Russia is home to a vast array of wildlife, from the remote wilderness of Siberia to the lush forests of the Russian Far East. The country’s diverse ecosystems are rich in flora and fauna, including endangered species like the Amur tiger, Siberian crane, and the Eurasian lynx. Traveling by train is one of the best ways to experience Russia’s wildlife, as it offers the opportunity to observe animals in their natural habitats while traveling comfortably through some of the country’s most pristine and remote regions. Here are the best train routes for seeing wildlife in Russia, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature while exploring the country’s stunning landscapes.
1. The Trans-Siberian Railway: Moscow to Vladivostok
The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest train journey in the world, stretching from Moscow to Vladivostok on the Pacific coast. As the train crosses Russia from west to east, it travels through diverse landscapes, including Siberian forests, steppes, and tundra, offering a chance to see an incredible range of wildlife.
Wildlife You Might Encounter
- Amur Tiger: While elusive, the Amur tiger, also known as the Siberian tiger, can be found in the forests of the Russian Far East, especially in the Sikhote-Alin mountains, which the train passes near.
- Siberian Crane: The Trans-Siberian Railway crosses important migratory routes for birds, including the Siberian crane, which migrates between Russia and India.
- Brown Bears: Siberia is home to a large population of brown bears, which are often spotted in the remote forests along the railway route.
- Elk and Wolves: The forests and open steppe of Siberia provide habitats for large herbivores like elk, and wolves are also common in the region, particularly in the taiga.
Best Time to Travel
The best time to travel for wildlife spotting is during spring and autumn (May to October) when animals are more active and visible, and the weather is mild.
2. The Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM): Siberia’s Remote Frontier
The Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM) is a remote and rugged railway that runs through some of the wildest and least-visited regions of Siberia. It follows the Amur River and passes through vast wilderness areas, providing an excellent opportunity to spot wildlife in its natural habitat.
Wildlife You Might Encounter
- Siberian Tiger: The BAM route passes through remote forests in the Russian Far East, where the endangered Siberian tiger is known to roam. Though sightings are rare, travelers have a chance to spot one of the world’s most elusive big cats.
- Siberian Musk Deer: This small, elusive deer species can be found in the forests along the BAM route, especially in the more remote sections.
- Wild Boar and Lynx: Wild boar and Eurasian lynx are also common in this region, particularly in the forested sections of the route.
- Amur Leopard: Though extremely rare, the Amur leopard is another big cat species found in the Russian Far East, and the BAM passes through some of the areas where this critically endangered species lives.
Best Time to Travel
The best time to travel is during the warmer months (June to September), when the weather is more favorable for spotting wildlife, as animals are more likely to be active in the cooler weather.
3. The Trans-Mongolian Railway: Moscow to Beijing via Mongolia
The Trans-Mongolian Railway is a branch of the Trans-Siberian Railway that runs from Moscow through Mongolia to Beijing. It passes through expansive grasslands and steppe, offering opportunities to see a range of wildlife, especially in Mongolia’s wild landscapes.
Wildlife You Might Encounter
- Mongolian Gazelle: The vast steppes of Mongolia are home to large herds of Mongolian gazelles, which are often spotted grazing on the open plains.
- Wild Horses: The region is also home to the Przewalski’s horse, a wild horse species native to Mongolia. These horses can be seen roaming the grasslands, especially near the Gobi Desert.
- Marmots: The open plains of Mongolia and Siberia are full of marmots, which can be seen darting in and out of their burrows.
- Snow Leopards: Although very rare, snow leopards are found in the rugged mountain ranges along the train’s route, particularly in the Altai and Gobi regions.
Best Time to Travel
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are the best times to travel for wildlife watching, as the animals are most active during these seasons, and the weather is more comfortable for outdoor activities.
4. The Circum-Baikal Railway: Around Lake Baikal
The Circum-Baikal Railway, which runs along the southern shore of Lake Baikal, is a short but incredibly scenic route through one of Russia’s most ecologically diverse regions. The lake is home to unique species, and the surrounding forests and mountains are full of wildlife.
Wildlife You Might Encounter
- Baikal Seals: Lake Baikal is home to the Baikal seal, the only freshwater seal species in the world. These seals can be seen swimming in the icy waters of the lake or hauled out on the shore during the summer months.
- Brown Bears: The forested regions surrounding Lake Baikal are home to brown bears, which are often spotted in the area, particularly in the remote, forested sections of the railway.
- Reindeer and Elk: The surrounding taiga and forests are home to large herbivores like reindeer and elk, which can be spotted grazing in the early morning or late evening.
- Various Bird Species: The Circum-Baikal Railway also provides an opportunity to spot a wide range of bird species, including Siberian cranes, herons, and migratory birds that use Lake Baikal as a stopover point.
Best Time to Travel
The best time for wildlife watching around Lake Baikal is in late spring and summer (June to August), when the seals are most active, and the weather is warm enough for hiking and exploration.
5. The Volga Region: Moscow to Astrakhan
The journey from Moscow to Astrakhan takes you through the Volga River region, passing vast expanses of wetlands, grasslands, and forests. This area is rich in biodiversity and is one of the best places in Russia for birdwatching.
Wildlife You Might Encounter
- Eurasian Crane: The Volga River is a key migratory route for the Eurasian crane, and travelers can often see large flocks of these majestic birds resting in the wetlands.
- Pike Perch: The Volga River is home to an abundance of fish species, including the pike perch, which supports local ecosystems and is an important part of the region’s biodiversity.
- Wild Boar and Roe Deer: The forests along the Volga River are home to wild boar, roe deer, and other smaller mammals, which are often seen in the quieter, more rural stretches of the railway.
- Waterfowl: The wetlands around the Volga River are home to a wide variety of waterfowl, including ducks, swans, and geese, making this route a great destination for birdwatchers.
Best Time to Travel
The best time to travel for wildlife watching is during the spring and autumn months (April to October), when migratory birds are passing through the region, and the weather is mild for outdoor activities.
6. The Kamchatka Peninsula: Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky
Although not a conventional train route, the Kamchatka Peninsula offers a unique eco-tourism experience in Russia’s remote Far East. Known for its volcanic landscapes and rugged wilderness, Kamchatka is home to diverse wildlife.
Wildlife You Might Encounter
- Brown Bears: Kamchatka is famous for its large population of brown bears, particularly around the region’s rivers and lakes. These bears are often spotted fishing for salmon during the summer months.
- Kamchatka Wolves: The peninsula is home to the Kamchatka wolf, a unique subspecies of the gray wolf that roams the forests and tundra of this remote region.
- Steller’s Sea Eagle: Kamchatka’s coast is home to the rare Steller’s sea eagle, one of the largest and most powerful eagles in the world.
- Sea Otters and Seals: Kamchatka’s coastal waters are rich in marine life, and travelers may encounter sea otters and harbor seals along the shores.
Best Time to Travel
The best time to visit Kamchatka for wildlife watching is in the summer (June to August), when the bears are active, and the weather is ideal for exploring the region’s wildlife-rich environments.
Conclusion: Russia’s Rich Wildlife by Train
Russia offers some of the most incredible and diverse wildlife on the planet, and train travel provides an eco-friendly way to experience these animals in their natural habitats. Whether you’re spotting Siberian tigers along the Trans-Siberian Railway, watching brown bears in the forests surrounding Lake Baikal, or observing the migratory cranes along the Volga River, Russia’s train routes offer a unique opportunity to connect with the country’s natural beauty and wildlife. Traveling by train allows you to enjoy these experiences in a sustainable way while minimizing your environmental impact and getting closer to nature.