Putin’s weekend in the Siberian taiga is not your typical holiday

On Aug. 1–3, Vladimir Putin made a two-day stop in Tyva, southern Siberia, on his way to Blagoveshchensk in Russia’s Far East. According to Kremlin.ru, the leader visited a remote area in the taiga, fished in a mountain lake, went spearfishing, sunbathed, journeyed down mountain rivers and rapids on powerboats and rafts, took mountain hikes, and also rode a quad.

Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, head of the Republic of Khakassia Viktor Zimin, and head of the Republic of Tyva Sholban Kara-ool accompanied the president on this active holiday. “Putin has visited the area a number of times, but each time he tries to see something new,” wrote the official Kremlin website.

Vladimir Putin and Sergei Shoigu pick mushrooms. However, we don’t recommend you do the same unless you know what you're doing - they could be poisonous.

The president catches a fish waist-deep in water.

And this one. Should make good cutlets.

What did your biggest haul look like, Mr. President?

This fish will make excellent outdoor 'ukha' (fish soup).

Hiking in the forest.

Vladimir Putin and Sergei Shoigu explore the white moss of the taiga.

In Russia, they say the best rest is to change your daily activity. So, now it’s time to swim.

And dive!

Vladimir Putin went underwater fishing with a GoPro camera on his snorkel.

Head of the Republic of Khakassia Viktor Zimin and head of the Republic of Tyva Sholban Kara-ool (right) also caught a big fish.

The trophies look impressive.

It was a great weekend!Read more:You probably didn’t think that moss could be white, did you?The Russian wild: 5 dangers to watch out for in the summerHoliday in Siberia: Why Russia’s leader spends free time in rugged places?6 unusual ways Russian politicians spend their free timeLearn Russian geography while counting your cash