Things To Do
in Cherskiy
Cherskiy (Chersky) is a small, remote Arctic town in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) on the lower Kolyma River, known for its extreme subarctic climate and position within permafrost-dominated landscapes. Founded as an administrative and logistics hub for the Kolyma region, it combines Soviet-era wooden architecture, research stations and a small local community. The town is a gateway to tundra vistas, river scenery and rare northern phenomena such as the aurora and midnight sun in summer.
Travel to Cherskiy means preparing for basic services, dramatic weather swings and an experience far from mainstream tourist infrastructure.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Cherskiy and immerse yourself in its tranquil, remote atmosphere. Take a leisurely stroll through the town to appreciate its unique architecture and the stunning landscapes around. Enjoy a traditional Russian breakfast at a local café.
Visit the local museum to learn about the region's history and indigenous cultures. Engage with the friendly locals and perhaps even pick up a few Russian phrases. The afternoon light makes for perfect photography opportunities.
Enjoy a warm dinner at the guesthouse, savoring traditional dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Take a leisurely evening walk to witness the expansive Siberian sky as the sun sets. Reflect on the day while sipping on a hot beverage under the starry night.
Begin the day with a hearty breakfast before setting off on a guided tour of the Kolyma River. The morning light on the river makes for breathtaking views and great photography. Listen to your guide as they share stories of the river's significance and local folklore.
Enjoy a riverside picnic lunch with local specialties while soaking up the tranquility of the natural surroundings. Try your hand at fishing or simply relax by the water’s edge, taking in the beautiful scenery. The afternoon is perfect for spotting local wildlife in the area.
Return to Cherskiy and dine at a local restaurant, enjoying a meal featuring freshly caught river fish. Consider participating in a cultural evening where locals share traditional songs and dances. Reflect on your experiences thus far amidst warm conversation and camaraderie.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee/tea at a café | $2-5 |
| 🛏️Guesthouse / simple accommodation (per night) | $40-90 |
| 🚌Short taxi/ride within town | $5-12 |
| 🛒Basic weekly groceries | $40-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unique Arctic landscapes, aurora and midnight sun experiences
- Rich indigenous culture and opportunities for authentic community interactions
- Remote, off-the-beaten-path travel with strong photographic potential
- Extreme weather and limited infrastructure require careful preparation
- Few dining and accommodation options; services can be basic
- High travel costs and complicated logistics to reach the town
- "Здравствуйте" - Hello (formal)
- "Спасибо" - Thank you
- "Где находится ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Вы говорите по‑английски?" - Do you speak English?
- "Помогите!" - Help!
- "У меня аллергия на ..." - I am allergic to ...
- "Сколько это стоит?" - How much does this cost?
Places to Visit in Cherskiy
Visit one of these nice places.
Expansive river vistas, ice formations in winter, colorful reflections in summer; excellent for landscape and river-life photography.
Thermokarst lakes, yedoma hills and patterned ground offer striking geological textures and wide-open compositions, especially at low sun angles.
Weathered wooden houses, hydro-technical structures and abandoned buildings provide atmospheric, historic urban scenes — ask permission before entering private or restricted sites.
Dark-sky spots outside town are ideal for northern lights photography in clear winter nights; plan for extreme cold and long exposures.
Candid portrait opportunities with fishermen, reindeer herders and daily life scenes — always ask for consent before photographing people.
Food in Cherskiy
Cherskiy Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Sliced frozen raw fish (or sometimes meat) enjoyed thinly sliced and eaten cold — a northern specialty best tried from local fishers or small eateries when available.
Must-Try!
Locally caught and smoked or dried fish from the Kolyma River; commonly found in markets and home kitchens.
Dumplings filled with meat (beef, pork or reindeer) — a Russian classic widely available in canteens and cafes.
Roasted, stewed or smoked reindeer prepared by indigenous hosts or in local establishments when available; central to regional culinary identity.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small-scale market presence — limited fresh produce, staples, and seasonal fish; street food is minimal, but small kiosks may sell hot tea, baked goods and packaged snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Show respect for elders, local customs and indigenous traditions; ask before photographing people or private property and accept hospitality politely.
A firm handshake, eye contact and a simple 'Здравствуйте' are appropriate; modest dress and subdued behavior are preferred in community settings.
It is common (and polite) to remove outdoor shoes when entering private homes — carry slip-on indoor shoes or socks.
Safety
Tipping in Cherskiy
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not obligatory and is modest where practiced; for cafe or guide services, round up or leave 5–10% for good service. In small local establishments and among community hosts, a small gift or token of appreciation is often valued.
Russian ruble is the only practical currency locally. Card acceptance is limited — larger settlements or administrative centers may accept cards, but ATMs are sparse. Bring sufficient cash (rubles) and plan withdrawals in Yakutsk or regional hubs. Emergency satellite or backup payment options are recommended for remote travel.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Short, cool summers (June–August) bring long daylight hours — sometimes midnight sun — abundant insects (mosquitoes) and accessible river transport; permafrost surface can be soggy and muddy as the active layer thaws.
Rapid cooling, colorful tundra in early autumn, then quick onset of frost and freeze-up; travel windows narrow and weather can turn harsh with strong winds and snowfall.
Extremely cold, long winters with polar night periods (reduced daylight), temperatures well below −30°C common; snow and ice dominate, making snowmobiles, skis and heavy gear essential.
Brief thaw periods, unstable ice on rivers, muddy conditions and still very cold temperatures; travel may be complicated by breakup or freeze-up transitions.
Cherskiy at Night
Hiking in Cherskiy
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy-to-moderate riverside walks with views of river ice in winter and birdlife/flowers in summer; ideal for short outings and photography.
A guided loop across nearby tundra flats to observe permafrost features, seasonal flora and migratory birds — bring insect protection in summer.
Short hikes to elevated permafrost formations and thermokarst ponds offering unique geological interest and wide vistas, especially at sunrise/sunset.
A short ascent to a nearby ridge or hill for panoramic views over Cherskiy and the Kolyma River — good for sunset/midnight sun photography.
Paths around nearby lakes that attract waterfowl and migratory species in summer; best with a guide who knows local nesting sites.
Airports
How to reach Cherskiy by plane.
Small regional airfield serving flights to/from larger hubs (schedules limited and weather-dependent). Most visitors reach Cherskiy by scheduled regional flights or charter from Yakutsk when available.
Yakutsk is the primary regional hub with regular connections to central Russia; travelers typically fly into Yakutsk and then take a domestic flight or charter to Cherskiy. Yakutsk offers major services, car hires and currency/ATM access.
Depending on season and routing, travelers may connect through other Far Eastern airports (e.g., Magadan) and continue via regional flights or overland logistics; expect long travel times and transfers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Settlers, administrative staff and service workers form a significant portion of the community.
Indigenous people of the region with distinct language and cultural traditions, involved in administration, services and traditional livelihoods.
Smaller indigenous groups engaged in reindeer herding, fishing and traditional practices; their presence contributes to the cultural mosaic.
Researchers, geologists and seasonal workers in resource industries and regional services who rotate through the town.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A widely practiced pastime and subsistence activity, especially during long winters when rivers and lakes freeze solid.
Common winter recreation and practical travel methods across frozen terrain; both used for sport and transport.
Reindeer herding and occasional reindeer races or demonstrations are part of indigenous cultural life and seasonal events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cherskiy.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are limited — rely on root vegetables, dairy, bread, pasta and canned/packaged goods; bring supplements and snacks. Communicate clearly in Russian about restrictions and be prepared to cook or self-cater occasionally.
Medical-grade ingredients and specialty items may not be available; carry necessary medications and allergy cards in Russian. Inform hosts or guides about severe allergies in advance.