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Oymyakon is recognized as the coldest village globally, with winter temperatures often dropping to a staggering -50°C.
Oymyakon holds the title of the coldest village in the world, with average temperatures in January plummeting to around -50°C. Recently, even thermometers in this region shattered as the temperature dropped to an extreme -62°C.
Situated along the Indigirka River, Oymyakon is a village in the Oymyakonsky district, Sakha Republic, Russia. Being just 350km from the Arctic Circle, Oymyakon is exceptionally frigid, especially during the winter months.
Oymyakon – The Chilling Frontier of Human Tenacity
In this harsh land, not only Russians but also various ethnic minorities call it home. Despite the threat of instant freezing without proper clothing or protective gear, even with eyelashes potentially icing over within moments, the village remains the dwelling place for nearly 800 people. In the 1920s and 1930s, it became a hub for reindeer herders to water their livestock from hot springs. The Soviet government subsequently transformed it into a permanent settlement.
Within the village stands a lone school, and only when the outdoor temperature drops to -52°C do students get a break. The water supply system and toilets were installed in the school in 2008. None of the technological devices can operate in Oymyakon's harsh environment, so there's no telecommunication service, and most types of vehicles, including cars and trucks, are rendered useless. Ink freezes, and all types of batteries have a very short lifespan. In the past, there were very few photos of this village as cameras and film would break immediately if taken outdoors.
Furthermore, burying the deceased is an arduous task due to the ground being as hard as rock. To dig a grave, Oymyakon residents must light a fire for hours to melt the ice on the surface. Afterward, hot coals are placed near the mouth of the pit. The digging process typically spans several days. Due to these challenges, the locals shifted from earth burials to sky burials, similar to the Tibetan tradition, but this practice was eventually abandoned following government directives.
The extreme cold in Oymyakon hinders the growth of any fruits or vegetables, leaving the residents with scarce food options such as fish, reindeer meat, horse meat, and milk.
Despite the freezing conditions, tourism thrives in this area, becoming a vital source of livelihood for the locals. When exploring this unique land, explorer and photographer Amos Chapple shared that the locals are fantastic: 'The locals are friendly, sociable, and wear beautifully simple clothing.' Visitors to Oymyakon can experience ice-cold baths in -50°C weather and participate in activities like reindeer hunting or ice fishing.
Posted by: Nhu Huynh
Keywords: Oymyakon – the coldest village in the world
