21.01.2026 21:31
The village of Oymyakon, located in the Siberian region of Russia, is known as one of the coldest inhabited places in the world. In the village, where temperatures have been recorded as low as minus 71 degrees, daily life is shaped by extraordinarily cold conditions. In the village, which is home to about 500 people, vehicle engines are never turned off due to the extreme cold. To prevent diesel fuel from freezing, the engines are kept running continuously. In a village where fish can freeze in 30 seconds, consuming liquid milk is impossible.
Oymyakon, one of the places that push the limits of human life on Earth, challenges nature with its freezing cold. In this Siberian village, where thermometers have recorded -71 degrees, engines are never turned off, fish freeze within seconds, and milk even freezes in the glass. Life continues in Oymyakon, known as the "Pole of Cold," despite extreme conditions.
HAS EARNED THE TITLE OF "POLE OF COLD"
Located in the Sakha Republic in eastern Russia, Oymyakon holds the record for the lowest temperature in the Northern Hemisphere at -71.2 degrees measured on January 26, 1926. This record earned the village the title of "Pole of Cold" worldwide.
1,100 KILOMETERS AWAY FROM CIVILIZATION
Oymyakon is located 1,100 kilometers away from the regional capital, at an altitude of 741 meters above sea level. Surrounded by mountains exceeding 3,000 meters, the village is situated just a few degrees north of the Arctic Circle.
EVEN THE GROUND IS FROZEN
The underground in the region is covered with a frozen permafrost layer up to 1.5 kilometers deep. Therefore, agriculture is nearly impossible. Life is entirely shaped by the harsh rules of nature.
THE COLD VILLAGE KNOWN AS "UNFREEZING WATER"
The name Oymyakon means "unfreezing water" in the local language. This name is based on the hot water springs said to be found nearby. According to another interpretation, the name carries the meaning of "the place where fish spend the winter."
WINTER LASTS 9 MONTHS, POPULATION DOES NOT EXCEED 500
According to 2021 data, about 500 people live in the village. While winter lasts nine months in Oymyakon, the summer months are extremely short and cool. The villagers have organized their daily lives according to this harsh climate.
FISH FREEZE IN 30 SECONDS
Fish caught from rivers freeze just 30 seconds after being taken out of the water. These fish are then stored in the cellars of houses like natural freezers.
ENGINES ARE NEVER TURNED OFF, MILK FREEZES
Due to the extreme cold, vehicle engines are never turned off. To prevent diesel fuel from freezing, engines are kept running continuously. Consuming liquid milk is nearly impossible; it is often stored in frozen form.
DIET: MEAT, FISH, AND FROZEN DELICACIES
Since agriculture is not possible, the diet of the people is based on meat, fish (mostly raw and frozen), wild fruits, butter-based hajak, and a local type of ice cream called kiorchekh. There is only one market in the village.
EVEN THE CELL PHONE NETWORK CANNOT ENDURE
Due to extremely low temperatures rendering electronic devices inoperable, there is no cell phone network in Oymyakon. Communication is largely provided with limited means.
MARATHON LIKE ICE: OYMYAKON POLE OF COLD RACE
The "Oymyakon – Pole of Cold" winter marathon, considered one of the toughest long-distance races in the world, was held for the seventh time this year. At the start of the race, the air temperature was measured at -41 degrees.
FORMER FOOTBALL PLAYER ALSO TOOK THE START
A total of 50 athletes started from the village of Tomtor and competed in 42.2 and 50-kilometer courses. Among the participants was 50-year-old Alexei Smertin, the former captain of the Russian National Football Team. Smertin completed the 50-kilometer course in 4 hours and 45 minutes, finishing first in his age category.