Experience the thrilling trip along the rails of thousands kilometre long passing across three most challenging lands of Russia, Mongolia, and China.
The Trans-Mongolian Express will click-clack on tracks for six nights and five days of journey, reaching a distance approximately 7826 kilometres. It starts from the Yaorslavksy train station in Moscow and finishes at the Beijing central station. Of course, there are a lot of spic-and-span experiences along the way.
A Brief History
Established in the 19th century, the Trans-Siberian railroad originally was intended as trade network connecting Moscow and the Vladivostok port. The network then has split into the three destinations, namely, the Trans-Siberian that keeps on continuing to Vladivostok, the Trans-Manchurian turns south-east to Harbin and Beijing, and the Trans-Mongolian heads south via Ulaanbataar to Beijing.
The Trans-Mongolian
The train offers two types of compartment class. The first one is the common one, called as platzkart, intended for about 40 passengers for each car with a repeating pattern of each cabin consisting 2 upper and 2 lower bunk-bed berths facing each other separated by a small isle and window. This carriage allows you to mingle with other travellers more openly.
The second one, if you want more privacy, kupe provides a more costly compartment with a lockable door with two sets of berths and a table. This cart has its nearest shower and WC space. Meanwhile, the platzkart passengers are also allowed to use this restroom after passing several compartments first.
Your ticket will not cover the meals along the trip. You can go to the restaurant compartment and enjoy your food there. You may also wait for the staffs will go around in scheduled times with food and drink carts. Also, some vendors are allowed to board on the train during some train stops. The train will have some breaks at large to small stations where you can hop off for tasting local foods or re-filling your water or food stocks.
The On-Board Jaunt
1st day
Departing from Moscow, you can enjoy the sleeper train with the view of Russia’s birch trees along the way, with some 15-20 minutes of stops.
2nd day
Stops at Omsk, a Siberian town known for the Dostoevsky’s exile place in the 1940s and station’s statue of Lenin.
3rd day
Irkutsk is the main stop. For 45 minutes you can enjoy from afar the Lake Baikal, dubbed as world’s largest freshwater lake, as well as the city’s tour of historic architectural buildings.
4th day
The view of birch forests will turn into the endless view of breath-taking Lake Baikal and get prepared for the first border crossing with a 45m-halt at Ulan-Ude then Naushiki.
5th day
The view changes into the Mongolian signature of plains and hills, wild horses, and gers—a portable, round tent covered with skins or felt nomadic dwelling in Central Asia’s steppes. The trip will halt for 45 minutes the capital city of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar.
6th day
The remaining journey to Beijing where you will cross the immense Gobi desert. The train needs to change its wheels to a smaller gauge due to different railway tracks and also some official inspections.
Click here for further details of planning your trip since crossing three countries can pose quite hassles and require good organisation. Depending on the season, book your ticket in advance will be required.
For other inspirational tips or exclusive deals for travelling to these destinations go straight to www.worldroamer.com.
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