Central Siberia is a huge wilderness, and the landscape and the climate aren’t to be taken lightly. Natural hazards and risks are part of this wilderness environment. Be aware that many places and sites featured on this website are located in sparsely populated or uninhabited areas. The most common risks, and the rules how to avoid them, are described here.
Activities in the wilderness
Reduce the risks by following these guidelines:
- Research your trip before you go or get briefs by your guide.
- Travel with others, and keep your group together.
- Stay on the trail; retrace your steps if unsure of your route.
- Take along a map, compass and first aid kit.
- Bring water, food, and extra clothing (some warm and waterproof items in case the weather dramatically changes).
- Expect to meet many streams and have footwear that will keep your feet dry in the most challenging conditions.
Insects
Biting or stinging insects may occur along trails and at backcountry campsites in summer. Bring insect repellent. Avoid wearing scented lotions and perfumes. Ticks are common during the spring and early summer. After hiking, check for ticks on your body and clothing. Tick bites can cause serious illness.
Drinking water
Central Siberia has some of the purest water on the planet. Generally, most of water in Siberia is clean and drinkable. However, especially near human settlements, there is always a chance that harmful bacteria or parasites may exist in untreated surface water or untreated water from a hand-pumped well. Boil and filter untreated water before using, or carry water from a treated water source.
Conflicting encounters with wildlife
The great thing about Siberia is its rich wildlife including brown bear, grey wolf, lynx, snow leopard, maral deer, Siberian ibex etc. Remember, the animals were here first. They are fun to watch as long as you do not crowd or disturb them. To make your encounters with wildlife safe and enjoyable, keep in mind the following guidelines:
- Always keep your distance. Do not approach or entice wildlife. Use binoculars or a telephoto lens instead.
- Never leave food attractants (including food leftovers and toiletries) out for wildlife.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times.Always be on the lookout for animals or signs of their presence.
- Because it is impossible to predict how wildlife will react in any situation, avoiding close encounters is the only sure way to keep people safe and wildlife wild.
- Carefully supervise children whenever outdoors.
Mountain environment
There are particular dangers of falling or facing extreme conditions when hiking and trekking in the mountain environment. All it may take is a slippery slope or a momentary lapse of attention. To avoid the specific hazards and risks in the mountains, alongside the general guidelines listed above also observe the following guidelines:
- Keep away from the edges and avoid slippery patches on trails and rocky areas adjacent to canyons, waterfalls and streams.
- There is a lot of loose rock in the mountain environment. Be alert for rock-fall whenever you are in steep terrain.
- Be aware that high elevation trails may be covered by snow or ice until mid-summer.
- Glacier ice on steep slopes or cliff edges can collapse at any time. Do not walk on or beneath overhanging ice or snow. Falling into a crevasse can be fatal; glacier travel should only be attempted by experienced and properly equipped mountaineers.
Remember, you are responsible for your own SAFETY!
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