• Riding the Trans-Siberian Railway
  

  
  The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest railway in the world. It was built between 1891 and 1916 to connect Moscow with the Far East city of Vladivostok. Another popular route is from Moscow to Beijing via Ulaanbaatar. It takes 7 days from Moscow to Vladivostok and 5 days from Moscow to Beijing.
  
  

• Moscow
  

  
  Moscow is Russia's capital and the start of the Trans-Siberian Railway. A truly iconic, global city, Moscow features a wealth of unmissable sights, from the Red Square, Lenin's Mausoleum and the Kremlin with its golden-domed churches and the treasures of the tsars to world-class ballet at the Bolshoi Theater modern art at the New Tretyakov gallery and the marble and murals of its older Metro stations.
  
  

• Lake Baikal
  

  
  Lake Baikal is located in Eastern Siberia and is the biggest and deepest freshwater lake in the world. The Trans-Siberian railway skirts its southern shore. It's possible to hike the many trails around the lake - part of the Great Baikal Trail to take the Circumbaikal Railway to Port Baikal and to stay in the lakeside village of Listvyanka, swimming and diving in summer and ice biking and husky sledding in winter.
  
  

• Irkutsk
  

  
  Irkutsk is a major city in Eastern Siberia and one of the most popular stops along the Trans-Siberian Railway. "The Paris of Siberia" is the gateway to Lake Baikal and its attractions include the preserved wooden houses of the Decembrists who were sent into exile here, and the Angara Dam. The city also has a lively dining and nightlife scene.
  
  

• Olkhon Island
  

  
  Olkhon Island is the largest island in Lake Baikal and makes for a popular side trip from the Trans-Siberian Railway. Most stay in the village of Khuzhir, where Nikita's Homestead organises trips to the Cape Khoboi - the northernmost tip of the island with its dramatic cliffs and a chance of spotting nerpas - Baikal's endemic seals. Near Khuzhir there are pristine beaches and Shaman Rock - the island's most famous landmark.
  
  

• Beijing
  

  
  Beijing is China's vibrant capital and a popular finishing point for Trans-Siberian journeys. Its sights include the huge Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven and Lama Temple, as well as the contemporary art galleries of Art 798 District and iconic architecture left over from the 2008 Olympic Games. The dining scene includes any Chinese cuisine imaginable.
  
  

• Ulaanbaatar
  

  
  Mongolia's chaotic capital is a popular stopover between Moscow and Beijing. Many travelers sign up for a multi-day tour that lets them stay with the nomads in the countryside. In July the Naadam Festival takes place, with wrestling, archery and horse racing events. Ulaanbaatar's other attractions include Chinggis Khan Square, Winter Palace of Bogd Khan and Gandan Monastery.
  
  

• Ulan-Ude
  

  
  Just east of Lake Baikal, Ulan-Ude is a city with a large ethnic Buryat population and the last train stop if you're crossing into Mongolia. Ulan-Ude is famous for its giant Lenin Head and Ivolginsky Datsan - the largest and most colorful Buddhist temple in Russia, located in a nearby village. The History Museum is a great introduction to Buryat history and culture.
  
  

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