Russia

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.

  • 30 years of Russia travel experience
  • Twice named one of National Geographic Adventure’s “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth”
    • 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
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    Our Trips

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    Shaman Rock and the clear blue waters of Lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia. Photo credit: Alla Shishkina
    Taking in the view over Lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta
    Buryat shaman performing rites in Siberia, Russia. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta
    The world's largest bust of Vladimir Lenin can be found in the Buryat capital of Ulan Ude in Siberia, Russia. Photo credit: Joanna Millick
    A photographer's paradise can be found in the vastness of Siberia, Russia. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta
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    • Shaman Rock and the clear blue waters of Lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia. Photo credit: Alla Shishkina Shaman Rock and the clear blue waters of Lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia. Alla Shishkina
    • Taking in the view over Lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta Taking in the view over Lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia. Martin Klimenta
    • Buryat shaman performing rites in Siberia, Russia. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta Buryat shaman performing rites in Siberia, Russia. Martin Klimenta
    • The world's largest bust of Vladimir Lenin can be found in the Buryat capital of Ulan Ude in Siberia, Russia. Photo credit: Joanna Millick The world's largest bust of Vladimir Lenin can be found in the Buryat capital of Ulan Ude in Siberia, Russia. Joanna Millick
    • A photographer's paradise can be found in the vastness of Siberia, Russia. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta A photographer's paradise can be found in the vastness of Siberia, Russia. Martin Klimenta
    • Helicopter embarking on a scenic tour of the Valley of the Geysers in Kamchatka, Russia. Photo credit: Andrey Pelekh Helicopter embarking on a scenic tour of the Valley of the Geysers in Kamchatka, Russia. Andrey Pelekh
    • Traditional banya on the shores of Lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia. Photo credit: Vladimir Kvashnin Traditional banya on the shores of Lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia. Vladimir Kvashnin
    • Heartfelt farewell from the village of Dapparai in Yakutia, Russia. Photo credit: Max Sjöblom Heartfelt farewell from the village of Dapparai in Yakutia, Russia. Max Sjöblom

    Traveler Reviews

    • "Siberia…was a world apart from everywhere else I have traveled or lived abroad…MIR maximised every instant in Russia. The mix of having a local guide plus [a tour manager] guaranteed there was always someone to ask a question, to translate, or to learn from. MIR, through the guides/tours/homestay etc, brought us as close to the local culture as possible considering our lack of Russian language. Excellent trip! "

      C.Courtheyn

      Aptos, CA

    • "MIR made our Russia trip so easy. I was hesitant to visit a country where I had no knowledge of the language, but our MIR guides, drivers, and office staff made the visit easy and memorable."

      S. Monti

      Portland, OR

    • "We have been very positive to our friends [about the tour] – one of the best trips we have had."

      D. Sullivan & J. Hyndman

      Halifax, NS, Canada

    • "Go! If you are interested in this part of the world – it’s the only way to see it."

      P. Porter

      Dallas, TX

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      Trips to Russia (including the Trans-Siberian Railway), Belarus and Ukraine have been cancelled and new future trip sales to these destinations are presently suspended. We will continue to pray for peace in Ukraine and to support organizations providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine–we hope you will join us.

      Please explore our adventures in other destinations at the crossroads of Europe and Asia this season including the Silk Route, the South Caucasus, the Balkans or our new trips in the Middle East.