If there is one place you should explore in the immense territory of Russia, it is Lake Baikal. A land of conquests, marked by trouble and history, a land soaked in Shamanism, where you feel sucked in by the translucent water of the lake. It's called the "pearl of Siberia" for good reason. Lake Baikal is an endless source of fascination for the travellers who go to see it.

Lake Baikal

Madja, Pezmog, Niobdino,…Names that don't mean anything to anyone. These are unknown villages in the foothills of the Urals which seem to have nothing interesting about them. However, it's in places like these that a traveller can have an unforgettable time, living with real Russian culture.

Exploring the villages of the Urals

A historic centre of power in Russia, the Kremlin is the absolute must-see site during a visit to Moscow. Although the capital has been turned upside down by its successive masters, its tsars' palace, which remained the residence of the country's managing powers through all the regimes, is steeped in history and heritage. From Cathedral Square to the Kremlin Armoury, you will be plunged into the country's history and crowning achievements.

A visit to the Kremlin

Moscow was built in the heart of Russian history. All around, princes, dukes and tsars built sumptuous palaces, and the Orthodox church erected some magnificent monasteries. Between Moscow and the Golden Ring cities, you can go on fascinating trips discovering Russia's historical heritage.

From palaces to monasteries around Moscow


Sprawling, noisy, polluted and overcrowded - Moscow is good at hiding its attractions and charm.

Europe

Russia fascinates people. It is the largest country in the world, 70 times bigger than the UK, has one foot in Europe, one in Asia and covers almost a seventh of the planet’s land mass… This excessiveness is not limited to its geography. It is a country rich in culture, that has given us some of the most brilliant artists, whether musicians or writers. A trip to Russia will automatically take you to St-Petersburg: ancient capital of the tsars and cultural centre of Russia; with its numerous canals, it is often called the Venice of the north… 450 miles to the south, is Moscow, the largest town in Europe, with 10 million inhabitants. It is a sprawling capital, where all the populace of the Federation are represented; Moscow will rarely leave you indifferent. You then need to leave the towns to reach the vast expanses of Russia. Discover the edges of the biggest soft-water lake in the world, Lake Baïkal. Have a taste of Russian soul, by travelling on a train for hours and hours – probably the trans-Siberian train; or even a cruise on the Volga, the biggest river in Europe, that, with its tributaries, cuts across the biggest part of the country… These varied experiences will no doubt allow you to fall under the spell of Russia…

Russia

Moscow

The former imperial capital is the fourth biggest city in Europe, one of the most beautiful cities in the world and an absolute must-see during a trip to Russia.

Saint Petersburg

 Irkutsk is Russia's biggest eastern city, and it will draw  you into its fascinating history. It was founded in the 17th century and was the point of departure from numerous expeditions towards Lake Baikal, as well as home to numerous exiles.

Irkutsk

Olkhon

The Russian Buryat capital, Ulan-Ude is a town that is astonishing for its cultural and ethnic diversity: Russians, Buryats, Orthodox and Buddhists live side by side. 

Ulan-Ude

Albania

England

Greenland

Spain

Central America

Africa

North America

South America

Asia

Middle East

Oceania

When I arrived in Ulan-Ude on the Trans-Siberian train during my <a href="/russia/">trip to Russia</a>, I didn't expect to stay for long because the town looked very Soviet. What a mistake! Fortunately I wasn't in a hurry because there's a lot to do there.
First of all, its not just an ugly town with typically Soviet architecture, but a town that mixes modernity and tradition. It's very pleasant walking through its pedestrianised streets and the enormous head of Lenin, which looks like its been put on the ground in the central square, can't help but make you smile. On the other hand, walking along the banks of the River Uda is a lot less pleasant because the water is really muddy.
In the end, although I thought I would only stay a day before leaving for Baikal, I couldn't stop walking round the town! What with the museums, orthodox monasteries, and datsans (Buddhist temples), there's plenty to do. 
The most important site is Ivolginskiy Datsan, about 30 km from the town. Stalin authorised its construction at a time when the religious repression was terrifying, and it is the most important Buddhist centre in Russia What's more this datsan is the centre of an enigma: that of the Siberian mummy that was found in 2002, which is preserved in the datsan.

The Russian Buryat capital, Ulan-Ude is a town that is astonishing for its cultural and ethnic diversity: Russians, Buryats, Orthodox and Buddhists live side by side.

Ulan-Ude Vacations

Ulan-Ude: How to get there?

Ulan-Ude: See when to go ?

Ulan-Ude: For how long?

Ulan-Ude: What to see nearby?

Russia: our articles for your vacations