Setting off on a rail adventure on the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway, the world’s longest railroad, can by right be called a journey of a lifetime. The Moscow – Ulan Bator route is among the most popular Trans-Siberian train tours and the experience is full of surprises! The setting changes every day as the train makes its way from the capital of Russia, Moscow, to the capital of Mongolia, Ulan Bator. The train passes a total of 15+ cities and covers the distance of 6266 kilometers (3894 miles), crossing Russia from west to southeast. To get an insight of the cities on the route, travelers choose not to spend all the time solely on board trains and thus stay for 1-2 days touring the chosen destinations, accompanied by professional local guides. Here’s what the Trans-Siberian Railway is all about from the eyes of travelers!
Kazan
Traditionally the first major stop enroute Trans-Siberian railway tours is the iconic city of Kazan. Famous for being a melting pot of Slavic and Tatar cultures, the city’s main attraction is the Kul Sharif Mosque set within the walls of the Kazan Kremlin.
Kazan is a many-sided city that has lately been developing as a city of sport. It boasts many interesting buildings in the old town, as well as the unique and multi-colored Temple of all Religions or the futuristic Chasha marriage ceremony hall.
One of the gems of Kazan is indeed the Raifa Monastery located in the outskirts of the city. This impressive complex is a religious hub that was founded in 1613 and is made up of several cathedrals and buildings.
Ekaterinburg
The next stop is Ekaterinburg, best-known for being the location where the family of Russian Tsars spent their last years of life. The famous Church on the Blood with golden domes marks the place where the Romanovs were executed by the Bolsheviks in 1918.
The Ganina Yama memorial complex located near Ekaterinburg is another tribute to the royal Romanov family. There are numerous adorned wooden chapels in the monastery as well as photographs and information about the life of the Tsars.
Another popular sight near Ekaterinburg is the Asia-Europe monument, marking the border where two continents meet. It’s a fun spot to be in two places at once!
Irkutsk
The city of Irkutsk is definitely worth a stop on the Trans-Siberian Railway. The city managed to preserve a lot of genuine Russian wooden architecture like the gorgeous Russian Barocco style wooden “laced” house of the merchants Shastins. There are also several dozens of wooden buildings dating back to the 18th century in the 130-quarter.
By far the Church of Our Lady of Kazan in honor of the icon of the Mother of God is a highly recognizable building set in the heart of Irkutsk.
The Irkutsk Babr is a heraldic animal depicted on the city’s coat of arms. It is a symbol of the city that has a silhouette of a tiger and the paws of a beaver.
Baikal
There’s no denying that the culmination of Trans-Siberian tours is reaching the deepest freshwater lake on the planet – Lake Baikal. Often called the “Pearl of Siberia”, the crystal-clear lake and its surroundings are home to unique flora and fauna.
This jaw-droppingly stunning body of water will surprise with its serenity and untouched nature. Moreover, going on a Lake Baikal mini cruise can certainly enhance the experience.
To get to know authentic Siberia and Russian culture better, paying a visit to the Taltsy Museum of Wooden Architecture is a must-do. Plus, a guided tour to Listvyanka village is another Baikal highlight.
Ulan Bator
The capital of Mongolia, Ulan Bator, is the final stop on the route. Its Parliament Building with the imposing Genghis Khan Statue is a favored stop during city tours.
The Buddhist Gandan Monastery, meaning “a great place of complete joy”, was founded in 1727 and is a famous place in Ulan Bator.
The mighty Genghis Khan Statue Complex set in the outskirts of Ulan Bator was built to honor the great founder of the Mongol Empire. The centerpiece of the complex is a 40-meter (131-foot) statue of Genghis Khan atop a horse, erected on the place where as per the legend the leader found the golden whip.
The Gorkhi Terelj National Park has impeccable natural beauty. The ritual stone heap Owoo can be seen on the way to the park. Such Mongolian pillbox-shaped stone piles for worship, called Aobao by locals, are used as altars in local folk religious practice.
Eagles have long-played an important role in the life of Mongolians. Being one of the favored national symbols today, the traditional hunting with eagles is an ancient and valued practice of Mongolia.
When in Mongolia, take advantage of the chance to meet a Nomadic family to learn about their daily life and traditions that were safekept for centuries.
If you try picturing someone from Mongolia, the person is most likely riding a horse, right? It’s no surprise that this is the image that popped in your head, as horseback riding has long been a vital part of the life of the locals. A great way to diversify a Trans-Siberian trip is going horseback riding in Mongolia yourself.
Trying a meal of national cuisine is exciting, but imagine staying overnight in a traditional Mongolian yurt! It is, by all means, something unusual and memorable.
Without a doubt, going on a Trans-Siberian journey is worth it. The adventure is inspiring and grand yet requires a lot of time for pre-planning, as well as effort, money and thorough preparation. One of the best ways to get a seamless hands-on Trans-Siberian experience to remember your whole life and not drain your purse, is going on Trans-Siberian package tours by Travel All Russia, that combine top-notch sightseeing with professional English-speaking guides, accommodation on and off trains, varied transportation, visa assistance and a program that covers all the unmissable highlights enroute the Trans-Siberian.
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