On top of the world in Siberia, Vladimir Putin relaxes ahead of his 67th birthday

Thee exact location was not given but his birthday hike was believed to have been in the Republic of Tuva, a favourite of Vladimir Putin over the years. 

‘Super,’ he said, admiring the panorama.

‘We are a bit higher than the clouds.’

Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Russian leader was marking his birthday ‘outdoors, with his nearest and dearest’.

He was with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, 64, a native of Tuva, but it is not clear who else he marked his 67th birthday with. 

Pictures showed the Russian president wearing Army of Russia clothing, a brand owned by the Defence Ministry. 

They gathered mushrooms, according to reports. 

Tuva is one of Siberia’s most scenic regions, famous for its unspoilt mountains, pristine rivers and clear lakes. 

Perhaps because of Putin's regular visits, the region in southern Siberia, bordering Mongolia, is becoming more popular with both Russian and foreign visitors despite a lack of infrastructure for mass tourism.