The journey along the Lena River from its head evokes much travelers’ interest. Reasons vary. Recently I received another request, but from the U.S. this time. An Orthodox priest wrote:
“I want to travel by river to Yakutsk, June 2010 for a sabbatical project because early Orthodox missionaries to Alaska took this route in 1794. Where is the best location to catch a ferry or the hydrofoil on the Lena? I don’t have to recreate the entire journey. Should I take the BAM to Ust’-Kut and then go by river?”
My answer repeated some previous posts partly, however, I decided to add this reply to the existing data base as well.
Right, the best starting point is Ust-Kut. You can get to this settlement by train from Taishet.
Unfortunately, there is no regular passenger ship going from Ust-Kut to Yakutsk. There was the ship “Krasnoyarsk” that went that route a few years ago, but now it is written off as too old vessel.
There are some options for your travel along the river from Ust-Kut:
1. Go by hydrofoil vessels. The way is very complicated. You need to shift a few hydrofoil vessels. First, you have to reach Peleduj, then to change the boat of the same type and leave for Lensk, next you have to buy one ticket for the route Lensk – Olekminsk –Yakutsk. More info here http://askyakutia.com/2009/06/lena-river-passenger-boats-timetable-osetrovo-ust-kut-peleduj-lensk-olekminsk-yakutsk/
2. Go by a barge from Ust-Kut to Lensk, then catch a hydrofoil vessel to Olekminsk, later rent a motor boat to Yakutsk. Some info about the alternatives can be found at http://askyakutia.com/2009/08/rates-ustkut-lensk-barge-olekminsk-yakutsk-boat/
3. Rent a speed-boat from Ust-Kut to Yakutsk via a travel company. A very expensive juorney it must be. Because speed-boat owners tends to charge much. You know, they want to make money as much as possible, at least, two average month salary :)
Similar Posts:
- Some rates: Ust-Kut – Lensk by a barge, Olekminsk – Yakutsk by a motor boat
- 2009 Lena River Passenger Boats Timetable: Osetrovo (Ust-Kut) – Peleduj – Lensk – Olekminsk – Yakutsk
- The Lena River: Yakutsk – Tiksi (Neelovo) – Yakutsk. By the ship “Mechanic Koulibin.”
- Moving to Yakutsk. Info wanted.
- How to get from Yakutsk to Lensk in winter?
