Greetings fellow travellers,
I was wondering if any of you have done the Trans Siberian train journey from West to East, ie; from Moscow through to Beijing. I'm planning to make the journey and would appreciate any helpful advice or travel tips etc. I'm thinking maybe March next year to go. ? Safe journeys everyone.
I did that route 5 years ago. Actually, I went on the 'Trans-Manchurian' branch (you'll probably take the 'Trans-Mongolian' route, if you're going to Beijing.
Some advice:
1) stop in Irkutsk, and get a homestay on Olkhon Island, in Lake Baikal. It's an amazing experience.
2) bring food. The food on the train is really awful. You can also buy some from vendors at stations along the way.
3) bring something to read. It's a long journey, and you'll get tired of staring out the window all the time.
4) learn a few Russian words, as few Russians speak English.
5) there are no showers on the train. Just keep it mind.
Have fun!
Thank you madpoet, I certainly appreciate the tips and advice. I shall compile a list of 'do's and dont's. Was the actual train ride comfortable, what were the bunks/beds like etc.?
Now the sutuation is changed.. Train like home. You can even have a shower in train. The food are good, but a little bit expensive, but fresh. Bunk like you bed, but not so wide...
If you will need some help with itinerary I can give you some ideas. Also you will need some help wiyh this trans-mongolian ticket. Don't hesitate to ask me.
Thank you SVtravel, I really appreciate your advice. Its good to know there are showers on board. I will call on you and madpoet again closer to my departure time. Safe travels my friend.
Hi LioSiaosi,
The beds are actually quite comfortable. The staff on the train were friendly, too (well, by Russian standards). If you make an attempt to talk to them, and be friendly to them, they warm up to you. All Russians seem unfriendly at first, but once you start a conversation with them, and they get to know you, they become very gregarious and hospitable.
I was on just a regular train. There are different classes, so probably on one of the tourist-oriented trains you will get showers and better food in the dining car. Of course, it will cost more.
Appreciate the helpful and informative dialogue, whats the best time to do the trip, during winter months where I imagine all youll see is snow covered landscape or during summer or spring where all of nature's beauty will be displayed. What do you think ?
I travelled the Trans-Sib during the summer, but I'd love to do it again during the winter, just for comparison. Of course, I'd want to take very warm clothes and maybe an extra blanket.
Hi, I'm going from Moscow to Beijing in January with two mates. We are going on the most famous train the 'Rossiya' as far as Irkutsk where we will spend a night. Then we are going to stay in a homestay in Listvyanka village on the shores of Lake Baikal. We also have husky sledding and snowmobling booked. After that we join the Beijing bound train but the trans-manchurian route where we are getting off in Harbin, China for a few nights at the winter ice festival there. After that it's Beijing and eventually we will make our way down to Hong Kong for a final week of our trip. We are taking 26 days in total because we are all too busy at work to take more time off. If you need any advice regarding booking etc let me know. Tom
[ 27-May-2011, at 23:39 by shefftommo ]
Have a look at - it has a substantial amount of information on planning and booking a Trans-Siberian rail trip.
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