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!

The Lena RIVER at a Glance • Head: Small Lake at 54’ latitude and 107’ 55” longitude in Baikal Mountain Range • Mouth: Laptev Sea (Arctic Ocean) • Length: 4400 kilometers (2800 miles) • Watershed: 2,500,000 sq. km. (1,000,000 sq. miles) • Number of Tributaries: Over 500 that are at least 10 km (6.25 miles) long  • Months Frozen Per Year: 7-10