Cross Russia by rail : Kathika Travel Website

By Amanda Kendle

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Ever dreamed of spending a week or two on a train, traversing Russia? This dream vacation is a lot easier to organize these days, and there are plenty of different options open to you. Here are some things to consider when planning your Trans-Siberian crossing:

Which direction? West to east is the most popular with tourists. If you want a more local experience, try east to west.
Trans-Siberian or Trans-Mongolian? Despite the name “Trans-Siberian” being more commonly used, most travelers actually use the “Trans-Mongolian.” In the middle of Siberia, near Lake Baikal, the train heads south through Mongolia to China. The true Trans-Siberian keeps heading east to Vladivostok.
Guided or independent? Many travelers opt for a guided tour rather than struggling with learning a bit of Russian. If you travel independently you’re more likely to end up lost somewhere along the way – although that’s half the fun!
Stopovers or all-the-way? The full journey across Russia takes seven days of non-stop train travel. Most people take stopovers in various cities and places such as Lake Baikal. Of course, then the big decision is which stops to make.
Hotels or homestays? It’s popular to stay with Russian families along the Trans-Siberian route, and it’s usually more cost-effective than a hotel, plus you get to know some of the local ways.

(Photo via flickr cc)