Trans-Siberian - From Moscow to Beijing
A tranquil journey across the width of Russia, through the plains of Mongolia and the valleys of China.
Leave in silence
It's cold and dark and we are about to embark on the longest train journey in the world going from Moscow to Beijing. Yaroslavsky is one of nine railway stations in Moscow and the starting point of the Trans-Siberian.
Yaroslavsky station, Moscow
Directions
It's a good thing that the train is labelled, in case we forget where we are going.
Our train, somewhere in Russia
Looking for breakfast
It's a wonder anyone can smile at this station, since there were no pancakes in sight anywhere.
Reine in Balezino, Russia
Na zdorovie
Sharing meals - the Russian way.
Somewhere in Russia
Keeping an eye out
Each train wagon has a provodnitsa which are caretakers, managers and executioners at the same time. Don't make them angry or they will turn the heat off.
Kirov, Russia
Stocking up
The train needs a lot of coal, which came with a fog.
Ulan-Ude, Russia
Daily routine
Making noodles for supper at the samovar. A touch of glamour.
Somewhere in Russia
We brake for nobody
Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world, holding 20 percent of the world's total fresh water. It's also the oldest lake in the world, more than 25 million years old.
Sunrise at Lake Baikal, Russia
Across the plains
As the train starts to go south towards Mongolia the forests are replaced by low grass.
Somewhere in Russia
Construction time again
One can't help but think of all the lives that were crushed to make this railway a reality.
Southern Siberia, Russia
Thumbs up
Heading south and it's finally getting a bit warmer.
Reine in southern Siberia
Taking the helm
This town has a statue of the first Mongolian cosmonaut standing in the square. It was also once home to the largest Soviet military air base in Mongolia, but today it's mostly a ghost town.
Choir, Mongolia
City on the edge of forever
People actually live out here in the outskirts of the Gobi desert. The name of the town feels quite ironic, since it means "good pond".
Sainshand, Mongolia
Crossing the desert
A good time for dessert.
Gobi desert, Mongolia
Through the wall
As we crossed northern China the Great Wall could be seen here and there along the mountains.
South of Zhangjiakou, China