(Source: http://u43313.netangels.ru)

Lena Pillars is a natural creation, so powerful and incredible that the impression this monument produces is difficult to express in words. The toothed ridge stretching for many kilometers stands on the bank of the Lena River, two hundred kilometers from Yakutsk. These stone giants are half a million years old - wind and water have converted the relatively soft Cambrian limestones into solid rock during thousands of years.

You can see the prints of shells of ancient inhabitants of these places – trilobite crustaceans – in the rock fissures. Trilobites have long gone extinct, and now you can meet only a squirrel or a chipmunk in the thick forest. The gamekeepers claim that there are actually a lot of wild animals, but all of these who a larger than a squirrel got scared away by tourists.

One look from the observation deck of Lena Pillars to its surroundings is worth the time spent on the road and any money. Here it is - the grandeur of the Siberian wide open spaces. Any European river compared to Lena is a modest brook. A blue ribbon with ripples, with sandy reaches and long islands goes far away into the fog. The endless taiga stretches from its banks.

The territory of the Natural Park has two tourist centres – “Ust-Buotama” on the right bank of the Lena River and “Verkhny Bestyakh” on the left bank. Both of them are located at the 106th km of Pokrovsky tract, but “Ust-Buotama” can only be accessed by boat.

TOURIST ROUTES

Tourists are offered routes to suit all tastes - from hiking to rafting. This requires some physical training, although there’ll be no complex tests - you will not have to climb the cliffs or pass categorical rapids. You just should prepare for camp life. And for incredible Siberian landscape. In December 2012 “Lena Pillars” were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The new status should promote ecotourism, and the authorities of Yakutia promise to create a proper infrastructure in the national park.

The most part of the hiking trails in the reserve are long and steep. You will have to pass at least two kilometers and climb to one or two hundred meters up from the level of the trail beginning. Therefore it is necessary to take care of comfortable clothes and athletic shoes. Midges in the summer taiga are ruthless. Swarms of small voracious creatures instantly encircle anyone. Be sure to provide yourself with repellents.

The weather is extremely changeable in late summer - shower is replaced by hot sun in minutes, and half an hour later the clouds creep, and cold wind starts blowing. Be extremely careful on the trail after a rain – a wet steep road can literally get away from under your  feet.  “Verkhny Betsyakh” can simultaneously accommodate 25 people.