The capital of the Sakha Republic is the largest city located in the permafrost conditions. The climatic changes here are surprising: from -40 in winter to +40 in the short summer. Weather and terrain are important features of Yakutsk. In winter, it is light outside for only a few hours. In summer, you can observe the phenomenon of "white nights", which significantly lengthens the day. This, in turn, affects the rhythm of life of the local population.
"The Kingdom of Permafrost" and the Museum of Mammoths demonstrate to the guests how the peculiarities of the climate can affect the soil and the preservation of ancient organisms. "Treasury of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)", which was previously available only to the elite, is now open for everyone to get acquainted with the wealth of the region. It is also worth visiting the Archy House and plunge into the culture of local peoples.
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What to see and where to go in Yakutsk?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
"Kingdom of permafrost"
The tourist center has been operating since 2008. This landmark was in the past an adit near Chochur-Muran. The icy underground was used to store food. The temperature in the cave is always below zero. Tourists at the entrance are supplied with equipment - felt boots and warm capes. There are several separate rooms inside. On their walls you can see how deeply the soil is frozen. There is a small museum.
Square of victory
The square is famous for the memorial complex of the same name. It was opened in 1975. From this place, the inhabitants of the city went to the front. Ten years later, a soaring horseman was placed in the center of the composition. It resembles the hero of the national epic Nyurgun Bootur. During the reconstruction in 1995, a triumphal arch was installed on the square. In the warm season, it is crowded here, there are a lot of leisure options within walking distance.
Lenin Square
Gostiny Dvor was located in this place until 1957. The buildings were demolished and the square, which received the name of the leader of the world proletariat, was demolished. There are fountains on the square now, along with a chain of benches. In winter, slides are poured, and a special illumination appears, ice figures are installed. On holidays, the square hosts fairs, and other cultural events are held.
Monument in honor of the founding of Yakutsk
Installed in 2007. The founding of Yakutsk in 1632 is at the same time the countdown when Sakha became part of Russia. There is a column on a four-sided high pedestal with arches. Its height is 33.4 meters. Since there are no buildings nearby, the monument looks even more impressive. Since there is a monument in front of it, and the area around it is fenced and located on a dais, a single composition is obtained.
Mammoth museum
The only museum of its kind in the world. Opened in 1991. Specializes in the storage, display and study of mammoth remains and other paleontological finds. Environmental conditions, including permafrost, allowed the ancient inhabitants of our planet to survive well. For example, part of the exhibition is a baby mammoth, which has preserved many parts of its body, including skin cells.
"Treasury of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)"
The first exhibition was organized in 1992 to preserve the wealth of Yakutia. The republic is a leader in the extraction of a number of precious stones and metals, both in the country and in the world. The permanent exhibition appeared two years later. As the Museum of Diamonds, the exhibition was closed, only for dignitaries. Now the status of the institution has changed, as has the name. Anyone can get acquainted with the exhibits.
Museum of History and Culture of the Peoples of the North
It has existed since 1891. Scattered exhibitions were gathered under one roof, and until 1978 the museum worked in the status of a local history museum. All exhibits are divided into 4 groups: archaeological, ethnographic, historical, natural. The museum has several buildings and branches. Exhibits: clothes, household items, tools, dioramas and photographs. The museum has a children's unit and a science center.
Museum and center of the khomus of the peoples of the world
There is no such institution anywhere else in the world. Khomus, or jew's harp, is a reed musical instrument. The doors of the museum were opened for visitors in 1990. The philologist Alekseev handed over his collection of jew's harps to the city, and on its basis the current exposition was formed. The exhibitions tell about the khomuses of different peoples of the world, the rituals of shamans, the peculiarities of using the instrument in different cultures.
National Museum of Art
One of the largest art museums in the north-east of the country. Has a rich collection of paintings. The collection has been formed since 1928. Especially valuable canvases belong to the brush of Levitan and Korovin. Now, among the 12 thousand exhibits, one can find not only world-class masterpieces, but also paintings by local artists. Several exhibitions have been allocated for them, including "Graphics of Yakutia".
Sakha Academic Theater named after P.A.Oyunsky
Founded in 1920. There were 2 troupes: one staged performances in Russian, the second in the Sakha language. They split up 5 years later. Since 1934, the theater has been named after the playwright and poet Oyunsky. The building is modern, the hall has about 400 seats. Although the performances use exclusively the Sakha language, they stage not only the works of Yakut authors, but also the translated classics.
Yakutsk Opera and Ballet Theater
The northernmost of such cultural sites in Russia. Formation began in the 30s of the last century. Initially, it was a musical and vocal group that gave performances at several venues in the city. The troupe took shape by the end of the 40s and had the status of a studio theater. XXI brought the theater the "Golden Mask" and a place in the 1000 best institutions in the country in the field of culture and art.
Russian drama theater
The troupe was formed at the end of the century before last on the basis of a creative circle. The audience saw the first performance "In a Busy Place" in 1892. Of the repertory theaters, the theater is the first in Yakutia and the oldest in the entire northeast Asian region. It currently bears the name of Pushkin. The material for the performances is Russian and world classics. The genres are different, but the preference is given to drama and comedy.
Transfiguration Cathedral
The oldest of the working Orthodox churches in the city. The construction took place in the first half of the 19th century, mostly merchants paid for the work. The decoration was rich, the icons were placed in decorated carved frames. Some of this splendor was lost in the 30s of the last century. It was reopened after restoration in 1994. Time and renovation have somewhat changed the initial appearance of the cathedral.
Archa's house
Spiritual center of the Yakut people. Allows you to get acquainted with the traditions, culture and religion of local peoples. The building is stylized as a tent and refers to the national characteristics of the Yakuts. Tourists are invited to watch the rituals performed by a real shaman. In some of them you can participate and receive, for example, a blessing from the spirits. The ceremonies are colorful with a bunch of paraphernalia.
Monument to Dezhnev and Abakayada
The composition depicts a married couple - a symbol of the unity of Russia and Yakutia. Dezhnev is a pioneer who studied these lands. Abakayada is a local resident who has become his companion, including at work. The opening of the monument took place in 2005, shortly before the 15th anniversary of the signing of the declaration of the sovereignty of Yakutia. Yakut masters worked on the project, but it was made in St. Petersburg.
Yakutsk zoo "Orto-Doydu"
Organized in 2001. There is no longer a zoo in the world that operates at such low temperatures. The area of the territory is 92 hectares.There are about 300 pets, representing 131 species. The zoo has everything you need to help wild animals in trouble, as well as a place for their recovery after treatment. The attraction is visited by about 35 thousand people a year.
Central Park of Culture and Rest
It was created in stages since 1935. At first, it was part of the forest area, which was surrounded by a wooden fence and several areas were cleared on it. Alleys, paths, monuments, a summer stage, opportunities for outdoor activities, and attractions have gradually appeared. After the war, a closed theater and a dance floor worked here. Since 1994, the territory of the park has been classified as specially protected.
Chochur Muran observation deck
It opened in 2014 on the highest hill in the city. This observation deck was the first in Yakutsk. Log benches were installed on the site with wooden flooring and fences. From here you can view the surroundings from a height of about 200 meters. A particularly impressive view opens up over the Tuymaada Valley. The attraction is part of the "Vilyui Triangle" - a tourist and recreational cluster.
Kuruluur waterfall
A whole complex of waterfalls is located 110 km from Yakutsk. Formed on the Menda River. Although the natural area is protected by the state, it was leased by private owners. Places for recreation are organized around, and cleanliness is closely monitored. Gazebos are installed, drawing lessons are held in the bosom of nature. Frequent visits to Kuruluur during excursion tours are combined with a visit to the Buluus glacier, which is 10 km away.
Lena Pillars
A complex of closely standing high cliffs along the Lena coast. The geological formation is part of the natural park of the same name. The area of the Lena Pillars is approximately 4800 km². The natural monument was formed about 550 million years ago. The park was founded in 2012 and covers an area of 1.38 million hectares. Burials of the late Neolithic times, permafrost ecosystems and fossilized remains of ancient fauna were discovered here.
