Things To Do
in Ulkan

Wide river vistas, reflections of taiga, fishing boats, and seasonal ice patterns provide excellent landscape and cultural shots, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Elevated clearings offer panoramic views of endless forest, meandering streams, and distant hills — dramatic in autumn color and under summer midnight sun.

Close-up portraits of wooden houses, carved fences, and everyday village life convey the human side of the region; morning light is best for soft portraits.

Small thermokarst formations, frozen patterns, and bog pools create abstract and geological photography opportunities, especially during thaw.

Show politeness and deference to older residents; greetings and small talk are appreciated before asking favors or taking photos.

It’s common practice to remove outdoor shoes when entering private homes — wear clean socks or bring indoor slippers if visiting households.

Always request permission before photographing individuals, especially indigenous elders or in private settings.

Dress modestly in villages and respect local religious or cultural events; loud or conspicuous behavior may be frowned upon.

Tipping is not obligatory in rural Russia but small tips (5–10%) are appreciated in cafes or for helpful guides and drivers. Round up taxi fares or offer a modest tip for exceptional service.

Cash in Russian rubles is king in remote areas — many small shops and services do not accept cards. Larger regional centers accept cards; ATMs are infrequent, so carry enough cash and plan withdrawals ahead.

Short and often pleasant with long daylight hours; temperatures can be mild to warm during the day but cool at night. Bugs (mosquitoes and blackflies) can be intense — bring repellant and netting. Best time for hiking, fishing, and river travel.

Crisp days and brilliant taiga colors; increasingly chilly nights and the first snows late in the season. Good for photography and berry/ mushroom foraging, but services begin to scale back.

Long, very cold, and dark with temperatures that can drop far below freezing; travel may require snow vehicles and special gear. Winter activities like dog sledding and northern-lights viewing are possible, but infrastructure is limited.

Variable conditions: muddy roads, swollen rivers, and unstable ice. Travel can be slower; however, migrating birds and thawing landscapes can be rewarding for naturalists.

Major regional hub serving flights to and from larger Russian cities; travel from the airport to Ulkan typically requires a long road journey or a combination of road and river transport depending on season.

Some remote settlements use small airstrips for seasonal charter flights or cargo; these are irregular and weather-dependent — arrange in advance through local authorities or operators.