In the Siberian forest, the world’s loneliest man lives alone in temperatures as low as -70°C, five hours from civilization.
In the remote wilderness of Siberia, a man named Samuil has chosen a life of extreme solitude.
At 67 years old, he has lived alone in the harsh Russian taiga for over 20 years.
His home, a simple cabin, is situated five hours away from the nearest village, making his lifestyle one of the most isolated in the world.
Why does the world’s loneliest man decide to live alone in an isolated place?
Samuil’s decision to abandon village life came after he lost his family.
Tired of the constraints of his previous life, he sought peace in the wilderness.
“I didn’t like living in the village,” he explained.
“To be honest, I am pretty used to living here… I don’t want to leave.”
His calm demeanor and acceptance of his surroundings reveal his adaptation to a challenging lifestyle.
The world’s loneliest man faces numerous challenges when living alone in a -70°C forest
Surviving in temperatures that can plunge to -70°C is no easy feat.
Samuil must chop wood regularly to keep his cabin warm, as the cold seeps in through the cellophane “windows.”
He often wakes up with frozen hair, a testament to the extreme conditions he faces daily.
Despite the difficulties, he seems at peace with his choices.
“If I had a proper window it wouldn’t be so cold in the house,” he explained.
Living together with the wild animal
Living in such an isolated location comes with its own set of dangers.
Samuil frequently encounters wildlife, including bears and wolves.
He mentioned, “I have seen many bears passing by my house. They are walking around my house. My dogs are always barking.
Thank God they don’t come inside; they could be very dangerous.” he shared.
Food is another challenge.
Samuil uses traps to catch hares for meat.
During the warmer months, he must travel to the nearest village for supplies.
The freezing temperatures eliminate the need for a refrigerator, as the cold keeps his perishable items fresh.
However, he must carefully store his food to avoid attracting bears, which could pose a serious risk.
He still attempts to connect to the outside world.
Despite the harsh realities of his life, Samuil has managed to maintain a connection to the outside world.
He uses a radio powered by batteries that he makes himself.
This limited contact allows him to stay informed about what is happening beyond his secluded existence.
Even so, his isolation means that he rarely interacts with others, making his situation particularly lonely.