A small deep lake 8 km from the 1908 epicentre — subject of impact-crater hypotheses.
Lake Cheko
Lake Cheko is a freshwater sheet on the north-west Central Tunguska Plateau, 8 km north-west of the Tunguska epicentre. Coordinates 60°57′50″N 101°51′37″E; ~0.71 × 0.37 km, depth to 50 m, elevation 354 m. The Kimchu River flows through; unmapped before 1929 due to sparse survey. Some researchers link conical bottom shape to a 1908 crater — hypothesis remains debated. Access from Vanavara or expedition camps in taiga — guide required. Scientific and route object, not an equipped beach. No amateur drilling or sediment sampling. Respect protected status and coordinate visits with local authorities.
How to get there
Evenkiysky District, ~8 km from epicentre. Route from Vanavara with taiga guide.
Best season
July–August with expedition from Vanavara
Travel tips & stories
Crater hypothesis — not proven fact; do not repeat myths as truth.
50 m depth — no swimming; cold water and steep bottom.
Unmapped before 1929 — rely on GPS and guide.
No sediment samples — research by permit only.
Combine with Vanavara museum and epicentre route.
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Local guides
- TR
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