Has anyone been to Siberia. Have just read Colin Thubron's excellent book and now have the urge to experience such a vast fascinating country

Meg, at an 'Adventure Travel Fair' in London a few years ago I picked up a brochure on tours to Siberia - it is beautifully produced and really makes me want to go there too!<BR>The website of the company is: www.siberiaparadise.com<BR>E-mail: [email protected]<BR>Just one thing, I haven't actually used this company, and my husband (who has travelled extensively in Russia) suggests that you do a lot of background research and follow up references before you put yourself into the hands of a Russian tour operator! (assuming, that is, that they are Russian...)

I've been to Irkutsk and Ulan-Ude (the Baikal region) last year, and it is a very special place, both culturally and spiritually (the center of Budhism in Russia is outside of Ulan-Ude, and Lake Baikal is like a cross between the Grand Canyon and the Galopogos Islands. Siberia is quite diverse, from the music and science of Novosibbirsk to the frozen far north. If you are going to Moscow it is an easy flight out to Irkutsk, and you can spend an enjoyable week exploring the region as I did.<BR><BR>I also read Thubron's book and thought highly of it. He described well the freedom that early settlers felt in the region, as well as the prison-like setting that some experienced. Remember that Russians held Alaska as well untill the 1860's, so Siberia was to Russia much like the West was to America. Unfortunately the last 10 years have not been kind to most of the territory in economic terms, but there are some bright spots--one American opened up several restaurants in Novossibrsk, as well as the only Victoria's Secret outlet in Russia!<BR><BR>I also concur with Meg's recommendation regarding caution in dealing with Russian agencies.

Hi Meg,<BR><BR>I lived in Irkutsk for 2 years, and also visited the Russian far East. It is a beatiful area, especially Lake Baikal. <BR><BR>I would certainly recommend travelling there, but find a good, reputable tour/travel agency. When I was there (in 92/93) facilities for tourists exsisted, but were pretty basic. It might also be very frustrating to make travel arrangements if you don't speak Russian, but things may have changed in the last few years.<BR><BR>Summer is definitely the time to go--it's lovely and hot. Spring (the last snow fell in May when I was there) is muddy and cold.<BR><BR>Cheers.

thanks to all for most helpful comments