MAIN STYLES OF TRANS-SIBERIAN ACCOMMODATION USED
Hotels in the Cities
We aim to combine location with both character and value which can be a challenge in Russian cities where hotels are often very expensive even by European standards. This is much less of a issue in China where there is a good range of modern western style, boutique and traditional style hotels.
In the mega cities of Moscow and Beijing hotel location is very important if you want to get the most out of your trip as your are unlikely to have as much time as you need to see even the main sights. Consequently we put particular emphasis on location in the larger cities.
Siberian Guesthouses
A particular highlight around Lake Baikal where our tours will usually get you out into the beautiful villages along the lake shore most of which have limited or no conventional hotel accommodation.
The home stays and guesthouses are often in traditional, wooden Siberian style cottages and are warm and cosy. Toilet facilities are usually in separate out-buildings as is the tradition and there is of course the essential sauna (known as a “banya” in Russian) experience for washing. To top it off you will have plenty of traditional home cooked food.
Clients often feel this is one of the highlights of the trip but if you feel you would prefer a bit more comfort and convenience please just ask as we can usually find an option for you.
Mongolian Ger Camps
A real highlight of a Trans-Siberian tour is the chance to stay in traditional Mongolian Gers which also happen to be about the only accommodation option outside of Ulaanbaatar. The ger camps are set up for tourists and are comfortable with a standard ger having 4 beds set around a central stove. Toilets and showers are in out buildings as is the tradition. Gers are superbly practical – cool in the summer and toasty warm in the winter and there are few better Trans-Sib experiences than having the steppe literally on your door step!
LEARN MORE ABOUT GERSChinese Courtyard Hotels
China has an increasing number of beautiful traditional style hotels in the 3 to 4* bracket and these are well worth considering for the start or end of your Trans-Mongolian trip particularly during the April to October season when Beijing is nice and warm and you can take advantage of being able to sit out in a quiet courtyard.
Courtyard hotels come in a range of budgets and comfort levels from expensive boutique style options with only a handful of rooms to more budget and basic affairs. There are plenty of more mid-range options though so something for everyone.
CONTINUE TO EXPLORE THIS SECTION FROM THE OPTIONS BELOW
Planning Route Options
Map of the Trans-Siberian railway showing the major stops and popular places to visit as well as the Trans-Mongolian and Trans-Manchurian routes.
Planning Where To Stop
The Trans-Siberian Travel Company's selection of the best places to visit in Russia, Mongolia and China for your trip of a lifetime.
Planning When To Go
The best months of the year to take a Trans-Siberian rail tour - and when not to! Do you prefer the idea of a summer trip, a winter trip or fall colours of autumn?
Planning The Trains
A guide to the main trains used in our The Trans-Siberian Travel Company's tours, differences between first and second train classes and life on board.
Planning Experiences
The staff of The Trans-Siberian Travel Company came up with this list of the best experiences on offer though Russia, Mongolia and China.
Planning Accommodation
From modern to soviet hotels, Mongolian Gers, Siberian Home Stays to traditional style Chinese courtyards, the right hotel selection can make your trip!
Planning Money To Take
What currency to take on a Trans-Siberian tour - Russian Roubles? Mongolian Tugrik? Chinese Yuan RMB? US Dollars? Euros? Find the answers here.
Planning Visa Requirements
Most nationalities will need a visa for their Trans-Siberian trip - find out more information about Russian, Mongolian and Chinese visas here.
Planning Vaccinations
Vaccination and inoculations needed or recommended for a Trans-Siberian trip visiting Russia, Mongolia and China. Updated for Covid-19.
Planning FAQs
Our guide to the most frequently asked questions when planning your rail tour and holiday along the Trans-Siberian routes.
Planning Top Tips
Top Tips for a Trans-Siberian railway adventure based on experiences both good and bad from the trips we have done with specific lists for Mongolia and China.
Planning Reading List
The Trans-Siberian Travel Company's suggestions for a good read as you travel along the greatest railway in the world including reading lists for China, Russia and Mongolia.
