it is all part of the cultural experience, right?

Yes, if standing in a sloshing pool of human waste qualifies as a “cultural experience” you will be, well, experienced.

If wellies are not an option maybe flip-flops will work, or you could go “commando”.

Sitting, or squatting – eek – that thought gives me the willies. I’d jump from a moving train first, emulate a bear and walk the rest of the way.

Also, be aware that there is a better than even chance that the aircon in your carriage will not be working, which given the date of your travel might not be as hot as it might be in April. If the aircon is working, temps will be 10 (C), so you might wish you’d packed your woollies.

The family of seven in the upper berth may start a fire, either to stay warm or prepare dinner.

If you are in third-class stay away from the open window, folks up ahead of you will be chucking all sorts of detritus out the window, and blow-back is a possibility.

Lastly, if you are a smoker please exercise caution if smoking between carriages; we lose quite a few foreigners each season this way.