Chukotka (Russian: Чуко́тка, choo-KOHT-kuh) is a region in the Russian Far East and is the northeasternmost region of Russia. Located along the Bering Strait, Chukotka is home to beautiful tundra scenery and the indigenous Chukchi people, butt of many Russian anecdotes. Chukotka was governed until 2008 by Roman Abramovich, one of the wealthiest people in Russia and the present owner of the Chelsea football club. Never a province to fit in nicely, Chukotka is also the only region of Russia lying in the Western Hemisphere. It borders three Russian regions, Yakutia to the west, and Magadan Oblast and Kamchatka to the southwest.
Cities
- 1 Anadyr — the capital
- 2 Bilibino — small city on the edge of tundra, site of world's northernmost nuclear plant
- 3 Pevek — the northernmost town in Russia.
- 4 Provideniya — port, village in north-east Chukotka with population of between 2,500 and 3,000
Other destinations
- 1 Big Diomede — easternmost island of Russia
- 2 El'gygytgyn Lake
— an impact crater lake - 3 Wrangel Island — a
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Understand
The Chukotka autonomous district is notable as being the closest point that both Eurasia and Russia gets to North America and the United States. While Chukotka is as large as 285,000 sq mi (740,000 km2), it is one of the most sparsely populated regions in Russia, with a population of 55,000.
Chukotka has a large collection of natural resources, and although it has one of the highest average wages in the country, this hasn't exactly translated into development. This is largely due to a lack of infrastructure, which continues to be a major hurdle when it comes to accessibility.
Talk
The official language is Russian. Other commonly spoken languages include Chukchi and Yukaghir, which are mainly spoken in rural areas.
Get in
 | Note: Entry to Chukotka is restricted. Even Russian citizens need to get special permission issued by the Government of Chukotka, in order to enter the region. A valid passport bearing valid Russian entry visa and propusk are required for foreigners. The permit is known as propusk in Russian and the issuance may take several weeks. Contact Border Service offices in Russia or local tour agencies for detailed information. |
The way of getting in would be by either boat or plane at any established points of entry. Passengers of cruise liners are allowed to land on Chukotka and stay for 72 hours without visa and special permission.
By plane
- Bering Air offers charter flights from Nome to Provideniya Bay Airport (PVS IATA) on either a Piper Navahoe, taking 80 minutes or a Beach King Air 200, taking 60 minutes. Flights are weather dependent and each airplane carries nine passengers. Charter flights can be arranged from Nome to Anadyr.
- There are flights from Moscow to Anadyr, but not every day. Transaero Airlines, VIM Airlines and Yakutia Airlines have such flights.
By boat
- In summer time some cruise ships go from Alaska and stop at Anadyr, Provideniya and more places. Search for "cruise anadyr" on Google. In 2014, Silversea Cruises has such cruises.
Get around
By plane
Air is the most used mode of local travel inside Chukotka. Anadyr is the main hub. Chukotavia operates local flights inside Chukotka.
By road
There is no network of roads, and very few local roads near settlements. In winter there is a network of snow and ice roads.
See
Do
- Dogsledding
- Attend whaleboat or reindeer races
- Walrus watching (not hunting)
Eat
Drink
Stay safe
As Chukotka is one of the most sparsely populated areas in Russia, there is little crime and much of the region is safe for travel.
Perhaps the biggest danger is Cold weather. Be sure to cover yourself up with lots of protective clothing, and avoid running or brisk walking during times of cold weather.
Although highly impractical, it is possible to swim from the United States of America to Chukotka across the Bering Strait, but this is illegal and can land you in trouble with the Russian authorities.