Best Train Journeys Around the World in Irkutsk, Russia

Irkutsk, Russia, Irkutsk, Activity-Based Travel Pages, Best Train Journeys Around the World

Best Train Journeys Around the World in Irkutsk, Russia

1. Trans-Siberian Railway

The longest railway in the world, traveling from Moscow to Vladivostok. Experience stunning landscapes, including Lake Baikal.
  • Length: Covers a total distance of 9,289 kilometers
  • Durability: Operates year-round and connects eight time zones
  • Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of Siberia and the Ural Mountains

2. Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM)

An alternative to the Trans-Siberian Railway, offering a more remote and challenging journey through Siberia.
  • Rugged Terrain: Traverses some of the most inhospitable regions of Siberia
  • Isolation: A less-traveled route that provides a unique wilderness experience
  • Engineering Marvel: Features impressive bridges and tunnels over difficult terrain

3. Circum Baikal Railway

A circular route around Lake Baikal, offering spectacular views of the lake and its surroundings.
  • Lake Baikal: Offers stunning views of the deepest freshwater lake in the world
  • Wildlife Observation: Provides opportunities to spot rare animals like the Siberian Crane and Nerpa Seal
  • Historical Significance: Built during the Soviet era as a strategic transportation route

4. Manzha Railway

A scenic train ride through the taiga forests of Eastern Siberia, featuring views of the Manzha River.
  • Taiga Forests: Offers a chance to explore the vast Siberian forest wilderness
  • River Valley Views: Provides breathtaking vistas of the Manzha River and its surrounding landscapes
  • Siberian Wildlife: Allows visitors to observe local wildlife like bears, wolves, and elk

5. Sheregesh-Listvyanka Railway

A narrow-gauge train ride from Sheregesh to Listvyanka on the shores of Lake Baikal.
  • Lake Baikal Access: Directly connects to the popular Lake Baikal resort town of Listvyanka
  • Scenic Beauty: Offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains
  • Cultural Experiences: Provides opportunities to learn about Baikal's indigenous cultures

6. Khakassia Express

A train journey through the heart of Khakassia, showcasing its stunning landscapes and cultural heritage.
  • Cultural Diversity: Highlights the rich cultural history of the indigenous Khakass people
  • Natural Beauty: Travels through lush forests, dramatic canyons, and serene lakes
  • Off-the-Beaten-Path: Provides a unique glimpse into an often overlooked region of Siberia

7. Tunka Valley Railway

A scenic train ride through the Tunka River valley, offering views of the picturesque Stony Tier mountains.
  • Stony Tier Mountains: Provides stunning vistas of this unique geological formation
  • Natural Wonders: Travels past natural attractions like the Bureya Falls and the Krasnoyarsk Hydroelectric Station
  • Remote Siberia: Offers a glimpse into the remote and rugged beauty of Eastern Siberia

8. Baikal-Amur-Magistral (BAM) Coastal Railway

A scenic train journey along the coast of Lake Baikal, showcasing its stunning beauty and unique ecosystem.
  • Lake Baikal Coastline: Offers breathtaking views of Lake Baikal's rugged coast
  • Wildlife Observation: Provides opportunities to spot rare animals like the Nerpa Seal and Siberian Crane
  • Historical Significance: Built as a strategic transportation route during the Soviet era

9. Slyudyanka-Nizhneangarsk Railway

A train journey from Slyudyanka to Nizhneangarsk, showcasing the dramatic landscapes of the Angara River.
  • Angara River Gorge: Travels through a breathtaking gorge carved by the mighty Angara River
  • Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and forests
  • Historical Significance: Connects the Angara Hydroelectric Station to other parts of the region

10. Ust-Ilimsk-Krasnoyarsk Railway

A train journey from Ust-Ilimsk to Krasnoyarsk, showcasing the dramatic landscapes of the Yenisei River.
  • Yenisei River Gorge: Travels through a breathtaking gorge carved by the mighty Yenisei River
  • Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and forests
  • Historical Significance: Connects the Yenisei Hydroelectric Station to other parts of the region

11. Kotui Railway

A scenic train ride from Kotui to Sretensk, showcasing the stunning landscapes of the Lena River.
  • Lena River Valley: Offers breathtaking vistas of the Lena River and its surrounding landscapes
  • Scenic Beauty: Features stunning views of the Yakutian taiga forests and mountains
  • Cultural Experiences: Provides opportunities to learn about the indigenous peoples of Yakutia

12. Tomtor-Olekminsk Railway

A scenic train ride from Tomtor to Olekminsk, showcasing the unique landscapes of the Arctic Circle.
  • Arctic Circle Landscapes: Offers a glimpse into the stark beauty of the Arctic tundra
  • Polar Wildlife Observation: Provides opportunities to spot rare animals like polar bears and reindeer
  • Cultural Experiences: Offers a glimpse into the unique culture of the indigenous Nenets people

13. Verkhneudinsk-Ust-Kut Railway

A scenic train ride from Verkhneudinsk to Ust-Kut, showcasing the stunning landscapes of the Selenga River.
  • Selenga River Valley: Offers breathtaking vistas of the Selenga River and its surrounding landscapes
  • Scenic Beauty: Features stunning views of the Buryat taiga forests and mountains
  • Cultural Experiences: Provides opportunities to learn about the indigenous Buryat culture

14. Sibirtsevo-Khilok Railway

A scenic train ride from Sibirtsevo to Khilok, showcasing the unique landscapes of the Zeya River.
  • Zeya River Valley: Offers breathtaking vistas of the Zeya River and its surrounding landscapes
  • Scenic Beauty: Features stunning views of the Amur taiga forests and mountains
  • Cultural Experiences: Provides opportunities to learn about the indigenous Evenki culture

15. Komsomolsk-na-Amure-Tynda Railway

A scenic train ride from Komsomolsk-on-Amur to Tynda, showcasing the unique landscapes of the Amur River.
  • Amur River Valley: Offers breathtaking vistas of the Amur River and its surrounding landscapes
  • Scenic Beauty: Features stunning views of the Primorsky taiga forests and mountains
  • Cultural Experiences: Provides opportunities to learn about the indigenous Nanai culture