The most beautiful section of the Trans Siberian Railroad travels from Irkutsk in Siberia to the massive Lake Baikal. It takes in Ulan Ude as well as the border town of Nauschki and terminates at the Mongolian capital of Ulaan Baatar. Varied landscapes and exotic towns turn this journey into a fascinating adventure.

Travelling from Moscow, and after a total of three days and more than five thousand kilometres on the train, we disembark at Irkutsk, the most beautiful city in Siberia. The city became home of the Dekrabisten who fought for liberty in the former Tsarist empire and were eventually banished to Siberia where they introduced their own culture.

In Port Baikal is the remarkable and modern Circum-Baikal train that takes a full day to travel around Lake Baikal.

Ulan Ude is an exotic city with a population of a million and for the first time we get a feeling of being in Asia. However, the largest head of Lenin in the world emphasises the region’s association with Mother Russia. In 1666 a winter fortress was built on the Uda River by Russian Cossacks who were travelling east, the Verchneundinsk Fortress.

Ulaan Baatar: the station is very quiet. Under the severe stare of the female train guards, passengers leave the train and the luggage is unloaded.

The Trans Siberian Railroad is still the longest railway line in the world and connects the continents of Europe and Asia. It is truly a technical miracle and a legend that has survived the passage of time.