Yakutia, the largest region in Russia, remains one of the least explored territories on Earth. Spanning an astonishing three million square kilometers, it is home to a population of just one million people. This remote expanse is defined by its extreme and contrasting climate.
Summers bring scorching temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius, while winters plunge into an icy abyss of minus 60 degrees. Snow blankets the land from October to mid-April, marking one of the longest and harshest winter durations anywhere in the world. These severe conditions have shaped Yakutia into a realm of untouched wilderness, where human presence is scarce and nature reigns supreme.
The region’s inaccessibility is another defining characteristic. With minimal infrastructure, Yakutia has very few roads and almost no railways. The isolation of many areas makes them reachable only by air, using planes or helicopters.
This lack of connectivity, combined with the unforgiving climate, has forged a unique way of life and culture for the local residents. Despite the challenges, the people of Yakutia have adapted to their environment, preserving traditions that reflect their resilience and harmony with nature. Alexey Vasilyev’s exploration of this untamed frontier sheds light on a world where humanity’s endurance and the wilderness’s raw beauty coexist in extraordinary ways.
Scroll down and inspire yourself. You can check Alexey’s Instagram account for more amazing photos.