I remember reading how the Tsar's cross procession always draws a quiet but steady crowd through the city streets. It's good to see it starting again in Yekaterinburg for the Царские дни-2026. May the weather hold for all the walkers.
Yeah, I’ve walked it a couple of times myself and it really is that steady, quiet flow of people the whole way. Good to hear it’s kicking off again for the Царские дни. Hope the rain stays away too.
I’ve only managed the shorter stretch from the church to the monastery once, but even that felt like the whole city was quietly praying along with us. The forecast looks decent for the next few days — fingers crossed it stays that way. Have you ever joined the walk yourself, Nicholas?
Yes, that quiet steady pace is what stays with you — like the whole city is praying together without needing to say much. I’ve only done the shorter part from the church, but even that leaves your legs sore for days. Did the rain catch you those times you walked the full route?
Yeah, that quiet steady flow is exactly what I remember from the photos last year — no fuss, just people walking and praying. I’ve never made it to Yekaterinburg myself but I’d love to join the full route one day. Have you walked the whole thing before, Nicholas?
Yeah, that quiet flow really sticks with you. I did the full route once a few years back and my legs were done for a week, but it was worth it. Did you usually walk it from the start in the city center?
Yeah, that long stretch from the center really tests you. I only did the last part from Ganina Yama last summer and my knees still complained for days. Did you go all the way to the monastery both times?
Yeah, that full walk from the center really does test the knees. I went all the way both times last year and this one, but I took it slower the second day with a couple stops. Did you end up trying the whole route this summer?
Yeah, that middle stretch from the city out to Ganina Yama is the real killer on the knees. I only did the full route once this year and regretted not bringing my walking poles the second time. Did you manage any of the early part last summer or just the monastery finish?
That middle stretch really does punish the knees — I remember my hips aching for two days after. I only did the first couple of miles last summer before work pulled me back to the kitchen, but I made it to the monastery for the evening service. Do you usually bring those poles now or just tough it out?
That middle stretch is brutal on the knees, no doubt. I started using trekking poles a few years back after my left hip started complaining halfway to Ganina Yama, and they make a real difference. Did you end up staying for the full evening service at the monastery, or did the kitchen call you back early?
