Trans Siberian Railway

Spanning 8 time zones, passing through 87 cities and a total length of 9,289km, the Trans Siberian Railway is one of the most famous journeys you can take by train. The term “Trans Siberian Railway” is actually a generic term for three main lines and the main trains that run on them. The main line runs from Yaroslav station in Moscow, through Siberia to Vladivostok and takes 6½ days. The other routes are the Trans-Mongolian Railway (7,865km) runs on the main line from Moscow as far as Lake Baikal where it diverts to the Chinese capital of Beijing via Ulan Baatar, the capital city of Mongolia.The Trans-Manchurian Railway (9,001km) leaves the mainline at Tarskaya and reaches Beijing via the North East of China.

Upon leaving Moscow, you will see the stunning gold and blue domes of the Golden Ring before passing through the Ural Mountains, glimpsing the obelisk where Europe meets Asia. As your journey continues, the landscape transforms into the wilderness of Siberia where views are dominated by the silver birch forests. The train continues to Irkutsk, following the shores of Lake Baikal, the world’s largest freshwater lake.

At this point, the 3 routes divide. The Trans-Siberian route continues to Vladivostok, the Trans-Mongolian route heads down into Mongolia and the Gobi Desert, via Ulan Baatar to Beijing. The final stages of this route take you past the Great Wall of China while the Trans-Manchurain route advances to Chita before heading south in China and on to Beijing.

We are able to offer 3 tour options travelling on the world famous Trans-Siberian Express from it’s starting point in Moscow with 3 alternative routes; Vladivostok, Beijing (via Ulan Baatar) and Beijing (via North East China).

Accommodation on the train is in a 2nd class, 4 berth compartment and you have the option to upgrade to a 1st class, 2 berth compartment. Each train has a dining car where hot and cold meals can be purchased throughout the day or alternatively, there are stalls at the stations en route, selling a variety of snacks.

Although you will be on the train for a number of days, life is never dull with dramatic and ever changing scenery providing plenty of photo opportunities. Reading and playing games are also popular, there are regular stops and you can meet your fellow passengers and relax with a drink in the dining car.

Why not make the most of your trip by combining your Trans Siberian Express journey with city excursions?

Details of our Trans Siberian Railway offers can be found here >More

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Lake Baikal

Located in Siberia, Lake Baikal is the largest freshwater lake in the world and it’s statistics are incredible. It is 395 miles long (the distance between Moscow and St Petersburg), 50 miles wide at it’s widest point, a shoreline of 1,243 miles and 1,637 metres deep. Lake Baikal holds nearly a quarter of the worlds freshwater and covers an area the size of Holland.

The word “Baikal” comes from the Turkish language and means “Wealthy Lake”. Baikal’s wealth is found in the form of it’s clean, clear water and it’s abundance of flora and fauna. It’s extensive shoreline means the landscape around the lake, varies tremendously.

From the layers of sediment at the bottom of the lake, scientists have calculated that Baikal is over 25 million years old making it by far, the oldest lake on earth. As with the Galapagos Islands, much of the plant and animal life at Baikal has evolved independently. Of the 2,000+ recorded plant and animal species found at Baikal, 70-80% are not found anywhere else. For example, the nerpa, Baikal’s freshwater seal is separated by around 3,000km from it’s nearest relative.

Call us on 0208 816 8789 and we can help plan your personalised trip to Lake Baikal.

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