"Trans-Siberian takes you through Irkutskaya Oblast" Irkutskaya Oblast' by eric_ives

Irkutskaya Oblast' Travel Guide: 255 reviews and 564 photos

Near Usolje-Sibirskoje - Irkutskaya Oblast'

The most scenic part of the trip

In mid-July of 1992 I took the Trans-Siberian railroad from Beijing to Moscow. The most scenic part of the trip is around Lake Baikal in the Burjatija and the Irkutskaya Oblast. Here you can see cute Siberian villages.

Best place to take some time off the train

Near Ceremchovo

If you can arrange to get off the Trans-Siberian and poke around Irkutsk, Lake Baikal, and some of the surrounding towns, try to do so.

The Trans-Siberian can be boring.

Trans-Siberian View near Zima

There are long stretches of time on the Trans-Siberian train when you look out the window and all you see are the same three or four species of trees and grasses flashing past in a blur of greens.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Uncrowded. Nature. Lake Baikal. Friendly People.
Cons:Remote. Primitive. Cold. Alcoholism.
In a nutshell:Sort of like Alaska and the Yukon

Last visit to Irkutskaya Oblast': Jul 1992
Intro Written Jan 6, 2004
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Reviews (1)

Sasha the Irkutsk D.J. with friend. - Irkutskaya Oblast'

People in Irkutsk are friendlier than in... Nightlife (1)

Be sure to meet some local people and go out with them for your evenings. The people in this part of Russia don't get so... more travel advice

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Comments (2)

matcrazy1 Jan 13, 2007 at 12:10 AM Report Abuse

A very good tip! More interesting Russia starts east of Ural Mountains.
suvaa003 Feb 28, 2004 at 2:01 AM Report Abuse

great start and yes the poeple there are so much nicer then in the west