Western Siberia

The Ural Mountains stretch 2,000kms from Kazakhstan in the south to the Arctic Kara Sea in the north. They have been a major source to the economy due to their high content of minerals and metals.

Yekaterinburg is 41kms inside Asia although the official boundary of Siberia is 260km away. The city was founded by Peter the Great in 1723 and is an important important industry city.

Tyumen is the old Siberian capital of Tobolsk, north of the Trans Siberian Railway. It is located 325kms east of Yekaterinburg. It is the site of the first Russian fort in Siberia back in 1586.

The Altay Mountains are one of the most beautiful ranges, they were given World Heritage Listing in 1998.

Dont's:

Many old customs still thrive and women are advised to wear a scarf over their heads when entering churches in Russia.

If you are invited to a Russian's home it is proper to bring a gift. Wine, confectionary or a cake is acceptable. Flowers are ok but make sure they are of an odd number as even numbers are for funerals. Once the meal begins it is rude not to accept the food or drink.

When sitting even with strangers it is customary to share your food, drink or even your cigarette.

Winters in Russia are extremely cold due to much of the country being so far north.
From May to early September summer days in the north are long and generally warm. During July and August Russia experiences its wettest months even though it is summer.