From Ulan Ude to Novosibirsk on the Trans Siberian Railway

This week, we look at the stops along the Trans Siberian railway between Ulan Ude and Novosibirsk after we looked at the journey from Beijing to Ulan Bator last time.

Ulan Ude is the first stop on this leg of the tour and marks the train's entry into Russia. The city, which is the capital of the republic of Buryatia, is heavily influenced by both Asian and Russian culture, giving it a distinct appeal.

One of the main attractions of Ulan Ude is the Ivolginsky Datsan temple, which is the main focal point of Buddhism in Russia. It is home to the body of the 12th Pandito Hambo Lama, Dashi-Dorzho Itigelov, which is mysteriously still in the same condition as when it was buried in the 1920s, despite never being mummified or embalmed.

The temple also offers some striking examples of Buryat art. Another popular part of Ulan Ude is where it offers access to Lake Baikal, giving an easier approach compared with the hills on the other side of the lake.

Moving on from Ulan Ude, your Trans Siberian railway tour will next call at the aforementioned lake by taking you around it. Lake Baikal is the deepest and oldest lake in the world and carries a significant proportion of the world's fresh water supply.

Its natural beauty is astounding, thanks to the mountains and forests that surround it, and you may have the opportunity to stop and picnic by the lake and take in the nearby villages.

Back on the train, your next port of call will be Irkutsk, which is another popular destination for accessing Lake Baikal among tourists. Its highlights include its quaint architecture and a wealth of museums explaining the rich history of the city, which is one of the oldest in the Siberian region.

The next day will see you stop in Novosibirsk, the capital of Siberia and the third biggest Russian city after Moscow and St Petersburg. You will not want to miss the sights of the Red Avenue, Lenin Square and the Aleksandr Nevsky Cathedral, nor neglect the opportunity to take its numerous museums, theatres and art galleries.

Visit Intourist to book a Trans Siberian railway tour where you will see the best that Russian rail has to offer. Intourist has been opening the gates to travellers wanting to experience the enigmatic spirit of Russia, Ukraine and the Baltics for over 70 years. We have an extensive network of offices, hotels and suppliers and are proud of our unrivalled know-how and ability to provide you with the most reliable, up-to-date, specialist knowledge available anywhere on the market.

By Dipika Patel