Written by ANITA ISALSKA
Watching thousands of miles of snow-kissed forests fly past your window, alighting in remote cities across Russia – it’s no wonder that travellers are captivated by the Trans-Siberian Railway.
Embarking on a journey from Moscow to Vladivostok or Beijing requires planning and a sense of adventure, and packing the right gear can make or break a trip. Here’s a guide to help you get started.
Advance planning
First things first: for all the romantic images associated with the Trans-Siberian Railway, it’s not a spontaneous hop-on/hop-off affair.
You’ll need to decide your route, secure visas, and buy tickets for each leg of the journey (either in situ or from home through an agency). Moscow to Vladivostok requires only a Russian visa.
Some nationalities will need a Mongolian visa for travel, and if you’re starting or finishing in Beijing you’ll almost certainly need a Chinese visa.
Unless you’re planning a non-stop journey, reserve accommodation anywhere you’re stopping along the way. In summer, popular Lake Baikal guesthouses may book up; in winter, some hotels shut down.
Finally, get your head around the Cyrillic alphabet and Russia’s multiple time zones. Even if you don’t learn conversational Russian, the alphabet is essential to decipher train departure boards.
Russian train tickets list your departure following Moscow time (even if you’re five hours ahead in Ulan-Ude). Consider setting up a couple of clocks on the home screen of your phone or tablet.
Hands-free luggage
If you’re able to carry gear on your back, a rucksack keeps your hands free to flash tickets and passport.
Duffel bags and rucksacks are best for squashing into on-board luggage storage. If you must go with a roller suitcase, choose a slender, lightweight case – train corridors are narrow.
There's little elbow room aboard the train, so organise essentials into a small rucksack for easy access: include your toothbrush, wet wipes (you'll need them), snacks and the paperwork for your trip.
Your
‘train uniform’
It's a good idea to pack a ‘train uniform’: light, comfortable clothing you can snooze in, but not so scruffy you’ll attract gasps in the dining carriage.
Whatever the season, Trans-Siberian train carriages are often kept toasty warm – sometimes stiflingly so. Loose cotton slacks and a T-shirt are ideal, plus a light sweater or hoodie.
And don’t forget flip-flops or slippers to wear aboard. Trust us, there’s nothing like stepping on the floor of a well-frequented 3rd-class toilet stall to make you want to burn your socks.