travel nurse practitioner

Travel Nurse Practitioner | Jobs & Salary 2023 – Updated

As the primary care provider shortage continues to rise, there is a growing need for traveling nurse practitioners.

What is a Travel Nurse Practitioner?

Travel nurse practitioners are also called locum tenens providers. This means they are filling a temporary staffing need. This can be for a variety of reasons: maternity leave coverage, patient overflow, or filling a recent retiree position while full-time recruiting is underway. Some hospitals and clinics will even hire travel nurse practitioners for vacation coverage and sick leave. Some facilities will hire travel nurse practitioners before hiring on a full-time basis. This means the facility wants to test out the provider before hiring them permanently.

Looking for open travel nurse assignments? Speak with a recruiter today!

The types of assignments vary as a travel nurse practitioner and are dependent on your skill set. Common workplace locations can include the following:

• Emergency room
• Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
• Community health centers
• Urgent care
• School health centers
• Doctors’ offices
• Pediatric clinics
• Indian health services
• Senior care centers
• Home health offices
• Air force bases

Travel nurse practitioners receive housing stipends and travel cost reimbursement, which means practitioners basically get to explore new places for free. The biggest advantage to becoming a travel nurse practitioner, similar to becoming a travel nurse , is you also get paid more than you would as a permanent employee.

One downside to becoming a travel nurse practitioner is constantly looking for a new position every few months and new living arrangements . Some may see this as a negative while others may look forward to living somewhere new every few months. The flexibility is great since you don’t have to work holidays and can take as much time off as you want.

Another plus is you are constantly learning and will become more competent working in different clinical settings. When you are ready to settle down as a full-time employee, your resume will certainly stand out!

Here’s a quick guide to becoming a traveling nurse practitioner.

How to Become a Travel Nurse Practitioner

Nurse practitioner education.

Becoming a travel nurse practitioner takes time and significant education. First, you must become an RN by passing the NCLEX and earning your BSN . After gaining the proper experience as a bedside nurse, you will need to apply to an accredited nurse practitioner program. After completing the program and earning state certification in your specialty, you can work as a travel nurse practitioner.

Nurse Practitioner Experience

While you can get a position as a travel nurse practitioner without any prior experience, it can be difficult and there will be limited options available. Most positions require a minimum of 2 to 3 years of prior NP experience. For positions in the ER or ICU, the requirement might even be longer.

If you are a new graduate and interested in becoming a travel nurse practitioner, make sure to ask about the orientation process. Most employers will accept a new graduate as long as they make a relatively long commitment (at least 6 months). The orientation process will most likely be lengthy though.

Near or far – find the right travel nurse assignment for you.

Nurse Practitioner Licensing

To work in various states, you have to obtain both the RN and ARNP licensure for that state. Some states may also have a third license you will need to apply for in order to prescribe medications. It is also necessary to register your DEA certificate with the state you plan on working in for the ability to prescribe controlled substances.

Depending on the state, the licensing process can take 2 weeks to 6 months. Many states offer temporary licenses, which allow you to start working while your permanent license is being processed. Some staffing agencies will assist in the licensing process.

Nurse Practitioner Clinical Settings

Travel nurse practitioners can work in a variety of healthcare settings. Job opportunities will depend on a multitude of factors. According to the BLS , the job outlook for nurse practitioners is 46%. There is an overwhelming need for NPs throughout the country in many healthcare settings. Travel nurse practitioners help fill the void.

Finding Travel Nurse Practitioner Jobs

There are several key steps to finding a travel nurse practitioner position. Finding your first position is typically the hardest and most time-consuming. It gets easier with time and experience. Follow these key steps to help land your dream travel nurse practitioner position:

• Establish a relationship with a recruiter from a staffing agency (establish relationships with multiple agencies to increase job options)
• Determine the locations you are interested in traveling to, the type of facility you want to work in, and salary expectations
• A staffing agency will provide you with a list of job opportunities
• Determine which job you are interested in and have the recruiter submit your resume
• If the facility is interested, they will usually request a phone interview within the next few days
• After the phone interview, the employer will make an offer within 24 hours
• Upon accepting an assignment, you will need to sign a contract dictating the terms of the assignment which may be negotiable
• Start credentialing and the onboarding process

Find available, high-paying travel nurse opportunities.

How Much Does a Travel Nurse Practitioner Make?

Travel nurse practitioners have the ability to make a significant salary. According to the BLS , nurse practitioners earn an average annual salary of $120,680. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $79,870, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $200,540.

Typically, travel positions earn a higher wage than staff positions. The hourly rate is higher, and the majority of their pay comes in the form of stipends, which are generally tax-free. It’s important to note that some travel nurse practitioners will not qualify for overtime or bonuses.

According to ZipRecruiter , as of December 2022, travel nurse practitioners earn an average annual salary of $129,154.

The top 5 cities for Travel Nurse Practitioners

Source: ZipRecruiter

Travel nurse practitioners can earn higher wages depending on their specialty and also the need. For example, a psychiatric travel nurse practitioner earns an average annual salary of $295,518 or $142.08 per hour.

On top of an hourly salary, travel nurse practitioners may also receive additional benefits including but not limited to:

• License reimbursement
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Life insurance
• Travel reimbursement
• Continuing education classes
• Tuition reimbursement

Specific benefits will vary based on the staffing agency. These benefits come from the staffing agency, not the facility you work for.

Travel Nurse Practitioner Jobs FAQ

Travel nurse practitioners can work as travel nurses. All NPs also are required to maintain an active RN license in the state they are working in. One of the biggest challenges for travel NPs is to remember their scope of practice is limited and very different when working as a nurse. Some facilities will not want to hire a travel nurse that has an NP license for this reason.

Yes, travel nursing as a nurse practitioner is very much a thing! Travel NPs have the ability to make a significant amount of money in a very short period of time. You also get to travel the country and experience new and exciting locations all while working at a facility of your choosing.

According to ZipRecruiter.com , as of December 2022, the highest-paid travel nurse practitioner position is for psychiatric nurses. Psychiatric travel nurse practitioner earns an average annual salary of $295,518 or $142.08 per hour.

Most travel nurse practitioners will have clinical experience working as an NP prior to traveling. Some agencies will work with new graduates, but contracts will be limited and there may be a lengthy orientation process. Most staffing agencies and facilities require a minimum of two to three years of experience prior to signing a travel nurse practitioner contract.

Why I Love Being A Travel Nurse Practitioner

For me, being a travel NP has been incredible! There is always a new adventure coming along, and it is a great way to avoid burnout working in medicine. I enjoy traveling to different places and learning while working in diverse clinical settings. I would recommend this experience to anyone looking for an exciting, lucrative career.

Ready to start your adventure? Sign up today and start traveling next week.

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The Ultimate Guide: How to Become a Travel Nurse Practitioner

• July 3, 2023

With the rising need for healthcare professionals across the country, there has been a surge in demand for travel nurse practitioners who can work on short-term assignments in different locations. Not only does this allow you to explore new cities and cultures, but it also provides an opportunity for professional growth and development. In this ultimate guide, we’ll dive into the benefits and opportunities available in the field and provide the information you need to kick-start your career as a travel nurse practitioner.

Understanding the Role of a Nurse Practitioner

A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse with advanced training and certification to provide comprehensive healthcare services, including physical exams, diagnoses, and treatment plans. The scope of practice for nurse practitioners varies by state but generally includes prescribing medications, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and performing medical procedures. NPs play an important role in the healthcare system by providing accessible, cost-effective care bridging the gap between physicians and registered nurses.

Educational Requirements for Becoming a Nurse Practitioner

To become a nurse practitioner , individuals must first earn a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) and then complete an accredited master’s or doctoral program in nursing. These programs typically take 2-4 years to complete and include coursework in advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and pathophysiology and clinical experience in a specialized field such as pediatrics, oncology, or family medicine. Upon completion, nurse practitioners may pursue further specialization through certification programs in their respective fields.

Obtaining Licensure and Certification

To practice as a nurse practitioner, individuals must obtain state licensure, which typically requires completing an accredited nursing program, passing a national certification exam, and meeting continuing education requirements. National certification organizations include the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Steps to obtain licensure and certification may vary by state but generally involve:

• Submitting an application
• Providing proof of education and certification
• Passing a state-specific exam
• Meeting other requirements

Exploring the Travel Nurse Practitioner Path

A travel nurse practitioner is a licensed healthcare professional who works on temporary assignments across various healthcare facilities, such as hospitals or clinics. The benefits of this career include traveling and working in different locations while expanding clinical experience. However, there are challenges in becoming a travel nurse practitioner, including adapting to new environments and living arrangements. Salary and compensation can vary depending on experience and location, but many travel nurse practitioners make competitive salaries.

Gaining Experience as a Nurse Practitioner

Gaining experience as a nurse practitioner is crucial to establishing a successful career in healthcare. Securing internships and residencies during one’s education is important to providing quality and efficient patient care. It not only grants hands-on clinical experience but also provides opportunities to learn from experienced professionals. Building a strong clinical foundation goes beyond just gaining experience; it involves having a wide variety of knowledge in different clinical settings.

Developing expertise in specialized areas is the next step, allowing for deep knowledge and understanding of specific patient populations and treatment options. It takes patience and persistence to gain experience as a nurse practitioner, but with the right mindset and dedication, it can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding career in healthcare.

Navigating the Travel Nurse Practitioner Job Market

The travel nurse practitioner job market can be challenging, especially for those new to the field. With so many opportunities and agencies, it’s essential to identify reputable companies that offer fair and competitive contracts. Negotiating contract terms and strategies can also help secure the right assignment. From understanding scheduling requirements to contract length, review these details before accepting a new position. Additionally, selecting the right jobs can make all the difference in the travel nursing experience, so research and choose wisely. 

Adapting to New Environments as a Travel Nurse Practitioner

With each new assignment, there comes a new healthcare setting and location to explore. However, adjusting to new places and new colleagues can be challenging. Tips for adapting include researching the area, trying new things, and building relationships with colleagues and patients. To build rapport, actively listen, show empathy, and be professional. While adjusting to a new job can be challenging, the rewards of traveling and exploring new places can make it all worth it. It’s essential to maintain a healthy work-life balance, take advantage of time off, and pursue hobbies and interests outside of work.

Ensuring Compliance and Professionalism

As a travel nurse, it is always important to prioritize ethical considerations in your practice. When you enter a new healthcare facility, you must familiarize yourself with its specific regulations and guidelines for maintaining a professional standard and code of conduct. Additionally, it is essential to adhere to all legal and regulatory requirements set forth by governing bodies to ensure compliance with best practices. By prioritizing these principles, you can provide patients with the highest care possible, even in unfamiliar environments.

Managing Personal Finances as a Travel Nurse Practitioner

Managing personal finances as a travel nurse practitioner can be a daunting task. However, with proper planning and knowledge, it can also be an exciting opportunity to grow your financial portfolio. Budgeting for travel and living expenses is an essential first step in managing your finances effectively. One example could be using a budget template to track your expenses and ensure you keep to your set expenditure limits.

You can also maximize tax benefits and reimbursements by keeping track of your work-related expenses and ensuring you are up-to-date with tax laws. Additionally, long-term financial planning and investments are critical in securing your financial future. It could be allocating some of your income towards retirement plans, stocks, bonds, or real estate investments. 

Advancing Your Career as a Travel Nurse Practitioner

As a travel nurse practitioner, the possibilities for career advancement are exciting and numerous. In the ever-evolving healthcare field, nurses must stay current on the latest technology, trends, and treatment methods. One way to do this is through continuing education and professional development opportunities, such as attending conferences or workshops. Advanced certifications and specialization in a particular area can also lead to career growth and earning potential. For those seeking more responsibility, transitioning to leadership roles within the healthcare organization or academia can be a fulfilling career path.

Networking and Building Professional Connections

Networking is critical in the travel nursing industry, allowing professionals to find new job opportunities and advance their careers. Whether you’re just starting or have years of experience, building connections with others in the industry is key. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for travel nurses looking to network. One approach is to use online platforms and professional associations to connect with others in the field. Facebook groups, LinkedIn, and nursing organizations are all excellent resources for finding others in your field and building relationships.

Additionally, it’s important to take the time to build genuine connections with fellow travel nurse practitioners. Whether grabbing coffee or joining a study group, fostering these relationships can lead to valuable career opportunities and a supportive community.

Maintaining Health and Well-being

Being a travel nurse practitioner can be a gratifying career but also stressful and overwhelming. Coping with stress and burnout is important to maintain good health and well-being. Prioritizing self-care and mental health is essential, whether practicing yoga or meditation, having a weekly exercise routine, or simply taking time. Accessing healthcare services while traveling can be tricky, but there are resources available such as telehealth services and medical clinics, that cater to travelers. As a travel nurse practitioner, it’s important to take care of oneself to provide the best care possible for patients.

Your Path to Becoming a Travel Nurse Practitioner

Becoming a travel nurse practitioner is an exciting journey filled with unique experiences, challenges, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Throughout this process, it’s important to remember the key steps and considerations that will guide you toward success. From obtaining the necessary education and certifications to gaining valuable hands-on experience, there are many factors to consider when pursuing this career path. 

However, with dedication, hard work, and a passion for adventure, aspiring travel nurse practitioners can achieve their dreams and make a positive impact on the lives of others. So leap and start your journey today – the possibilities are endless!

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How to Become a Travel Nurse Practitioner? (Answered by an NP)

Do you enjoy working as an NP but wish you had time to travel more or see more of the United States? Do you enjoy change and working with new people? Are you maybe even feeling burned out in your current job? Have you ever wondered what is a travel nurse practitioner? If you answered yes to any of these questions, travel nursing might be the perfect fit for you! Travel nurse practitioners have the opportunity to work in new environments, work in parts of the United States they have never been, and meet new people. You get to work alongside new healthcare providers, which can help you learn new skills, expand your knowledge, and become more confident in the care you deliver as an NP. Below, I discuss skills necessary for a travel NP, what they do, average salary, and resources that may help you become a travel nurse practitioner.

What Does A Travel Nurse Practitioner Do?

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How Much Do Travel Nurse Practitioners Make?

• Avg. Travel NP Salary
• Salary by State
• Salary by Workplace
• Salary Tips
• Is Becoming a Travel NP Worth It?
• Salary Comparison

How Much Does a Travel Nurse Practitioner Nurse Make?

While the earning potential for travel nurse practitioners can vary between states, there is opportunity to earn some real money as a travel NP. The average travel nurse practitioner salary is $131,543 per year according to ZipRecruiter , with the highest-paid travel nurses earning $218,000 per year!

Continue reading as we spotlight how much travel nurse practitioners make in each state.

>> Click here to see available high-paying travel nurse opportunities!

Travel Nurse Practitioner Salary by State

Source: ZipRecruiter

Travel Nurse Practitioner Salary by Work Setting

From acute care to family practice, psychiatric to pediatric, travel NPs specialize in various medical areas. Keep reading as we review several travel NP specializations and their earning potential.

Travel Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner : $130,216

Travel psychiatric nurse practitioners provide mental health care temporarily across various healthcare settings. They assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with psychiatric disorders, prescribe medications, and offer therapy. 

Their mobility allows them to provide expertise to underserved communities and gain diverse clinical experiences.

International Travel Nurse Practitioner : $131,543

International travel NPs provide medical care across borders. These workers possess diverse clinical experience and can adapt to work in different healthcare systems and cultural contexts. 

Alongside clinical skills, these NPs have the communication and language skills necessary to work in an international setting.

Travel Pediatric Nurse Practitioner : $123,014

Travel pediatric nurse practitioners are compassionate healthcare professionals specializing in providing comprehensive care for infants, children, and adolescents in various healthcare settings. They assess and diagnose patients, prescribe treatments, administer vaccinations, and provide health education to families. 

How to Make More Money as a Travel Nurse Practitioner

While compensation depends on various factors such as location, experience, and specialization, there are several ways for travel NPs to maximize their income. 

1. Specialize in High-Demand Clinical Areas

By specializing in high-demand areas like critical care, emergency medicine, or specialized pediatric or psychiatric care, travel nurse practitioners can command higher pay rates. 

These specialized roles often require specific skills and expertise, making them more sought after by healthcare facilities. By gaining experience and training in these areas, NPs can increase their market value and negotiate higher salaries.

2. Pursue Advanced Certifications

Obtaining advanced nursing certifications can significantly enhance a travel NP's earning potential. 

Certifications such as Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, or Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner demonstrate expertise and proficiency in these sought-after, specialized areas of nursing practice. 

These certifications not only broaden the scope of practice but also provide leverage when negotiating higher compensation.

3. Work in High-Paying Locations

Location can be crucial in determining compensation for travel nurse practitioners. Some regions and cities offer higher pay rates due to factors like higher cost of living and shortage of healthcare professionals. 

Travel NPs can research and target assignments in areas that offer the most competitive salaries or work in underserved regions where compensation may be higher to attract competent and compassionate healthcare providers.

4. Work off Shifts

While working day shift or a 9-5 gig might be ideal for life and exploring new locations. The real money is on the off shifts. 

Travel NPs can earn a higher wage by working evenings, nights, and weekends. If you are working travel positions solely for the money and highest wage, explore contracts that offer off-shift premiums and bonuses. 

Is Becoming a Travel Nurse Practitioner Worth it? 

Becoming a travel nurse practitioner can be worth it for many healthcare professionals seeking a bit of adventure, flexibility, and higher earning potential. Travel nurse NPs have the chance to work in diverse healthcare settings, experience new locations, and expand their clinical expertise.

In addition to higher-than-average salaries, travel NPs may receive additional benefits such as housing allowances and travel reimbursements. These perks, combined with the potential for high pay rates and the ability to explore new locations, can make the career financially rewarding. You may also get license renewals and continuing education paid for by the staffing company. 

To become a travel nurse practitioner, individuals typically first secure an RN or BSN degree and gain clinical experience in nursing. From there, working nurses must complete either a master's of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree and obtain nurse practitioner certification. While this does require substantial academic work and clinical experience, the end result is significantly higher wages.

Salaries of Related Nursing Careers

Travel nurse -  $105,021.

Similar to travel NPs, travel nurses offer their services within and beyond their region in various healthcare settings.

Travel Radiologic Technologist - $92,237

These healthcare professionals operate diagnostic imaging equipment, including X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, in various healthcare settings.

Travel Licensed Practical Nurse - $74,611

Like other traveling healthcare professionals, licensed practical nurses provide direct patient care, administer medications, assist with treatments, and collaborate with healthcare teams.

Travel Nurse Practitioner FAQs 

Do travel nps make more than nps.

• Salaries are impacted by multiple factors, including experience, location, and specialization. That said, in many states travel NPs make more than regular NPs.

How long does it take to become a travel nurse practitioner?

• After completing your MSN or DNP and earning your NP certification, individuals should gain at a minimum of two to three years of experience before becoming a travel NP.  

What states pay the most for travel NPs?

• New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New Mexico are the top-paying states for travel nurse practitioners.

James Mielke is a freelance writer currently based in Louisville, Kentucky. In addition to writing extensively about higher education and career topics, he has contributed to Eaten: The Food History Magazine, The Midwesterner, and Golfweek. James has a history degree from Nashville's Belmont University and is on a spiritual quest to make the world's best biscuit.

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With Aya Locums you get:

• Access to top hospitals and healthcare systems in diverse care settings.
• Highly competitive, transparent locum tenens pay .
• Dedicated application and assignment support .
• In-house credentialing and licensing teams .
• Travel and lodging coverage .
• Easy timekeeping and streamlined management of documents.
• Malpractice coverage and risk management support.
• Premium medical, dental, vision and life insurance beginning day one of your assignment.
• Paid sick time. Aya provides paid sick leave in accordance with all applicable state, federal, and local laws. Aya's general sick leave policy is that employees accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. However, to the extent any provisions of the statement above conflict with any applicable paid sick leave laws, the applicable paid sick leave laws are controlling.
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Nurse Practitioner Jobs FAQs

What types of locum tenens nurse practitioner positions does aya locums offer.

Aya Locums offers a wide range of part- and full-time nurse practitioner locum jobs, including positions in specialties such as family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics and more. These temporary assignments can be in hospitals, clinics or other healthcare settings, providing NPs with diverse opportunities to practice and gain experience.

How does Aya Locums support NPs before and during their locum tenens assignment?

Aya Locums provides comprehensive support to NPs. Your recruiter will help you find your ideal opportunity, while your dedicated support team handles licensing, credentialing, travel and housing logistics. Throughout your assignment, your experience specialist ensures your assignment is seamless.

What is the average duration of a locum tenens assignment for a nurse practitioner, and is there flexibility in the length of assignments?

Locum tenens assignments for nurse practitioners typically range from a few weeks to several months. This flexibility allows you to choose assignments that align with your career goals and schedule.

How much experience is needed to become a locum tenens NP?

At least a year of NP experience is recommended before applying for a locum assignment. Check our job listings or ask your recruiter to find opportunities that match your experience.

How can nurse practitioners stay updated on new job opportunities with Aya Locums?

You can save job filters for your profession, specialty and state and set up email notifications for new job listings that meet your criteria. To begin, go to the “Search Jobs” section under “Jobs.” Apply your desired job filters, then click the heart icon at the top right corner of the screen to “Save Search” — then toggle email notifications on.

Does demand fluctuate for locum NPs?

Demand can vary by season, with higher demand in the summer and early fall due to factors like vacation coverage and flu season.

Is physician supervision required to be a locum tenens nurse practitioner?

The need for physician supervision for locum tenens nurse practitioners varies by state and may change over time. Some states require physician supervision, while others grant full practice autonomy to nurse practitioners, allowing independent work. Consult your recruiter for assignment-specific supervision requirements.

How does licensing work for a locum tenens nurse practitioner across different states?

Licensing requirements vary depending on location, and your dedicated Aya team can assist with securing a license in any state. We’ll handle administrative tasks, contact local medical boards and guide you on state-specific compliance.

What types of facilities commonly hire locum tenens nurse practitioner?

Locum tenens nurse practitioners are commonly hired by various healthcare facilities, including hospitals, urgent care centers, private practices and telehealth providers.

What options are available if I want benefits, like health insurance, as a locum tenens nurse practitioner?

In most cases, nurse practitioner locum tenens are independent contractors responsible for managing their own benefits. However, in California, Aya Locums provides certain benefits to NPs as W-2 employees. Contact your recruiter for further information.

What are the highest-paying nurse practitioner locum tenens jobs?

Nurse practitioner locum tenens compensation varies by experience, demand and region. Your recruiter can help you find high-paying locum tenens opportunities in your specialty.

How can nurse practitioners stay updated on locum tenens nurse practitioner recent practices and developments?

Nurse practitioners can stay updated by researching the latest clinical guidelines, participating in continuing education courses and subscribing to medical journals. They should also engage with professional organizations like the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and attend relevant medical conferences to access the latest research and clinical practices in their field.

Do I need to provide my own malpractice insurance?

No, Aya Locums offers malpractice insurance to nurse practitioners on assignment with us.

How does the onboarding process for an NP locum tenens assignment typically work?

The onboarding process often involves orientation, training and getting familiar with the facility’s policies and procedures. Your dedicated recruiter and experience specialist will provide guidance on specific orientation guidelines to ensure a seamless transition into your role.

Can I bring my family/significant other/pet?

Yes, many locum tenens providers travel with their family or pets during assignments. It’s essential to inform your agency in advance so they can assist with required travel and housing preparations. You’ll be responsible for any extra housing and travel expenses related to your family or pets.

Does Aya Locums have an affiliation with industry organizations?

Aya Locums is proud to be part of NALTO ® (The National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations). We’re committed to maintaining high standards in the locum tenens industry, focusing on quality and ethical practices for healthcare providers and facilities.

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Russian Far East: top 10 experiences

Aug 10, 2018 • 6 min read

The limestone Lena Pillars are a popular cruise trip from Yakutsk © Vicky Ivanova / Shutterstock

The Russian Far East has a mystique that’s been luring travellers for generations. With the volcanoes and geysers of Kamchatka, ancient stone pillars on the Lena River and some of the world’s coldest and remotest human settlements, as well as the cosmopolitan cities of Vladivostok and Khabarovsk, the region has something for everyone. Russia’s poignant past is present here too, from the BAM (Baikal-Amur Mainline) railway to the infamous Kolyma Highway that runs to Magadan, the most notorious outpost of the Far Eastern Gulag system.

Vladivostok

The ‘Master of the East’, a hip, dynamic city with an impressive setting in the Golden Horn Bay, Vladivostok is the unofficial capital of the Russian Far East and a cultural heavyweight in its own right. St Petersburg’s renowned Mariinsky Theatre has inaugurated the Primorsky Stage in the city in recent years, joining the new Hermitage Vladivostok branch and the stellar Zarya Centre for Contemporary Art as the city’s premier cultural attractions. Meanwhile, the S-56 Submarine , Fort No 7 and the Vladivostok Fortress Museum pay homage to the city’s background as Russia’s most important eastern naval base. Vladivostok’s dining scene is second only to Moscow and St Petersburg, and numerous cocktail bars and pubs attract night owls. If the frenetic pace is a little overwhelming, you can always escape to the beaches on Russky Island and Popov Island .

Right in the heart of the legendary Kamchatka peninsula, the little town of Esso is the jumping-off spot for some terrific hiking, soaking in the istochniki (hot springs) and rafting on the nearby Bystraya River. Charming  izbas (wooden cottages) sit in a pine-scented valley, surrounded by forested mountains. A well-marked network of hiking trails threads its way through the surrounding Bystrinsky Nature Park, ranging in difficulty and in length – the shortest is 2km, the longest 42km.

Valley of Geysers, Kamchatka

Accessible only by a helicopter tour from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the smoking Dolina Geyzerov is the star attraction of  Kamchatka – the volcano- and geyser-studded peninsula that has the most dramatic, volatile topography in all of Russia. This 8km-long valley, bisected by the Geysernaya River, is dotted with several dozen geysers that sporadically blast steam, mud and water towards the sky. Some of the more colourful ones can be admired while strolling along a specially made boardwalk.

The remote capital of the Sakha Republic, Yakutsk is both the world’s coldest city and a marvel of Soviet engineering, built entirely on permafrost. Its tangle of overground pipes, carrying water and gas, is a peculiar sight, but Yakutsk is a surprisingly cosmopolitan place despite its isolation. A visit to the quirky  Permafrost Kingdom is particularly worthwhile, with its never-melting sculptures of pagan gods and mythological characters, while the National Art Museum introduces you to the mammoth tusk carvings and paintings by Sakha artists. The best places to try Sakha delicacies such as indigirka (raw, frozen fish), reindeer and zherebyatiny (colt fillet) are Chochur Muran and Makhtal restaurants.

Riding the BAM railway

Stretching for some 4324km from Severobaikalsk (on the northern shores of Lake Baikal) to the Sea of Okhotsk, the BAM (Baikal-Amur Mainline) is a triumph of railway engineering (and convict labour) and the less-taken alternative to the Trans-Siberian Railway. With its bridges spanning the mighty Lena and Amur rivers, its tunnels blasted through kilometres of sheer rock, and its tracks running through dense spruce forest and taiga, riding the BAM is a wonderful way to get to know ordinary Russians. You might find yourself sharing a beer or hot tea and heaped spoons of caviar with miners or lumberjacks, who’ll be intensely curious about you. It’s worth disembarking in Tynda, where travel writer Dervla Murphy got stuck while writing Through Siberia by Accident, to visit the BAM Museum, and in Komsomolsk-na-Amure, to check out the grand Soviet-era mosaics and the riverside beach.

Some 650km east of Yakutsk, the tiny reindeer and silver fox breeding station of Oymyakon (population around 500) is the coldest permanently inhabited place on Earth, with temperatures in the nearby valleys dropping as low as -82°C. Various travel agencies in Yakutsk, including Visit Yakutia , organise week-long tours to Oymyakon to attend the annual Pole of Cold Festival in late March, featuring reindeer races, outdoor concerts and other festivities.

Whether you come here in winter for the ice sculptures, or in summer for the lively nightlife and the Amur River beach, Khabarovsk is a breath of fresh air, especially if you’ve spent days cooped up on the train before getting here. Its wide boulevards are lined with stately, tsarist-era buildings (spot the Far Eastern State Research Library and the Tsentralny Gastronom), and there are numerous green walkways for strolling around the city, including those on Amursky bul and Ussuriysky bul. The burgeoning dining scene’s highlights are Georgian cuisine at Satsivi  and fusion at Farsh ; some good bars are dotted around the city centre, including the hipster Brozbar , with a good range of craft beer.

Magadan and Kolyma Highway

Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and hemmed in by the Sea of Okhotsk, Magadan is a surprisingly pleasant city, given its dark past. Described as the ‘pole of cold and cruelty’ in Solzhenitsyn’s Gulag Archipelago, it was the most notorious of the Stalinist forced labour camps from the 1930s to mid-1950s. The harsh sub-Arctic climate and dreadful work conditions are believed to have killed over a million prisoners in the Kolyma region, commemorated by the giant Mask of Sorrow monument on a hillside above Magadan, as well as at the Magadan Regional Museum . You can get here by air, or via the Russian Far East’s most ambitious road trip – a three- or four-day journey from Yakutsk by 6WD vehicle or truck along the Kolyma Highway, aka the ‘road of bones’, built on the backs of countless Gulag labourers.

Lena Pillars

The Russian Far East’s most popular cruise is the two-day jaunt from Yakutsk to the Lenskie Stolby (Lena Pillars) along the mighty Lena River. Resembling a petrified forest, the 80km-long, 35-million-year-old limestone pillars reach for the sky along the riverbank – a startling sight after you’ve spent many hours floating through impenetrable spruce forest. Lena Tur Flot  runs 36- and 46-hour cruises here aboard its two comfy cruise ships; you’ll even get to see a shaman ceremony.

Blagoveshchensk

A remote Russian outpost since 1644, this frontier town faces its rather more modern Chinese neighbour, Heihe, across the Amur River. However, it’s worth making the detour 110km south of the main Trans-Siberian Railway line to Blagoveshchensk to check out the charming tsarist-era architecture that dots the town centre; another highlight is the extensive  Amur Regional Museum . Blagoveshchensk is also one of the easiest places in Russia from which to enter China (though you’ll need to organise your visa in advance).

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