
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