Often considered to be the most interesting of the Trans-Siberian rail journeys, the Trans-Mongolian route is made onboard Train 4, and takes six days to travel between the cities, across Mongolia via Ulan-Bator and the Gobi Desert.
Onboard:
Train 4 is is clean and comfortable Chinese train, offering a range of accommodation options. There is a buffet car onboard (see details below), and each train has its own security patrol to make sure everyone is safe and secure. The trains are generally kept pretty warm, so you will need to bring clothing suitable for the cold outdoors, as well as the toasty interior! Plug sockets (220V - European-style) are sometimes available in the corridors, but you will have to compete with other passengers to use them. Sometimes the power doesn't work. Occasionally, conductors will offer to charge your devices for you in their own compartments (for a price!).
Accommodation:
On the direct service between Moscow and Beijing, there are four accommodation options; Deluxe 2-berth Compartments, First Class 4-berth Compartments, Second Class 4-berth Compartments.
First Class (Deluxe):
On Train 4 (direct service between Moscow and Beijing), First Class passengers can travel in Deluxe 2-berth cabins. In these carriages, passengers benefit from shared use of a shower (one between each two compartments). Shared toilets and wash-basins are still found at either end of the carriage. Meals are not included within the price of a ticket.
First Class (Kupe):
A middle-ground option is the First Class Kupe, which is essentially the same layout as Second Class, but a little bit more modern.Each compartment has four berths in a bunk-bed arrangement. The compartment is shared with other travellers (unless you are travelling in a party of four). Passengers share bathrooms and wash-basins with everyone else in the carriage; they can be found at either end of the carriage. Passengers receive beeding and a blanket. Passengers also have free use of a hot water boiler at the end of the carriage (useful for making food, hot drinks etc).
Second Class (Kupe):
Each Second Class compartment has four berths in a bunk-bed arrangement. The compartment is shared with other travellers (unless you are travelling in a party of four). Second Class passengers share bathrooms and wash-basins with everyone else in the carriage; they can be found at either end of the carriage. Passengers receive beeding and a blanket. Passengers also have free use of a hot water boiler at the end of the carriage (useful for making food, hot drinks etc). Second Class passengers are generally very sociable, with compartment doors left open during the day.
Travel Tip: If you are travelling in Second Class, choose a bottom bunk, as you get additional secure storage space underneath your bed.
Food & Drink:
Travelling from Moscow, a Russian buffet car is present for the first four days. After crossing the border, a Mongolian buffest car is available for the penultimate day, replaced by a Chinese car on the final day. Food and drink onboard is generally expensive, and not of the highest quality. At each station, the train generally stops for around 15mins (in Russia, in Mongolia and China, stops are quicker), which gives you the opportunity to head out into the station to stock up. Make sure you check the timetable before you do this however, as the trains try to stick to their timetables quite closely (whilst in Russia at least). At most stations you will be able to find small stands selling snacks and noodles, with some even offering pre-prepared meals, meat and alcohol. Major stations en route have small supermarkets.
Places to Stop:
There are plenty of good places to stop en route, in order to break the long journey up a bit. The best spots include:
- Yekaterinburg
- Yunguang Caves
- Ulan Bator; and
- Lake Baikal
Of course, you get to see plenty from the window of your train too, including the Gobi Desert and Lake Baikal.
What to Bring:
There are a few items that you would be well-advised to take with you on your Trans-Mongolian trip, including:
- Pocket knife (useful for cooking/food);
- Phrase book;
- Cutlery (saves using your hands!!);
- Travel towel (space saver, and not provided); and
- Baby-wipes (for on-the-move washing).