So cold that it’s hot: How can Yakutia change you in three days?

When I was offered to be part of the BAON_Travel project and fly to Yakutsk, I honestly did not hesitate for a moment. The main argument echoing in my head was simple: “When will I go there again?” Moreover, I am close to the ideas that this project supports: the development of domestic tourism and even in the format of a fashion trip!

The first difficulties began at the training camp stage. I absolutely did not understand what would be useful to me, given the news that the first snow fell in Yakutsk in September. The organizer of my trip came to the rescue with the support of the Librederm brand, taking care of me not only a light and warm jacket, but also knitwear from the Weekend collection inspired by the nature and culture of Yakutia, sportswear and even cosmetics for my skin. I needed an evening dress for a trip to Yakutia. Why? Find out at the end of the article.

Day one “This is Siberia baby”

When you step out of the airport building into the cool air and look at the typical buildings, you panic, but you immediately begin to notice the smiles of local residents. And as it soon turns out, it is humans who create their own warmth, even heat, in this permafrost world. By the way, Yakutsk is the largest city standing on this permafrost. Literally: houses are on stilts and all cars have double glazing. The basic configuration cannot cope with the temperatures of minus 50 Celsius usual in Yakuts. Despite this, life in the city continues at full speed; New districts are growing, local restaurants coexist with coffee houses, museums with sports facilities. Of course, September is a little lacking in bright colors, but the trendy young people in the city center make up for it. Let me tell you, there is something to learn from Moscow street style. It’s a good thing I look presentable in my trendy traveler outfit even after the flight.

Second day “Running to Serge”

Although I really wanted to look at Yakutia from outside the city, I had to deal with the treasures inside first. It turns out that local children have great respect for sports, especially running. Therefore, it was decided to organize a journalist-influencer-sports race around Saysary Lake. As you may remember, BAON gave me my running uniform and ski masks did not give me a chance to catch a cold.

As always, I was ready for anything when it comes to sports endorphins, but what awaited me exceeded my expectations. And this thing turned out to be the Mammoth Museum. Lazarev in the building of PA NEFU. If you find yourself in Yakutsk, believe me, this is a must-see. During your trip, you will see the remains of ancient animals that lived long before us, and you will learn about the most difficult situations that scientists found themselves in and how they made discoveries that we could not even imagine. I won’t even try to explain in words how much this two-hour trip changes your thoughts. I will just say that this museum is already a sufficient reason to buy a plane ticket to Yakutsk.

Now that we had enough information, it was time to get to know the gastronomic expertise of the region. It is strongly influenced by climate. Here, looking for fiber from greens, vegetables and fruits is an asterisk task. In the short summer months, only berries have time to ripen on an industrial scale, so there are enough desserts and sauces based on blueberries, blueberries, sea buckthorn and rare cloudberries. The rest is mostly imported and expensive. But there is a lot of protein and fat on the table: venison, thai, local river fish – large whitefish, crucian carp, omul, muksun – prepared the way you like. You can try frozen raw fish, steak or fried meats; They know how to cook their prey here. I also brought with me the recipe for the simplest and incredibly delicious dessert, with only three ingredients. Frozen blueberries are poured with condensed milk and sprinkled with pine nuts. Mix everything and enjoy.

On the same day, I managed to climb a small hill far from the city and watch the sunset. At this moment I thanked BAON for the Tomtor down jacket from the ICON collection, which could cope with -15, because the plus five at the top did not look at all like the plus five in Moscow. Tomtor, by the way, is not just a beautiful word, it is also a village in the Oymyakon nation of Yakutia, the cold pole in the Northern Hemisphere. I love it when something ceases to be just a thing and becomes history and meaning itself. And it’s not just about Tomtor, it’s also about the entire ICON collection. It includes Iturup, Taiga, Ruskeala and Yamal. For every temperature and travel.

Wolves howled in the distance, the honey sun flooded the yellow larches and illuminated the serge (a ritual binding post erected by the Yakuts to show that there was an owner of the land and to protect it), and I breathed the cold air and felt the same feeling that I had been accepted here. It is accepted by those who cannot be felt. The launch was successful.

Day Three “Frozen God’s Fingers”

If you come to Yakutia, it would be a serious mistake not to visit this modern wonder of the world (and UNESCO World Heritage Site). We are talking about Lena Pillars. True, to get to the national park you will have to make an impressive journey across the tundra. Approximately 3-4 hours depending on transport chosen. And then cross the largest river in Russia on a boat (ask the spirits in advance for Lena to be calm). But all these costs are worth the result.

According to legend, the pillars were formed because one day God flew over Yakutia and froze his fingers… They fell and turned into rocks and now frame the banks of the Lena for forty kilometers. But seriously, these are all tectonic movements from the Cambrian period. Or, as we humanists call it, a miracle. To climb one of the columns, you need to buy a ticket to the park, listen to the rules of conduct and instructions that you need to climb silently, and first make a wish. It’s definitely not financial. Then almost three kilometers of equipped trail and… Almost endless views of the Lena await you. Pristina probably couldn’t describe the beauty of its harsh and noble nature, nor could I describe the arrogance of the local squirrels. But I can definitely say that this place changes something in you forever. It is either the power of prayer or perfume. And maybe all together.

After sunset, I returned to the city and fell asleep and dreamed of squirrels that fulfilled any desire.

The nice dinner we had with the entire BAON_Travel team brought me back to reality. We shook off our travel fatigue and put on our night clothes, I even remembered to apply eyeliner. At dinner there was talk about warmth melting snow and much laughter. The people I looked at through the flames of the candles have now become like family to me, and our jokes have become common.

Already on the plane, which was ready to return me home, I felt an uncomfortable feeling that I was leaving something in Yakutia forever. Probably some kind of Moscow gilding. But I take not only the herbs, pebbles and pine cones, but also the spiritual power inherent in the people of this harsh and fantastic land.

Photo: Nikita Surkov

Source: People Talk