In Yakutsk, where temperatures once dropped to -64 degrees Celsius, people have to wear layers of clothing weighing up to 10kg and use the weather as a natural freezer to survive in the Far East.
Nestled deep in Russia's Far East, Yakutsk (the capital of Yakutia) holds the title of the world's coldest city. With a population of approximately 355,000, the majority of whom work in the diamond mines, life here is a testament to the extraordinary adaptability of humans to the harshness of nature.
Life in the darkness and ice
Winter in Yakutsk is a real challenge when sunlight becomes a luxury. In January, the city has less than four hours of daylight each day. From the beginning of December, temperatures frequently remain at minus 45 degrees Celsius. The highest temperature ever recorded was in 1891, when the city reached minus 64.4 degrees Celsius.
Despite the harsh weather, life here continues as normal. Economic and social activities do not come to a standstill, except when temperatures drop too low, forcing schools to close to ensure student safety.
10kg "Iron Armor": The Art of Survival Dressing
To venture outside in winter, residents of Yakutsk must wear layers of clothing weighing up to 10kg. According to local YouTubers, wearing multiple layers of clothing is not just a habit but a necessity for survival, especially to protect the knees – the most vulnerable to frostbite.
Typical attire for a local resident includes:
- Inner layer: Turtleneck sweater, leggings, and zip-up sweatshirt.
- Outer layer: Thick cotton trousers and a specialized jacket.
- Accessories: Arctic fox fur hat (approximately $300), traditional beaded gloves, and reindeer leather boots to keep feet warm.
Yakutia women typically have two style options: luxurious mink or fox fur coats costing up to $3,000, or modern thermal puffer jackets costing around $500 that still provide the necessary warmth.
The market has no freezers and the vehicles never turn off their engines.
The cuisine in Yakutsk clearly reflects the geographical conditions, where green vegetables are virtually unavailable due to the lack of vegetation. The diet of the people is primarily based on meat and fish. A unique feature is that in the open-air markets, vendors don't need freezers because the ambient temperature acts as a "giant refrigerator," perfectly preserving the food.
For vehicles, owning a car here requires special care. People often have to leave their engines running continuously or cover them with specialized heat-resistant tarpaulins to prevent the engine from freezing completely.
Practical experience for your exploration journey.
Despite its reputation for cold weather, Yakutsk has surprisingly warm summers, with average July temperatures reaching 26 degrees Celsius. This is the ideal time for those who want to explore the region without enduring the biting cold.
- Getting there: The most convenient way is to fly directly from Moscow to Yakutsk International Airport (Tuymaada), with a flight time of approximately 7 hours.
- Location: The airport is located 7 km from the city center and is easily accessible by taxi or public transport.
- Note: If visiting in winter, absolutely do not expose any skin to the air to avoid the risk of immediate frostbite.