Khabarovsk Krai Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food and drink scene, hiking and biking routes, and everything else you need to know for a trip to Khabarovsk Krai in Russia's Far East.


Introduction to Khabarovsk Krai

Located in the Far Eastern region of Russia, Khabarovsk Krai is a vast and stunning region that remains largely untapped by tourism. Spanning more than 800,000 square kilometers, Khabarovsk Krai is known for its endless expanses of pristine nature, rich history, and unique cultural traditions.

List of Places to Visit in Khabarovsk Krai

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Khabarovsk Krai is home to a wealth of culturally significant attractions, including museums and historical sites highlighting the rich history of the region. Some of the must-visit places include:

  • Amur Region Museum: Located in Khabarovsk, this museum showcases the history and culture of the Amur River region.

  • Military History Museum: Located in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, this museum is devoted to the region’s military history.

  • Khabarovsk Regional Museum: This museum provides an impressive overview of the history and culture of Khabarovsk Krai.

Natural Attractions of Khabarovsk Krai: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Khabarovsk Krai is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in Russia. With its vast forests, rugged mountains, and pristine rivers, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventures and scenic views to be had. Here are some of the top natural attractions to explore in Khabarovsk Krai:

  • Sikhote-Alin: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a vast land of pristine wilderness encompassing forests, mountains, and endless breathtaking views.

  • Amur River: A legendary river that runs through the heart of Khabarovsk Krai, the Amur is famous for its stunning scenery and abundant fish life.

  • Zeysky Nature Reserve: This stunning nature reserve is home to more than 600 plant species and 300 bird species, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Khabarovsk Krai

With its rugged terrain and vast wilderness, Khabarovsk Krai is a dream destination for hikers and bikers. Here are some of the top hiking and biking routes to explore in the region:

  • The Sea of Clouds Trail: This stunning hiking trail takes you deep into the Sikhote-Alin Mountains, where you’ll get to witness stunning views of the sea of clouds cover the valley below.

  • The Amur River Trail: A scenic multi-day hiking trail that follows the Amur River through Khabarovsk Krai.

  • The Taiga Trail: A challenging multi-day hiking trail that takes you through Khabarovsk Krai’s vast taiga forests, rapids, and waterfalls.

Best Things to Do in Khabarovsk Krai: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the top things to do and tours to take while in Khabarovsk Krai:

  • Take a city tour of Khabarovsk and explore the historic architecture of the city.

  • Visit the Khabarovsk State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet to enjoy performances of classic Russian ballet and opera.

  • Take a river cruise along the Amur River and take in the stunning scenery of the region.

Week-Long Itinerary for Khabarovsk Krai

Day 1-3: Explore the historic city of Khabarovsk and visit the Amur Region Museum and Khabarovsk Regional Museum.

Day 4-5: Take a multi-day hiking trail in the Taiga Trail or explore the stunning scenery of Sikhote-Alin.

Day 6-7: Take a relaxing river cruise along the Amur River.

Food and Drink Scene of Khabarovsk Krai

Must-Try Dishes

Russia is known for its unique and flavorful cuisine, and Khabarovsk Krai is no exception. Here are some of the must-try dishes to enjoy while in the region:

  • Ukha: A traditional fish soup made with freshwater fish and vegetables.

  • Pelmeni: Small dumplings filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.

  • Khabarovsk Krai is also known for its delicious caviar, smoked salmon, and other seafood dishes.

Local Beverages

When it comes to beverages, vodka is a staple in Russia, and Khabarovsk Krai is no exception. Other popular drinks include:

  • Medovukha: A sweet honey-based alcoholic drink.

  • Kvass: A non-alcoholic drink made from fermented bread.

Where to Stay in Khabarovsk Krai: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

From luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses, Khabarovsk Krai has something for every type of traveler. Some of the top places to stay include:

  • Parus Hotel: A luxury hotel in downtown Khabarovsk.

  • Hostel Like Home: A budget-friendly hostel located in the heart of Khabarovsk.

  • Guest House Neighbour: A charming guesthouse located on the banks of the Amur River.

What to Buy in Khabarovsk Krai: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Khabarovsk Krai will find plenty of unique and interesting souvenirs to bring home. Some of the top things to buy include:

  • Traditional Russian dolls

  • Handcrafted wooden items

  • Amber jewelry

Local Culture and Customs of Khabarovsk Krai

The people of Khabarovsk Krai have a unique culture and customs that reflect the region’s rich history and natural beauty. Visitors to the region are encouraged to respect local customs and traditions, including dress codes when visiting religious sites.

Best Time to Visit Khabarovsk Krai

The best time to visit Khabarovsk Krai is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, visitors can also enjoy the stunning winter landscape of the region during the months of November to March when the region is covered in snow.

Do’s and Don’ts of Khabarovsk Krai

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.

  • Spend time exploring the region’s stunning natural landscape.

  • Try the local cuisine and drinks.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect religious customs and traditions.

  • Leave trash or litter in nature reserves or parks.

Safety and Health

Safety in Khabarovsk Krai

Khabarovsk Krai is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, visitors should take normal precautions, including not leaving valuables unattended and being aware of their surroundings at all times.

Health in Khabarovsk Krai

Visitors to Khabarovsk Krai should be up-to-date on their routine vaccinations and may want to consider additional vaccinations for diseases such as hepatitis A and B. Visitors should also take precautions to avoid tick bites, which can transmit tick-borne illnesses.

Getting to Khabarovsk Krai: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Khabarovsk Krai

Khabarovsk Krai is served by several airports, including:

  • Khabarovsk Novy Airport

  • Komsomolsk-on-Amur Airport

  • Nikolayevsk-on-Amur Airport

Bus Stations Near Khabarovsk Krai

Visitors can take a bus to Khabarovsk Krai from many major cities in Russia, including Moscow and Vladivostok.

Other Options

There are also several train stations in Khabarovsk Krai, making it possible to travel to the region by train.

How to Get Around in Khabarovsk Krai

To explore Khabarovsk Krai, visitors can take buses, taxis, or rent a car.

Where to Go Next from Khabarovsk Krai: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors to Khabarovsk Krai can explore other nearby destinations, including the cities of Vladivostok and Blagoveshchensk.

Conclusion

Khabarovsk Krai is a unique and fascinating destination that offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. From its stunning natural landscapes to the rich history and cultural traditions of the region, Khabarovsk Krai should definitely be on any traveler’s list of must-visit destinations in Russia.