About 75% of Russia’s land lies in Asia, and most of that is in North Asia, which is dominated almost entirely by Siberia, the huge region of Russia that stretches from the Ural Mountains to the Pacific Ocean.

It is a land of immense forests, icy tundra, and dramatic landscapes, including Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest freshwater lake. Despite its enormous size, North Asia is sparsely populated, home to a mix of Russian settlers and diverse indigenous peoples such as the Yakuts and Buryats. Known for its extreme winters and natural resources, it remains one of the most remote and least-explored regions of the world, as the temperature here drops below -40 °C

Travel Across Siberia On The Trans-Siberian Train

The Trans-Siberian Railway – the greatest train journey in the world, spanning over two continents, 7 time zones, and thousands of kilometers – is the connection of Europe and Asia, a part of so many bucket lists and the dream of every traveler.

The Trans Siberian Railway is one of the world’s best rail journeys. This train across Russia brings together unique landscapes, from the Gobi Desert to the world’s largest freshwater lake, and hundreds of once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

The Trans-Siberian Railway was once called the “fairest jewel in the crown of the Tsars”. Nowadays it’s the Trans Siberian Railway refers to the tracks that fan out from Moscow in Russia and cross seven time zones to North Asia. From Moscow’s Red Square to hiking the Great Wall of China just outside of Beijing, discovering Siberia, and experiencing the festival of Naadam in Mongolia.

Trans-Siberian Rail Routes

The main, longest route on the Trans Siberian Railway goes from Moscow in western, European Russia, to Vladivostok in Far Eastern Russia. The route from Moscow to Vladivostok takes 9,258km (6.152 miles) and takes 7 days.

The Trans Manchurian Railway goes from Moscow to Beijing without going through Mongolia and is 8,986km (5,623 miles). This was completed in the 1900s, making it the older of the two routes going to Beijing.

There’s also the Trans Mongolian Railway, which goes through Mongolia on its way to Beijing. This route is 7,621km (4,735 miles) long and is considered to be one of the most interesting train trips.

The journey is long and slow (average speeds are 60km/h), but that’s all part of the fun, and the highlight of our two weeks spent travelling the Trans Mongolian Railway was definitely the train journey. The trains are comfortable, even in the amusingly named “hard sleeper” carriages, and you can pack your days full of activities when travelling. The train gives you a chance to slow down and relax.

Trains run all year round, but the summer months are definitely considered the “peak season” of the Trans-Siberian Railway. Less rain, more pleasant weather, and longer days to explore the northern region. The freezing temperatures often make it less enjoyable, and some roads are not accessible at all.

Lake Baikal – Frozen beauty of Olkhon Island

Enjoy winter Siberian sun and explore Baikal's endless ice caves, grottoes, and frozen bubbles of this frozen wonder. Lake Baikal winter tours are rightfully upheld as Siberia’s most famous attraction - its clear-as-a-mirror waters are a reflection of Siberia’s wildness, its vastness, and its beauty. The crescent-shaped lake extends for 636km from north to south and is up to 1,637m deep, making it the deepest lake in the world. In fact, 20% of the world’s freshwater is contained within Lake Baikal. The vast Baikal region is home to unique indigenous cultures such as the Buddhist Buryat people. Traditional villages are dotted along the lake’s shore, interspersed with taiga forest and rocky steppes.

This tour takes place at the end of winter to provide guests with the unique opportunity to experience winter activities on the frozen surface of Lake Baikal and a trip to the region’s spectacular ice caves.

Mountains Of Altai

This awe-inspiring circuit within the dramatic Altai Mountain range crosses vast distances to reach some of the most beautiful places in Siberia. Stretching from the capital, Gorno-Altaysk, almost to the Mongolia and China borders and back, this Altai adventure takes you into the rugged heart of this untamed region. Along the way, sample some of the adventure activities that have put Altai on the map among an exclusive set of intrepid travellers. Experience hiking, rafting, horse-riding, and a road trip along the Chuysky Trakt, named by National Geographic Russia as one of the most beautiful roads in the world.

The Altai Mountains are our showcase of Altai’s amazing biodiversity and unique mix of ethnicities and cultures. Once the domain of roaming nomadic tribes, today you’ll be welcomed by some of their ancestors in traditional villages scattered across Altai’s plains and valleys.

Hiking Across the Ural Mountains

The Ural Mountains offer travel for various activity levels, with options for easy sightseeing in cities like Yekaterinburg or challenging treks in Taganai National Park. Key attractions include the Kungur Ice Cave, the ancient city of Arkaim, and the historic Tobolsk. For serious outdoor enthusiasts, rafting, heavy-duty trekking, and mountain climbing are available, often requiring professional guides and equipment. The best time to visit is from May to September for outdoor activities, but winter travel is also popular for severe frosts and stable conditions.

Yenisei River Cruise

Set sail for adventure along the largest river to flow into the Arctic Ocean. From vast, rugged landscapes to the magical midnight sun, the Yenisei River is where Mother Nature shines her brightest. You'll travel aboard the newly renovated 5-star ship in undeniable style. Intricately designed to showcase Siberia at its most authentic, Maxim Gorky MS is a luxurious floating paradise – the perfect place to unwind after a day of discovery.

Kamchatka – Kingdom of the Brown Bears

Perhaps the most potent symbols of Kamchatka’s untamed nature are its towering volcanoes and the mighty Kamchatka Brown bears, which are the ancestors of the Alaskan Kodiak bears. These two iconic natural emblems are the main subjects of our Kamchatka bears and volcanoes tour, an adventure into the wilds of Russia’s Far East that's equal parts thrilling and humbling. Including three nights staying in a cabin on Kuril Lake at the height of the bear's salmon hunting season, this Kamchatka wildlife watching tour will get you closer than you ever imagined to the animal inhabitants of the Kamchatka peninsula.

Wrangel Island - Home of Arctic Polar Bears

Cruise to Wrangel Island, an area 140km off the northeast coast of Siberia, separated from northern Alaska by the Chukchi Sea. For 10 frozen months of the year, this lonely wilderness is completely cut off from the outside world. Reaching Wrangel and braving its polar climate is not for the faint of heart. Only the most dedicated nature lovers make the journey – but the rewards are without parallel. There is simply no better destination than to meet the wild denizens of the Arctic up close, virtually undisturbed by human interference, and in numbers that will simply astound you.

Coldest City On Earth - Yakutsk

Yakutsk, located in Yakutia, a republic in Siberia, is the world's coldest city. In January, the mean temperature hovers around -40°F, but days in the -70°F range are not unheard of. At this level of coldness, it's best not to wear glasses outside—the metal freezes and sticks to your face, making it difficult to remove your specs without tearing off chunks of your cheek.

Fortunately, Yakutsk has a decent public transport system that functions even in extreme cold. People travel to work and school by bus or hail a taxi if it's late at night. Those who own cars park their vehicles in heated garages with a blanket wrapped around the battery. When they drive, they keep the engine running all day.

Sources: Cultural insights and climate data are drawn from travel guides and encyclopedias