North Asia Guide

Into the far north of Asia

Steppe that runs to the horizon, the world's deepest lake, railways that cross continents and winters that redefine cold. Practical, honest guides to Mongolia and Asian Russia.

All articles Wind chill
  • Mongolia's steppe, Gobi and nomadic life
  • Lake Baikal in summer and on winter ice
  • Planning the Trans-Siberian and Trans-Mongolian
  • Travelling safely in extreme cold

Latest articles

All articles
Siberia & Baikal Lake Baikal Through the SeasonsWhat makes Lake Baikal unique — depth, age, endemic species — and what each season offers, from summer hiking and boating to winter's clear ice, with safety notes for ice travel. 3 min read Mongolia Naadam and Nomadic Etiquette: Visiting Mongolia's Herding FamiliesWhat Naadam is and how to experience it, plus the customs that matter when you visit a ger: entering, where to sit, accepting food and drink, and gifts. 3 min read Practicalities Before You Go: Advisories, Payments and Logistics in North AsiaWhat to check before planning travel in Mongolia and Asian Russia: government travel advice, consular support, visas, payment cards, connectivity and insurance. 3 min read Practicalities What Counts as North Asia, and Why It's Worth KnowingNorth Asia usually means Siberia and the Russian Far East, often grouped with Mongolia for travel: a region of enormous distances, remote wilderness and a blend of indigenous, Russian and Mongolian cultures. 3 min read Siberia & Baikal The Trans-Siberian Railway: Routes, Branches and Planning BasicsThe three classic routes — Trans-Siberian, Trans-Mongolian and Trans-Manchurian — how they differ, whether to ride straight through or stop over, and what to consider about current travel conditions. 3 min read Mongolia Mongolia Beyond Ulaanbaatar: The Steppe and the GobiPlanning travel into Mongolia's countryside: the central steppe and Orkhon Valley, the Gobi's dunes and canyons, the Altai and Khövsgöl Lake, ger stays, drivers and guides, and when to go. 3 min read Practicalities Surviving Siberian and Mongolian Winters as a TravellerHow to dress and plan for extreme cold: layering systems, protecting hands, feet and face, recognising frostbite and hypothermia, keeping electronics working, and planning around short days. 3 min read Siberia & Baikal Wildlife and Wilderness in North AsiaWhere to see North Asia's wildlife — takhi horses and Gobi species in Mongolia, nerpa seals at Baikal, bears and salmon in Kamchatka — and how to watch animals ethically and safely. 3 min read

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Questions readers ask

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Is it safe to travel to Russia now?

Many governments currently advise against all travel to Russia and may be unable to provide consular help. Read your own government's travel advice before considering a trip. See before you go: advisories and practicalities.

When is the best time to visit Mongolia?

June to September for the steppe and Naadam festival (mid-July). Winter is extremely cold but offers clear skies and few visitors. The Gobi is best in late spring and early autumn.

How cold does Siberia get?

Very. Parts of Yakutia regularly fall below −40°C in winter. Irkutsk and Lake Baikal are milder but still often well below −20°C. Try our wind chill calculator.

Do I need a guide in Mongolia?

Outside Ulaanbaatar, most travellers use a driver and guide, because distances are large, roads are often tracks and navigation is difficult.

Useful official resources