I am taking my daughter on the Trans Siberian Railway from Moscow to Beijing. We are travelling in August and would like to know the likely range of temperatures en route, and whether we should take an air-conditioned carriage? Mrs Mavis Bourne, by email

Sunday Times travel expert Richard Green responds: At least in August you won’t have to pack your fur hats and thermals. In fact, you’ll be travelling through Siberia at the height of its short, but intense summer, and although temperatures will most likely be in the low thirties centigrade, you could even catch Siberia when it’s sizzling hot, as summer highs can top 40 degrees Celsius.

Moscow is likely to be in the high twenties, and Beijing in the low thirties, but much more humid.

There isn’t any true air conditioning in the carriages, but the jets-air vents generally cope reasonably well. So it’s best to take loose-fitting cotton clothes, and some rubber-soled shoes to negotiate the slippery floors and jolting carriages on your way to the Dining Car.

Be sure to take plenty of tea bags and instant coffee, and a mug. There’s constant hot water on board, which is free, but the coffee on board is repulsive. Oh, and there’s no milk - so take sachets.

There’s a shower cubicle in the Service Wagon (adjacent to the Dining Car), which you can use for about £1.50 a go, but only as far as the Chinese Border. Ask your wagon-attendant, as none of the onboard information refers to it.

For more information, and to book, contact the Tran Siberian Express experts at The Russia Experience (020 8566 8846, www.trans-siberian.co.uk ), Great Rail Journeys (01904 521 936, www.greatrailuk.com ), or buy the Lonely Planet’s guide to the Trans-Siberian Railway (www.lonelyplanet.com ; £13.99.

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