Trans-Mongolian Train

Mongolia is a land of few black roads (paved) meaning that trans- portation throughout the country is primarily on dirt roads. The Trans- Mongolian Railway is the most important artery, running north-south through the country, linking Mongolia to both Russia and China through the capital, Ulaanbaater. Not only does it carry coal and iron and other minerals, it also carries passengers.
Imagine train carriages from the early 1900’s: polished wood, carpeted walkways, small sleeping cubicles, open toilets (yes, directly on the tracks, you don’t want to drop anything else inside), no air conditioning, small windows – they have it all. The train is actually a part of the longer and more famous Trans-Siberian Railway – this section runs a bit south and is the line that goes to Beijing.
We boarded the train in the morning, after waiting a LONG time in the train station. The conductors welcome you onto your train and guide you to your sleeping berth (we traveled first class – the only way to go). These berths were twice the size of the Amtrak coach Nancy and I shared years ago. There’s also a small washroom shared with the neighbor. (toilets were down the hall) We could lounge about on the couches or wander through the car or sit in the dining area watching the scenery go by.