Siberia Russia

Siberia is a destination that many travelers who visit Russia will never reach. While it makes up more than 75 percent of Russian territory, it contains only 25 percent of Russia’s population. This vast expanse of land occupies almost all of Northern Asia, and it is home to many climates, landscapes, animals, and cities, such as Novosibirsk. Siberia Russia is known for a variety of things, from the Trans Siberian Railway to the gulags of Stalin’s era. While this negative association will remain over time, increased Siberia travel also shows that people are recognizing the natural beauty of the area and want to visit uncharted territories.

Siberia tours will almost always include a visit to Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest freshwater lake, located about an hour's train ride from Irkutsk. Surrounded by mountains, the beautiful landscape of the lake is a favorite among visitors. The Trans Siberian Railway crosses many bridges over the lake as well, providing one of the most scenic stretches of the journey. If you want to visit Siberia, the trip would not be complete without a ride on the famous Trans Siberian Railway, which spans the country from Moscow to Vladivostok. Siberia tours often include this in their itinerary and will sometimes run private charter trains as opposed to regular journeys.

Many visitors wonder how Siberia Russia got its name. One explanation is that it came from the Turkic word for sleeping land; much of Siberia is unoccupied plains and tundra, coinciding with the Turkic idea. Siberia is also known for its natural resources, which Russia exploited throughout the twentieth century. This discovery led to the development of industrial towns throughout the expansive land, and today some of the towns along the Trans Siberian Railway show clear signs of their industrial past. Siberia travel is sure to be marked with a strange combination of beautiful landscapes and underdeveloped towns of industry.

Siberia Russia is home to many rivers that attract visitors. The Lena River and Ob River both provide river cruises that demonstrate the natural beauty of the area. Siberia travel is often enjoyed by boat, whether on the rivers or Lake Baikal. For the more adventurous traveler, mountain climbing is another pastime in Siberia. The gigantic Mount Elbrus provides a challenge to even the most experienced climbers. The ice-capped volcanoes of this eastern section of Siberia make for especially beautiful landscapes. Skiing is also an option, and in some places it's possible year-round.

Many Siberia tours and those around the Russian Far East are wildlife- and adventure-based. Kamchatka is especially known for fishing and hunting, and during the warm months fishing expeditions can be arranged for a week at a time. From a base camp, you’ll be transported to some of the most remote rivers in the region and have the rare opportunity of catching the largest rainbow trout in the world. This area is easily reached from Alaska; it is only a four-hour flight away. Tour companies may help you arrange your visa in advance, but be sure to confirm this when booking. You may be surprised how much of Russia there is to explore outside of Moscow and St Petersburg, and Siberia is an unforgettable place to start.