Things To Do
in Chokurdakh
Chokurdakh is a remote Arctic settlement in the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic of Russia, located on the banks of the Indigirka River and serving as the administrative center of its district. It is characterised by wooden houses on permafrost, strong ties to indigenous Sakha and Even communities, and a small, tight-knit population. The settlement experiences extreme subarctic conditions with very long, harsh winters, brief summers, and wide-open tundra landscapes.
Visiting Chokurdakh offers an opportunity to see traditional northern life, dramatic skies (including the Northern Lights in season), and rarely visited Arctic ecosystems.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Chokurdakh and take some time to settle into your accommodation. Enjoy a traditional Russian breakfast to fuel your day ahead. Take a moment to absorb the serene atmosphere of this remote Siberian village surrounded by vast landscapes.
Explore the local area, visiting the nearby Lena River which offers stunning views and excellent spots for photography. Engage with the local Yukaghir community to learn about their culture and traditions. Don’t miss the opportunity to try your hand at ice fishing if the season permits.
As the sun sets, gather around a warm fire or in a cozy local restaurant for dinner. Sample local delicacies, perhaps reindeer stew or freshly caught fish. Reflect on the day’s experiences while enjoying the tranquil beauty of the Arctic twilight.
After breakfast, embark on a guided snowmobile tour into the surrounding wilderness, feeling the chill of the Arctic air. Marvel at the untouched beauty of snowy landscapes and frozen lakes. Your guide will share insights on the wildlife and natural history of the area.
Stop for a picnic lunch under the open sky, surrounded by magnificent scenery. Continue your snowmobile adventure, seeking out unique geological formations shaped by centuries of ice and wind. The thrill of the ride keeps spirits high as you traverse the rugged terrain.
Return to Chokurdakh in the evening and warm up with a traditional Russian banya experience. Afterward, enjoy dinner with fellow travelers where stories are shared, creating bonds through adventure. End the night by gazing up at the stars, with the possibility of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee or hot drink | $3-6 |
| 🚕Short taxi/transfer | $5-20 |
| 🏨Guesthouse or small hotel (per night) | $50-120 |
| ✈️One-way domestic flight to regional hub | $150-350 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unique, authentic Arctic culture and close interaction with indigenous communities
- Untouched tundra landscapes and excellent opportunities for Northern Lights and wilderness photography
- Very low tourist traffic — solitude and off-the-beaten-path experience
- Insight into traditional Arctic livelihoods (fishing, reindeer herding)
- Extreme climate and seasonal accessibility challenges
- Limited services, accommodation and medical facilities
- High travel and supply costs due to remoteness
- Language barrier and scarce tourist infrastructure
- "Здравствуйте (Zdravstvuyte)" - Hello (formal)
- "Спасибо (Spasibo)" - Thank you
- "Пожалуйста (Pozhaluysta)" - Please / You're welcome
- "Извините (Izvinite)" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Вы говорите по-английски? (Vy govorite po-angliyski?)" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Chokurdakh
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide river views, boats, ice flows in spring and autumn colours in short summer; excellent for sunrise/sunset and river-activity shots.
Photograph colourful wooden homes set on permafrost stilts, laundry lines, and everyday life scenes that show how communities adapt to Arctic conditions.
Expansive tundra, thaw ponds and patterned ground — abstract landscapes and textures make striking compositions, especially in low-angle light.
Away from settlement lights, clear winter nights offer aurora photography opportunities — plan for long exposures and transportation to darker spots.
In freeze-up and break-up seasons the river and ice form dramatic structures and reflections useful for dynamic landscape photography.
Food in Chokurdakh
Chokurdakh Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Indigirka River fish (whitefish, omul-like species) smoked or air-dried — widely available from local households and markets; excellent for tasting traditional preservation methods.
Must-Try!
Reindeer stews, fried or boiled reindeer served in small eateries or from indigenous hosts — lean and flavorful, a regional staple where available.
Hearty porridges and fermented dairy products served as warming staples in local meals; often prepared in guesthouses and family homes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
There is no large market; food is sold through small shops and occasional stalls — look for smoked fish, preserves, home-canned berries and prepared snacks in central areas and at community events.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Show respect for indigenous cultures and traditions; ask permission before photographing people, especially elders or during religious/cultural events.
Be polite and friendly — residents are often welcoming; it is customary to accept offered tea or food when visiting private homes unless you have a dietary restriction.
Remove outdoor shoes when entering private homes if invited; bringing a small gift (sweets, tea) for hosts is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Chokurdakh
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest and not mandatory; leaving a small tip for good service in guesthouses or for guides is appreciated but not expected. In local canteens and shops tipping is uncommon.
Cash (Russian rubles) is the most reliable medium — card acceptance and ATMs are limited, so carry enough cash for supplies, transfers and small purchases. Plan and withdraw funds in regional hubs like Yakutsk before flying to Chokurdakh.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Extremely cold with long nights and temperatures that can plunge far below freezing; expect snow-covered landscapes, limited daylight in polar night periods, frozen rivers and reliance on snowmobiles or winter roads. Dress in multiple insulated layers, plan for short outdoor windows and check local travel advisories for ice-road safety.
Rapid changes as ice breaks up; unsafe, shifting ice can make travel hazardous and river travel opens late in the season. Expect muddy, wet conditions and dramatic ice flows — this is a transitional time with unique photo opportunities but increased risk.
Short and cool with long daylight hours and a brief period of milder weather (midnight sun within certain weeks depending on season); insect activity (mosquitoes) can be intense, so bring repellents and lightweight long sleeves. This is the best time for river boating, birdwatching and tundra hikes.
Crisp, rapidly cooling days with colourful tundra in the early weeks; weather can turn quickly and early freezes begin. It’s a good time for photography of fall colours and quiet landscapes before full winter returns.
Chokurdakh at Night
Hiking in Chokurdakh
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle hikes on flat tundra near the riverbank — good for birdwatching and viewing seasonal flowering plants in summer; be prepared for wet ground and insects.
Short exploratory routes to see patterned ground, thaw ponds and permafrost features — best visited with a local guide to avoid fragile or unsafe areas.
Summer hikes and boat-assisted walks to nearby river islands and shallow channels expose varied birdlife and riverine landscapes; access depends on water levels and guide availability.
Airports
How to reach Chokurdakh by plane.
Small local airport serving the settlement with infrequent flights to regional hubs; schedules vary seasonally and flights are often small aircraft. Useful for direct access but subject to weather disruptions.
Yakutsk is the main aviation hub for the Sakha Republic with regular connections to Moscow and other Russian cities; travellers typically fly to Yakutsk and then take a regional flight to Chokurdakh. Plan connections carefully and allow buffer time for delays.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Indigenous groups with strong cultural traditions in reindeer herding, fishing and local crafts; community life reflects centuries-old practices adapted to Arctic conditions.
Officials, workers and families who moved to the settlement during Soviet and post-Soviet periods; they run local services, education and administration.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A common winter pastime and practical transport method in snowy months; local residents and visitors use skis for recreation and travel.
Popular for transport and recreation across the frozen landscape; snowmobile tours are a common way to explore nearby tundra in winter.
Both a livelihood and a recreational activity year-round (ice fishing in winter and boat fishing in summer) centered on river species.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chokurdakh.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are limited due to emphasis on fish and meat; boiled potatoes, bread, porridge and imported canned vegetables are available but you should bring supplements or discuss needs with hosts in advance.
Vegan and strict gluten-free diets can be difficult to maintain here; planning ahead, bringing staples and communicating dietary needs before travel are strongly recommended.