children, stories about the mischievous and restless Manik-Manigieena or »About the Fox and the Bear«, »Why the Crow Became Black«, and others are suitable.

For youth and fashion enthusiasts, clothing from local designers makes a good gift. Mainly, they release sportswear collections: sweatshirts, pants, t-shirts. National patterns or Yakut words are often applied to clothing items.

We Await Your Visit!

As you can see, in Yakutsk, there is much to do, eat, and buy. The main thing is to choose clothing for winter and plan your wardrobe for summer: it«s very hot, dusty, and most importantly — constantly attacked by blood-sucking insects. Locals in summer smell of repellents more often than perfumes. At the beginning of summer, mosquitoes wake up, and by its end, midges.

Yakuts are a closed, at first glance, people, but if you find contact, you will learn the full breadth of the hot northern soul. The Ministry of Entrepreneurship also published a few words in the Yakut language (believe me, if you say them, it will melt the heart of any local. — Ed.). To greet, it«s enough to say »Doroobolorun!«; to say goodbye, they say »Korsokhhe derii«; to politely ask for something, say »Bakhalysta«; and to thank, you can use the word »Makhtal«.

To make it easier for you to navigate, here is a brief guide in pictures.