Things To Do
in Novyy Uoyan

Photograph trains against the backdrop of taiga, the simple wooden station, and the contrast of industrial rail infrastructure with wilderness.

Rustic riverside scenes with traditional wooden homes, fishing boats and drying racks for fish make excellent documentary and landscape photos.

Dense pine and larch forests with mossy clearings, fungal life in autumn, and misty morning light ideal for atmospheric nature shots.

Low light pollution allows for Milky Way photography, star trails and occasional aurora/airglow displays during strong geomagnetic activity in winter.

Greet elders first, accept invitations politely and remove your shoes when entering someone’s home. Small gifts (sweets or chocolates) are a courteous gesture when visiting.

People tend to be straightforward but hospitable; a friendly attitude and basic Russian greetings go a long way. Avoid loud behavior and respect private property.

Tipping is not obligatory in small settlements; rounding up a bill or leaving 5–10% for good service in restaurants is appreciated but uncommon elsewhere. For guides and drivers, a small tip is a welcomed gesture.

Cash (Russian rubles) is king: ATMs and card terminals are scarce, so carry enough cash. Larger towns may accept cards, but expect limited electronic payment options in village canteens and kiosks.

Short and mild summers (June–August) bring green taiga, mosquitoes in wet areas and the best conditions for hiking, fishing and river travel; daylight is long.

Autumn is crisp and colorful with larch and birch turning gold; weather becomes unpredictable and cooler—layers are essential and some services begin to wind down.

Long, very cold winters (often well below freezing) bring snow and frozen rivers; travel can be challenging but offers snow sports, hard-to-reach solitude and striking snowy landscapes.

Spring thaw is muddy and wet; melting snow can make trails and dirt roads difficult, but bird migration and budding flora signal nature’s renewal.

The nearest airports are in larger regional cities (e.g., Ulan-Ude or Irkutsk); reaching Novyy Uoyan from these airports typically requires a long overland journey by train or road, or a combination of flights and rail.

Smaller regional airfields serve remote areas seasonally; flight schedules are limited and ground transfers may still be needed to reach the settlement.

Vegetarian choices are limited but possible: soups, salads, potatoes, buckwheat and pickled vegetables. Communicate clearly in Russian and bring snacks or specialty items if you have strict dietary needs.

Gluten-free options are rare; many breads, dumplings and pastries contain wheat. Pack staples and allergy-safe snacks, and learn key Russian phrases to explain allergies.