Kadykchan, Ghost town in Susumansky District, Russia
Kadykchan is an abandoned settlement in the Magadan region, made up of empty residential blocks, a cultural center, and industrial buildings scattered across the Upper Kolyma Highlands. The entire community emptied out by 2010 and now stands as a snapshot of a Soviet-era mining town frozen in time.
The town was founded in 1943 during World War II and grew around coal mines built by Gulag prisoners to fuel the Arkagalinskaya power station. After several decades of operation, the mines began closing in the 1990s, starting the decline that would end all settlement activity.
The settlement's name comes from the Even language and refers to a small gorge, reflecting the indigenous roots of this remote region. Walking through the abandoned blocks, you can sense how the landscape shaped the lives of those who lived here.
The location sits far out in highland terrain and is extremely difficult to reach, so visitors should prepare for serious transportation challenges. Infrastructure is minimal and weather can be harsh, making careful planning essential for any visit.
A methane explosion in Mine Number 10 in November 1996 killed six workers and became the final blow that sealed the settlement's fate. This disaster marks a sharp turning point between the town's operational days and its complete abandonment.
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