North Asia is a vast region that covers most of the Asian part of Russia, stretching from the Ural Mountains in the west to the Pacific Ocean in the east. Its alternative name, Siberia, is the one most travellers will recognise, and it describes the same expanse of land.
The landscape is shaped by its northern position. Much of the region is covered by taiga, the dense coniferous forest that runs across the continent, and further north the land gives way to tundra. The climate is extreme and continental, with long, cold winters and short summers, and the population is sparse. For a visitor, this means wide open country, long distances between settlements, and a sense of space that is hard to find elsewhere.
What a visit involves
- Long journeys, since the region is very large and towns can be far apart.
- Seasonal planning, as conditions change dramatically between winter and summer.
- Quiet, remote scenery, with forest and tundra often far from any large settlement.
North Asia suits travellers who value wilderness and open horizons over busy city sights. Those who go should prepare for cold weather and limited infrastructure away from the main centres, and allow generous time for getting around.
