002ЩА Irkutsk to Vladivostok Day1 was my first day back on a train as a part of my Siberian Trek after four very enjoyable days in Irkutsk and on Olkhon Island in Lake Baikal.
002ЩА
The lower the train number the more luxury, 001M is the same train in the opposite direction. 002ЩА is one of the luxury trains of Russian Railways, my cabin is in 1st Class.
This was definitely a step up from the 070Ч from Moscow to Irkutsk. My initial impression was that I should have booked this for the entire trip. Just felt more comfortable as I walked on, not really sure why, possibly the attendants were more experienced.
Cabin
My first class cabin was set up with one of the beds (closer to a submarine rack than a bed) being set up as seat and the other was made up as a bed. A nice addition is that the cabin door is lockable with a smart card.
I also had a window that would open partially which was nice, got to enjoy the clean air of Siberia. There was also a TV, which I did not use, and hidden storage lockers in the back rests of the “seat”.
Amenities Kit
Meals
My 1st Class ticket include a meal and the option to have it in the dining car or your cabin.
Was really not sure what to expect, but the fact that there was a menu was a good start.
Dinner
I decided on the Smoked fish entrée, Turkey Stroganoff and a plate of fruit.
Definitely a lot better than the previously included meals. The entree was the best, the Turkey Stroganoff was bland.
Day 1
Leaving Irkutsk 
Leaving Irkutsk
The 002ЩА arrived in Irkutsk and departed on time on a nice brisk sunny morning.
Lake Baikal
One of the standouts for me on the first day was the part of the journey along the edge of Lake Baikal, which took more than an hour (I am guessing).
The Country Side
The amount of rain in the area has been significant, unfortunately it has not been falling in the fire zone.
Ulan-Ude Pass.
Khilok
Chita-2
Itinerary
| Station | Arrival | Stop | Departure | Distance (kms) | Journey time |
| Irkutsk Passazhirskiy | 3:03 | 5193 | 3 d 2 h 55 m | ||
| Slyudyanka-1 | 5:34 | 2 m | 5:36 | 5319 | 3 d 5 h 49 m |
| Ulan-Ude Pass. | 9:56 | 21 m | 10:17 | 5649 | 3 d 10 h 11 m |
| Petrovskiy Zavod | 12:18 | 2 m | 12:20 | 5792 | 3 d 12 h 33 m |
| Khilok | 14:47 | 21 m | 15:08 | 5942 | 3 d 15 h 2 m |
| Chita-2 | 19:11 | 36 m | 19:47 | 6206 | 3 d 19 h 26 m |
| Karymskaya | 21:32 | 18 m | 21:50 | 6302 | 3 d 21 h 47 m |
| Total Day 5 | 1109 |
002ЩА Irkutsk to Vladivostok Day1
My first day on board 002ЩА Irkutsk to Vladivostok was very comfortable. We traveled from Irkutsk Passazhirskiy to Karymskaya about 1,109 kms.
1st Class is a definite step up from 2nd Class, more than I expected. Dining in the restaurant was also a nice change, though no wine or spirits are for sale, only beer, so dry dinners for me.
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Thanks for the memories.
Hopefully more to come