The lesser known Trans-Manchurian routebypasses Mongolia, cutting down throughManchuria, a part of China. When to GoMay to September is the best time of year totackle the Trans-Siberian, when the weatherin all countries along the way isn't too cold.The optimum time to travel is mid-August tomid-September, when the weather in Beijingis especially clear. The Public TrainsThese are working trains that criss-cross Russia,Mongolia and China. On board, there are twoor four berth sleeping compartments, with atoilet and washbasin at each end of the carriage.There are no shower facilities available. All trainshave a restaurant car which serves breakfast,lunch and dinner - quality is not bad, thoughdon't expect gourmet cuisine!Private TrainsThere are several private trains which coverthe routes. While these are perhaps a less'authentic' and adventurous way of doing thetrip, they are generally more comfortable -there are showers on board, and some cabinsare en suite. Food is all served on board andis generally of a high quality. Departures areavailable from Moscow through to Beijing orthrough to Vladivostok and vice versa.Tsar's Gold The private Tsar's Gold train is one of themore comfortable ways to travel along theTrans-Siberian. There are a range of cabins,some of which have en suite facilities. Cabinswhich are not en suite have access to ashower and washing facilities, unlike thepublic trains, and the food served in theconvivial restaurant car is of a high standard.Days on board can be spent taking in thescenery or enjoying a variety of lectures andtalks from learned speakers as you cross thegreat expanses of Siberia. The train operatesa number of set itineraries from Moscow toBeijing (or vice versa), via Mongolia, stoppingat many of the fascinating and beautifuldestinations along the way. The wide choiceof cabins means this is an option to suit arange of budgets.The Trans-Siberian is one of the world's trulygreat journeys. Crossing eight time zones andstretching for 9,340 kilometres, the railway iswhat stitches the largest country in the worldtogether - for some stretches in Siberia thereare no roads between settlements, just therailway line. The routesIt's important to stress that the Trans-Siberianrefers not to a particular train, but to a series ofroutes. There are three routes that can be taken,all of which can be done in either direction.The classic Trans-Siberian route stretches fromMoscow to Vladivostok, on Russia's Pacific coast.This is the purist's choice since this is the onlyroute that truly does cross Siberia completely.On the downside, it is scenically and culturallyless varied, though taking this route opens up the possibility of continuing by ferry (or plane) to Japan.The most popular route is the Trans-Mongolian.Cutting south from Siberia, the line runs throughMongolia and the Gobi desert, before finishingup in Beijing. Following this route really gives you the experience of crossing continents and of travelling from west to east (or vice versa). It is also scenically more varied, crossing theMongolian steppe, the Gobi desert and even the Great Wall at one point. The Trans-Siberian Railway80Trans-Siberian train, Lake BaikalTsar's Gold dining car

Where to stopwww.audleytravel.com/russia ?01993 838 230 ?Russia81It is possible to take a train non-stop fromMoscow to Beijing or Vladivostok (or vice versa),but we wouldn't recommend it - spending sixcontinuous days on the train is liable to lead to cabin fever! Ekaterinburg1,770 kilometres from MoscowCapital of the Urals, Ekaterinburg is a town withsomething of a grisly history. It was here that the last Tsar Nicholas II was murdered, alongwith his wife, their five children, their doctor and three of their servants. The city also marksthe 'border' between Europe and Asia.Irkutsk and Lake Baikal5,210 kilometres from MoscowEstablished in 1651, Irkutsk grew to become the administrative and cultural centre of Siberia,and has interesting small museums, a charmingriverside setting, and many fine examples oftraditional Russian wooden architecture. Aroundan hour from Irkutsk is Lake Baikal, the 'Pearl ofSiberia'. This is a place of breathtaking beautyand mind-boggling statistics: at 1,637 metres it isthe world's deepest lake, containing an incrediblefifth of the world's fresh water resources. Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia6,340 kilometres from MoscowThe capital of Mongolia is not the prettiest cityin the world, but it can be used as a base to seesome of the surrounding countryside, and to geta small taste of the traditional nomadic way oflife. There are national parks within easy reachwhich can be visited as a day trip, or where youcan stay for a night in a traditional ger tent - amemorable experience. See page 82 for moreinformation about Mongolia. Beijing, China7,900 kilometres from MoscowTo truly experience the Chinese capital, we'dsuggest a stay of at least four days to allowsufficient time to see The Forbidden City, TheGreat Wall as well as the other key sights. Formore about Beijing, see page 12.Vladivostok9,340 kilometres from MoscowAt the end of the classic route, the longestcontinuous railroad in the world, is Vladivostok.A bustling port home to the Russian Pacific fleet,it's a pleasant city spread across a series ofpeaks, peninsulas, and islands. Train driverCarriage attendentsSpanning eight time zones, this epic itinerary is idealfor those looking for a real adventure through someof the world's most fascinating countries. Taking inthe highlights of all that the Trans Mongolian branchof this journey has to offer the itinerary begins inBeijing and travels westbound through Mongolia andSiberian Russia to Moscow.Day 1Fly to Beijing.Day 2See The Forbidden City andTiananmen Square.Day 3Leave the city for the day to see theGreat Wall.Day 4Visit the Temple of Heaven andSummer Palace. Day 5Board your train to Mongolia.Day 6Arriving into Mongolia in the afternoon,head out of the city to Khustai NuruuNational Park.Day 7Enjoy the park before returning toUlaan Baatar.Day 8Morning tour of the city. In theafternoon board the train to Irkutsk.Day 9Arrive in Irkutsk and transfer to Lake Baikal.Day 10At leisure to enjoy the lake.Day 11Transfer back to Irkutsk for theafternoon train to Moscow.Days12-13On board the train.Day 14Arrive into Moscow.Day 15Walking tour of the Kremlin.Day 16Return flight back to the UK.Stay longerIt's easy to spend an extra day or two in Moscow,and you could also continue on to St Petersburg.The city of Ekaterinburg makes for an interestingadditional stop. Classic Trans-SiberianGer tent, Mongolia