How should you prepare for a trans-Siberian trip.

Posted by Sarah Addyson on May 8th, 2019

The siberian express is one of the most famous and impressive railway lines in the world. With a length of more than nine thousand kilometers, it starts from Moscow and goes all the way to Vladivostok and to the Sea of Japan. 

Alongside the standard route, the siberian express has two route ramifications leading to China. One of them crosses Manchuria through Harbin and the other crosses Mongolia through Ulaanbaatar, both routes ending in Beijing.

Depending on the route chosen, a trans mongolian railway journey lasts between six and seven days, from one point to another. You can make small stops along the way, in places such as Omsk or Novosibirsk, but in order to do that, you need to book at least two weeks before the trip.

You can be sure that a siberian train trip is one of the most outstanding experiences in the world. Stretching across two continents, the railway connects the frozen north of the Pacific to the Baltic Sea. Between these two points is Lake Baikal, which is the largest natural lake in the world. You can also see the Forbidden City, the Kremlin, and miles of taiga untouched by the foot of man.

If you plan to take a trans siberian journey, the first steps might be a little confusing. Here is what you need to keep in mind. First, you need to choose a train. Depending on your budget, you can start by booking for small number trains such as 20 or 6. These are express trains, also called speed trains, which are amazing for long distances. Trains with larger numbers have multiple routes, stop more frequently and have less equipment.

You can choose to go for the most classic train of all, the Rossiya train. It offers you an authentic Russian experience. There are many business people going to and from Western cities or locals who travel long distances with this train to visit their relatives.

There is also the "Baikal" train, which goes from Moscow to Irkutsk. If you want to admire the Baikal Lake, this train is the ideal choice. Like Rossiya, "Baikal" is a fast and relatively clean train.

International trains operate on trans mongolian railway routes. In these trains, you will meet a mix of international passengers, such as Chinese businessmen, regular tourists, Mongolian farmers, and Russians going to Asia. 

Then there is also the Train 4, which has earned the reputation of being the most sophisticated train, as those who travel with it decide to do so in order to make an impression about food and travel.

After you pick a train, you should pick a class. You can choose from three classes, the platzcart, the kupe, and sleeping carriages. The platzcart is the most affordable and has open compartments with eight beds on which you can sleep. The kupe offers you four-chamber compartments. These are much more intimate, as they also have door locks. The top option is a two-bed sleeping carriage. It is quite expensive, but it gives you the most luxurious experience. It is usually chosen by business people or by those who value comfort.

Next, you need to decide on the time period in which you will take the trip. When we talk about the Siberian railway, each season offers you a different experience. For example, if you want to admire the frozen landscape of Siberia, winter is the season for you. In summer, the big cities become really hot, but in smaller Siberian cities, weather is more enjoyable. The end of spring and the beginning of autumn are also fantastic choices for a trip.

Many people have made a real passion for this kind of travel. It is an unforgettable experience which you will remember your entire life.

Resource Box: A siberian express journey is an experience that will stay with you forever. In order to get the most from such an experience, you need to look upon all the aspects involved. As the trans mongolian railway goes all the way from Moscow to Vladivostok, you have many attractions to visit and enjoy.