Introduction to today's journey
Today's journey takes me to the top of Mongolia, crossing the border into Russia. From the border we continue following the Selenge River downstream through the old glacial valley in Siberia, following the Trans-Mongolian route to meet the Trans-Siberian railway at Ulan Ude.
Today's Journey
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Heading through northern Mongolia in the early morning passing a mining area with trains full of chemicals (probably oil). |
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Following the Selenge River downstream. It flows northward draining the rivers of Ulaanbaatar towards Lake Baikal. It is already a significantly large river. |
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We stop at a building in the middle of nowhere for about an hour going through the Mongolian customs before crossing over the barbed wire border and waiting for several hours here at the Russian customs in Khyagt. This is a solitary building out in the middle of nowhere accessible only by rail. After such a long wait, we are finally on our way again. |
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Passing a car on poles as we pass through the village of Naushki. These are the Russian Lada cars, but they are unreliable and most drivers get their cars imported from Japan. |
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We continue following the Selenge River downstream through what was once a glacial valley here in the depths of Siberia. The valley is filled with small lakes between which the river flows through. No doubt they freeze solid during the long harsh winters here. |
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We stop at numerous stations in this remote valley, where workers get on and off the train from their crowded third class cabins. |
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Another village on the banks of the river. Few trees grow here in the tundra of this sub-Arctic wilderness. |
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The river flows into Lake Gusinoye which has numerous log cabins scattered along its banks. |
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The Gusinoozerskaya Gres Power Station at the end of the lake. The smoke stacks are painted red and white so they stand out against the whiteness of the winter snow. |
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The old glacial valley has more small boggy lakes which we continue passing as the sun sets and we approach the city of Ulan Ude where we join the Trans-Siberian railway. |
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