Tuva is pretty well cut off from the rest of Russia by its mountainous borders and as a result, there is no rail service to Kyzyl. The new railroad is now under construction, which is scheduled to finish by 2012. The best option is to take the train from Moscow to Abakan 76 hours, with one-way fares varying from approximately 4,000 Rub US$160 to 9,500 Rub US$390. The price changes according to peak tourist seasons in Russia: by far the cheapest day to travel is the 1st of January, while July is the most expensive.
It is possible to take a bus from Abakan in neighboring Khakassia. While a night bus is an option, don't take it! The route meanders through the gorgeous Sayan mountain landscapes of the Ergaki region, which would be foolish to miss. The train from Moscow arrives in Abakan at 6 AM, and apart from the bus, there will be plenty of taxi drivers offering to take you to Kyzyl approximately 420 km from Abakan for 1,000 â 1,500 Rub US$40-60. There is a possibility that you may have to register at the Russian-Tuvan border â just hand over your passport to the police officer, there is no fee for the service.
Kyzyl Airport is small and offers flights to and from the Siberian center of Krasnoyarsk as well as Raduzhny, Khantia-Mansia because of the number of people who work in the oil industry there. The direct flights from Moscow to Kyzyl have been resumed as of Fall 2007, the flight goes twice a week via Ufa, Bashkiria's capital, departing from Moscow on Sunday and Wednesday.
For some more tips on getting to Tuva, see here: (http://www.couchsurfing.o...)
