"Summer at the Pole of Cold." To the waterfalls of Oymyakon

Continuation of traffic on the Kolyma highway.

A road begins from the village of Khandygi, which was built by GULAG prisoners in the 40s of the XX century. During these years, camps were located along the road every 20-30 km, which were subsequently liquidated after Stalin's death.

The route passes through the Tomporuksky ranges, Rocky Mountains and Suntar Khayata, winding among the high mountains. On the way, stops in the most picturesque places for photography.

Overnight parking in the territory of the Khorotu campsite.

The length of the auto route is 374 km, 10 hours on the way.

The route passes through the Suntar River basin. Stops for rest and photography.

The Suntar River is translated from Even as "Deep". The river gave its name to the Suntar Khayata mountain range, which occupies a huge territory of the north-east of Yakutia and the north of the Khabarovsk Territory.

On the way, tourists can see forest animals: moose, bears. There is a large pike in Lake Esely, burbot is a great opportunity for fishing.

The length of the all-terrain vehicle route is 43 km, 7 hours on the way.

This site is rich in views of high mountains with snow-white peaks.

On the basis of Altachukkui there are residential buildings, a felled bathhouse.

In the old days, this area, rich in grass, was a favorite place to camp after crossing mountain ranges, devoid of vegetation suitable for horses. 

Here you can see notches with writing on trees left by travelers.

Altachukkui is the main base for reindeer herding brigades roaming the area.

The length of the all-terrain vehicle route is 45 km, 7 hours on the way.

The route passes through the valley of the Koltako River and further along the gorge of the Malli River. Malli Waterfall is a powerful waterfall with a height of 28 meters.

It's hard to believe, but this area was previously the bottom of the sea and here you can find the remains of an ancient living world.

When the water level on the Koltako River is low, the route follows the riverbed. When the water level on the river is high, the route follows a trail located on the mountainside.

Climbing along the Mallee along the river with frequent fording (wading boots are mandatory!).

After visiting the waterfall, climb to the next step of the gorge and visit the ice.

The walking route is 17 km long.

On days 6 and 7, we offer two route options.

The group is divided into two teams: one carries out a two-day hike along the Waterfall River valley, the second group reaches the Munil reindeer herders base and they have a free schedule.

The first option is a two-day hiking trip along the Waterfall river. 

All equipment (tents, sleeping bags, campfires, etc.) and food for 2 days are carried by tourists themselves in backpacks (backpacks are provided).

During the move to the Munil base, the group remains at the mouth of the Waterfall River, which flows into the Balya River.

In two days, the group walks 21 km. The route passes through a beautiful gorge. 

At the end of the route, after reaching the valley of the Suntar River, an all-terrain vehicle will arrive for the group.

The second option: This option is easy and focused on recreation, during which tourists can go grayling fishing, photographing the surroundings, etc.

On days 6 and 7, we offer two route options.

The group is divided into two teams: one carries out a two-day hike along the Waterfall River valley, the second group reaches the Munil reindeer herders base and they have a free schedule.

The first option is a two-day hiking trip along the Waterfall river. 

All equipment (tents, sleeping bags, campfires, etc.) and food for 2 days are carried by tourists themselves in backpacks (backpacks are provided).

During the move to the Munil base, the group remains at the mouth of the Waterfall River, which flows into the Balya River.

In two days, the group walks 21 km. The route passes through a beautiful gorge. 

At the end of the route, after reaching the valley of the Suntar River, an all-terrain vehicle will arrive for the group.

The second option: This option is easy and focused on recreation during which tourists can go grayling fishing, photographing the surroundings, etc.

The sources of the Munil River lie on the glaciers of Suntar Khayat at an altitude of about three thousand meters. Relatively, in a short distance, the river loses a height of about two thousand meters, in some places falling from steep cliffs with a height of several tens of meters.

Approaching the valley of the Suntar River, Munil passes through a narrow rocky gorge, where it forms a cascade of waterfalls and of them the most powerful and highest is the lower waterfall, which is accessible to the public.

Next to the waterfall is solonets, a favorite place of mountain sheep-chubuku.

The length of the walking route is 12 km.

Night on the riverbank.

The length of the route on an all-terrain vehicle is 35 km, 6 hours on the way.

Today is the final day of the all-terrain vehicle trip and this is the end of the expedition part of the route.

The location in the territory of the campsite in tents.

The length of the all-terrain vehicle route is 51 km, 8 hours on the way.

The return journey takes place along the same road that we took to the route. 

Arrival in Yakutsk late in the evening.