Journey planning guide
Classic Style uses local trains and is for the traveller who is independent minded, these trips are flexible and subject to route and timings we can tailor make them for you. We like to say “help where you need it ” off the train, not where you don`t” on the train! Our people on the ground are truly what sets us apart when your off the train with their expertise and kindness. There is no question the Trans-Siberian is as much about where you stop, as your time on board and we can make these breaks as active or sedate as you like!
★ You need to decide where you would like to commence: St.Petersburg, Moscow, Vladivostok or Beijing?
★ How much time you have between the start and end of the journey, as once this is booked its fixed
★ Stops along the way that interest you? Unsure? Our advice… don’t miss Siberia or Mongolia.
★ Activities when off the train for example trekking or visiting Nomads?
★ Time of the year you would like to travel? Maybe its the Naadam Festival? or what about the Harbin Ice Festival?
Climate and what to expect?
LOW SEASON
November-April. Russia: Great time for winter excursions in Ekaterinburg and Irkutsk. Mongolia: Not all Ger Camps open. China: Cold and mainly and dry. Chinese New Year peak time for travel.MID SEASON
May, September, October. Russia: Spring and Autumn can be great, weather changeable, can be cold. Mongolia: Most Ger Camps open Mid May-Mid September. China: Fair weather.HIGH SEASON
June, July, August. Russia: Warm and dry June to early September. Mongolia: Warm June to August; with some rain during July and August. Naadam Festival is the busiest time of the year in Mongolia. China: Warm, but frequent rainstorms July-August.
Layout of your wagon
4-berth compartments have two upper and two lower berths, and luggage-stowage below the lower berths, and in the large overhead bays. There are reading lights and a table.
2-berth compartments are exactly the same, minus the two upper berths.
There are two WC’s at either end of the wagon, where you will find a WC and a hand-basin with cold water, and usually warm water too.
The Samovar provides a constant supply of free boiling water for making tea, coffee, instant soup, or even pot-noodles.
Berths are full-length with a sprung base. On top of the base is a mattress-pad. There is a large pillow and a blanket. You hire a sealed fresh-laundry pack which includes two sheets (or sometimes a sheet and a duvet-cover – inside which you put the blanket) a pillowcase, a facecloth and a hand-towel. (cost approx $5 per day). There’s a reading light with an individual switch.
There are no electric sockets in compartments. There is one mid-wagon in the corridor which is really for the hoover when they clean – you can try standing there if you want, they don’t usually mind. You can also ask them to do it for you in the Service Wagon (see above) – they have a little room where you can leave it under lock and key, and collect it (for a small fee) once charged. (“Vee MO-zhete zaRYAdit’ etot, pa-ZHALsta?”)
The two lower berths lift-up and there is space for two large suitcases under each one. There is an even larger luggage-bay at ceiling level with enough space for 4-5 large suitcases. Your berth has a small fold-out shelf big enough for small handbags, and some hooks to hang things on. There are hooks for large coats etc too.
