Click-clacking along the tracks for thousands of kilometres, getting a glimpse into some of the most intriguing places on earth – it’s easy to understand why the Trans-Siberian Railway is considered one of the world’s most dreamed about train rides. There are several routes to choose from when deciding on your itinerary, but the Trans-Mongolian is arguably the standout choice.
Crossing three vast countries, each as fascinating as the next, the train travels through the seemingly endless birch forests of Russia, skirting impressive Lake Baikal and the wilds of the Siberian taiga, into an entirely different world of steppes dotted with gers (traditional yurts) and the stark Gobi Desert in Mongolia, before nature gives way to the urban landscape and skyscrapers of Beijing.
You can embark on this epic journey in either direction, starting or ending in Moscow or Beijing. Here we outline the route starting from Moscow. The train follows the Trans-Siberian Railway until Ulan-Ude, where it splits off and takes the Trans-Mongolian route. Overall, the journey from Moscow to Beijing takes six nights and five days, covering a distance of 7826km. While you can undertake this trip directly, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Mongolia. If you plan to make stopovers, this must be pre-arranged and tickets organized accordingly.
Moscow to Ulaanbaatar
This segment is the essence of the journey. Starting from Moscow’s Yaroslavsky station, you will travel through Russia for five nights and four days before arriving in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. If time permits, there are plenty of towns along the way to break the journey. However, if you opt for a direct trip, you’ll only encounter the stations as you stop for brief intervals of around 15 to 30 minutes – just enough time to restock on water and snacks, take some photos, stretch your legs, and hop back on.
For the most part, you’ll be enjoying the expansive birch forests, which have a meditative effect, especially when coupled with the rhythmic swaying of the train. Many travelers share stories, play cards, and converse with locals during the journey. As day dawns, a delightful change of scenery awaits – just as you start to feel a bit weary from the endless rows of trees, you’ll catch sight of mountains on one side and the beautiful Lake Baikal on the other. The next change in landscape upon entering Mongolia is nothing short of surreal.
Day 1
The train departs at 11:55pm from Moscow. If this is your first sleeper train experience, you might struggle to sleep the first night as your body adjusts to the movement. If you wake bleary-eyed from a fitful night, don’t worry – your only task now is to relax and watch the Russian forests whizz by, remembering how to pass time without the internet. There will be several station stops throughout the day where you can stretch your legs for 15 to 20 minutes.
Day 2
More birch trees roll by as you begin to acclimate to life on the train. In the afternoon, the train stops in the Siberian town of Omsk, historically significant due to Dostoevsky’s exile there in 1849. You’ll have approximately 20 minutes to hop off and see the Lenin statue in front of the station.
Day 3
As time zones begin to disorient you, expect the main stop at Irkutsk early in the morning (local time) where you will have 45 minutes to explore. Irkutsk serves as an excellent base for visiting Lake Baikal, located 70km southeast of the town. It is the most popular Siberian stop due to its proximity to the lake along with its historical architecture, museums, and churches.
Day 4
Say goodbye to the birch trees: day four offers some of the best scenery of the entire trip as Lake Baikal, the largest freshwater lake in the world, becomes visible on one side while mountains emerge on the other side. The train curves around tight turns near the lake, allowing for incredible photo opportunities.
Next, prepare for your first border crossing. The train stops at Ulan-Ude for about 45 minutes, and later crosses the border at Naushiki. While there are stories about the complexities of border crossings, the process is generally straightforward with efficiency from the officials. Note that toilets will be closed during the crossing, which may last for several hours. Furthermore, the Russian dining car is replaced with a Mongolian one, which boasts impressive wooden carvings.
Day 5
Wake up early and pull up the cabin blinds to witness a dramatic shift in scenery as you get your first glimpse of Mongolia – rolling hills, wild horses sprinting alongside the train, and nomadic gers scattered across the open steppe. The train halts in Ulaanbaatar early in the morning for 45 minutes. This is one stop you must not miss. Spend a couple of days in the capital visiting museums and taking a culinary break from your usual fare to explore Buddhist vegetarian cuisine or indulge in traditional khorkhog (Mongolian lamb cooked on hot stones). If your schedule allows, venture into the countryside, experience life in gers, interact with locals, try yak milk, and go horse trekking for days.
Ulaanbaatar to Beijing
The train departs Ulaanbaatar early in the morning and arrives in Beijing by mid-morning the following day. As this is the final leg of the journey, you may feel both eager to arrive and nostalgic as the experience comes to a close. Crossing from Mongolia into China involves a tedious process that fans of train mechanics might appreciate. Mongolian and Chinese railroads have differing track gauges, necessitating a bogie change that takes hours late at night, requiring passengers to remain on the train. You may be allowed to step off once your passports have been verified, allowing you to grab some food near the station—if you can manage to stay awake! Additionally, the Mongolian dining car gives way to the Chinese version, where you’ll be served a traditional breakfast before disembarking.
This leg of the journey traverses the Gobi Desert, offering brief insights into this harsh environment. Upon entering China, brace yourself for yet another dramatic transformation in the scenery, with huge gorges coming into view. Before you know it, you’ll be speeding past busy station platforms, endless apartment buildings, and into the dynamic pace of Beijing, feeling fortunate to have experienced this unforgettable journey.
Make it Happen
Planning the Trans-Mongolian journey independently can be a logistical challenge; nonetheless, with good organization, it is entirely possible. Alternatively, consider utilizing an agency like Real Russia, which comes highly recommended for its excellent support. For practical travel tips, be sure to explore key resources that will enhance your journey along the Trans-Mongolian Railway.
