Things To Do
in Pevek
Pevek sits on the eastern coast of the Chukotka Peninsula along Chaunskaya Bay, above the Arctic Circle. It is the administrative center of Chaunsky District and a historic hub for fishing and Arctic industry. The town is surrounded by stark tundra and dramatic sea views, offering a quintessentially remote Arctic experience.
Visitors should be prepared for long winters, short summer nights, and rapidly changing weather in this northern outpost.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey with a visit to the monument of the first Russian polar explorers. Absorb the splendid views of the Arctic landscape as you walk along the shore of the East Siberian Sea. Don't forget to take early morning photos; the light is perfect for capturing the rugged beauty of Pevek.
After lunch at a local eatery, take a guided tour of the town to learn about its rich history and the culture of its inhabitants. Visit the fishing harbor where locals work and get a glimpse into the life of those who thrive in this remote area. Enjoy an afternoon hike in the nearby hills, where you can discover the unique flora and fauna endemic to the Arctic region.
As the sun sets over the horizon, dine at one of the cozy local restaurants, savoring freshly caught seafood that reflects the region’s culinary heritage. After dinner, stroll along the frozen shoreline, feeling the crisp Arctic air against your skin as the stars begin to twinkle above. Cap off the evening by sharing stories with locals around a warm bonfire, immersing yourself in the spirit of the Arctic.
Kick off your day with a visit to the local museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits about the indigenous peoples of the region. Engage with interactive displays that offer insights into the ancient traditions still practiced today. Take the time to chat with museum staff, who can share personal stories and experiences from their lives in Pevek.
Join a cultural workshop where you can learn traditional crafts such as reindeer skin processing or fish preparation techniques unique to the local communities. This hands-on experience will deepen your understanding of the resilience and resourcefulness required to live in such a remote location. Afterward, participate in a community gathering and share a meal with local families, experiencing their warmth and hospitality.
As night falls, enjoy a fascinating storytelling session where elders recount legends and tales from their childhood, drawing everyone into their captivating world. Savour traditional dishes while listening to these stories shared over the community bonfire. End the evening by dancing to local music, embracing the joyous spirit of the native culture.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $15-25 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| 🛏️1 night in mid-range hotel | $70-140 |
| 🚕Local taxi ride | $5-12 |
| 🛒Groceries for a day | $15-30 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Remote Arctic charm and dramatic landscapes
- Fresh seafood and unique cultural experiences
- Very limited services and nightlife
- Long travel times and high prices due to remoteness
- "Здравствуйте" - Hello
- "Спасибо" - Thank you
- "Пожалуйста" - Please/You're welcome
- "Сколько стоит?" - How much does it cost?
- "Где находится банк?" - Where is the bank?
- "Говорите по-английски?" - Do you speak English?
- "I don't speak Russian" - I don't speak Russian
- "Можно меню по-английски?" - Is there an English menu?
Places to Visit in Pevek
Visit one of these nice places.
A long shoreline with ice floes in winter and open water in summer; ideal for sunrise photography and seabird contrasts.
Cliffside vantage point over the bay offering dramatic sunsets and wide horizons.
Industrial waterfront scenes with cranes and ice-breaking ships, illustrating Arctic working life.
Food in Pevek
Pevek Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled or baked Arctic char paired with lingonberries or cloudberries, available at seafood-focused eateries.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked reindeer meat with root vegetables, a staple in local menus.
Traditional stews using seal or whale meat; available at select diners for the adventurous.
Fresh Chaun Bay fish, cold- or hot-smoked and sold in markets or fish shops.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A compact market offering fresh seafood, dried fish, berries, and ready-to-eat snacks; try smoked fish and hearty soups.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake is customary; address people by their first name with a polite form, especially elders.
Dress warmly in public spaces in winter; avoid loud behavior in small venues; respect quiet residential norms.
Safety
Tipping in Pevek
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated in cafes and restaurants; 5-10% is common for service, higher for exceptional service.
Cash rubles are widely accepted; some establishments accept card payments; ATMs are limited in Pevek, plan accordingly.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Short nights, extended daylight, and milder temperatures; wildlife activity is high and sea fog can appear. Pack layers and sun protection.
Sub-zero temperatures, polar night with limited daylight, and strong winds; essential to wear insulated gear and plan indoor breaks.
Transitional weather with fast-changing conditions; wind and rain are common; good for dramatic skies and photography.
Pevek at Night
Hiking in Pevek
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hike along the Arctic coast with tundra flora and views of sea ice or open water depending on season.
A modest hike offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and bay.
Airports
How to reach Pevek by plane.
Primary local gateway with domestic flights to Anadyr and Yakutsk; seasonal and charter services may operate in summer.
Regional hub for Chaunsky and Chukotka; connects to Moscow and other Russian cities, longer domestic routes.
Major eastern Siberian airport used for longer connections and occasional international flights; farther away but a potential transfer point.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily Russian city dwellers, with a visible presence of Indigenous groups such as Chukchi and Even communities in the broader region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular in winter, with locals and visitors trying their luck on frozen bays.
Occasional slopes and hills in the area, popular during winter months.
Traditional Arctic activity with guides offering trips on snow.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Pevek.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options include soups, vegetable stews, and salads; ask about broths and stock ingredients, as meat-based stocks are common.