Extreme Winter Camping & Fishing at -62°C (-79.6°F) | Yakutia, Siberia

Meet Leonid and Filip, the residents of a small remote icy village in Yakutia. Today, with temperatures reaching minus 60 degrees Celsius, they set out on a dangerous journey for extreme camping and fishing on a frozen river. Despite the daunting challenges posed by Yakutia's harsh winters, Leonid and Filip refused to let the extreme low temperatures keep them indoors during the seven-month-long winter season. United by their shared passion for fishing and hunting, Leonid and Filip often embark on these trips together, not only to provide food for their families, but also to enjoy their weekends. Leonid and Filip have ventured 30 kilometers from the village, and despite the potentials of the harsh environment, they are well equipped to handle the low temperatures. To sustain their energy, they first prepare a hearty meal. As they cook, Filip serves pancakes and performs a cultural ritual by burning horse hair as an offering to the spirits of nature, symbolizing a request for protection during their journey. Horse hair holds deep cultural significance in Yakutian tradition, embodying strength and vitality. Hunting and fishing essential for survival in Yakutia, as it's impossible to grow crops during the winter. As a result, meat plays a crucial role in the Yakutian diet, providing the necessary nutrition to endure the harsh winter. After a fulfilling meal, Leonid and Filip make their way down to the river, ready to begin their fishing adventure. Being at minus 60 degrees Celsius on the frozen river is life-threatening, if proper precautions are not taken. Fishing or camping in these conditions is also physically demanding, as the cold can cause numbness, tingling and a burning sensation on exposed skin. Breathing in extremely cold air can also feel harsh and painful on the lungs. But despite these challenges, the stillness and beauty of the frozen landscape, combined with excitement of the fishing and appreciation of the power of nature, make it all worth it. Leonid and Filip are digging several holes along the river to place their net, employing their mastery of traditional fishing techniques. They know that the right placement of the nets can greatly increase the chance of a successful catch. After several hours of diligent work, Leonid and Filip successfully place their nets along the river and they take a well-deserved break to enjoy a warm dinner, lovingly prepared by their families. Now it's finally time to retrieve the net and see what they've caught. To their delight, Leonid and Filip discovered a bountiful catch of common roach in their net. They had made the most of their day on the frozen river and are pleased with their outcome of the fishing trip. Fishing is a much-loved breaking activity for the residents of Yakutia, and they embrace the outdoor experience no matter the weather.