Those who have at least once been in Russia know what an amazing place it is with many lavish palaces, Soviet-era relics and famous cities to see; so much that it’s often hard to choose where to go on any stealthy Russian holiday. And while many choose Moscow as a base for their trip to Russia, to admire the world-famous Kremlin and the legendary 800000 square feet Red Square, there are people, who dream of unique experiences, including one very interesting: the Trans-Siberian Railway.
Ideal for those who have strong nerves to go on a train journey around Eurasia, spending almost one week in an enclosed space on wheels, the Trans-Siberian Railway is an experience that will make you return again! The reward for this amazing journey is eighty cities and towns, including the iconic cities of Ekaterinburg, Ulan Ude and Irkutsk, the Volga River, Ural Mountains, Baraba Steppe with its magical clouds, Yenisei River, Barguzinski Mountains, the Siberia woods, Khekhtsir Range and magnificent Lake Baikal – the world’s oldest and deepest body of fresh water; and all these regardless of weather conditions.
Conceived by Tsar Alexander II, who had the mission to make possible the settlement and industrialization of sparsely inhabited regions, the Trans-Siberian Railway was constructed between 1891 and 1916, and extends from Moscow to Vladivostok on the Pacific, spanning two continents and ten time zones and delivering three of the world’s largest countries right to your compartment door: Russia, Mongolia and China. Often called by the Russians Trans-Sib, the Trans-Siberian Railway is the world’s longest and most famous train route that appeals tenth of thousands of travelers annually. Along more than 9200 kilometers of its length, you’ll see different splendid landscapes, encounter different people and cultures, experience magnificent venues, and just enjoy the trip in the train.
Today the trains themselves are very safe, secure and have good comfort levels. From food to facilities to sophisticated on-board program with a comprehensive excursion and sightseeing package included in the price, everything is done to make your train journey the greatest on Earth!
Most travelers start their journeys in Moscow and go east. But soon after reaching Irkutsk, the Trans-Siberian route divides into 3 different routes: the Trans-Siberian Route: Moscow-Vladivostok, the Trans-Mongolian Route: Moscow-Ulan-Bataar-Beijing, and the Trans-Manchurian Route: Moscow-Beijing. All three routes take 6-7 days if going non-stop and all offer experiences that will long stay in your memories. Depending on the route you can choose stopovers in such iconic landmarks as the Great Wall of China and the fascinating Gobi Desert – the fifth largest in the world, as well as discover shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines and drinks. All the passengers on the Trans-Siberian are allocated a specific car and sleeping berth.
There are also tailor-made Trans-Siberian Railway tours, so individual travelers, couples or self build groups who want to travel of their own can book single railway tickets, hotels, local private guides and excursions according to their interest.
Did you know?
- Before the Trans-Siberian Railway was built, the quickest way to travel between the Russian cities of St. Petersburg and Vladivostok was by crossing the Atlantic, travelling by land across North America and then going across the Pacific.
- The Trans-Siberian route crosses 16 big rivers with the largest bridge being above Amur River (2612 meters).
- The longest tunnel starts at 8140 km, and is 2 km long.
- At the 5311 km of your journey, you will come across with a unique building, called Sludyanka, which is made from marble.
The very name of this engineering masterpiece conjures up images of exotic, adventurous and memorable travel. And one day in the train is enough to make you feel at home. Just keep in mind that there is a special life that’s happening inside the train and what you should do is to uncover it!
