It felt odd to be getting on the train knowing that we would not be sleeping on it. After a midday departure, we were due in at Ulan Ude at 8.15pm. We still had a sleeper cabin though, the only option for this train, as it departed from Moscow four days earlier.
We were excited, as this section is touted to be the most scenic of the whole Trans-Siberian line. Well, the guidebooks were right! We had the 4-berth cabin to ourselves and it was on the left side of the carriage, perfect for stunning lake views. After about 2 hours, we reach Slyudyanka and the lake comes into view. For the next 5 hours we trundle around the southern shores of Lake Baikal. So close to water at times you could dip your toes in, if only these windows opened! At one point, we thought that we had turned away from the lake and made our beds up for an afternoon nap. Upon waking though, the lake was still there, in all its glory. More stunning scenery, the mountain ridges framing the lake and the pebbly beaches so idyllic.
We enjoyed a quiet dinner at the dining cart as we eventually turned away from the lake and eastwards towards Ulan Ude. A lovely afternoon sightseeing from the comfort our private cabin, holiday bliss!
