TransSiberianRailway tours?

by **lauracatherine** » November 1st, 2009

I'm looking for a budget tour that would take me from Moscow or St Petersburg to Ulan Bator. I've tried google and BnA and am not having much luck. Can anyone suggest any, or ones to stay away from?

Thanks!

by **Hydro** » November 2nd, 2009

Here's one going the other direction, from Beijing to St Petersburg, and another from St Petersburg to Beijing.

A friend of mine also took the Vodka Train & said it was a good experience.

by **Sophie9** » November 3rd, 2009

Vodka Train?! Whoo hoo, that's gotta be the best way to see Siberia.

Two tickets please.

by **seraphim** » November 11th, 2009

There's really no need to take a tour, other than locally (e.g. from Ulan Ude to Ivolginsk Datsan). Being around other foreigners on the train would probably ruin most of the experience.

by **busman7** » November 12th, 2009

Just do what I did use seat61.com for research then Real Russia for letter of invitation & booking tickets then a local tour operator in Ulan-Bator.

by **SputnikLee** » November 15th, 2009

I agree, the tours are way too expensive and not much more that you'll see than on your own.

I would fly out from Moscow to Ulan Ude and train it back, rather than train out and fly back. All trains departing from Moscow are packed to the rafters. Once in Ulan Ude, trickle your way back by buying segments (ie to Irkutsk, Krasnoyarsk, Novosibirsk etc.).

And take your time. The train is the best way to experience the vastness of Russia. Bring Brothers Karamazov along as your travel companion (seriously). Do these things, and you will have twice the fun for half the money.