Russian President Vladimir Putin and some of his top officials took a break from state affairs ahead of his birthday, spending a few days hiking, hillwalking, and even driving off-road in the thick of the Siberian wilderness.

Days off are a rare occurrence in Putin’s tight schedule. When he manages to get a few of them away from the Kremlin, he usually spends time in the country’s wilderness, enjoying the calm of nature.

This time, the Russian president chose the Siberian taiga forest to go on a hike ahead of his October 7 birthday.

Footage released by the Kremlin features Putin and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu making their way through the wild in a two-seat off-road buggy.

Putin is also seen climbing a steep slope, and then sitting and enjoying the view.

The adventurous vacations of the Russian leader have always attracted media attention, while the range of his activities – such as underwater fishing and horseback riding, have become prime meme material.

Nice bear. RT @JShahryar An image of Putin, captured moments after he smacked American exceptionalism in NYT: pic.twitter.com/7lA7lULasD — Andy Carvin (@acarvin) September 12, 2013

#Putin as the omnipotent force enters American pop culture. Ironically, it is the US that bears much responsibility for the "cult of Putin." pic.twitter.com/02NhutBwDb — Nina ☦️ Byzantina (@NinaByzantina) October 16, 2016

Putin has shown off his bare chest a few times during his holidays in the wild, sending both Western media and fans into frenzy. This year, however, the president remained fully clothed.

Also on rt.com ‘Bears here, bears there’: Putin says he almost got SURROUNDED in Russian wilderness

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