Located so far east that it might be called west, the Russian
Far East consists of thousands of miles of wilderness stretching
from Lake Baikal in Eastern Siberia to the Pacific Ocean, covering
an area that's larger in size than the whole of Europe.
Commonly mistaken for Siberia, the Russian Far East is far more
than an icy wasteland. Rather, it is a paradise for adventurous
nature-lovers with a unique ecosystem that includes reindeer,
whales, Polar bears, walrus, and hundreds of migratory bird
species. The Far East is home to some excellent nature reserves and
national parks, and even the remote volcanoes of the Kamchatka
Peninsula, out of range to all but the most adventurous (and
well-funded) travellers.
Southern Siberia is home to the Altai mountain range, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. Due to the widely varying elevations of the
mountainous area, it contains every kind of climate zone present in
Siberia, from steppes to alpine vegetation. The Altai region is
perfect for trekking and provides beautiful views of lakes,
mountains, forests and rivers. In the summer months, from June
through to August, the temperatures are moderate and the landscape
transforms itself from winter's snowy wastes into lush green vistas
dotted with wild flowers. It is possible to climb some of the
mountains, none of which are very high or very steep, so trekking
is suitable for most levels of fitness. In addition to viewing the
abundant natural beauty, villages featuring traditional wooden
houses with beautifully carved decorations are also plentiful. The
region is home to a variety of ethnic groups, each with their own
style of dress, traditions, beliefs and food, and cultural visits
can easily be included in a trekking holiday to Altai.
Most of the towns in the Russian Far East are located along the
Pacific coast, and port cities like Vladivostok and Khabarovsk (the
ultimate destinations of the Trans-Siberian Railway), are a mix of
Tsarist-era buildings and cosmopolitan sensibilities that contrast
with more isolated rural towns like Yakutsk and Magadan.