Arctic Russia - The primary Chukchi settlement in Yakutia

14.11.2023 /// Kolymskoye settlement is situated on the Kolyma River bank, opposite the mouth of the Omolon River. The settlement is part of the Nizhnekolymsky ulus and serves as the administrative centre and sole settlement of the Khalarchinsky Chukotka National Nasleg. It's located almost on the border between the Chukotka Autonomous Area and the Sakha Republic.

The settlement was established in 1941 on the site of a Yukaghir nomadic camp. During the Soviet era, several collective farms were operational here, and after 1992, a nomadic community emerged, engaged in reindeer herding, hunting and fishing. Today, the majority of the local population is Chukchi. This is the only place in Yakutia where this northern ethnic group resides in large numbers. It's no surprise that this settlement was chosen as the venue for the Yakutia Chukchi Congress. At the assembly, local residents, along with the administrative district, settlement and Republic of Sakha leadership, address urgent issues—primarily housing repairs and new transportation purchases.

Snowmobiles, small ski or low-pressure wheel aircraft that don't require a runway, all-terrain vehicles and other modes of transport are crucial for a northern settlement located 180 km from another settlement.

The settlement has a hospital and a national secondary school where students learn the Chukchi language and culture. A settlement museum is situated next to the school. It's hard to say how many exhibits are housed here, but their number clearly exceeds several thousand. The museum houses remains of mammoth fauna, exhibits on regional history and a good representation of recent history. The museum frequently conducts history lessons for students, hosts veteran meet-ups and organises events for primary school children. Trips to the tundra are arranged for Kolyma students, where they learn to respect ancestral traditions and gain firsthand experience of reindeer herding.

After finishing school, many graduates join reindeer herding teams.

Extensive marshlands, lakes, and tributaries of the Kolyma River stretch north from the Kolymskoye settlement. The nearest location, the Chersky settlement, is 180 km away. One can reach Kolymskoye settlement by car via the winter road, which largely follows the Stadukhinskaya channel of the Kolyma River, or by motorboat along the river.

A trip to Kolymskoye settlement offers a unique opportunity to experience life in the Far North. There are no hotels, restaurants or glamping facilities here, and tour operators only use it as a stopover point for occasional expeditions to the polar tundra. Tourists stay in local homes, renting a room or bed, sharing meals and assisting with household tasks. This is customary as idleness is considered disrespectful to the homeowners.

However, if you demonstrate your willingness to help, the locals will reciprocate with their generous hospitality.

Fishing in numerous lakes, visiting reindeer camps, stargazing in the tundra on a snowmobile—a complete immersion into the unique world of the Polar region is guaranteed. The Kolyma River basin is inhabited by whitefish, burbot, pike, beluga, grayling and occasionally Siberian sturgeon. Wild reindeer and musk oxen roam the tundra, mountain sheep can be found in the mountains, and there is a diverse bird population. If a guest has a firearms license, locals can easily arrange a small expedition, given that fishing and hunting are primary activities of the local community—Turvaurgin.

Expect genuine interaction, emotional experiences and, of course, risks. Remember that the Arctic Circle and its wilderness can be extremely dangerous, particularly for unprepared travellers. Embarking on such an adventure requires self-reliance and readiness for various challenges—but isn't that the essence of true exploration?