Riding the Trans Siberian railway: from Ulan Ude to Novosibirsk

Last time, we looked at the delights to be found on a Trans Siberian railway tour from Beijing to Ulan Bator. This week, we head over the border into Russia to explore the attractions and sights on offer on the way to Novosibirsk.

The next stop after Ulan Bator is Ulan Ude, the capital of the republic of Buryatia in Russia. The city offers a curious mix of Russian and Asian culture due to its geographical position and as such there is plenty to see here.

As well as offering easy access to Lake Baikal, Ulan Ude is home to the Ivolginsky Datsan, a temple that is seen as the centre of the Buddhist religion in Russia.

The temple hosts some unique examples of local art and one popular attraction is the body of Dashi-Dorzho Itigelov - the 12th Pandito Hambo Lama of the Ivolginsky Datsan - who famously told his students to exhume his body 30 years after his death.

When they did, they found his body to be in the same condition as when they buried it - and it had not been embalmed or preserved in any other way.

Back on the Russian rail, your tour will likely take the train around Lake Baikal, a stunningly scenic spot that draws tourists from around the world. The lake is the oldest and deepest in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Its mountainous, forest-filled surroundings offer the perfect setting for this stretch of water, which contains a fifth of the world's unfrozen fresh water. You'll be able to stop and have a picnic by the side of the lake, as well as visit the nearby villages.

The next day of your tour will take you to Irkutsk on the other side of Lake Baikal. The city is one of the oldest in Siberia and has some beautiful architecture to gaze at. Highlights of a trip to Irkutsk include its various churches and cathedrals, Kirov Square and enough museums to keep any history buff happy.

Moving onwards on your Trans Siberian railway tour, Siberian capital Novosibirsk will be your next stop. The third largest city in Russia, Novosibirsk's main attractions include Lenin Square, the Red Avenue and the Aleksandr Nevsky Cathedral, as well as numerous art galleries, museums, theatres and restaurants.