Best Train Journeys Around the World in Novokuznetsk, Kemerovskaya Oblast’, Russia
1. Trans-Siberian Railway
Iconic train journey from Moscow to Vladivostok, passing through Novokuznetsk. Offers a glimpse into Russia's diverse landscapes and cultures.
- Length: The longest railway in the world, spanning over 9,289 kilometers.
- Cultural Experience: Opportunity to interact with different ethnic groups along the route.
- Natural Wonders: Passes through Siberia's stunning Taiga forests and Lake Baikal, the world's deepest freshwater lake.
2. Novosibirsk-Taishet Route
A scenic branch of the Trans-Siberian Railway showcasing Siberia's rugged landscapes and quaint villages.
- Off-the-beaten-path: Less touristy route offering a unique perspective of Siberian life.
- Natural Beauty: Passes through the picturesque Altai Mountains and the mighty Ob River.
- Historical Significance: Connects Novokuznetsk to Siberia's largest city, Novosibirsk, home to the world-renowned Akademgorodok scientific center.
3. Kolyma Express
An adventure through the remote and beautiful Kolyma region of Far East Russia, offering a glimpse into the area's gold rush history.
- Extreme Scenery: Travels through the dramatic landscapes of the Kolyma Peninsula, including the rugged cliffs of Cape Dezhnev.
- Gulag History: Passes through sites associated with the infamous Soviet forced labor camps of the Gulag system.
- Wildlife Spotting: Chance to see rare wildlife such as brown bears and reindeer in their natural habitats.
4. Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM)
A remote railway line built for strategic purposes during the Cold War, now offering an unparalleled journey through Siberia's wilderness.
- Isolation: Travels through some of the most remote and sparsely populated areas of Russia.
- Engineering Marvel: Features impressive bridges, tunnels, and viaducts constructed in challenging terrain.
- Natural Wonders: Crosses the magnificent Lake Baikal, the world's deepest freshwater lake.
5. Circum-Baikal Railway
A scenic train ride around Lake Baikal, showcasing the stunning beauty of Siberia's largest lake and its surrounding landscapes.
- Unspoiled Nature: Travels through pristine forests and remote villages untouched by modern development.
- Lake Baikal: Offers stunning views of Lake Baikal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Cultural Exchange: Opportunity to interact with Buryat and Evenki communities along the route.
6. Manzhouli-Suifenhe Railway
A border crossing train ride between Russia and China, offering a fascinating glimpse into two distinct cultures.
- Cultural Exchange: Opportunity to witness the unique blend of Russian and Chinese cultures.
- Historical Significance: Travels through key locations associated with the Manchurian Railway during the Russo-Japanese War.
- Scenic Beauty: Passes through the beautiful Greater Hinggan Mountains on the China-Russia border.
7. Trans-Mongolian Railway
An epic train journey from Moscow to Beijing, passing through Russia, Mongolia, and China.
- Cultural Exchange: Opportunity to experience the rich cultures of three distinct countries.
- Natural Wonders: Passes through Siberia's taiga forests, Mongolia's Gobi Desert, and the Great Wall of China.
- Historical Significance: Travels through key historical sites such as Terelj National Park in Mongolia.
8. Almaty-Bishkek Railway
A scenic train ride between the cities of Almaty, Kazakhstan, and Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, offering breathtaking views of the Tian Shan Mountains.
- Scenic Beauty: Passes through the stunning Tian Shan Mountains and the picturesque Boom Gorge.
- Cultural Exchange: Opportunity to experience the unique blend of Kazakh and Kyrgyz cultures.
- Historical Significance: Travels through key historical sites such as the ancient city of Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan.
9. Trans-Iranian Railway
A train journey across Iran, connecting Tehran to Mashhad and the historic city of Isfahan.
- Cultural Exchange: Opportunity to immerse oneself in Persian culture and history.
- Historical Significance: Travels through key historical sites such as Persepolis, the ancient capital of the Persian Empire.
- Scenic Beauty: Passes through the dramatic Zagros Mountains and the vast Dasht-e Kavir Desert.
10. Trans-India Railway
A train journey across India, connecting New Delhi to Kolkata, passing through diverse landscapes and cultures.
- Cultural Exchange: Opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich tapestry of Indian culture and traditions.
- Historical Significance: Travels through key historical sites such as the Taj Mahal in Agra.
- Scenic Beauty: Passes through the scenic landscapes of the Himalayan foothills, the Ganges Plains, and the Thar Desert.
11. Trans-Canada Railway
A train journey across Canada, connecting Vancouver to Halifax, showcasing the vastness and diversity of Canada's landscapes.
- Scenic Beauty: Passes through the Rocky Mountains, the Canadian Shield, and the Atlantic Coast.
- Cultural Exchange: Opportunity to immerse oneself in the diverse cultures of Canada's provinces and territories.
- Historical Significance: Travels through key historical sites such as Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies.
12. Trans-European Railway (Berlin-Moscow)
A train journey between Berlin and Moscow, showcasing the diversity of Europe's cultures and landscapes.
- Cultural Exchange: Opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich tapestry of European culture and history.
- Historical Significance: Travels through key historical sites such as Warsaw, Berlin, and Moscow.
- Scenic Beauty: Passes through the scenic landscapes of the Baltic Coast, Poland's Białowieża Forest, and the vast Russian plains.
13. Trans-USA Railway (Los Angeles-New York)
A train journey across the United States, connecting Los Angeles to New York City, showcasing the diversity of America's landscapes and cultures.
- Cultural Exchange: Opportunity to immerse oneself in the diverse cultures of the United States.
- Historical Significance: Travels through key historical sites such as the Grand Canyon, Route 66, and Niagara Falls.
- Scenic Beauty: Passes through the breathtaking landscapes of the Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains, and the Appalachian Mountains.
14. Trans-Australia Railway
A train journey across Australia, connecting Darwin to Adelaide, showcasing the diversity of Australia's landscapes and cultures.
- Scenic Beauty: Passes through the stunning landscapes of the Outback, the Kimberley region, and the Flinders Ranges.
- Cultural Exchange: Opportunity to immerse oneself in the diverse cultures of Australia's Aboriginal communities.
- Historical Significance: Travels through key historical sites such as Alice Springs and the old Ghan Railway townships.
15. Trans-Amazon Railway (Planned)
A planned train journey across South America, connecting Brazil's Atlantic coast with Peru's Pacific coast, showcasing the vastness and diversity of the Amazon Basin.
- Scenic Beauty: Passes through the breathtaking landscapes of the Amazon Rainforest.
- Cultural Exchange: Opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich cultures of indigenous South American communities.
- Historical Significance: Connects two of South America's most populous countries, Brazil and Peru.