Siberia and the Russian Far East
Photo credit: Vladimir Kvashnin
Where Steppe Culture Meets Tundra and Taiga
To outsiders, Siberia is likely to conjure up visions of vastness and isolation. Those may not sound like the most desirable characteristics for a travel destination, but they’re key to what makes this region such a fascinating place to explore. The sheer size of the taiga (the subarctic forest) is awe-inspiring, especially when seen from a seat on the legendary Trans-Siberian Railroad. Pristine, luminous Lake Baikal, the deepest and oldest freshwater lake in the world, has developed its own unique species of marine life, from tiny transparent fish to chubby seals. The varied cultures that have influenced the region – Mongolian and Buryat, Russian imperialist and Soviet, Orthodox and Buddhist – have resulted in a wide range of cities, towns, and villages that are wonders to discover. And the people delight in sharing their centuries-old traditions, from shaman ceremonies to folksongs of the Old Believers.
Why travel to Siberia and the Russian Far East with MIR
For three decades MIR has delighted in revealing to travellers the vast pleasures of Siberia and the Russian Far East. Our locally based tour managers and guides are essential to having a great experience here. They know the land and the people, and they’re masters at creating itineraries that show off the region at its best.
- Travel programs from Princeton and the Harvard Museum of Natural History have chosen MIR to guide them to Russia
- On-the-ground support, including MIR affiliate offices in Irkutsk and Ulan Ude
- Personalised travel planning from start to finish
- Guides and tour managers that clients rave about
- Quality you can trust