Siberia Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Siberia with this comprehensive travel guide, including the best attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink, accommodations, local culture, safety and health tips, and transportation options.


Introduction to Siberia

Siberia, located in Russia’s eastern region, is a vast expanse of land that covers more than 13 million square kilometers. The region is known for its harsh climate, stunning scenery, and unique culture. It’s the perfect destination for adventurers looking to explore nature, history, and culture all at once.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top places to visit in Siberia, the best hiking and biking routes, activities and tours, food and drink scene, where to stay, and other valuable tips to make the most of your trip.

List of Places to Visit in Siberia

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. The Siberian State Museum of Local Lore (Novosibirsk): This museum showcases the region’s cultural heritage, natural history, and contemporary art.

  2. The Tomsk Regional Museum of Local Lore (Tomsk): A must-visit museum if you are interested in the cultural and historical heritage of Siberia.

  3. The Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography of Siberian Peoples (Omsk): This museum displays the indigenous people of Siberia’s culture and artifacts.

  4. The Trans-Siberian Railway Museum (Novosibirsk): This museum hosts interactive exhibits about the world’s most famous railway.

Natural Attractions of Siberia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. The Lake Baikal: The largest freshwater lake globally and one of the most famous tourist spots in Siberia. It’s a fascinating destination for nature lovers. Visitors can explore the beautiful surroundings by boat tours or hiking.

  2. Altai Mountains: The Altai Mountains are a hiker’s paradise. The region boasts some of the most stunning views in Siberia and attracts adventurers from around the world.

  3. The Sayan Mountains: Located in the southern part of Siberia, the Sayan Mountains are another popular spot for hikers, photographers, and adventurers.

  4. The Lena Pillars: Designated a UNESCO world heritage site, these natural rock formations are a mesmerizing sight to behold.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Siberia

Siberia is home to some of the most breathtaking hiking and biking trails globally, offering visitors a chance to experience nature and to test their stamina. Here are some of the popular routes:

  1. The Great Sayan Ring: This is a 2,000-kilometer meandering trail across the Sayan Mountains.

  2. The Altai Crossing: An approximately 125-kilometer trail that crosses the Altai Mountains is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

  3. The Lake Baikal Trail: The trail runs for about 600 kilometers around Lake Baikal, offering stunning views of the lake and its surroundings.

Best Things to Do in Siberia: Activities and Tours

  1. Trans-Siberian Railway Tour: Ride the world’s most famous railway and experience moving across Siberia’s vast expanse in comfort and luxury.

  2. Climb the Aktru Glacier: Located in the Altay Mountains, the Aktru Glacier is a beautiful sight to behold and a popular spot for climbing enthusiasts.

  3. Dog-sleigh rides: Test your mettle on an authentic Siberian dog-sleigh ride and explore the stunning Siberian wilderness in a unique and exciting way.

Week-Long Itinerary for Siberia

Day 1 – 3: Explore Novosibirsk, visit the city’s famous museums, such as The Siberian State Museum of Local Lore and The Trans-Siberian Railway Museum.

Day 4 – 6: Head to Lake Baikal. Hike around the lake or take a boat tour to take in the beautiful scenery.

Day 7: Explore Irkutsk, a beautiful city located near Lake Baikal, which is filled with historic landmarks, such as the Decembrist’s House Museum.

Food and Drink Scene of Siberia

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Pelmeni: Siberia’s version of dumplings is filled with meat and served with sour cream.

  2. Stroganina: This dish is made with frozen raw fish shaved thinly and served with herbs and salt.

  3. Kvas: A non-alcoholic drink made with bread, yeast, and sugar.

Local Beverages

  1. Vodka: As in most parts of Russia, vodka is the favorite beverage in Siberia.

  2. Sbiten: A hot, honey-based drink infused with herbs, spices, and fruit that will warm you up on cold Siberian nights.

Where to Stay in Siberia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Altai Mountains: Altai Republic in northern Siberia hosts some of the best accommodations in the region.

  2. Lake Baikal: Irkutsk city located near Lake Baikal has some of the best hotels, including Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott, and Hilton Garden Inn.

  3. Novosibirsk: The city’s central district is home to luxury international hotel chains like Novotel and Double Tree by Hilton.

What to Buy in Siberia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Birch bark products: Birch bark boxes are a popular souvenir item in Siberia.

  2. Fur hats and clothing: You will find a wide range of fur hats, coats, and accessories, reflecting the region’s cold climate.

Local Culture and Customs of Siberia

The indigenous cultures in Siberia have a unique set of traditions and customs, heritage, and crafts, such as shamanism, throat singing, and many others. Please respect their culture and behave respectfully.

Best Time to Visit Siberia

The best time to visit Siberia is from May through September when the temperatures are comfortable, and there is plenty of daylight. However, the stunning fall foliage and the Aurora Borealis (Northern lights) make autumn and winter equally breathtaking seasons to visit.

Do’s and Don’ts of Siberia

Do:

  1. Respect the local culture and traditions.

  2. Dress warmly and in layers to stay comfortable in the cold Siberian weather.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t wander into the wilderness without proper guidance and safety measures.

  2. Don’t underestimate the harsh Siberian weather.

Safety and Health

Safety in Siberia

Siberia is a generally safe destination, but you should take some precautions. Avoid walking alone in dark and secluded areas, especially at night. Be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas.

Health in Siberia

The Siberian weather can be harsh, and it is essential to dress in warm layers to avoid getting caught in the cold. Dehydration can also be an issue in the winter due to the dry air, add moisturizing lotion and humidifiers to help manage this.

Getting to Siberia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Siberia

  1. Krasnoyarsk Airport (KJA): Serves the region of Krasnoyarsk and is approximately 600 kilometers from Novosibirsk.

  2. Barnaul Airport (BAX): Serves the regions of Altai and is approximately 200 kilometers from Novosibirsk.

Bus Stations Near Siberia

There are several bus terminals in Siberia, and the most popular ones are located in Novosibirsk and Irkutsk.

Other Options

The Trans-Siberian Railway is the most popular and easiest way to travel to Siberia.

How to Get Around in Siberia

Hiring a car with a driver is the easiest and most comfortable way to travel around Siberia. Other options include domestic flights, taxis, buses, and trains.

Where to Go Next from Siberia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Kamchatka: Known for its stunning volcanic landscapes and hot springs, Kamchatka is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

  2. Mongolia: Cross the border to explore this fascinating country and experience the unique nomadic way of life.

Conclusion

Siberia remains a largely undiscovered destination waiting to be explored. This guide should inspire you to pack your bags and head out for an unforgettable adventure in one of the most captivating regions globally. Remember to pack warm clothing and travel with an open mind to experience Siberia’s unique culture and traditions.

Lake Kutserla in the Altai Republic Lake Kutserla in the Altai Republic Krasnoyarsk station, near the midpoint of the Trans-Siberian Railway Krasnoyarsk station, near the midpoint of the Trans-Siberian Railway Cold ostriches in Siberia Cold ostriches in Siberia Despite its reputation, Siberia is not just about cold snow! Despite its reputation, Siberia is not just about cold snow!


    Eastern Siberia
    Krasnoyarsk Krai
    Western Siberia