Tayshet is a Russian town (since 1938), the administrative center of the Tayshet District in the Irkutsk Region.

It has the population of 34 339 people (as of 2013) and takes the area of 49 sq km.

Tayshet is located in southwest part of the Biryusinsky Plateau, on the banks of River Biryusa. It is a railway hub and a highway junction.

History of Tayshet

It was founded as a small settlement of Tayshet in 1897 and named after its location on River Tayshet (the right inflow of Biryusa), which means “a cold river” in the Ket language.

Its favourable location by the railroad and a big river determined the role of Tayshet as an administrative and shopping center. It has been a town since 1938.

Architecture and Sights

The town extends on both sides of the railroad. In the southern part of the city there are streets with wooden houses, whereas the northern and northeastern parts are built up with modern standard houses. The main industrial enterprises are located there as well.