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For thousands of years, horses were Mongolia’s primary mode of transportation and remain a significant part of the national identity. However, in modern times, the Trans-Mongolian Railway has become a popular way to traverse this vast central Asian nation.
Stretching 2,215 kilometers (1,376 miles) from Mongolia’s northern border with Russia to China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in the south, the Trans-Mongolian Railway offers a journey through some of the planet’s most scenic but challenging landscapes. The train passes through taiga forests, the steppes of central Mongolia, and the expansive Gobi Desert, with remote towns and settlements scattered along the tracks.
British rail travel expert Mark Smith describes the Trans-Mongolian Railway as a unique experience, offering wide-open grasslands, camels, and nomadic settlements along the way. As the train approaches Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital, passengers are greeted with high-rise buildings, a stark contrast to the vast landscapes they have been traveling through.
The Trans-Mongolian Railway offers various classes of accommodations, including second-class hard-sleeper and first-class deluxe soft sleeper compartments. The trains also feature dining cars serving local specialties and international dishes.
While the full Moscow-Beijing rail journey remains suspended, travelers can still experience the Trans-Mongolian Railway on the Ulaanbaatar-Zamiin-Uud/Erenhot route. Tickets can be purchased at the main train station in Ulaanbaatar. The journey offers a glimpse into Mongolia’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage.
For those interested in exploring Mongolia further, several tour operators offer packages that combine road and rail travel. Intrepid Travel, for example, has launched an 11-day “Trans-Mongolian Railway Adventure” that explores the region between Beijing and Ulaanbaatar.
Whether embarking on a day trip or an extended journey, the Trans-Mongolian Railway offers a unique way to experience Mongolia’s rich history and stunning landscapes. From the sprawling Gandan Monastery in Ulaanbaatar to the birthplace of a Mongolian cosmonaut in Choir, each stop along the route provides a glimpse into the country’s past and present.