Chita | Transbaikalia

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◄◄◄ Buryatia

Preview

Chita is a large city in Eastern Siberia, Russia. Administrative, cultural and industrial center of Transbaikalia.

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Sights of Transbaikalia

Alexander Nevsky Chapel

Great Prince Alexander Nevsky is one of the greatest heroes of Russian history and is considered the Saint patron of the Russian land. The Prince got his nickname "Nevsky" after the victory over the Swedes in the battle, which occurred on the banks of the river Neva 15 July 1240, which gave Russia the opportunity to preserve the lands on the shores of the Gulf of Finland. It is very symbolic that in honor of canonized Grand Prince, were built churches, chapels and other architectural structures. Siberia has distinguished twice. In addition to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral that located in Novosibirsk, there is also a chapel named after the Great Russian commander in Chita. It is located on a hill Titovskaya. Truly amazing is the fact that the chapel was built in record time: from the moment of laying the first stone and till the first worship have passed just two months. Icon Alexander Nevsky has been specially written for the church by artists of Chita. In addition, before the revolution in Chita was the cathedral, which was consecrated in honor of the prince.

The place of location of the chapel was not chosen randomly. Scientists do not exclude the fact that Alexander Nevsky visited Transbaikalia, when he went to the Khan's capital Karakorum and stayed at this place. Although this hypothesis is based only on oral tradition, there is no reason to doubt in this information. Moreover, the people say that Titovskaya Sopka is the land that God blessed. This fact is related with one more event. Tsarevich Nicholai Alexandrovich - the heir to the Russian throne visited Chita in 1891. Also during his travels in Transbaikalia he visited Titovskaya Sopka. Therefore, the Chapel of Alexander Nevsky is a tribute in memory not only to the intercessor of the Russian land - Alexander Nevsky, but also murdered last tsar of the Russian Empire, who made a great contribution to the construction of Orthodox churches in Siberia.

Next to the small church on the Titovskaya Sopka is an observation deck from which you can admire the beautiful scenery of Transbaikalia. Chapel of Alexander Nevsky was consecrated in September 2001, in the Memorial Day Saint Grand Prince Alexander Nevsky. On the opening day of the chapel was held a religious procession through the city. Chapel is open for parishioners from dawn to dusk seven days a week.

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Chita Regional Drama Theatre

The Chita regional drama theater was founded in Samara as the Theatre of Working youth in the 20-ies of the XX century, and since 1939, it works in Chita. On his stage were staged performances of talented Directors, many of which subsequently exerted a considerable influence on theatrical art of Russia; and were played by the talented actors. The locals of transbaikalia, and now the stars of Russian theatre and cinema were brought up and acquired a love for this wonderful art on the performances of the theatre of Chita. The heyday of the theater in the 80-ies of the last century is associated with the names of the Directors of the Vakhtangov's direction. Since 1990, the chief Director of the theatre is honored artist of the Russian Federation N. A. Berezin, and who also tries to follow the well-known triad of Vakhtangov "time – author – group" when choosing the repertoire. "Business card" of the theatre of the last decade it is a samples of high romantic theatre, filled with the pathos of love, of memory, of the debt. The theatre participates in international and interregional festivals in Blagoveshchensk, Irkutsk, and Tomsk. The theatre repeatedly became the laureate and winner of national and international competitions and festivals, won the prize "Golden palm" of the International Association "Partnership for progress" (Paris).

Today the Chita regional drama theatre it is primarily a theatre based on the best samples of world drama: both classical and modern, and even experimental. In the repertory of theatre, along with Moliere, Gogol, Ostrovsky and Chekhov the best representatives of the modern domestic drama: A. Volodin, A. Vampilov, A. Gelman, G. Gorin. Repertoire of entertainment direction is not inferior in the choice of names and plays.

"Romance and truth, honor and dignity!" is the artistic credo of the theatre. By this determines not only the repertoire but also the means of its stage incarnation. The theatre seeks to understand today's time and help by its creativity person in the audience to keep the faith in goodness, justice and beauty.

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Chita Regional Art Museum

The Chita regional art Museum was opened in 1981. The Museum building was built by architect V. I. Kulesh. The total exhibition area is about one and a half thousand square meters. General Fund of the Museum consists of more than 6000 exhibits different types of art. The basis of the Fund amounted to works of art, transferred from the fifth zonal art exhibition "Soviet far East", which took place in Chita in the autumn of 1980.

In the Museum funds were formed several collections representing a significant artistic interest: "Painting of artists of Siberia and the Far East of the XX century", "the Art of Transbaikalian artists", "Russian engraving XVII–XX centuries, ancient Russian (Siberian icon), Russian art of XVIII - early XX centuries, "Soviet graphics" (A. Fonvizin, V. Milashevsky, Vladimir Goryaev, V. Volovich, V. Pinigin, Yu. Kruglov and others), a unique Assembly of people's "primitive" (A. Tyapkina, L. Ushakova, P. Toropov, T. Zolotukhina, and others). The main direction of activities and the main scientific theme of the Museum is the "Contemporary art of Siberia and the far East." Also was provided a special sub-section "Artists of Transbaikalia". These themes formed the basis of the permanent exhibition, which occupies the third floor of the building. Two other floors are used for temporary exhibitions from the collections of other museums, private collections, and artists ' studios.

The Museum also regularly hosts exhibitions of creative people, and meetings with talented artists; Old Russian (Siberian icon), Russian art of XVIII - early XX centuries, domestic art of XX century, collection of works of artists of Siberia and the Far East.

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Zabaykalskie Uzory Theatre of cultures

The history of the theatre "Zabaykalskie Uzory" (Zabaykalskie patterns) started in 1977 with the creation of a small Amateur ensemble, consisting of teachers of the Chita regional College of Culture. In those days, this team was one of the few who have studied the culture of the indigenous peoples of Transbaikalia and draw inspiration from popular works.

During the four decades of existence of theater have been prepared many creative programs: from folk to avant-garde and from the historical to the modernistic. Particularly popular with audiences are performances, based on the TransBaikal, Semeisky, Buryat, and Evenk folklore. One of the secrets of success of the theatre is a work exclusively with "live" sound that helps to create a very special energy in the audience and establish an emotional connection with each audience.

The Theater's mission is the development and strengthening of interethnic relations, formation of culture of interethnic relations, formation of culture of interethnic communication. Aesthetic, spiritual, Patriotic, moral education and development of all social and age groups of the population.

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Chita Museum of local lore

Transbaikal regional Museum of local lore is one of the oldest museums of Siberia and the Far East. More than a century the Museum is the largest center of spiritual life of the city and region. More than 190 thousand monuments of natural history, material and spiritual culture are concentrated in the Museum collection. Here contains unique collections of archaeology, Ethnography, describing the ancient culture of the inhabitants of the Baikal region, economic structure, religion and art of the indigenous and the Russian population. The Museum has a significant collection of documentary monuments, covering the period XVIII-XX centuries. Two-story stone building of the Museum built in 1914 by architect Utkin. The building is a unique monument of architecture of Federal significance.

The Museum contains the manuscripts of the Decembrists, and of well-known public figures of Transbaikalia in the second half of XIX-beg. XX centuries.The scientific interest are the collections of material and documentary monuments of the history of Soviet society and actual issues of our time. Numismatic items are presents a significant collection: art and commemorative medals, badges, awards, coins. Art collection is presented by paintings, porcelain, sculptures, and objects of decorative art.

The Museum of the Decembrists, located in the wooden building of the former Old-Chita Michael the Archangel Church, included to the structure of the Museum on the rights of Department. In this church were married Decembrists I. A. Annenkov, and P. Gebl, D. I. Zavalishin and A. S. Smolyaninova. The graves of Volkonskii's daughter and Zavalishin's wife are near the walls of the church.

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Shumovsky Palace

In 1913, the Association of gold miners of Shumov's brothers started the construction of its own Palace. Today is not precisely determined where the project of this building was created, but, according to urban legend, it was bought by one of Shumov at the world exhibition in Paris. The project attracted the attention of the merchant not only for its beauty, but also to those that received Grand-Prix of the exhibition. However, these data are not confirmed by historical facts and virtually nothing is known about the creation of this Palace. However, the emergence of such a story is not an accident: the Palace is deservedly considered one of the most beautiful buildings of Chita. Mysterious the architect has created a building project that would look appropriate in any European capital. Conceived by brothers Shumov as the place of location for the Public assembly, the palace has immediately become the center of urban life. In 1918 there was proclaimed Soviet power; during the Civil War there were placed the headquarters and hospital of Ataman Semyonov. In 1937 the palace was handed over to the National Security Service, which is placed there to this day.

The Palace is no less magnificent inside. The first thing visitors see is the entrance to the basement and one of the two wide front staircases. In all these ladders are four: two intended for residents and guests of the Palace, and two more are narrow, with frequent steps are for the servants. The Grand staircase that led from the first floor to residential apartments of Alexey Shumov, is decorated with lattice railings, on which are attached to forged metal bouquets of roses. Staircases are covered with stucco with floral patterns. Stucco decoration of walls and ceilings has been preserved in many offices of Security Service. It is possible to see how the power was changed, and with it the layout of the rooms. The ratio was varied too: in the Soviet era a stucco molding was mercilessly painted over, so in the days of the restoration of the Palace staff had to clean off the paint with small knives, to prevent damage of the stucco. During renovations in 1999 in one of the offices under a thick layer of plaster on the ceiling was discovered a genuine painting: ornament of stylized big flowers. In the Palace preserved a lot of rare things. These are variety of household items and furniture. In particular, there are two old safes, purchased by Shumov in the UK. And in one of the rooms still hangs a chandelier of Venetian masters.

Today Shumovsky Palace is one of the most interesting historical sights of Chita and is very popular among guests of the city.

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Kazansky cathedral

Cathedral of the Kazan icon of the Mother of God it is a new Church, consecrated in the name of the Kazan icon of the Mother of God. This is the main temple of the Chita and Transbaikalian diocese. This Cathedral is the second largest among recently built in Russia, and the largest Church in Siberia and the Far East. The Church was built on the Central station square in the city of Chita in the place of destroyed in 1936 old Cathedral, consecrated in honor of St. Prince Alexander Nevsky. The first stone in the construction of the temple was laid on 6 December 2001; 5 March 2002 a symbolic first brick was laid in the base of the walls. Completed construction was in 2004. In the base of the temple laid a part of relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh.

Kazan Cathedral is made in the Vladimir-Suzdal architectural style that was characteristic for the majority of churches of the epoch of blossoming of Orthodoxy in Russia during the XIV - XVI centuries. The temple is made in white and blue colors. The five-domed Kazan Cathedral in Chita is traditional for Russian architecture cross-domed church with steepled bell tower. Five high light reels end by large bulbous heads, why the Church has a view of "epic-hero". The Central dome symbolizes Christ, the other four: the four evangelists and also the Cross, the four sides of the world, that is, the entire Universe, the center of which is the Lord Himself. The massive walls of the Cathedral are belted on horizontal by decorative square niches. This sleek belt in-depth relief facilitates powerful heroic form of the Cathedral. Narrow high window openings are decorated with art zone.

Getting here

Adress: 6 Butin Street, Chita
GPS coordinates: N 52° 1' 47.7876" E 113° 29' 49.5816"

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The Decembrists Museum | The Michael the Archangel Church

In the oldest part of Chita is located the Michael the Archangel Church: unique monument of Russian architecture of the XVIII century. It is the only preserved on the territory of Eastern Siberia two-altar wooden Church, lit in the name of St. Nicholas and the Archangel Michael. The architectural appearance of the temple with minor modifications has survived to the present days. Blackened by time thick log walls of the Church remember a lot of things. Inhabitants of Chita have called it a Church of the Decembrists. Here was looking for spiritual consolation and prayed for their loved ones Decembrists and their wives. The graves of Volkonskii's daughter and Zavalishin's wife are near the walls of the church.

In 1985 in the Michael-Archangel Church was opened the Museum of the Decembrists. Documents, books, household items, personal items that presented in the Museum acquaint visitors with the stay of Decembrists on the penal servitude and settlement in Siberia. There are more than 870 items.

Today the Museum of Decembrists it is one of the most interesting historical sights of the city, that allows to look at the hard life of the exiled Decembrists by your own eyes and take a new view at the historical processes taking place in Russia.

Getting here

Adress: 3 Decembrists street, Chita
GPS coordinates: N 52° 2' 37.4208" E 113° 31' 2.154"

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Chita datsan

Datsan it is the first in Chita Buddhist temple that appeared in 2010. Building of a cult construction began in 2002 and lasted 8 years. In 2009, the statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, which has a height of two meters, figures of lions made of brass, and the sacrificial vessel-censer were delivered from Ulan-Ude. All this was intended to decorate the temple, and now used in ritual events. 15 Aug 2010 the temple was consecrated.

The main activity of the temple is the conducting of a services-khurals dedicated to the most important events of Buddhist history. Also in the datsan daily are run special rituals dedicated to the sahyusans: defenders and custodians of the teaching. Occasionally there are held rites of cleansing from negative forces. Datsan is also the Buddhist monastery-University for the Buryats.

In Tibetan the name of the datsan in Chita sounds as "Dam Braunling". If translate, it turns out: "the place where the rice of Buddha's teachings" was harvested.

Getting here

Adress: 72 Bogomyagkov street, Chita
GPS coordinates: N 52° 3' 13.1508" E 113° 30' 36.1116"

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Alkhanai national park

Alkhanai National Park it is a unique by its beauty edge. It harmoniously combines many functions: religious, environmental, medical and health, scientific and touristic. Alkhanay Mountain it is a Shrine of Buddhism, a sacred place of worship. The area of 138 thousand hectares around this mountain was declared a cultural monument in 1999 and taken under protection of the state. Alkhanai Mountain it is an extinct volcano, the scientific object of geological heritage. It is the highest point of the Mogoytuysky ridge that lies to the South-East of the city of Chita. On top of the mountain there are water-filled crater, the water of this crater is considered curative. In the surroundings there are many interesting rock formations, mineral springs flowing from cracks in the rocks.

Flora and fauna of the area are very diverse. Here you can meet larch, Siberian pine (a cedar), elfin cedar, juniper Siberian and birch. And also rare species: Altai onion, Astragalus membranaceus, Siberian barberry, and many other plants, some of which are listed in the Red book. As for the local fauna, it is also very rich; it is inhabited by deer, moose, Siberian roe deer, musk deer, sable, kolinsky (siberian weasel), lynx, ermine, brown bear, fox, wolf, and hare. On the territory of the Park Alkhanai is inhabited by the black stork, whooper swan, bean goose, beladonna, Golden eagle, bustard and other birds. Rivers and lakes are inhabited by 18 species of fish.

The individuality and charming beauty of the national park attracts many tourists every year. Here you can enjoy the therapeutic effect of the waters flowing from arshans. So in the Buryat language are called the springs, beating from under the ground. Camping on Alkhanai it is rest in a wooded area in the ravine between the spurs of Alhanai, here the cleanest mountain air, beautiful nature, healing mountain springs and Holy places. Hotel services and facilities in the summer: cozy cabins, cottages, yurts, also operate a variety of snack bars, postural, cafes, and shopping stalls. Also is functioning medical facility, where you can take a course of therapeutic massage. In the visiting information center operates a nature Museum and a souvenir shop. Here you can get various information about Alkhanai, and agree about guided tour.

Alkhanai attracts believers which commits religious ceremonies here and worships to the Holy place. They hope to find healing from diseases, get the right advice, to acquire spiritual perfection and peace of mind. But most tourists come here to just relax from the everyday urban bustle in the lap of the beautiful nature, to turn away from the gray everydayness and ordinariness, to accumulate the charge of energy and vigor for the future.

Getting here

Duldurga village, Transbaikalia
You can get to Alkhanai by car, moving on Aginsky tract towards А166

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Beklemishev lakes

In a few dozen kilometers to the north-west of Chita behind the Yablonovy ridge, lies a chain of large and very beautiful lakes. They extend in the latitudinal direction at 90 km. Places around the Beklemishevskie Lakes and the lakes themselves are exceptionally beautiful. Many tourists are travelling to this region just to enjoy the unforgettable nature of these places. Surrounded by wild taiga, located near Chita, lakes attract thousands of people for its beaches. In the local woods a lot of mushrooms and berries, there are black grouses, hazel grouses and wood-grouses. There are often encountered wild boar, roe deer, and moose. According to geologists, the age of the basin, in which Beklemishevskie Lakes was formed, is many millions of years. In those prehistoric times this place was one huge body of water that later broken up into a bunch of smaller parts, separated by the remains of rock washed from the ridges surrounding the basin. In addition to Arahley, these small parts are became lakes Shakshinskoe, Irgen and Ivan, Sirotinka and Tasey. The last three lakes are separated from the first by the small hill, serving as a natural watershed.

Arakhley Lake is the largest among the Beklemishevskie Lakes. Its area is about 60 square kilometers, and standing on the shore it is almost impossible to see where the opposite shore starts: it seems that the water reaches up to the mountains rising on the horizon. Only at the night when are beginning to illuminate the lights of surrounding the lake houses and bonfires of tourists, you can appreciate how big the Lake is and once again feel how beautiful it is. This "miniature sea" contains more than 600 million cubic meters of the purest water, which contains a large number of different minerals, including iodine. The other lakes are much smaller, but no less picturesque.

The lakes are very popular among fishing enthusiasts due to the huge number of them inhabiting fish species.

You can reach to Beklemishevskie lakes by daily buses, into detour across the passes: Chita - Arahley to Preobrazhenka village; Chita - Beklemishevo. In winter, from Chita to Arahley Lake are flying small passenger planes. Planes are landing right on the ice surface of the lake.

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Chara Sands

In Transbaikalia is located an unusual place that reminds a real desert. This is the Chara Sands, a place, the like of which you will not find. It's a real desert, in which red-hot sand adjoins with cold frazil. Sands are surrounded by mountains covered with snow all year round, and the Sands go into marshes and lakes. And northen larches grows in the oases instead of palm trees. A kind of desert in miniature is located in some 40 kilometres from the modern glaciers of Kodar, and stands out as bright yellow spot among snow-covered rocky ridges, dense larch taiga, numerous lakes and tussock bogs. Length of this sandy array is 10 km and width of 5 km. Height of individual dunes, forming a chain, is about 15-30 m. Chara sandy area on the background of the larch taiga is unique and fantastically picturesque place.

Upper Chara hollow is located between the ridges of Kodar and Udokan. The bottom of the hollow covers an area within altitudes of 700-900 m. Large sandy area formed in the Central part of the Verkhne-Charskaya hollow, on the left Bank of the Chara river valley. The relief is so expressive that it can become an illustration for sci-Fi stories about other planets. Everything is unusual here!

Despite the small area of sandy in the array, landforms distributed unevenly. So, in the Central, the highest part, is dominated by sand dunes and dune chains, interspersed with hollows and hilly Sands. In the outlying parts is dominated by smooth Sands. Especially impressive are the large barchan chains. The length of the barchans ranges from 150 to 700 meters! The whole chain stretches for 2.5 kilometers with a height of 15-30 meters. Moreover, in the Central part of the array there are ledge heights in 40-50 metres, coinciding with the large slope of barchans circuit. Southwestern sand dunes chain are gathering and their heights reach maximum values.

More interesting facts ►►►

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The three great rivers beginning

In fact, a Great source of geographical abstraction. This is a point on the map, where touch pools of two oceans: the Pacific and the Arctic; of three seas: Laptev, Karskoe and Okhotskoe, and three rivers: Lena, Yenisei and the Amur. Geographically this point is located on the Pallas Mountain in 25 kilometers from Chita.

Some call the Great source an eighth wonder of the world due to its geographical significance. Great Source of fresh water, as it called it is a small mountain of the Yablonovy ridge. The height of it is about thousand meters, on the top there is an abandoned communications tower. At the bottom - the beginning of the world's three largest rivers, basin of which in total occupies half of Russian territory. This place was discovered in the 70s of the 20th century, by local teacher of geography Timur Zhalsarayn. He wrote about his discovery in the newspaper, but they did not understand and therefore are not given value to the letter. Only later the significance of the discovery saw the colleagues of teacher from the geographical society. Until then unnamed and unremarkable mountain was named after the famous scientist of the 18th century, Peter Pallas, member of Academic expeditions in those edges. And also was assigned the status of a monument of nature to it, which preserved to this day. Nearby is located Peak of the Trans-Siberian: the highest point of the famous railway, a height of 1019 meters. Incidentally, he also lies on the line of the Great Watershed.

Great source serves as a place of religious pilgrimage, mystics are given to this place a special importance of a planetary scale. Once a year there is held an Orthodox cross procession to the Irgensky monastery, as well as the Asian festival of Russian songs. For the more mundane people the Great source it is the beautiful views on the extending down Beklemishevskie Lakes and "palaces” - the rocks of fantastic shapes, which somewhat similar to the Krasnoyarsk pillars (Stolby). There are lot of cloudberries, cranberries and blueberries. Mosquitoes and gnats are included. After rising to the top, you need to perform the traditional rite of the little mountains: find a tour (a pyramid from stones) and add a stone to it.

Getting here

25 kilometers on the west to Kadala village from Chita, and to the north on a dirt road 12 kilometers from there. But it just seems that go not far. In fact, the way up the mountain it is a challenge and an inexperienced person does not cope with it. To drive is possible only on the off-road car. You need to overcome two fords. To the watershed of Mount Pallas can only be reached on foot through the fallen trees through and the marsh! There is no straight road to the top.

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Shivanda

A pool of Shivanda River was formed close not far from Chita. Waters of Shivanda River have medicinal properties. There is a belief that after swimming in the river possible to cure diseases, against which there are no drugs, because they are incurable. About Shivanda River and places around it go quite a lot of mysterious legends that attracts tourists from around the world. They come and check all the healing properties of the waters of the Shivanda River on themselves. And legends are never formed from scratch.

Shivanda it is resort located in the southwestern part of the valley of same river in Transbaikalia. It is located in the beautiful mountains at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level and more than a hundred years attracts people who want to improve their health. For the first time the healing properties of mineral springs began to use in 1898. It was then first tourists are come to the village. Today, the possibilities of tourists are increased significantly. In addition to drinking pump-room, they can use the mineral, brine or carbon medicinal baths. The local medicinal water is recommended for the treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular system, digestive system and respiratory.

The river's name comes from the Evenk word "Shivun" - the sun.

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Transport

 

Kadala Airport

The airport of the city of Chita is the main airport of Trans-Baikal Territory.

The "Airport" hotel is 500 meters away from the terminal. Today, the hotel has 24 rooms of various categories (it is the 2nd floor of the five-storey building, all other rooms are reserved for the aircraft personnel). Besides that, every guest of the hotel can visit a billiards room or a barber shop on the ground floor of the building. The business lounge of the airport of Chita is on the first floor of the passenger terminal. The passengers are offered with: sofas and armchairs, satellite TV, Internet access, a small bar with snacks, soft drinks and liquors, a meeting/negotiations room for up to 10 persons (paid separately). The baby care room is on the ground floor of the terminal. The baby care room has separate facilities with beds and changing tables, a kitchen and a dining room, a library, a bathroom, a playroom (for kids aged 4 to 7 only), and a pediatrician's office. Before visiting the baby care room, it is necessary to obtain a health certificate in the airport medical center. All services in the baby care room are free of charge. Besides that, in Chita airport, you can relax in the waiting area, visit cafes and shops, contact the information service with any inquiries you may have, and visit the medical center in case you have symptoms of any disease.

When planning the time of departure from your hotel, please consider that the airport is almost 20 km from the city, and the traffic is usually very heavy. In order to catch the beginning of registration, you should leave your hotel not later than 3 hours prior the flight departure time.

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Railways

Travelling by train, you can get to such cities as Krasnoyarsk, Abakan, Tomsk, Kemerovo, Omsk, Tobolsk, Tumen, Barnaul, Irkutsk, Chita, Ulan-Ude and other. The Siberian rail system is also a part of the Transsiberian Railway. Taking the Transsib is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Russia and Siberia. Imagine travelling for a week, still being in the same country and seeing it all from the window of your train (still, we recommend to make some stops and spend a couple of days in some major cities along the way or see the wonderful nature of Siberia in Altai mountains or at Baikal lake).

Trains in Russia are divided into 5 categories depending on their comfort and fares: (1) the cheapest and the least comfortable are the seating carriages (they are mostly used for the interregional connections); (2) economy class (‘platskart’)is the most wide-spread category (and the cheapest among sleeping car options), although not very comfortable, as each block consists of 6 berths; (3) compartment cars are very comfortable sleeping cars with 4 berths per closed block; (4) premium is a very comfortable type of car, equipped with working areas, showers, etc.; (5) first-class sleeping cars are the most comfortable and the most expensive category with maximum of 2 berths per compartment. In every car, there is a steward, who at any time of the day is ready to offer a hot tea or coffee, snacks, newspapers, and board games. These can be included in your ticket price, or the extra payment may be required. Each train has a restaurant car that works 24 hours a day. You can also buy some food and drinks in the station shops in the large cities.

Train tickets can be bought at any railway station. Tickets for most routes can also be bought electronically on the web-site. At the boarding, you will only need to show your passport to the steward.

It is good to remember that in Russia, a train ride is a good reason for a new acquaintance and an interesting conversation; you should also be ready to be treated to a meal by your companions.

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Local railways

The Local railways can take you to any place within Novosibirsk region and also to Barnaul, Tomsk and Kemerovo. For more information please check the map above or contact us.

Tickets for the local trains can be purchased at the special counters in the train station buildings. You will need to pay extra attention to check if the train actually stops at the desired destination point.

A regular ticket entitles you to travel on any local (electric) train current direction except the high-speed (express). To ride the express train, you will need to buy a special ticket.

The ticket shall be kept until the end of the journey. It can be checked by inspectors along the way, and you will also need it to exit the station at the destination point.

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Bus Terminal

Buses in Siberia are a convenient way of transportation within the region or to the adjacent regions.

Bus tickets can be purchased at the bus station or in the special booking-offices. You can also buy an e-ticket on the website. To buy an intraregional ticket, there are no special requirements. If you buy a ticket to travel outside of the region, you will need to show your passport at the bus station counter; you may also be required to show it while boarding the bus.

While traveling in the winter, you will need to remember that due to the bad weather conditions the bus can be delayed or even canceled. Also, most buses don’t have a toilet, which also should be considered before going on a long journey, if you want it to be not painful but pleasant. Remember that the distances in Siberia are quite long.

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City bus

Regular shuttle transportation.

Buses run along the special routes and are marked with corresponding numbers. But for the passengers’ convenience, on each bus, there's also a list of the key stops on the route, for an easier navigation.

The fare is paid directly in the bus to the conductor and only in cash.

In Russia, it is believed that if the sum of the first three digits of the ticket number is equal to the sum of the last three digits, then you need to chew and eat the ticket, which is supposed to bring luck to you. We can only recommend that before eating the lucky ticket, you make sure that your insurance covers the risks of such undertakings.:)

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Minibus (marshrutka)

Regular shuttle transportation. 

Minibusses run along the special routes and are marked with corresponding numbers. But for the passengers’ convenience, on each bus, there's also a list of the key stops on the route, for an easier navigation.

The fare is paid when entering the minibus, directly to the driver, and only in cash. The fare depends on the length of the journey; the details are always displayed in the cabin.

It is very common that the passenger closest to the driver is asked by the others to pass the money on to the driver. So, if you sit in that place, it would really help if you’re able to count quickly (and are quite familiar with the local money to pass the change back to everyone). Minibusses stop on demand, so in order not to pass your stop, you should exactly know its name and ask the driver to stop, loudly and in advance.

On the street, you can stop the minibus by raising a hand, just like a taxi, but only at the stopping sites.

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Trolleybus

Regular shuttle transportation. 

Trolleybuses run along the special routes and are marked with corresponding numbers. But for the passengers’ convenience, on each bus, there's also a list of the key stops on the route, for an easier navigation.

The fare is paid directly in the trolleybus to the conductor and only in cash.

In Russia, it is believed that if the sum of the first three digits of the ticket number is equal to the sum of the last three digits, then you need to chew and eat the ticket, which is supposed to bring luck to you. We can only recommend that before eating the lucky ticket, you make sure that your insurance covers the risks of such undertakings.:)

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Taxi

You can use the taxi to move around the city or region. You can order a cab by calling a special service or you may just stick your hand out and stop the taxi when you see it. We don’t recommend using any kinds of an illegal taxi (a regular car with no signs of a taxi service on it).

Don’t be surprised if a car stops, that is not marked as a taxi – anyone can give you a ride. But it is important to agree on the cost of the trip before getting into the car. Sometimes you can even get it for free.

The cost of a trip from the airport to the city center or vice versa should not exceed 1000 rubles. It is paid mostly in cash (some taxi companies also accept major credit cards, but you better check it before the ride).

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Hotels

„The TripSib team recommends“

 

 

Night life

„The TripSib team recommends“

 

 

Activities

 

Rafting

There are plenty of hobbies which train the person’s reaction, the ability to the instant decision. One of these hobbies is called rafting. Rafting is floating through the hard water areas on rafts. The raft is an inflatable boat. It can hold up to 20 people. It is made of durable material to withstand heavy loads. Its design allows the raft to hold on the water and not to roll over.

There are three types of rowing on the raft: rowing with single-bank oars, mounted on a special frame; canoe-style rowing; mixed rowing. Rafting requires wearing protective clothing. The main features of such clothing are quick drying, good heat insulation, water resistance, elasticity, light weight.

Rafting is very popular in Siberia in the warm summer weather. Moreover, a lot of tourists practice rafting in combination with traveling. This kind of extreme sports is very popular in the mountainous area, with challenging turbulent mountain rivers. Siberian mountains are a perfect fit for this.

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Ski trips

Participants of the ski trips and photographers that make amazing shots of winter scenery somewhere in the mountains or wild forests are not mythical characters, who love the crazy adventures. Everyone can see the beauty of winter nature and, moreover, there are special clubs for this, organizing these unforgettable tours. Winter trips are almost always about ski tourism, and you will not have to walk waist-deep in the snow and plow the snow drifts with your body. The only difficulty in the winter trip is the ability to ski. But at the same time, it does not require a lot of time to learn how to ski, a few hours or a total of one day will be enough, not only to learn how to slide but also not to fall when descending by the slope.

The landscapes, most fantastic in their beauty, when everything sparkles and shines, and the day is sunny and clear, usually happen at a temperature of -30 to -40 Celsius. But if you are dressed properly, the cold won’t scare you. And, considering the sunny weather, you can even forget about the cold at all.

However, you need to keep in mind that ski tourism is one of the most difficult sports. Low temperatures require you to make decisions quickly and accurately and to move actively along the route. Great attention is paid to the outfit: outer clothing, and especially ski because without it you will not be able to make a single step on a snow cover. But the most important thing is that ski trip is only possible if lead by a professional athlete; no other options, like instructor-guide, will be suitable here. Each route must be coordinated with EMERCOM at its start and finish, and all participants of the trip must be insured in case of emergencies.

Ski tourism is extremely good for your health. It is a true, pure and undiluted elixir of health. Active movements in winter conditions provide an excellent tonic effect because it activates the endocrine system and improves metabolic processes. In the cold, the defense mechanisms of the body start working, which increases immunity and resistance to colds and viruses. Furthermore, the cold air, as opposed to the hot one, is several times richer in negative ions, which are more biologically active. There are less dust and gas impurities - they are successfully absorbed by the snow. Add to this the healing phytoncides of conifers – and voila, your health cocktail is ready. Skiing provides an excellent exercise, develops flexibility and coordination. In just three hours of skiing, a person makes almost three thousand repetitions of abdominal exercises! Cardio develops endurance, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Your mind also unloads, exhausted by the everyday office life and multi-level tasks. You just go and admire the wonderful pictures of the sleeping winter nature. Eyes get free from the blur, and you start to notice the details - the traces of animals on the snow, the frost pattern on the branches. Depression, stress, melancholy, and a feeling of hopelessness all go away. You get a new taste for life!

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Bicycle tours

Biking can be divided into two categories: amateur rides and pro biking tours. While the amateur ride is simple to just arrange with your friends in search of adventure, the professional bike tour is a serious route under the guidance of experienced instructors. Biking tours are the paid trips, i.e. trips, where you can buy a ticket to join. The bike tour routes are repeatedly explored and inspected by the guides of travel agencies, hotels are booked, first aid kit contains the necessary medications, and all the necessary wrenches are in the repair kit. Often there is also a support vehicle. You will only need to spin the pedals, see the sights and socialize with new people. In a word – have fun.

The 2 or 3 days long trips often gather up to 30 people. If you join such bicycle trip, you will meet the people you will love to talk to and to plough the wild Siberian nature together.

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Horseback riding and equestrian tours

Equestrian tours will make you forget all the hassle of city life. Plunge in the days of nomadic tribes, feel at one with nature – travelers can experience it all in the equestrian tours. After all, horseback riding lets you feel like you fly above the ground without taking off from it. The Altai horses will become your faithful companions in this exciting journey. These amazing, noble animals, impressively sturdy and rugged, are the best means of transportation in the mountain-taiga paths of Altai midlands.

Escape from the color monitors into the ‘unreal world’ of nature! The equestrian tourism routes, offered by Siberian horse riding clubs, are designed for people with different backgrounds and are perfectly suited to fit both beginners and experienced horse-riders. The equestrian tour is always led by an instructor guide assisted by a groom. The tour routes run through different climatic zones: along the way you can meet the mighty cedar trees, dwarf birch, colorful flower meadows, wild forest, hills and steppes. There are routes of medium and high complexity for experienced riders. Before the trip, participants are instructed on riding a horse. During the tour, the guides will let you into the secrets of communication with the horse, as well as the stories and legends of the places which you will ride through. Equestrian tourism is a great chance to make new friends or share some interesting stories with your companions. All the way through the tour, the food is cooked at the campfire, and the accommodation is in tents.

Equestrian tourism in Siberia is waiting for you! Have a nice trip!

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Skiing & snowboarding

Someone is waiting for a summer to go to the sea, someone would rather take a trip in the desert, but there are people who are looking forward to the winter, preferring to rest at ski resorts. For the true fans of this type of relax, for those who love snowboarding and skiing, Siberia is one solid skiing area where you can enjoy your ski or a snowboard almost anywhere. In Siberia, there are trails of various difficulty levels, surrounded by beautiful nature and unique landscapes. The infrastructure is presented with excellent ski bases and resorts, whose recreation conditions and level of service are not inferior to many well-known European resorts.

Beginners, professional skiers and snowboarders, heli-ski fans, freestylers, back country skiers, freeriders – everyone will find perfect facilities in Siberia. They meet the highest international standards not only for snowboard and ski, but also for half-pipe, big cross-country, cross-board, slalom, biathlon. Siberian nature is striking for its beauty, it helps forget about the stress and problems, feel a surge of strength and get loaded with life energy, which is carried in a real winter recreation.

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Hunting

Siberia has always been famous for its hunting and fishing. It has everything you may need – thick taiga with bears, wild boars, deers, fur-bearing animals, and various birds; rivers full of all kinds of fish. Hunting enthusiasts can experience all the excitement and bring out the best properties of a trapper when hunting wild boar or elk, when at any moment they can get one on one with the beast. By the way elk, one of the largest animals found in the hunting grounds in Siberia, has an average of about 250 kg, although there are considerably larger specimens. Wild boar’s body may have a length of 2 meters, the height at withers of 1.5 meters, and body weight of 270 kg. One of the most popular kinds of hunting is fowling – shooting duck, woodcock, goose, partridge and other birds.

There are various ways of hunting, but of course, every hunter has his own way that brings him more luck. You will have the opportunity to learn a lot about hunting in Siberia, as well as personally plunge into the primeval impassable Siberian taiga.

Cities of Siberia host many exhibitions, forums and other sites where hunting, fishing and sports tourism professionals can meet. These are: The International Tourism Fair "Yenisei", exhibition "World of Sports. Hunting. Fishing”, All-Russian Fair "National Hunting and Fishing", "Tourism. Sport. Recreation" and "Hunting. Fishing".

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Winter fishing

What can be peculiar about winter fishing in Siberia? You don’t have to be an expert to say – the climate, of course. Siberia is primarily associated with heavy frosts and huge snowdrifts. Depending on the region, the winter temperature in Siberia can drop below fifty degrees centigrade. But that is not a trouble for real fishermen because a huge variety of all kinds of fish are splashing in the lakes and rivers of Siberia. That is why neither frost nor serious distances nor the almost complete absence of roads in the forest are not hindrances for the avid fishing fan. Taiga hunting cabins, bass, pike, rudd, Siberian pelmeni – these are just some of the features of Siberian fishing, which attract anglers from all over the world.

The winter fishing has a lot of advantages as compared to the summer one. The first is a complete absence of mosquitoes and gnats. Because in summer it really hassles even the local fishermen, not to mention those who come from other places to go fishing in this wonderful region. The second advantage of the Siberian winter fishing is the accessibility of many spots because everything is frozen. So, the areas that in summer can only be reached by helicopter, in winter can be driven to by a snowmobile. And, which is equally important, you can drive almost straight forward. In winter, you will need much less gear (unlike the summer), which simplifies the transportation.

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Russian bath

The story of the bath is very interesting, because the tradition of bath sweating has ancient roots and is still popular. In Russia, bath has always been highly respected and esteemed. There’s an idea that the Russian bath is the most ancient one. References to it can be found in the works of Slavic oral lore, as they were pagans, and attached great importance to the forces of fire and water. Many peoples of Siberia, the Urals and the Volga region had their steam houses. In our days, for example, you can find hunters’ houses in the forests which are built according to the steam houses principle.

It is worth noting that the Russian baths have always impressed foreign visitors. They never could understand why someone would pour kvass or ice water on himself, why people would beat each other with brooms, why someone would sponge himself down with snow. The invitation to the bath sweating was always like a voluntary torture to all visitors. However, after going to the real Russian bathhouse the guests felt fine; and the impressions were so strong that the rumors about the miraculous effect of the procedure quickly spread throughout the world.

Today, everyone knows Russian baths. They are popular in our country and abroad. And their beneficial properties and health-improving effects are recognized by the whole world. In fact, many health-improving properties largely depend on the correct broom steaming, so stop hesitating – it is time to go straight to the bath. See you there :)

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