Irkutsk
From the olkhon island , a dizzying race leaves us at the post office of Irkutsk . Only today can we pick up the tickets there that will take us to Ulaanbaatar . The tickets for the route between two countries (Russia-Mongolia) are the most difficult to acquire, so we decided to buy them through an agency, with the bad luck that they were not sent to Spain on time. 15 minutes before the office closes, we reach the last opportunity to finish the route by train. Then we began to enjoy Irkutsk.
The city has its origin in 1652, the year in which the Cossacks turned the area into a stopover for the fur trade for being the perfect point of union between the European Russia, China and Mongolia. The fur trade proliferated over the years. This, together with the numerous gold mines and the exile of artists and aristocrats due to their participation in the rebellion against Tsar Nicholas I, made Irkutsk prosperous and came to be considered The Paris of Siberia.
Irkutsk
In the streets of the city, 19th century wooden houses reflect the purest style of Siberian architecture, interspersed with the occasional Soviet building. With a map in hand, an interesting walking tour shows us local history museums, various statues, churches and cathedrals. We are especially surprised the Cathedral of the Epiphany, next to a nice walk along the Angará river where we finish the tourist visit to return to the train.
Epiphany Cathedral
The rails linking Irkutsk and Ulan-Ude offer the most spectacular views of the Trans-Siberian with Lake Baikal as the main protagonist of the 8-hour trip. 38 mountains, 248 bridges and 33 tunnels complete the route. As a curiosity, note that this stretch was built by Russian convicts and soldiers ; and it is the most complex part of the itinerary due to its location, on the shores of the lake.
already in Ulan-Ude, the capital of the republic of Buryatia , we discover citizens with mostly Asian factions, leaving evidence of the former Mongol rule. The city, which remained closed until the 1980s as a base for secret military centers, is the perfect snack before crossing the border into Mongolia.
One of the many Buddhist temples in Ulan-Ude
Part of the inhabitants of Ulan-Ude are followers of the shamanism , however Buddhism is the main religion. That is why the surroundings of this unique city are full of colorful Buddhist temples. Etigel Khambin, one of the most important, houses the mystery of Lama Dashi Dorzho , who died in 1927 and still preserves his almost incorrupt body. Many consider it a miracle and go on pilgrimage to worship him claiming that he has become a Buddha.
In the historic center of the city, one monument stands out above any other. Its about largest bust of Lenin in the world. Its 7.7 meters high dominate the main square of the city.
Sculpture to Lenin
Other tourist attractions are the ethnographic museum, the Museum of Buryat history , the City Museum, the Opera and Ballet theater and the Hodegetria Cathedral.
The last stop in Russia teaches me a little more about this huge country. Its landscapes, culture, customs and people; they leave something more in me than a new stamp in the passport. We are ready to make the leap to Mongolia . What will the new destiny hold for us?
What will the new destiny hold for us?