Way to Russia Talk Lounge

spotted_owl · Frequent Guest Joined: 04 Jun 2004 Posts: 11

In taking Train #263 from Mongolia to Irkutsk, we would prefer to get off in Sludyanka and take the Circum-Baikal Railway up to Listvyanka, then end up in Irkutsk 4 days later to take the train on to Moscow. Question: Is there a place in Sludyanka or along the circum-Baikal rail line to register the visas?
Thank you very much for this forum, which has helped me every step of the way. You are the best on the web !

WayToRussia · Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 5:26 am Post subject:

There's not especially a place in Slyudyanka that registers visas, but what you could do is to try a local travel agency: they have an office just opposite of the railway station, across the road. I think it's called something like "Baikal ...", and I remember I met the two guys who run it, I'm sure they would be able to assist with a registration for a small fee. Wink

Don't forget to register your visa in Irkutsk (at a hotel) as well.

I will ask the company that provided visa support for you if they have a representative in Irkutsk who could take care of your registrations.

spotted_owl · Frequent Guest Joined: 04 Jun 2004 Posts: 11

Thank you for for making our trip easier once again !
We are so excited about the thought of spending a few days at Lake Baikal, and know already we'll never want to leave !
I wonder if you've been on the circum-Baikal railway, and what the situation is for low budget backpackers to find inexpensive lodging or safe camping along the line ? We are even considering not going to Irkutsk until the 4th day, where we have Baikalhostel reservations for that 4th night before we board the train for Moscow the next day.
Might this schedule present a problem since our visa support invitations state that Irkutsk will be the first city we visit (not Sludyanka)?
Thank you again for all your help for so many travelers.

WayToRussia · Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 5:09 pm Post subject:

Yes, we camped there back in 2002. The full account of the trip and a detailed guide to camping places can be found here: http://waytorussia.net/Baikal/Destinations/CircumBaikal.html

It's fine to camp there (see the spots on the map and make sure you read the guide), but beware of the snakes, don't put a tent next to the cliffs there, but closer to the lake and look under your feet. I saw one when I was there, it was OK, but the locals say that there are some very poisonous snakes there which can bite a person and he dies in a few minutes Sad

so be careful (however, the last case it happened was like a few years ago, so there's a very small chance).

spotted_owl · Frequent Guest Joined: 04 Jun 2004 Posts: 11

Thank you again and again; you are clarifying our plans so nicely with these details. About the walking between Km 112 and 98, does one walk through the long tunnels? Do the cliffs plunge straight down to the lake or is their a bit of beach where on can walk around the tunnels on the lake shore. I know we are going to fall in love with Baikal !

spotted_owl · Frequent Guest Joined: 04 Jun 2004 Posts: 11

I've gone fuzzy headed ! Meant to say " or is there a bit of beach where one can walk around the tunnels on the lake shore" ... Must preview messages !

WayToRussia · Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 8:06 pm Post subject:

Yes, most of the time you will walk along the rail tracks, there's only one train at the daytime (on which you will actually arrive), so there will not be trains disturbing you.
Occasionally there are tunnels, but it's ok to walk there -- enough space.

There are beaches, but it won't be possible to walk there, as they are quite low, however, they are good spots to stop for a break or for camping.

The cliffs are not directly next to the rail track, but a few meters away.

WayToRussia · Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 8:09 pm Post subject:

By the way, I asked about your invitation at the agency. They said they can make a special letter for OVIR to register your visas, but that will make you queue and stuff...

They said it's much better to find an agency that will stamp the registration on your migration card for $20-$40, it's much easier.

spotted_owl · Frequent Guest Joined: 04 Jun 2004 Posts: 11

We definitely like the comfort of "much easier", but $20 - $40 per traveler is more than we like to pay for lodging at night, plus supper !!!

Wonder if one of the hotels or tourist stops along the Circum-Baikal might do it for free if we pre-book to stay with them that first night .(a Monday)

We don't want to go as far a Listvyanka...would rather get off at one of the smaller places like at Km 94 or 102 ... , enjoy a comfortable night in the hotel that stamped our visas, then the next day (Tuesday) start walking back in the best direction to meet people and see how local populace experiences farm & village life, until we find the perfect charismatic and compatible place to stay for the rest of the day and camp out (with no snakes) Tuesday night.

Then Wednesday, hike to a station (Km 107 or 110? or wherever else along that line?) to catch the afternoon train and arrive Listvyanka Wednesday evening. In Listvyanka, to find someplace safe and low cost (preferably pre-booked) to stay, maybe a homestay (though 3 is a large number of "guests" perhaps, though we are well behaved !!). And finally, Thursday morning a leisurely sight-seeing toward Irkukst, where we are already booked at Baikalhostel for Thursday night, to shower and wash clothes before departing on #009 for Moscow the next morning. Does this sound like a good plan ? I love details ! Anything else you can teach me only heightens my anticipation for a wonderful trip to Russia !

Ah, another question ! Must we get the visas stamped again in other cities where we stay more than 3 days, like Moscow and St. Petersburg?

And what about departing Russia by boat from one of the most northerly cities, like Arkhangelsk . Is that insanity or am I just uninformed ?? Might there be visa difficulties with that option ?

Thanks for everything ! You are wonderfully patient !!