The team from Discovering Transylvania Production set out on an awe-inspiring journey to one of the world's most mysterious regions: Siberia.


They ventured with 3 rugged vehicles, a team of 8 adventurers, traversing a whopping 18,000 miles (29,000 km) in harrowing conditions, where the mercury dropped below an unfathomable -65°F (-54°C). Dive into their preparations and this life-changing experience.


Siberia is renowned as an adventurer's paradise, especially for those who are keen on extreme off-road adventures. This land of unyielding conditions, whiteout blizzards, and bone-chilling temperatures beckons the bravest. Among the brave was Sebastian Popescu, a core member of the team. Let's hear about their thrilling escapade from him.


“Way back in 2004, in Wales, I felt the thrill of off-roading for the first time. It wasn’t just an experience; it became an obsession. Almost every weekend thereafter saw me in the rugged outdoors with buddies. By 2013, my love for the sport found a direction - the Romanian championship. Soon, I was at the helm, producing content for a major sports channel. In a fortuitous twist, I got to compete in the Romanian off-road championship, piloting alongside a past national champ. It was a surreal blend of my twin passions - filming and off-roading.”


Extreme Conditions - Driving in Siberia


Traversing Siberia's Tough Terrains

When quizzed about the inception of this Siberian venture, he mentioned, “The seed was sown not by me but by Cornel, a fellow off-road enthusiast from Romania. The moment he shared the plan, I was on board. Immense gratitude to him for one of my life's most enriching experiences!”


Road in Siberia


What was the goal of the expedition?

The objective? “Our ambitious team of eight aimed to touch the 73rd parallel. Documenting this journey and Siberia's majestic landscapes was another challenge we set for ourselves. Our perseverance saw us reaching Tiksi, the northernmost city, after an intense two-month journey. One of the many highlights? Navigating frozen rivers and even the icy ocean! We were truly off-roading around the clock in the harshest conditions, battling through blizzards and temperatures plunging way below freezing.”




The Backbone: Their Mighty Vehicles

Discussing the preparation, Sebastian shared, “This in itself was a journey. Cornel and Mihai were instrumental in getting the vehicles ready. We fortified 3 Toyota Land Cruisers HDJ 80, 4.2 diesel, with special insulation and heaters. Despite starting our prep a year in advance, the lack of information about Siberia posed a challenge. For me, ensuring our filming and photography equipment could withstand the severe cold was a priority. Reflecting on it, this surely was an unparalleled adventure in my life.”