Big Diomede Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Big Diomede with our helpful travel guide. Discover cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, food and drink scene, accommodations, and more.


Introduction to Big Diomede

Big Diomede is a small island in the Bering Strait located in the Chukotka autonomous region of Russia. It is situated just across the international dateline from Little Diomede Island, which is part of the United States. Big Diomede is a highly remote area and is only accessible by helicopter.

Big Diomede is known for its cultural significance as well as its natural beauty. The island is home to the indigenous Chukchi people, who have preserved their traditional way of life for thousands of years. The island also boasts stunning scenery, with rugged coastlines, towering mountains, and breathtaking views of the Bering Sea.

Whether you’re interested in cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, or simply taking in the natural beauty of the island, Big Diomede is an unforgettable destination.

List of Places to Visit in Big Diomede

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Chukotka Autonomous Okrug Museum of Local Lore: This museum showcases the history and culture of the Chukotka region and features exhibits on traditional Chukchi life, local flora and fauna, and the history of Russian exploration in Alaska and the Bering Strait.
  • Church of the Holy Trinity: This historic church was built in 1771 and is one of the oldest structures on the island.
  • Chukchi National Arts Museum: This museum features exhibits on Chukchi arts and crafts, including traditional clothing, carvings, and jewelry.

Natural Attractions of Big Diomede: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Pkolsky: This mountain offers some of the best views of the island and the surrounding Bering Sea. It’s a challenging hike, but the stunning views from the top are well worth the effort.
  • Cape Dezhnev: The easternmost point of continental Asia, Cape Dezhnev offers stunning views of the Bering Strait and the nearby mountains.
  • Rocky coastlines and secluded bays: Big Diomede is known for its rugged coastlines and secluded bays, which offer opportunities for hiking, beachcombing, and wildlife viewing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Big Diomede

Big Diomede offers a variety of hiking and biking routes for outdoor enthusiasts. Some popular options include:

  • Mount Pkolsky: This challenging hike offers stunning views of the island and the Bering Sea from the top.
  • Coastal trails: The rugged coastlines of Big Diomede offer a variety of trails for hikers and bikers to explore, with views of the Bering Sea and the surrounding mountains.
  • Tundra hikes: The tundra surrounding Big Diomede is home to a variety of wildlife, including musk oxen, caribou, and arctic foxes. Hikers can explore this unique landscape on a guided tour.

Best Things to Do in Big Diomede: Activities and Tours

Big Diomede offers a variety of activities and tours for visitors. Some popular options include:

  • Cultural tours: Visitors can explore the traditional Chukchi way of life by visiting local villages and meeting with local residents.
  • Wildlife safaris: Big Diomede is home to a variety of wildlife, including musk oxen, caribou, and arctic foxes. Visitors can take a guided tour to see these animals up close.
  • Scenic flights: Helicopter tours offer stunning views of the island and the surrounding Bering Sea.

Week-Long Itinerary for Big Diomede

Day 1: Arrival and settling in Day 2: Cultural tour of local villages Day 3: Hike to Mount Pkolsky Day 4: Wildlife safari in the tundra Day 5: Visit the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug Museum of Local Lore and the Chukchi National Arts Museum Day 6: Scenic helicopter tour of the island Day 7: Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Big Diomede

Big Diomede is known for its traditional Chukchi cuisine, which features locally sourced ingredients such as reindeer meat, fish, and berries. Some must-try dishes include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Stroganina: A traditional Chukchi dish made from frozen raw fish
  • Reindeer soup: A hearty soup made with reindeer meat, potatoes, and vegetables
  • Nalim: A fish dish served with potatoes and herbs

Local Beverages

  • Chukotka tea: A traditional tea made with local herbs and berries
  • Kvass: A fermented beverage made with bread, sugar, and water

Where to Stay in Big Diomede: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Big Diomede has limited accommodation options, but there are a few places to stay on the island:

  • Diomede Guesthouse: This guesthouse offers basic accommodations with stunning views of the Bering Sea.
  • Chukotka National Park Base Camp: This campsite offers tent and yurt accommodations in the heart of the island’s natural beauty.

What to Buy in Big Diomede: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Big Diomede offers a variety of unique souvenirs and local products. Some popular options include:

  • Traditional Chukchi clothing and jewelry
  • Local honey and berry products
  • Handmade carvings and artwork

Local Culture and Customs of Big Diomede

The Chukchi people have a rich and unique culture that has been preserved for thousands of years. Visitors to Big Diomede can learn about and experience this culture through cultural tours and visits to local villages.

Best Time to Visit Big Diomede

The best time to visit Big Diomede is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is mild and the tundra is in bloom. However, visitors should be prepared for cold temperatures and harsh weather conditions year-round.

Do’s and Don’ts of Big Diomede

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs
  • Dress in layers and bring warm clothing
  • Follow all safety guidelines and instructions

Don’t:

  • Disturb the local wildlife
  • Stray from designated trails or areas
  • Take any natural resources or artifacts from the island

Safety and Health

Safety in Big Diomede

Visitors to Big Diomede should be aware of the harsh weather conditions and be prepared accordingly. It is also important to follow all safety guidelines and instructions, particularly when it comes to wildlife encounters.

Health in Big Diomede

Visitors to Big Diomede should be aware of the potential for extreme weather conditions and should take precautions to stay warm and dry. It is also important to bring any necessary medications and avoid drinking untreated water.

Getting to Big Diomede: Transportation Options and Logistics

Big Diomede is only accessible by helicopter, with flights departing from Anadyr, the capital city of Chukotka. Visitors should plan their travel carefully and make sure to book their flights in advance.

Airports Near Big Diomede

  • Ugolny Airport (DYR) - Anadyr, Chukotka

Other Options

There are no other transportation options available to Big Diomede.

How to Get Around in Big Diomede

Big Diomede is a small island and can be explored on foot or by bike. Visitors can also take guided tours to explore the island’s natural beauty and cultural attractions.

Where to Go Next from Big Diomede: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Nearby destinations and excursions from Big Diomede include:

  • Little Diomede Island: This small island is part of the United States and can be seen from Big Diomede on a clear day.
  • Anadyr: The capital city of Chukotka, Anadyr offers a variety of cultural attractions and outdoor adventures.

Conclusion

Big Diomede is a unique and unforgettable destination, offering a combination of cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and stunning natural beauty. Visitors to the island can expect to experience the traditional way of life of the Chukchi people, as well as explore rugged coastlines, towering mountains, and breathtaking views of the Bering Sea.

Diomede Islands, Big Diomede on the right Diomede Islands, Big Diomede on the right