Maybe, it’s a little bit late at this point. Navigation on the Lena River, that usually lasts from early June till late September, is coming to the end. However, I think the following info will appear to be useful in the future.
I found out two alternative ways of traveling the Lena River on parts Ust-Kut – Lensk and Olekminsk – Yakutsk.
Ust-Kut – Lensk by a barge
Traveling the Lena River from Ust-Kut to Lensk by a barge. Ust-Kut - Lensk by a barge. Photo by SibirskyExtreme.com.
Using a barge on this route is a good option for those, who are traveling by a vehicle or a motorcycle. The trip from Ust-Kut to Lensk lasts about three full days and on the way back a little bit longer. There are a few barges and they run every 3 days or so.
A traveler has to pay for his transport only. Accordingly the final cost depends on the length of the vehicle. This summer one meter is for 4000 rubles.
No accommodations are offered in the barge. Drivers are supposed to spend nights inside their cars, bikers inside their camps. However, a captain is reported to appear so hospital to international travelers. He could even offer one of his spare cabin… for free.
Lensk – Olekminsk
Didn’t find yet the alternative to a hydrofoil vessel. Check the post 2009 Lena River Passenger Boats Timetable: Osetrovo (Ust-Kut) – Peleduj – Lensk – Olekminsk – Yakutsk.
Olekminsk – Yakutsk by a motor boat
Traveling the Lena river by a regular motor boat.
I am not sure whether a aluminum motor boat (we call it informally a river taxi) is the best alternative. But it is a good option to come aboard, if one didn’t manage to get into the fully packed hydrofoil vessel. Latter happens very often, when a ticket was not purchased beforehand.
And this is totally different and exciting, but dangerous, when it is stormy, and uncomfortable as no space to walk around.
The trip by an ordinary motor boat costs around 3000 rubles. One day on the way. Runs daily. Three passenger seats are available.
Similar Posts:
- 2009 Lena River Passenger Boats Timetable: Osetrovo (Ust-Kut) – Peleduj – Lensk – Olekminsk – Yakutsk
- Where is the best location to catch a ferry or the hydrofoil on the Lena in the South?
- The Lena River: Yakutsk – Tiksi (Neelovo) – Yakutsk. By the ship “Mechanic Koulibin.”
- What are requirements to ice roads?
- How to get from Yakutsk to Lensk in winter?
