Setting off on the Trans Siberian railway

Friday, 31, Jul 2009 11:45

Thinking of travelling along the Trans Siberian railway on your next holiday? You might have a more fulfilling experience if you're aware of what to expect and this three-part article series should give you a rough idea of the break that awaits you.

Let's begin with the first few days of a typical guided tour from Beijing to Moscow on a Trans-Siberian express train. After flying into the Chinese capital you will have the opportunity to see the city's numerous sights and attractions during the first two days of your tour.

Just a few of the sights you might want to put on your must-see list include the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City, as well as Summer Palace, the Great Wall, the Ming tombs, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven and Beijing Zoo.

After taking your fill of Beijing you'll likely step aboard your train to begin your journey across Siberia. You will find that you will need to change trains at Erlian due to the different train tracks used in the Russian and Chinese rail systems.

Once you've changed trains and boarded a Trans-Siberian express, you will find that a standard train travelling this route will generally offer meals in a restaurant car. Alternatively, you can procure your own food at designated stops along the way.

In terms of sleeping facilities, a typical train will feature four-berth compartments, with each berth including a mattress, pillow, bed linen and a towel. If you opt for first-class train tickets, your sleeping area may consist of two berths rather than four.

The next stop is likely to be Ulan-Bator, the capital of Mongolia. Here you might spend some time at Terelj National Park, a beautiful spot with some spectacular scenery, where you can visit a camp, talk to nomadic people and sample some of the local cuisine.

After visiting the park, you'll be able to take a proper city tour of Ulan-Bator. Just a few of the highlights here include the National History Museum, Sukhbaatar Square, Gandan Monastery and the Bogd Khaan Palace museum.

Leaving Ulan-Bator, you will find yourself heading into Russia - and it's likely that many of your most memorable moments will take place here...