My exciting journey from Moscow to Ulan-Ude, and then by train through a section of the Trans-Siberian railway to Irkutsk, showcasing the stunning views of Lake Baikal. This adventure begins with a Smartavia flight from Moscow, followed by a train ride with RZD, and concludes with an Aeroflot flight from Irkutsk back to Moscow.
The video starts at Sheremetyevo Airport, where I almost missed my flight due to heavy traffic. Some passengers even walked through the rain to catch their flights. After checking in at gate 104, we board a Smartavia Boeing 737-800. Captain Ruslan Kadyrov shared insights about the flight. We flew over the Ivolginsky Datsan before landing on time at Ulan-Ude’s Baikal Airport. I spotted an Aviastar-TU Boeing 757 that had arrived from Yakutsk.
Exploring Ulan-Ude, I admired the mosaic "Cosmos" by architect Dzheiran Ulanov, took a bus to the "Siberia" hotel, and reviewed my room. I visited the Lenin Head monument and enjoyed local Buryat cuisine, especially the Shenehensky buuzy.
I booked my train ticket via the RZD app, choosing a private compartment. At the Ulan-Ude station, I boarded a train bound for Irkutsk, stopping at Mysovaya, Slyudyanka, and Baikalsk stations. Although Lake Baikal was frozen, the scenery was breathtaking.
In Irkutsk, I walked along the main pedestrian street before taking a bus to the airport. Contrary to a local official’s claim, I found the airport quite satisfactory.
The video concludes with my Aeroflot Boeing 737-800 flight back to Moscow, highlighting the in-flight meal and the sights from my seat.
Thank you for watching! This video was filmed on an iPhone and DJI Pocket 2, and edited with FinalCut. All expenses were personally covered.
*Video Chapters:*
- 00:00 Sheremetyevo Airport: Traffic, check-in for Smartavia flight
- 01:32 Boarding Smartavia Boeing 737-800 to Ulan-Ude
- 02:47 Departure from Sheremetyevo, in-flight meal
- 05:20 Overflying Ivolginsky Datsan, landing at Baikal Airport, Ulan-Ude
- 09:02 "Siberia" Hotel in Ulan-Ude, city tour, trying draniki
- 11:17 Enjoying Buryat buuzy, Shenehensky style
- 12:39 Booking RZD train ticket to Irkutsk via app
- 14:57 Ulan-Ude Railway Station, boarding train to Irkutsk
- 16:35 Trans-Siberian train to Irkutsk, compartment review
- 18:52 Train journey towards Lake Baikal, stops at Mysovaya and Slyudyanka
- 22:40 Scenic views of frozen Lake Baikal
- 24:12 Arriving at Irkutsk station, tram ride, and bus to airport
- 25:40 Irkutsk Airport review, comparison to bus station claim
- 27:56 Boarding Aeroflot flight from Irkutsk to Sheremetyevo, cabin review
- 29:10 Takeoff from Irkutsk, overflying Kazan, landing at Sheremetyevo