Siberia might be one of the coldest, harshest places on Earth, but its beauty is undeniable. Indeed, it is home to some of the most spectacular natural landmarks our planet has to offer (though given the fact that winter temperatures average −6° F, or −21° C, not many people are willing to make the trek).
In a series of breathtaking images, photographer Andrey Grachev braved the cold (and put himself in potentially life-threatening situations) to document no man's land, and everything it has to offer.
Perhaps most beautifully is the ice cave, found on Olkhon Island, he captured in natural light. You can almost feel the icy chill in the air, and the faint glint of sunlight in the corner of your eye; however, it would be disingenuous to say his images are almost as good as seeing it for yourself.
Other noteworthy things include the strange triangular blue features, which are called ice hummocks. Many found in the Lake Baikal region, where the image on the bottom row was taken, can grow to exceptional heights — sometimes spanning 50 feet (15 meters). They are created by a combination of fresh ice and extreme weather: things that are abundant in Siberia.
All images courtesy of Andrey Grachev.
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