v2.webp){kind=logo}
- Shamanic ceremonies and river/tree blessings — The festival still keeps its spiritual core: shamans and community elders perform cleansing and blessing rituals (often at a river or sacred tree), make offerings and sprinkle kumis. It’s a raw, communal moment that connects people to the land and the old worldviews in a way you won’t get at a staged tourist show.
- Olonkho epic storytelling — Long, dramatic recitations of the Yakut epic poems (Olonkho) bring myths and heroes to life with powerful voice work and theatrical pacing. These performances are a cultural anchor — ancient narratives, poetic language and a delivery style you won’t forget.
- Traditional music and instruments (especially the khomus) — Listen for the khomus (jaw harp) and local singing styles that create haunting, otherworldly
- Shamanic ceremonies and river/tree blessings — The festival still keeps its spiritual core: shamans and community elders perform cleansing and blessing rituals (often at a river or sacred tree), make offerings and sprinkle kumis. It’s a raw, communal moment that connects people to the land and the old worldviews in a way you won’t get at a staged tourist show.
- Olonkho epic storytelling — Long, dramatic recitations of the Yakut epic poems (Olonkho) bring myths and heroes to life with powerful voice work and theatrical pacing. These performances are a cultural anchor — ancient narratives, poetic language and a delivery style you won’t forget.
- Traditional music and instruments (especially the khomus) — Listen for the khomus (jaw harp) and local singing styles that create haunting, otherworldly sounds. The music is intimate, often improvised in small circles between big public performances, which is the best place to feel the cultural pulse.
- Local food and communal feasts (kumis, stroganina, etc.) — Ysyakh is a tasting tour: expect fermented mare’s milk (kumis), northern specialties like stroganina (thin-sliced frozen fish) and big open-air feasts where sharing food equals celebrating summer and abundance. Trying these foods is as much a cultural practice as it is a snack break.
- Traditional sports and folk games — Watch or join in on events like mas-wrestling (stick-pull), wrestling, horse races and other local contests. They’re noisy, competitive, and incredibly communal — part sport, part public theatre, and you’ll find people cheering as hard as at any big city match.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
Best Backpacking
.jpg)
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.