Job Discussion Forums

jpvanderwerf2001 · Joined: 02 Oct 2003 Posts: 1117 Location: New York

Hey gang,
In July, my interpid (stupid?) buddy wants to take a Polish Maluch and attempt to drive across Russia to see me here in Vladivostok.
I have a couple of cursory questions. I'm sure I'll have more in the future:
1) How would one deal with the registration in Russia if you're simply "passing through"? If he's driving, he wouldn't register anywhere, probably, before Vladivostok (if he survives). Does anyone know how that works?
2) Is there even a navigable road through much of Siberia?
3) Does anyone have experience with this sort of insanity?

Any input greatly appreciated.

Cheers.

ytuque · Joined: 08 Feb 2006 Posts: 55

There was a great television series called "The long way round" starring Ewan McGregor aka. Obiwan Kenobi. McGregor and his pal ride BMW motorcycles across Europe, Kazahkstan, Mongolia, Russia, etc. There is a signficant amount of filming as they cross Siberia's "Road of Bones" from Irkutsk out to the sticks of Siberia.

Sounds like a great adventure!

lou_la · Joined: 04 Oct 2005 Posts: 140 Location: Bristol

I don't think there's an actual road the whole way though. For that program they didn't enter Russia until they were very far east.

I think it will be very very difficult - if there is a road, it's likely to be in appaling condition, maybe even just a system of tracks. Not even locals really drive around that much between the big cities I don't think, the train is so much easier. Or the roads may only be passable in the winter.

You'll get good responses if you post this on the Russia thread of Loney PLanet's thorn tree forum (www.loneyplanet.com), there's lots of people that know way more than I do.

Sounds amazing, if it's doable!

rusmeister · Joined: 15 Jun 2006 Posts: 867 Location: Russia

He would have to get a visa to cross the border. Even a transit visa. He would get instructions on if and where to register at the Russian Consulate he makes his application from.

maruss · Joined: 18 Mar 2003 Posts: 1145 Location: Cyprus

This sounds like a fascinating nightmare because there are so many obstacles, both physical and bureaucratic to contemplate!Due to the permafrost and changing climate,I don't think an all year round road has yet been built across Russia,although they have managed Yakutsk to Magadan through the mountains which also passes the remains of Dalstroys Gulag region!
Mind you,I suppose that's better than being stuck on the London M25 or the New Jersey Turnpike!
If you do decide to go, keep a diary as I'm sure many of us on this site would like to read it.
A more secure route would be to travel through Kazakhstan and China where the roads do at least exist,although I'm not sure if you can get back into Russia near Vladivostok from China by road if you are a foreigner...