Way to Russia Talk Lounge

Rowden · Just Starting Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 1

I have begun planning a long holiday in Jan 2006, I am considering travelling part of the way on the Trans-Siberian from Beijing to St Petersburg. Has anyone travelled from Beijing to St Petersburg in January, From what little research I have done so far the weather appears to be at its coldest at this time?

Do many foreigners travel at this time?

What is the comfort level (temperature wise) of travelling at this time of year?

What are the options for stopping-off along the way in Janaury?

Thanks Luke

vadim · Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2005 10:40 am Post subject:

Hi
At that time the landscape is really beautyful, but it's really cold. So you in Siberia you can enjoy the views of nature in deep sleep out of your train window, but you will be deprived of any outdoor activity. You can make stops in major cities to check the social life there - but I don't think it's worthwhile.
Well, my tip - you can make a visit to Tomsk - 300 kilometers from Novosibirsk, really beautyful and friendly 400-years old Siberian city with lots of fancy wooden buildings and whole districts originating from its trade and craft past, that are likely to disappear soon.
If you would like to know more or to have some assistance - write a personal message. I am WayToRussia Siberian guide Smile

and i'll be glad to help you.
Regards,
Vadim

Paul Holmes · VIP Joined: 12 Apr 2005 Posts: 965

vadim · Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2005 2:55 pm Post subject:

Hi Paul
The Siberian winter is definitely dry. If it is getting wetter, it is getting warmer. The idea is - the colder it is, the more beuatiful it is. 40 below zero means it is dead still and sunny and everything frozen - the most beautyful thing to see and not so hard to stand, if you are ready to it. The worst thing is like -25 with strong wind. But generally winter (at least in south-eastern Siberia) is not so awful. I can't tell you about Canada, but -20 in Moscow was the harshest thing I had ever experienced, because of the humidity and wind.
There is a lot of (well, at least you can find some) open-air skating and hockey-rinks, as well as cross-country and mountain skiing tracks. A lot of people also make some hiking or hunting during winter time - of course, taking account of weather forecasts.

gonzock · Lounge Lizard Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Posts: 101

Rowden, I bet you won't find any other foreigner on board. I did it on May when is supposed to be a good season and I didn't find any. I am sure it will be very nice but think about the temperature and that it might get dark after 3 p.m. Good luck

vettra · Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 4:23 pm Post subject:

don't breath thru your mouth, so that you won't freeze your teeth.

ging · Just Starting Joined: 26 Aug 2005 Posts: 2

I'm actually braving the cold too!

Except I'll being doing it in reverse. St P to Beijing in late December [26 Dec to be precise] to 16 January...

Pack the thermals & use the vodka liberally I suspect!

I'm not that bothered if I do/don't meet other 'foreigners' though - all part of the train experience I suspect. Although, I'm Australian and you ALWAYS meet Aussies EVERYWHERE...

tripfoto · Just Starting Joined: 09 Nov 2005 Posts: 7

I'll leave Bejing to Moscow on about the 15th of Jan. Let's keep in touch

ging · Just Starting Joined: 26 Aug 2005 Posts: 2

Hi Luca,

Sure! I'll no doubt be knackered at that point my trip and ready to go home, but at least I'll be able to tell you what it was like!!

Cheers
Ging