Through the Gobi Desert 🛤️

The train journey across the Gobi Desert to Beijing took 35 hours in total, covering a distance of around 1,500 kilometers. The route went through both Inner and Outer Mongolia-although the second one, despite its name, is fully within Chinese borders. We barely made it on time for the train. Without the help of yet another kind Mongolian, it probably wouldn’t have been possible.

Outside the window-just desert. A wide, endless emptiness, only broken now and then by distant herds of horses, camels or sheep. Inside the train, a mix of Soviet charm and practical comfort. Fresh sheets in the bunk beds, giant thermoses filled with hot water brought by the staff, and a cheerful group of Mongolians on vacation. Time passed quickly with poker, other games, and long conversations. They introduced us to what they claimed is the best Mongolian music band in the world (The Hu). It actually wasn’t bad at all.

Despite Maciek’s cold, the ride went by surprisingly fast. There was a strange sense of space (but only outside 😉). It was hard not to feel a bit nostalgic already. Saying goodbye to Mongolia wasn’t easy. There’s something in the way people behave here- direct, and open-that stays in the mind longer than expected.

P.S. There was a transfer in Hohhot, capital of Inner Mongolia. The last night was on a different train, this time only with Chinese passengers. Much quieter. Slept so well I woke up straight in Beijing😴.Read more