Yakutsk Permafrost & Lena Pillars
Based in Yakutsk during summer, explore permafrost, ethnic culture, the Lena Pillars, and the Buluus Glacier.
Stay in the city center for the entire trip. The most important day involves a round-trip speedboat ride to the Lena Pillars, taking about 12 to 14 hours, and climbing the observation deck requires some physical effort. The rest of the time is spent visiting the Kingdom of Permafrost, ethnic villages, the zoo, and the Buluus Glacier, which does not melt in summer. This itinerary is scheduled only for summer and excludes the extreme winter cold routes, making it suitable for travelers with limited time who want to see World Heritage sites.
Speedboats operate from around June to August. Boat schedules and ticketing must be confirmed with travel agencies in advance.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrival & Old Town Stroll
Yakutsk（Old Town Yakutsk、Transfiguration Cathedral、Treasury of the Sakha Republic）
Drive from the airport to the city center (approx. 20 minutes). Spend the afternoon walking around the old town and Lenin Square.
Stay: Lenin Square Area
Day 2 · Kingdom of Permafrost & Ethnic Village
Yakutsk（Permafrost Kingdom、Chochur Muran Ethnographic Complex、Orto Doydu Zoo）
Charter a car to head south along the west bank of the Lena River (approx. 45 km total), returning to the city in the evening.
The indoor temperature of the Kingdom of Permafrost is below freezing year-round, so bring a jacket even in summer.
Stay: Lenin Square Area
Day 3 · Round-Trip Speedboat to Lena Pillars
Yakutsk（Lena Pillars Nature Park）
Take a speedboat from the river port at 8:00 (approx. 4 hours one way), stay at the scenic area for about 4 hours, and return to the port around 20:00.
The trail to the observation deck is steep. Bring mosquito repellent and a rain jacket.
Stay: Lenin Square Area
Day 4 · Crossing Lena River to Buluus Glacier
Charter a car for about 110 km, taking a ferry across the Lena River on the way (approx. 4 hours one way), and return to the city in the evening.
Ferry schedules change with water levels. It is recommended to charter a car and hire a local guide.
Stay: Lenin Square Area
Day 5 · Museum Visit & Departure
Yakutsk（Mammoth Museum、Yaroslavsky Museum of History and Culture of the Peoples of the North）
Spend the morning visiting museums in the city by taxi, and drive to the airport in the afternoon (approx. 20 minutes).
Museums often have closing days. Check opening hours before visiting.