Things To Do
in Kokhma

Late-19th and early-20th-century brick factory buildings with industrial details — great for architectural shots, textures and murals.

Street scenes capturing daily life, Soviet-era apartment blocks, local shops and small monuments that convey the town’s character.

Small rivers or streams and adjoining parks/wooded strips offer reflections, seasonal color and peaceful nature scenes, especially at dawn and dusk.

A short trip to Ivanovo rewards photographers with grander examples of industrial heritage, early modernist buildings and panoramic city views.

Fried cottage-cheese pancakes served with jam or sour cream — a common breakfast or dessert found in cafes and home kitchens.

Must-Try!

Dumplings filled with minced meat, often served with sour cream or butter; available in small eateries and markets.

Beet-based borscht and pickled-soup rassolnik are standard comfort soups in local canteens and family restaurants.

Baked or fried stuffed buns with fillings ranging from cabbage and potato to meat and sweet fillings; great for a quick snack from bakeries or markets.

Small market stalls selling seasonal vegetables, dairy, baked goods and simple street snacks; try fresh farmer cheese, kvass (fermented drink) and pirozhki.

Larger market with more vendors and regional specialties — a good place to sample home-made preserves, smoked fish and regional cheeses.

Use formal greetings (Здравствуйте — Zdravstvuyte) and surnames with titles in first meetings; handshakes are common among men, and close friends may hug.

Dress modestly in Orthodox churches, remove hats, and be quiet and respectful inside religious sites.

Russians can seem reserved with strangers — close personal questions are usually for friends. Avoid loud, boisterous behavior in public and be polite when taking photos of people (ask first).

If invited to a local home, bringing flowers or a small food gift is appreciated; remove shoes at the door if hosts ask.

Tipping in Russia is appreciated but not always mandatory in small towns: 5–10% in restaurants if service is good; round up taxi fares and leave small change for cafe staff. In small canteens and markets tipping is less common.

Cards are accepted at larger shops and cafes, but many small vendors, markets and rural services are cash-only. Carry rubles for buses, markets and small purchases; contactless payments and mobile apps are increasingly available in Ivanovo.

Late thaw with muddy paths early on; by May you’ll see blooming trees and active markets. Layers are useful — temperatures vary day to day.

Warm and pleasant (June–August) with long daylight hours; ideal for walking, outdoor photography and day trips. Bring sunscreen and insect repellent for forested areas.

Crisp weather and colorful foliage in September–October; rain and winds increase later in the season, so waterproof outerwear helps.

Cold and snowy from December to March with temperatures often below freezing — dress warmly with insulated layers, and allow extra travel time because of snow and ice.