Driving in Siberia

Georgios, if you dont get a answer, PM me I will ask a russian friend of mine that lives in Southern Siberia (Abakan, Republic of Khakassia)

Chasing the umbra? Sorry can’t help with the drive, just thought you might be interested in this: “On August 1, 2008, will be a total eclipse of the Sun with a magnitude of 1.039…Greatest eclipse duration will be reached near the town of Nadym in Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug in Northern Siberia.” [wiki]

Sure its possible with a 4 wheel drive and lots of spares, as well as a good dose of luck. It’s a long trip and you will need the help of locals do doubt along the way so Russian speaker would be a bonus.
Not sure how easy your visa would be to sort for a trip like this as Russian Embassy requires all accom booked in advance by authorised agents etc and only last for 30 day max.
Maybe look into getting the train to somewhere closer like Yekaterinberg, 52 hours from Moscow, then smaller local trains and overland from there 1000 + kms. Would be quite a trip overland all the way train should be no problems and would give you better idea of dates for your visa. Good Luck.

Hi everybody,

i t seems that it’s impossible to rent a car in moscow and take it to a trip in Siberia unless if you pay a deposit equivalent of the car’s value !!!

Probably I should buy a good old Zaporozhets .

G.

Hi Georgios, are you 100% positive you can’t possibly do that? I will try and phone up a couple of agencies on Monday if I don’t forget to do that.

Cheers

Petr