What is considered the Far East and what countries does it include? What are the main attractions of the Russian Far East? Read more about it below.
Far East
The concept of "Far East" covers all regions of the eastern part of the Eurasian continent. In geopolitics, the definition is included in the concept of "Asia-Pacific region". There are 20 countries and territories in the Far East: Brunei, Singapore, Philippines, Korea, China, Japan, Thailand, East Timor, part of Russia, etc. Australia and New Zealand, which are located to the east, have never been included in this concept.
In Russia, the Far East occupies 36% of the entire territory, while only 4.5% of the country's population lives in the region. Geographically, this includes the river basins that flow into the Pacific Ocean and the territories of Sakhalin, Wrangel Island, the Kuril, Commander, Shantar Islands. Transbaikalia is often included in the Russian Far East.
This region of Russia has the lowest population growth. Over the past 20 years, the number of residents here has decreased by 22%. This trend will leave Chukotka and Magadan without a population in 60 years.
The northern part of the region is located beyond the Arctic Circle, so there is snow almost all year round. In the north, the tundra rules the ball, and in the southern part - taiga, mixed with subtropical vegetation. Cataclysms, such as earthquakes, volcanoes, geysers, are not uncommon in the Far East.
Sights of the Far East, photo
Reaching such a remote region is not easy and often tiring (the train journey can take up to a week). But still the game is worth the candle. Harsh weather conditions, not designed for excessive comfort lovers, will repay with amazing landscapes and a warm welcome from the local population.
The main attractions of the Far East are natural objects. Lena Pillars and the national park of Yakutia, Avacha bays and the peaks of the hills resting against the sky. Sakhalin will conquer with lakes, amazing mountain ranges and islands. Kamchatka will open its cold glacial sides, fast rivers and seething geysers and waterfalls to guests.
Natural sights of the Far East capture from the first seconds. There are numerous reserves and national parks, black volcanic beaches, lakes and rivers. You can also see the fir grove, Death Valley and Steller's Arch.
Yakutia
Yakutsk region is one of the richest in interesting natural objects. In addition, there are places with a bright historical past. On the banks of the Deering-Yuryakh River about twomillion years ago there were settlements that are perhaps the oldest in Eurasia.
Speaking about the sights of the Far East, one should not forget about the unique natural formations of the Lena and Sinsk pillars. Forty-meter sheer cliffs stretch for 80 km along the Sinya and Lena rivers. Many of the rocks contain examples of ancient rock paintings.
Mount Kisilakh, sacred to the Yakuts, has been open to the public only since 2002. It is an elevation up to 1 km, where there are huge boulders resembling human figures. The idols reach almost 30 meters in height.
Death Valley is a unique place. Not a single living creature lives in the local dead forest, except for insects. The Ust-Vilyui National Park and the Olemkinsky Reserve amaze with natural beauties. The memorial museum called "Political Exile" is also interesting in Yakutia, where samples of wooden buildings of the 17th century are collected.
Kamchatka
A distant and contrasting region that has absorbed all the colors and sights of the Far East. There are many glaciers and more than 100 volcanoes, of which 29 are active.
Avacha Bay is called the Kamchatka Gate. Its length reaches 24 km, and the depth is 26 meters. After Port Jackson in Australia, it is the largest in the world. The cities of Vilyuchinsk and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky are located on the coast of the bay. During a boat trip along Avacha Bay, you can see the Three Brothers rock, visitbird market. Those who are especially lucky will be able to see killer whales passing by.
On the Kamchatka Peninsula is the Valley of Geysers, which is included in the list of the Seven Wonders of Russia. The valley is located on the territory of the Kronotsky Biosphere Reserve. The accumulation of geysers in this region is the largest in Eurasia.
Often tourists-hunters come to Kamchatka to hunt brown bears, polar wolves, lynxes and elks. The fishermen come looking for salmon. Outdoor enthusiasts rush to Kamchatka for skiing and snowboarding, and in May for diving.
Parks and reserves
Reserves, natural and national parks are the most amazing sights of the Far East. In their territories are the most impressive and untouched natural beauties. The Kamchatskiye Volcanoes Natural Park combines Klyuchevskiy, Yuzhno-Kamchatskiy, Bystrinsky parks and Nalychevo park.
The area of the park is about 2.5 million hectares. There are extinct and active volcanoes throughout the area, which makes it possible for researchers to observe the process of mountain formation. This is a unique place where the landscape changes daily, and thermal springs erupt from the ground.
The composition of the biosphere natural park "Commander" includes about 15 islands. The main feature of the park is the animal world. Many animals live here, rare or endangered animals that are listed in the Red Book.
Conclusion
The Far East includes the eastern part of Russia, as well as the countries of the Asia-Pacific region. The sights of the Far East include historical monuments, such as sites of ancient people, and natural areas and unique objects.
