Cruise the Lena

For those seeking the luxury route, Yakutia Travel books a 14-day luxury cruise from Yakutsk to Tiksi and back, after first heading south to see the Lena Pillars. Prices range from €1170 – €1670. Another shorter cruise runs to Zhigansk and yet another takes a Lena tributary to Mirny, the site of possibly the biggest pit (an open-air diamond mine) in the world.

If you prefer the self-booking route, as the article’s author did, you should show up in Ust-Kut starting in June. Tickets are sold on the boat itself, which leaves every few days. Author Joshua Hartshorne’s first-class cabin from Ust-Kut to Yakutsk was about R4500. Tickets from Yakutsk to Tiksi can be bought in the Yakutsk LORP office (ph. 42-40-03). Prices are slightly higher than for the Ust-Kut-Yakutsk leg. Return tickets can be bought on the boat or in Tiksi’s LORP office (Office 100, ground floor, Kulibin).

KEY TO RUssIAN RIVER Ship’s Horn SOUNDS • A long blast of 25-30 seconds, frequent clanging of bell = Heavy damage to ship • Three short, 5-6 second toots = Man Overboard! • Seven or more quick toots followed by one longer (2-6 seconds) = Abandon ship! • 
A single long blast (5-10 seconds) = Approaching dock • One long blast followed by three short toots = All aboard!