Agafia’s Taiga Life

In 1936, a family of Russian Old Believers journeyed deep into Siberia’s vast taiga to escape persecution and protect their way of life. The Lykovs eventually settled in the Sayan Mountains, 160 miles from any other sign of civilization. In 1944, Agafia Lykov was born into this wilderness. Today, she is the last surviving Lykov, remaining steadfast in her seclusion. In this episode of Far Out, the VICE crew travels to the taiga to learn about Agafia’s lifestyle and the encroaching influence of the outside world.

In part two, we see that despite the fact that Agafia is nearing 70 years old, she works tirelessly day in and day out to keep up her home. She starts her morning with prayers and then tends to her animals, collects firewood, prepares food, and even fends off the occasional bear.

Read more about Agafia: Meet the Last Lykov