How to get to Baykit

Baykit is a remote village located in the very heart of the Evenki District of the Krasnoyarsk Krai, on the picturesque banks of the Podkamennaya Tunguska River. This place is not a major metropolis or a popular resort; rather, it is an entry point into the world of wild Siberian nature and the distinct culture of indigenous peoples. Getting here is an adventure in itself, as due to geographical isolation, aviation remains the primary, and often the only reliable, means of connection with the outside world, although more extreme overland routes are possible during the winter period.

Since, according to current data, the settlement of Baykit lacks a large airport capable of handling direct mainline flights, travellers will need to construct a complex itinerary. Usually, the path to such remote corners as this region, which is part of the Russian Federation, lies through major regional hubs.

Tourists are advised to first fly to the nearest major city with developed air connections (most often Krasnoyarsk), and from there look for transfer options via local airlines or helicopters. Air transport in this rugged region is vital, but it is heavily dependent on weather conditions, so when planning your trip, it is always worth allowing extra buffer time for potential delays.

Railway connection to the village of Baykit is completely absent, as the settlement is located in an inaccessible taiga zone where no tracks have been laid. The nearest major railway junctions are located hundreds of kilometres away, in the more southern districts of the territory.

Travellers preferring trains will have to travel to one of the stations on the Trans-Siberian Railway (for example, in Krasnoyarsk), and then switch to air transport. Attempting to reach the destination solely by land would require complex logistics unrelated to the railway.

Regular bus services to Baykit do not exist, which is explained by the vast distances and the lack of a year-round road network in this part of Evenkia. A standard intercity bus simply cannot overcome the taiga terrain and water barriers.

In the winter season, when rivers and swamps freeze over, the organisation of shift transport or private trips via "zimniks" (winter roads) is theoretically possible, but this is not a tourism standard. Travel time in such cases is unpredictable and depends on the condition of ice crossings and the weather.

Travelling to Baykit by private car is a task of extreme complexity, feasible only during specific seasons. There are no year-round paved roads connecting the village with the "mainland," so it is impossible to drive here in the summer.

The only chance for car travellers arises in winter with the opening of "zimniks" — temporary routes laid over snow and the ice of frozen rivers. Such a trip requires a specially prepared off-road vehicle, a supply of fuel, and an experienced driver ready for severe Siberian frosts and a lack of infrastructure for hundreds of kilometres of the journey.

A trip to Baykit requires thorough preparation, as you are heading to one of the harshest and most isolated regions for which the Russian Federation is famous. Here are a few tips to help make your journey safer and more comfortable.

1. Clothing and Equipment. The climate here is sharply continental. In winter, professional warm clothing (thermal underwear, down jackets, high fur boots) capable of withstanding frosts down to -50°C is essential. In summer, be sure to bring repellents and mosquito nets — gnats and midges can be a serious issue.
2. Transport Within the Settlement. The settlement is small, and main distances can be covered on foot. There may be no official taxi service, but locals often help with rides in private cars by agreement.
3. Finances and Cash. Be sure to carry a sufficient supply of cash. Bank cards are not accepted everywhere, and the operation of ATMs may depend on the stability of communications and electricity.
4. Connectivity and Internet. Be prepared for mobile internet to be slow or unavailable. Major Russian operators work, but coverage may be unstable. Download offline maps in advance.
5. Food and Medicine. The assortment in local shops may be limited, and prices higher due to complex logistics. Bring a personal first-aid kit with all necessary medicines, as specialised medical aid may not be close by. While basic food is available, those with specific dietary requirements (such as strict Halal diets) should consider bringing non-perishable supplies.
6. Respect for Nature and Locals. You are in a territory where nature dictates its own rules. Do not venture into the taiga without a guide, do not leave litter, and treat the traditions of the local residents with respect.
7. Time Planning. In Evenkia, the weather often dictates the schedule. Aeroplane and helicopter flights can be delayed for several days due to fog or blizzards, so always have a buffer of 2–3 days.

The main thing when travelling here is patience and readiness for the unexpected, which will be amply rewarded with unique views of the northern nature.