Best places to visit on the Trans-siberian Railway

Updated: 13th April 2021

Top 10 Stops on the Trans-Siberian Railway

Kremlin - Russia Tours - On The Go Tours copy
Our pick #1

Moscow

As Russia's capital city and one of the most fascinating destinations in Europe, Moscow is the perfect place to start or end your Trans-Siberian adventure. Home to the seat of Russian power in the Kremlin and dazzling architectural feats such as St Basil's Cathedral, you'll find plenty of things to see and do in the city. You can pay your respects to the father of Communism, Vladimir Lenin, at his mausoleum in Red Square where he has lain in state since his death in 1924. Or shop until you drop in the glitzy GUM department store. There is so much on offer in this exciting capital, including internationally acclaimed museums and galleries, markets, boutique shopping and restaurants. Getting around Moscow is easy thanks to the metro system, which was established under Stalin. Many of the stations are beautifully decorated and worth visiting in their own right.

Yekateringburg- Russia Tours - On The Go Tours
Our pick #2

Yekaterinburg

Yekaterinburg is the first major stop in Asian Russia on the Trans Siberian and the gateway to the Ural Mountains. Just 32km out of town you can stand with one foot in each continent at the Europe-Asia border marker! Known as the City of the Romanovs, it is synonymous with the bloody murder of the last tsar, Nicholas II and his family in July 1918. During a visit to this colourful city you can visit the Byzantine style Church on Blood which reveres the Romanovs and is close to the partially demolished house where they were executed. 10km out of the city, you’ll find the beautiful Monastery of Martyrs – Gamina Yama, a cross marks the spot where the Romanovs' bodies were discarded. Yekaterinburg is also a great place to get away for an active break with the Ural Mountains on the doorstep - in winter there is dog sledding or ice fishing and in summer hiking through the lush taiga forests is a must.

Trekking-In-Irkutsk-Trans-Siberian-Railway
Our pick #3

Irkutsk

Gulags and snowbound exile? Not anymore! Siberia's capital, Irkutsk lies at the crossroads of centuries' old tea, silk and fur trade routes between Western Russia and China. Sitting on the Angara River, today Irkutsk is a city that possesses a unique historical heritage in the form of dozens of amazing wooden and stone private and public buildings. Places of interest include: Trubetskoy and Volkonsky Decembrist Houses - which are now museums, the Irkutsk Regional Museum which houses exhibits of indigenous tribes, the numerous wooden cabins with beautifully carved exteriors, the Church of the Saviour and also the central markets, which sell delicious snacks! Irkutsk is also gateway to Listvyanka and the beautiful Lake Baikal.

Sheep Lake Baikal - Trans-siberian Railway Journeys - On The Go Tours
Our pick #4

The Baikal Region

The Baikal region of Siberia is an area of incredible natural beauty. Located on the shores of Lake Baikal , Listvyanka is a charming village dotted with traditional Siberian wooden houses, with a main road that runs right along the front of the lake, making it the perfect base to explore the beauty of Baikal. The deepest lake in the world (1620m) on merits of magnitude alone, Lake Baikal is renowned as one of earth's most impressive natural wonders and known as 'the pearl of Siberia. The expanse of the lake is also astounding, measuring 600km long and 80km wide, it contains more than 20% of the planets fresh water resources! In the winter the lake freezes over, with ice so thick that cars can drive across it! In the summer, its crystalline blue waters are transparent to a depth of forty metres and its shores are ringed with the brilliant colours of seasonal wildflowers. Olkhon Island is arguably the most beautiful of Baikal's 27 islands. It's western shores comprise steppe bounded with dramatic orange cliffs and sheep whilst the island's northern coastline is dotted with indigenous Baikal seal (nerpa).

Ulan-Ude-City-Tour
Our pick #5

Ulan Ude

Ulan Ude, the capital of Buryatia, is located in the middle of vast Siberian steppes and like most Siberian cities, Ulan Ude was founded during the 17th century . However, as the centre of the Buddhist Buryat culture, it is unlike any of the other stops along the Trans-Siberian railway. Ulan Ude is home to Ivolginsky Datsan, a beautifully restored Tibetan Buddhist monastery which now serves as a centre of Buddhism in Russia. The city also boasts the largest Lenin bust in the world! Most of Ulan Ude's main sights of interest lie on or just off Sukhbaatar Square and can be easily reached on foot. Attractions include the National Modern Art Gallery, the Museum of Natural History with its incredible dinosaur fossils and skeletons, the Winter Palace of Bogd Khaan (where Mongolia's 8th living Buddha and last King lived) and Gandantegchinlin Khiid - Mongolia's largest and most important Buddhist monastery.

Ulaan Baatar Nighttime
Our pick #6

Ulaan Baatar & Terelj National Park

Located in the valley of the Tuul river, surrounded by picturesque mountains, Ulaan Baatar is the laid back provincial capital of a nomadic nation. The capital was largely built with Russian help and bleak, concrete Soviet architecture provides a stark contrast to the Buddhist temples and palaces of Mongolian rulers. The city has a number of interesting sights including Gandan Khiid - Mongolia’s largest Buddhist monastery and the incredible Winter Palace of Bogd Khaan. Just a short distance from Ulaan Baatar is the beautiful Terelj National Park, a wonderful landscape of pine covered cliffs, grassy steppe and giant granite rocks which have been eroded by the elements into bizarre shapes, such as Turtle Rock. In this scenic setting, camp out in a traditional Mongolian Ger and enjoy a host of outdoor pursuits including hiking, climbing and horseback riding.

New Great Wall -China Tours-On The Go Tours
Our pick #7

The Great Wall of China

One of the Seven Wonders of the World and an enduring symbol of Chinese civilisation and genius, the UNESCO protected Great Wall of China was built as a defensive structure to protect China against marauding invaders from the north. Although the present wall dates mainly from the Ming dynasty, some 20 states and dynasties were involved in its immense construction over a period of 2,000 years and followed different routes and building extensions as required. Snaking some 6700 kms across barren hills, deserts, mountains and plateaus, the now partially ruinous Great Wall stretches east to west in northern China and is believed to be the longest man made structure in the world.

Tiananmen Gate Day-China Tours-On The Go Tours
Our pick #8

Beijing

The most popular end point for travellers on the Trans-Siberian Railway, Beijing is the capital city of China, and its political, economic and cultural heart. Established in 1045 BC, the city has a long and tumultuous history, much of it centred around Tiananmen Square - the largest public square in the world. The square today is home to the mausoleum of Chairman Mao, one of China's most well known historical figures who ruled the Chinese Communist Party from its establishment in 1949 until his death in 1976. Staring out across Tiananmen from above the Gate of Heavenly Peace is the famous Technicolour portrait of Mao. It is through these gates that one can enter the Forbidden City. Built between 1406 and 1420, it served as the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties and is said to contain 9999 rooms. Residence of the emperors and focal point of the empire, entry was forbidden to all those, except on imperial business until 1911, when the last emperor, Puyi was overthrown. Beyond the city is the Summer Palace. A preserve of the emperors seeking respite from the summer heat, the Summer Palace is set around beautiful Kunming Lake.

Destination-Vladivostok-Itinerary-Main-Eastbound-Adventure-Trans-Siberian
Our pick #9

Vladivostok

Although most travellers on the Trans-Siberian railway now finish their journey in Beijing, the original railway travelled to Vladivostok, on Russia's far eastern Pacific coast. An attractively sited city laid out across a series of peaks, peninsulas and islands, it was once the sole preserve of Russia's Pacific Naval Fleet, who filled Golden Horn Bay. Today the doors are open and the city is rising to the challenge of becoming a cosmopolitan destination. Island boat tours, exploration of the garrisons, hiking and rafting are popular here.

Harbin Ice Festival
Our pick #10

Harbin

If you're travelling on the Trans-Manchurian route through the far northwest of China, the attractive city of Harbin is a top highlight. Thanks to its proximity to Russia, the city displays a European-flair that makes it stand out from other urban centres in China. The standout architectural feature is the stunning St. Sophia Orthodox church with its green domes and Neo-Byzantine features. However, the biggest reason to visit Harbin is for the annual Ice Festival when professional sculptors descend on the city to transform it into a winter wonderland. Monumental sculptures made from blocks of ice and deftly carved snow sculptures take over Harbin and draw visitors from all over the world.

See Also

To help plan your adventure on the Trans-Siberian Railway, check out these handy travel guide resources:

Best Time to Visit - climate and seasons in Russia, Mongolia and China
Tourist Visas - all you need to know before you go
Top Travel Tips - time zones, currency, health advice and more
Planning your Journey - essential information to help you plan your route
Getting Tickets - for travelling with children, as a group and more useful info
Style of Travel -what to expect on our Trans-Siberian Railway Packages
Accommodation options - from standard hotels to authentic homestays
Traveller Reviews - here's what our past travellers had to say about their experiences