Trans-siberian visit

[paul m]

When retired we plan to take the trans-Siberian route to the far east (even I wouldn't spend a fortnight (each way) travelling for a two-week holiday! ). Has anyone been on the trains?

There are three major destinations - Beijing, Vladivostok and Tokyo - any suggestions as to which would be best for wildlife interest?

[Guy F]

I've seen this before and thought it looked interesting, it would be great seeing how different the wildlife and surroundings are along the way as it's such a huge distance. At a guess, the further you travel the more exotic the wildlife will be, China and Japan have some fantastic birds and other wildlife (not that I've ever been )
Guy

[paul m]

Originally Posted by Guy F

I've seen this before and thought it looked interesting, it would be great seeing how different the wildlife and surroundings are along the way as it's such a huge distance. At a guess, the further you travel the more exotic the wildlife will be, China and Japan have some fantastic birds and other wildlife (not that I've ever been )
Guy

Oh, yes, one of the reasons I like travelling by train across Europe is because you see the changes in terrain and environment - you feel the difference as nature changes! I'm not too sure if one will feel the same difference going east-west (or, indeed, west-east) across Siberia ... big decision is what book(s) to take with you for a seven-day train journey! 'War and Peace' must be amongst them ...

No hurry to decide but I'm edging to Japan - get a boat ride to add on to the train journey! Or perhaps make it a 12-month trip and "do" the whole lot?

[paul m]

Also, one needs to take account of the time of year - snow-covered forest might be interesting for a day but hardly a week, or more! This also, I presume, is a problem for Siberia in general - everything just 'rests' for several months in winter. So that makes the only decision ( ) Spring (when everything is emerging), Summer (when everything at peak activity) or Autumn (anything special?) ....

I suppose there must be other 'great' train journeys on other continents. Must ask although I don't fancy travelling through African war zones at present ...

Originally Posted by paul m

Oh, yes, one of the reasons I like travelling by train across Europe is because you see the changes in terrain and environment - you feel the difference as nature changes! I'm not too sure if one will feel the same difference going east-west (or, indeed, west-east) across Siberia ... big decision is what book(s) to take with you for a seven-day train journey! 'War and Peace' must be amongst them ...

No hurry to decide but I'm edging to Japan - get a boat ride to add on to the train journey! Or perhaps make it a 12-month trip and "do" the whole lot?

[Guy F]

Originally Posted by paul m

big decision is what book(s) to take with you for a seven-day train journey! 'War and Peace' must be amongst them ...

The new Collins Passerines of the Palearctic might be useful
Guy

[paul m]

This looks like a pretty impressive place to visit - if it recovers:

World Wildlife Fund: Russian geysers reappearing after landslide - International Herald Tribune

[JoanB]

Originally Posted by paul m

When retired we plan to take the trans-Siberian route to the far east (even I wouldn't spend a fortnight (each way) travelling for a two-week holiday! ). Has anyone been on the trains?

There are three major destinations - Beijing, Vladivostok and Tokyo - any suggestions as to which would be best for wildlife interest?

Some options here:
TRANS-SIBERIAN: The Russia Experience - Off The Rails

[adaliancruz]

Originally Posted by paul m

Oh, yes, one of the reasons I like travelling by train across Europe is because you see the changes in terrain and environment - you feel the difference as nature changes! I'm not too sure if one will feel the same difference going east-west (or, indeed, west-east) across Siberia ... big decision is what book(s) to take with you for a seven-day train journey! 'War and Peace' must be amongst them ...

Have you tour the entire places of Europe? the london vacation places interest mostly by the tourists..

[paul m]

Having spent a third of my life in London, I could certainly suggest some good places to go in greater London. Indeed, I may do it .... but I'd do it on the Europe thread rather than the Asia one ... and I'd be concentrating on wildlife or other environmental matters ....

Originally Posted by adaliancruz

Have you tour the entire places of Europe? the london vacation places interest mostly by the tourists..