How to get to Yakutsk
Greetings, I have been planning a trip on the Trans-Mongolian Railway. However, I am now thinking about making a side trip to Yakutsk. Does anyone know if I can get there by train or do I have to fly or bus? It appears the BAM may get me part way and I see something noted as the AYaM, but I am unfamiliar with that line. How difficult would this be and how time consuming? I have no Russian language skills and will be traveling from Moscow mid-June. I would like be in Yakutsk for the solstice and to be in Mongolia in time for the Naadam Festival. Any information or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Mare1
A train line to Yakutsk is actually under construction right now, scheduled to be completed sometime in 2013. While it's possible to get there overland by buses that run a couple times a week from Neryungri, currently the only reasonable way to get there is to fly.Think carefully before committing yourself to such an expensive, distant, and time-consuming "side trip." I went there years ago on a business trip, and though I was happy to have the opportunity, I would have been much less happy if I'd had to pay my own way to what is, in reality, only a moderately interesting destination.
3
the date of Naadam festival?I live in Yakutia so can help with advice on possibility of your side trip.
first there is direct train once a week 076 Moscow-Neryungri which goes directly to Tommot (and Aldan on the way)
here is current timetable
in 6 full days you will reach Tommot, price in kupe is 10723 rubles or around $360
from Tommot (or Aldan/Neryungri) you can reach Yakutsk by private jeep/minibus, prices around 2000/2500/3000 rubles from each place. Drivers always wait for train to get passengers, so don't worry much.
basic Russian skills needed, at least you should ask Russian speakers (who know English) to write in Russian language your requests which you can show to drivers and other people.
Same way you can depart from Yakutsk - first by private jeep to Tommot (or Aldan/Neryungri) where you can board on train which you need (I think you will need train to Ulan Ude or Irkutsk which should be possible from Neryungri).
All train tickets should be booked well in advance through numerous online sites.
Journey from railway station to Yakutsk and back by jeep not possible to book in advance but they are very frequent so don't worry you will be late for return train.
