Travelling on the Trans-Siberian
The greatest railway journey on earth….bar none. This is one of the world’s great travelling experiences and should be on every serious travellers ‘must-do list’
You cross five time zones in as little as six days, travelling through some of the most extreme places on earth whilst meet an incredible mix of people en route – from European, to Siberian, to Mongolian to Chinese. All this for the price of a train ticket – not bad
CLICK HERE to take a look at some of the Trans Siberian trips that we offer (please note, this link will take you to our specialist overland tours site– this is part of roundtheworldflights.com)
Some Trans-Siberian Highlights
• Stay in a traditional nomads’ Ger camp on the Mongolian Steppe…camping but with a difference!
• Explore Moscow and St Petersburg…the former and present capitals of Russia…both unique and full of surprises.
• Trek the shores of the amazing Lake Baikal, the deepest freshwater lake in the world. If you are feeling really brave you can even go scuba diving under the ice in winter!
• Hang out on the train meeting like minded travellers, Mongolian traders and Russian business men. Share a nip of vodka…or two...or three!
The Trans Siberian Railway and round the world tickets
Trips last anywhere between ten days to over twenty three days and it’s a trip that fits very nicely into several round the world tickets. It is also undoubtedly the largest surface sector (what is this) that we ever build into a ticket!
You can fly into either St Petersburg or Moscow and you then pick up the flight again from either Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong or even Tokyo!
CLICK HERE to take a look at some of the Trans Siberian trips that we offer (please note, this link will take you to our specialist overland tours site– this is part of roundtheworldflights.com)
Money
You will need to obtain each currency upon arrival as they are all closed currencies. The best option is to carry US dollars in cash [make sure all dollar bills are recent and in good condition] or travellers cheques as credit cards are not widely accepted outside the large cities throughout the journey.
Be sure to take care when completing your entry and exit forms for Russia – it is important you declare your cash accurately.
Top 3 activities
• Taking a traditional sauna in Listvyanka on the shores lakes of Baikal after a day trekking in the surrounding woods.
• Taking the train through the Great Wall of China…a very special moment for everyone on board.
• Walking in the Mongolian Steppe, learn the way of the Mongolian nomads, ride wild ponies and stay in traditional Ger tents.
Top 3 nights out
• Ulaanbattar – great bars to be found, it’s very cheap and the Mongolian people are fantastic.
• Hit any of the central markets in Beijing to try all the weird and wonderful local delicacies…well the dead ones anyway!
• Moscow is a real surprise to most first time visitors, a very cosmopolitan city with some amazing bars and restaurants. Watch your wallet though – it’s not cheap hanging out with the beautiful people!
Top 3 sunsets
• Looking out of the window from the comfort of your cabin as you travel across Siberia. The rear of train rounds the corner behind you with the silver birch light up like a bonfire as the Altai Mountains reflect the last of the day’s sun.
• Mongolian steppe, Ger tents…complete silence…enough said!
• At the end of a days walking along the Great Wall of China...outstanding.
Do’s and don’ts
Do
• Try and learn a few words in Russian, Mongolian and Chinese…it all goes a long way when you meet local people.
• Get stuck in – when you are on the train, make the effort to meet some of the people on board
• Get the correct visas. We need at least six weeks to arrange your visas without passing on express fees - more
• Travel responsibly - more
Don’t
• Take photos of officials, police or soldiers….also any official buildings, army barracks etc are a no-no.
• Miss the train. There are plenty of opportunities to jump off the train and stretch your legs – just don’t wander too far!