Explore Mongolia By Rail
For those who prefer a different pace of travel, our collection of experiences aboard the Trans-Mongolian Railway offers a unique way to discover Mongolia. Whether you simply love train journeys or are entering the country via China and want to continue exploring, our rail extensions connect seamlessly with the Mongolian railway network and provide a memorable perspective on the country.
The Trans-Mongolian Railway forms part of one of the world’s great overland adventures — running from Beijing to Ulaanbaatar, and continuing north to Ulan-Ude in Russia, where it links with the iconic Trans-Siberian line. It’s a route that slices across the vast, windswept plateaus of the Gobi Desert, where you might catch glimpses of white-tailed gazelles darting across the horizon.
North of Ulaanbaatar, the landscape transforms. The train winds through Selenge Aimag, named after the mighty Selenge River, Mongolia’s principal waterway. Here, the stark desert gives way to river valleys, forest-steppe, and rich agricultural lands — a striking contrast to the south’s arid beauty.
As the train rolls on, enjoy steaming buuz (Mongolian dumplings) or crispy khuushuur from platform vendors. Or embrace the unofficial carriage feast of salami, gherkins, and vodka — a shared ritual between locals and fellow travellers.
Perfect as a stand alone tour or a rail-based extension, our Trans-Mongolian experiences invite you to slow down, feel the rhythm of the rails, and connect more deeply with Mongolia’s landscapes, culture, and way of life.
Our Options For Trans Mongolian Train Extensions – Slow Travel, Mongolian Style
Our collection of Mongolian tours includes three slow-paced journeys that follow the route of the Trans-Mongolian Railway. Each can be reversed or adapted to fit your travel plans. These are not whirlwind sightseeing trips — they’re about taking time to experience the landscapes, people, and places along the way.
The Tea Road
Travel from Sainshand in the Eastern Gobi, through the capital Ulaanbaatar, and on to Sukhbaatar near the Russian border. This route takes you through wide desert plains, rolling forest steppe, and historic trade and monastery sites — a journey shaped by both nature and Mongolia’s trading past.
Slow Selenge Explorer
Designed for those who want to go beyond standard routes, this trip takes you north from Ulaanbaatar to Sukhbaatar and Altanibulag. It’s a relaxed exploration of Selenge Province, an area known for its river valleys, traditional herding communities, and historical roots.
Across the Eastern Gobi by Train
Travel across stark, open desert terrain, shaped by wind, silence, and geological history. It’s a landscape that invites reflection and rewards those who appreciate quiet, remote places.
Trans Mongolian Train Tickets Mongolia
If you’re looking for detailed information on how to book a trip on the Trans-Mongolian Railway, we highly recommend starting with The Man in Seat 61 — it’s one of the most comprehensive and reliable resources out there.
For tickets from Ulaanbaatar to China (including Erlian, Jining, Hohhot, or Beijing) or to Russia (Ulan-Ude or Irkutsk), we recommend a trusted local ticket agency with long-standing connections to the railway ticket office. Because of this relationship, their prices are often significantly lower than those offered by international platforms.
They can also provide official ticket copies for visa applications. We don’t receive any commission for this recommendation. We simply choose to support this small, locally run agency because they’re professional, dependable, and offer excellent value. Get in touch with us if you’d like the details.
We’ve also put together our own informal guide to taking the Trans-Mongolian train, shaped by our firsthand experience and feedback from our guests. Scroll down to learn more.
