2024 Trans-Siberian Railway Adventure...

"We learn something from everyone who passes through our lives. Some lessons are painful. Some are painless. But all are priceless..." - Unknown

We have been lucky to see many parts of the world denied to others.

Although we have been to Mongolia in 2019 and Russia in 2014, we decided to endeavor traveling on the famed Trans-Siberian Railway. We expected the railway journey to be rough and bumpy as the train chugged along the vast terrain but we were mistaken. The locomotives were electric powered and modern with the average speed of about 120 km/hr. The journey was smooth and the cabins and beds were quite comfortable.

The highlights of the trip were the train stops in the cities of Irkutsk, Yekaterinburg and Kazan and several other small cities where we explored the charming streets, visited the many historìcal attractions and experienced the diversity of the cities, its local cuisines and its lovely people.

This trip brought us to places we have not set foot before. It was truly a unique and unforgettable experience.

(Complimentary chocolate bars on the Trans-Siberian train)

The full Trans-Siberian railway line span a length of over 9,289 km and eight time-zone journey. It is the longest railway line in the world. It runs from Vladivostok in the east to Moscow in the west. To shorten our trip, we started from Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia to Moscow in Russia spanning over 6,266 km journey.

 
The Trans-Siberian Railway Trip itinerary:

02 - 17 May 2024

Day 01: KL - Incheon, Korea✈️
Day 02: Incheon, Korea - Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia✈️
Day 03: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Day 04: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - Irkutsk, Russia🚂
Day 05: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - Irkutsk, Russia🚂
Day 06: Irkutsk, Russia - Lake Baikal, Russia
Day 07: Irkutsk, Russia - Yekaterinburg, Russia🚂
Day 08: Irkutsk, Russia - Yekaterinburg, Russia🚂
Day 09: Irkutsk, Russia - Yekaterinburg, Russia🚂

Day 10: Yekaterinburg, Russia - Kazan, Russia🚂
Day 11: Yekaterinburg, Russia - Kazan, Russia🚂

Day 12: Kazan, Russia - Bolgar, Russia
Day 13: Kazan, Russia - Moscow, Russia🚂
Day 14: Moscow, Russia
Day 15: Moscow Russia - Doha, Qatar ✈️
Day 16: Doha, Qatar - KL✈️

Our journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway is not just about train rides. It's about a trip that will be remembered for a lifetime.

Facebook Album:

1. Ulaanbatar, Mongolia

2. Irkutsk, Russia

3. Yekaterinburg, Russia

4. Kazan, Russia

5. Moscow, Russia

Day 01: Incheon, Korea✈️ 👉👉

Trans-Siberian 01: KL - Seoul

"Greed keeps men forever poor; even the abundance of this world will not make them rich..."

(On board of the Korean Air flight)

Day 01: Thursday, 2 May 2024
Flight Route: KLIA - Seoul
Flight: KE672 ETD KUL 2330 ETA ICN 0650

Our bags were packed and we were ready for the Trans-Siberian Railway Journey from Ulan Bator, Mongolia to Moscow, Russia starting from today till 17 May, 2024.

(Light travellers' luggage)

By 1530 hrs we drove to KL Sentral and hubby dropped me and our luggage first. Due to the rainy weather and traffic jam, it was difficult to book a Grab Taxi. Hubby parked the E300 at our Putramas Apartment and took a grab taxi back to KL Sentral. As we were getting late, we took the earliest ERL to KLIA.

(Vibrant festive decorations at departure level, KLIA)

(An alien and his beheaded dog outside the KLIA surau)

At KLIA we solat Asar then solat Maghrib/Isya at KLIA main surau before we had snack plate and cheesy zinger burger for dinner at KFC.

(Eager to board the plane)

The group gathered at counter C at 2000 hrs for check-in. The process was fast and efficient. The KE672 flight to Seoul departed at 2330 hrs. Two hours before landing we performed subuh prayers before breakfast was served. Breakfast was Chicken Dry Noodles and fruit juice.

👈👈The Trans-Siberian Railway Trip

Day 02: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia✈️👉👉

Trans-Siberian 02: Seoul - Ulaanbaatar

"Remember, you have no companions but your shadow..." - Genghis Khan

(Our second visit to Mongolia)

Day 02: Friday, 3 May 2024
Flight Route: Seoul - Ulaanbaatar
Hotel: Platinum Hotel Ulaanbaatar

Arrived at Incheon International Airport at 0650 hrs for a two hour transit. Unfortunately our three packs of sambal sotong in the carry-on bag were confiscated at the Korean security checkpoint even though we were only on transit. The sambal sotong is quite watery, we would have exceeded the 100 ml limit for liquid. Next time, had to remind me to pack them in the checked baggage!

(Sunrise over the horizon)

(Incheon International Airport transfer lounge) 

Went direct to Gate 253 for our onward flight to Ulaanbaatar. The KE197 flight departed at 0810 hrs. Rice and fish curry were served for breakfast on board the flight.

(Heavy breakfast before landing)

Arrived at the new Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khan International Airport at 1050 hrs. Chinggis Khaan International Airport at Tergelen also referred to as New Ulaanbaatar International Airport, is the primary airport serving Ulaanbaatar, and is Mongolia's only international airport. It opened on 4 July 2021, replacing Buyant-Ukhaa International Airport.

(The new Chinggis Khan International Airport)

(Our Trans-Siberian group at the Arrival Hall)

Immigration and custom checks were smooth. We were met by the jovial Mr. Mando, our Mongolian local tour guide. We boarded the coaster and headed to Ulaanbaatar. We were stuck for almost two hours in the massive traffic jam. With vehicle numbers exploding, Ulaanbaatar is on the brink of total immobility.

(Stuck in the traffic jam in Ulaanbaatar)

After tackling a challenging traffic jam, we finally arrived at Hazara Halal Indian Restaurant for a hearty lunch of Garlic Naan and Beef Masala. After lunch we checked-in Platinum Hotel where we will be spending two nights here.

(One of the many halal restaurants in town)

(Delicious finger licking Beef Masala with Garlic Naan)

After a short rest, we went to Ulaanbaatar Hard Rock Café, a 10 minutes walking distance to Chinggis Khan Square and the magnificent Mongolian Parliament House. It is nested in the newly built Naran Place Shopping Complex.

(Hardrock Cafe Ulaanbaatar)

(A must visit for Hard Rock Cafe diehard fans) 

(Checking out the rock n' roll memorabilia)

On the way back to the hotel. we stopped for dinner at a Kazakhstan Halal Restaurant. We shared a plate of tasty beef rice and pizza.

(Halal menu at a Kazakh Restaurant)

(Having an early dinner after a long walk) 

(Trying out Beef Stroganoff, Mongolian style)

The weather was windy and chilly when we walked back to our hotel for a good night's sleep. The temperature was 7°C outside.

(Platinum Hotel, our lodging for two nights)

(A large comfortable room)

👈👈Day 01: Incheon, Korea✈️

Day 03: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia👉👉

Trans-Siberian 03: Ulaanbaatar – Gorkhi Terelj National Park

"The strength of a wall is neither greater nor less than the courage of the men who defend it..." - Genghis Khan

(Horse riding at Gorkhi Terelj National Park)

Day 03 - Saturday, 4 May 2024
Route: Ulaanbaatar – Gorkhi Terelj National Park
Hotel: Platinum Hotel Ulaanbaatar

Buffet breakfast was at 0800 hrs at the hotel Restaurant. Today we visited Chinggis Khaan Complex, Ghorki Terelj National Park and a Kazakhstan Village.

  

(Good Morning! A bright sunny weather)

(A hearty breakfast before a full-day trip)

On the way to Chinggis Khaan Complex, we stopped at Sansàr Supermarket for mineral water and fruits. The place was popular with the locals to stock up before heading for the outdoors during the weekends.

(Sansar Supermarket, a popular stop for the locals)

(Buying bread and fruits for the road)

This was our second time visiting the Chinggis Khaan Complex. The surrounding was not as green as when we were here in Autumn 2019. Located 54 km away from Ulaanbaatar city, The Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue is considered the world's largest equestrian statue and the largest horse-riding statue in the world. It was built here, because this was the spot where Chinggis Khaan found a golden whip.

(Genghis Khan Complex with a 40 meter tall statue)

(A large stainless steel equestrian statue of Genghis Khan)

(A monument for a Mongolian warrior and famous conqueror)

The complex includes an impressive underground museum, with Hunnu artefacts and items from the Mongol empire, a cafe, and a souvenir shop.

(Warcraft creatures, monsters or warriors? Yakjuj and Makjuj?)

(A giant traditional Mongolian boot)

(A visit to the underground museum)

(Learning the history of Mongolian Empire)

(An animated poster in the museum)

(The displays of Mongolia historical timelines)

We had a complete tour of the Museum and had the opportunity to climb up to the horse's head of Chinggis Khan statue. The height of the Chinggis Khaan statue is 3-story tall. There is an elevator to the third floor but one has to climb a flight of stairs to get to the head of the horse.

(Climbing to the head of the horse)

(The imposing Genghis Khan statue up close)

Later we had lunch at a restaurant in Gorkhi Terelj National Park located opposite the huge Turtle Rock. Everyone was either famished or the nasi goreng with sunny-side up egg was extra tasty because all finished their meals.

(A simple tasty nasi goreng lunch)

Gorkhi Terelj National Park is located 65 km from Ulaanbaatar. High granite stone mountains with forest-covered northern slopes, multitudes of wildflower meadows along with the spectacular shape rocks formed by wind is a favourite scenery for the visitors. Fast-flowing rivers and streams make the national park more beautiful. We had photo opportunities at the Turtle Rock before we went for an afternoon tea and snacks in a typical Mongolian ger.

(The huge Turtle Rock)

(A visit to a typical Mongolian ger)

(Having afternoon tea and local biscuits in the ger)

Everyone had a photo session with a hunting eagle of Mongolia. The Golden Eagles are born for hunting; they have incredible speed, great eyesight, and powerful feet with sharp talons. The Eagles are hooded by a specially made hood to keep them calm. It is removed when scanning areas of the steppes for preys. Later some of us enjoyed a thirty minutes horse ride on the undulating plains of the Gorkhi Terelj National Park.

(The Golden eagle is docile when hooded)

(Playing with the golden eagle)

(Horse riding on the undulating plain)

We thronged the traffic jam again on the way back to our hotel in Ulaanbaatar. We had Tom Yam Maggi Mee and sambal kacang bilis for dinner in the room.

Tonight was our last night in Mongolia. The weather outside was 0°c.

👈👈Day 02: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia✈️

Day 04: Ulaanbaatar to Irkutsk, Russia🚂👉👉

Trans-Siberian 04: Ulaanbaatar City Tour

"Conquering the world on horseback is easy; it is dismounting and governing that is hard..." - Genghis Khan

(Ulaanbaatar City Tour on electric scooters)

Day 04: Sunday, 5 May 2024
Route: Ulaanbaatar City Tour
Train Route: Ulaanbaatar to Irkutsk (25 hrs)

Breakfast was at the Platinum Hotel Restaurant.

This morning the group had a walking tour and visited the Sukhbaatar Square, just a 15-minute walk from our hotel. This is the main square in the heart of Ulaanbaatar. A large statue of Sukhbaatar, the famous patriot characterizes the square, and the square is named after him. The Parliament House, Stock Exchange, the Drama Theater and Cultural Palace are located around the square.

(A morning stroll towards Peace Avenue)

(Ulaanbaatar skyline in the early morning)

(A group photo at the park)

(Statues of Sukhbaatar and Marco Polo)

There was Ger Exhibition at the square and locals came to enjoy the weather on a weekend proudly adorning their national costumes. We visited a few decorative Gers for photo opportunities.

(Genghis Khan Statue at the Parliament House)

(Father and son in their traditional costumes)

(A comfortable and spacious Ger)

(Informative posters in a decorated Ger)

(Playing Mongolian chess with the elderly)

(The newest big-city eco transport trend)

(The Grand Mosque and Islamic Center, still under construction)

By noon we checked-out of the hotel and headed to the Ulaanbaatar Railway Station. We had sambal bilis sandwich lunch and hot nescafe at the station before we boarded the 1520 hrs train to Irkutsk.

 

(Ulaanbaatar Train Station, beautiful and clean)

(A replica of an old locomotive at the end of the station)

This will be the start of our Trans-Siberian train journey, a combination of trans-Mongolian and Trans-Siberian train lines from Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia to Moscow in Russia.

(We arrived early at the station)

(No sign of our Trans-Mongolian train)

(The bright blue and red Trans-Mongolian train)

(Checking the right carriage to board)

The boarding check-in process was simple. Our train tickets and passport were thoroughly inspected. We kept a copy of our train ticket in the handphone for our record as the train tickets were taken for good by the inspectors. Once we settled down in the 2-bed cabin of carriage 4, we performed Zohor/Asar prayers and rested well.

(The group getting ready to embark the train)

There were only six carriages and no canteen on this particular train. Although there was language barrier, the attendant in charge of our carriage was friendly and quite helpful. Each carriage was equipped with washrooms at one end and a pantry at the other end. Boiling hot water was available at all time. There was a microwave oven to heat-up food, but could only be operated by the Train Assistant. Feeling very hungry, we had an early dinner from our ready-to-eat kembara pack.

(Our comfortable and cozy 2-bed cabin)

(Narrow corridor but the cabin is quite spacious)

(Our first meal on board of the train)

This first phase of our Trans-Siberian train journey took 25 hours passing through beautiful picturesque landscape of grasslands and mountains. There were a number of stops along the way, enough time for us to disembark for a while to take pictures.

(The train leaving the city of Ulaanbaatar)

(Beautiful and fascinating landscape of Mongolia)

(Incredible scenery on the Trans-Mongolian Railway route)

The train reached Mongolia/Russia border before midnight. Border Crossing in Mongolia is at Sukhbaatar and in Russia is at Naushki. Passport and Custom controls were thorough and lengthy at both borders. Our luggage were checked by custom personnels assisted by trained dogs. All food and medicines were carefully examined.

(A brief train stop at Zuunkharaa Station before border crossing)

(Ample time to stretch our legs)

(The sun is setting late in Siberia)

Border checks at Mongolian border completed at 2300 hrs and at Russian border at 0130 hrs. Alhamdulillah all went well and nothing was confiscated.

 

(Tedious border clearance process at both borders)

Tonight, fatigue took its toll on us. We slept like a log, swayed by the moving train till the blaring Subuh alarm woke us up.

👈👈Day 03: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Day 05: Ulaanbaatar to Irkutsk, Russia🚂👉👉