55 HOURS Across Central Asia to Siberia! A Freezing Train Journey from Kyrgyzstan to Russia

Video Description

Hello from Kyrgyzstan! 🇰🇬 Today, we embark on an epic 55-hour train journey across Central Asia to Siberia, traveling from Bishkek to Novosibirsk on a classic Soviet-era third-class (platzkart) train operated by Kyrgyz Railways. This 2,260 km (1,404 mi) adventure takes us along the Turkestan–Siberian Railway through three countries — Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Russia — in the heart of winter, with outside temperatures dropping to a freezing –20°C. Along the way, we also cross two international borders, adding even more adventure to this long winter ride. And to make it even more special, this journey takes place during Christmas, so we spend the holidays on a train, sharing festive moments with strangers, sipping tea from metal holders, and watching the snowy landscapes roll by. It’s a Christmas we’ll never forget — especially because we encounter an unexpected surprise. In this video, you’ll experience what long-distance winter travel looks like in Central Asia: icy steppe landscapes, the rhythm of old Soviet trains, and life inside platzkart. This is a raw, immersive look into remote rail travel and the cultures that connect Kyrgyzstan to Siberia. Enjoy the ride! • Thank you to our channel members • Roland Gharfine - Jorge Oliveira - Clay Gilliland - Per Erik Akerjordet (Norseman) - soundman - RN - Thomas Sanderson - Paulus™️ - Zoltán Bodrogi - Ruben Dario Machado López - suman Dhara - Grandma Bente 👉 Want to see the destinations we travel to? Watch our second channel! https://www.youtube.com/@letsgobylandVlogs?sub_confirmation=1 • Support the channel and get special perks • ● become a CHANNEL MEMBER: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8syvJyVQ7uqEdlCE1u6JDg/join ● join us on PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/letsgobyland • Trip information • Departure from: Bishkek Arrival to: Novosibirsk Travel time: 54h 50min Ticket fare: €111($130) Distance (approx.): 2,260 km (1,404 mi) Railway company: Kyrgyz Railways (КТЖ) Train: № 385Щ Carriage class: Third class (Platzkart) Trip date: December 2024 • Watch more from Central Asia • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njd0bUfp9bg&list=PLXed-fAnBnjKc__P4KTutReECuB6a0pDY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0thbedCH9c&list=PLXed-fAnBnjLXRiVH2PqLNozSYmeuO7gD https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bY1zA8MniV0&list=PLXed-fAnBnjL4zA2sFHlJAXhuXjePC1Fx&index=8 • Our travel resources • 👉 Buy your train, bus and ferry tickets 🚆 🚌 ⛴️ https://omio.tpk.lu/KXMqq8C9 👉 Get your travel medical insurance 🌍 https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance/?referenceID=26256627&campaign=youtube-general&utm_campaign=youtube-general&utm_source=26256627&utm_medium=Ambassador 👉 Get your Airalo e-sim 📳 https://airalo.tp.st/ZaP4DJs6 • Subscribe our channels • 🔔 For more tips on how to travel without flying https://www.youtube.com/@Letsgobyland?sub_confirmation=1 🔔 Our second channel to see more from the destination https://www.youtube.com/@letsgobylandVlogs?sub_confirmation=1 • Help us making content • https://revolut.me/letsgobyland Thank you for your support! • Follow our journey on • https://letsgobyland.com/ https://www.instagram.com/letsgobyland/ https://www.tiktok.com/@letsgobyland https://www.facebook.com/letsgobyland/ • Video chapters • 00:00 - Intro 00:40 - Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan 02:33 - Bishkek to Novosibirsk train 385Щ 03:46 - Tickets informations 04:14 - Departure from Bishkek 04:22 - Route map 05:23 - Third class (Platzkart) 07:38 - Border crossing from Kyrgyzstan to Kazakhstan 08:27 - Surprise 09:51 - Support the channel 12:13 - Toilet check 15:40 - Second class compartment 25:02 - Border crossing from Kazakhstan to Russia 30:49 - Arrival in Novosibirsk 30:55 - Conclusion 31:15 - Novosibirsk, Russia 32:32 - Outro This video description may contain affiliate links, which means we’ll receive a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you. #soviettrain #russiatravel #trainjourney