Think you Know Cold: This Village Will Change Everything you Thought you Knew

When we think of cold, we imagine chilly winter mornings, frost covered windows, or maybe a thick layer of snow. But nothing quite compares to the freezing temperatures in Oymyakon, Russia. 

This small village in Siberia is one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth. Temperatures have dropped to a bone chilling minus 67.7 degrees Celsius (about minus 90 degrees Fahrenheit), making it a place of extreme cold few could ever imagine.

A Frozen World:

Oymyakon is located in Siberia, a vast region known for its harsh winters. The village is home to around 500 people who have learned to survive in one of the most extreme environments on the planet. 

In the winter, temperatures rarely rise above minus 40 degrees Celsius. Even cars must be kept running all day to avoid freezing, and many buildings still rely on wood burning stoves for heat.

Daily Life in Oymyakon:

Life in Oymyakon is unlike anywhere else. Schools only close if temperatures drop below minus 52 degrees Celsius, showing just how tough the people are. 

The ground is so frozen that burying pipes isn’t possible, so there is no indoor plumbing. Instead, villagers use outdoor toilets, even in the extreme cold.

Food is also different here. With such cold temperatures, farming is almost impossible, so people eat mostly meat and fish. 

Reindeer and horse meat are common, and frozen fish is often eaten raw, like a snack. Villagers drink lots of hot tea to stay warm, and they wear layers of fur and wool to protect themselves from the cold.

Adapting to the Cold:

Despite the freezing temperatures, the people of Oymyakon have adapted in remarkable ways. Houses are built with thick walls and small windows to keep the heat in. 

Villagers have learned to protect their skin from frostbite by covering almost every inch of their bodies when they go outside. 

They also rely on each other, building a strong community where everyone helps to survive the winter.

A Unique Culture:

Life in Oymyakon is not just about surviving the cold, it’s about thriving in it. The people have developed a rich culture that includes traditional clothing, storytelling, and festivals. 

They take pride in their ability to endure the cold and enjoy sharing their way of life with visitors who are brave enough to experience it.

Rethinking Cold:

Oymyakon is a place where the cold is more than just a temperature, it’s a way of life. The villagers have shown that even in the harshest conditions, people can adapt, thrive, and build a unique culture. 

The next time you think it’s cold outside, remember the people of Oymyakon, who live in one of the coldest places on Earth and embrace it.