Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, founded in 1989 by Tim Littler and headquartered in Altrincham, Cheshire, is recognised as the world's leading operator of exclusive long-distance rail journeys. The company launched its first private Trans-Siberian Express tour in May 1996 – hauled entirely by steam across more than 13,000 kilometres – and has been pioneering luxury rail travel ever since. The Trans-Mongolian Express was one of the company's flagship itineraries, tracing a breathtaking corridor from Moscow through the heart of Russia and deep into the Mongolian steppe, combining private train accommodation with fully escorted cultural excursions at each stop.
The Trans-Mongolian Express followed a magnificent rail corridor connecting two of the world's most storied cities. Departing Moscow, the route crossed the Ural Mountains and swept east through Yekaterinburg and Novosibirsk before reaching Irkutsk – known as the Paris of Siberia – with its distinctive 19th-century wooden architecture and museums honouring the aristocratic exiles once banished to this remote outpost. From Irkutsk, the journey continued to the shores of Lake Baikal, the world's deepest freshwater lake, before crossing into Mongolia and arriving at Ulaan Baatar, a city shaped by centuries of nomadic tradition and the legacy of Genghis Khan.
A defining highlight of the Trans-Mongolian Express itinerary was the opportunity to attend the Naadam Festival in Ulaan Baatar – Mongolia's most celebrated national event, featuring competitive archery, traditional wrestling, and spectacular horse racing. Beyond the festival, guests could visit the Gorkhi Terelj national park, meet nomadic families on the open steppe, and experience horse riding in the Mongolian countryside. These immersive excursions were led by expert guides and arranged as part of the fully escorted tour package.
Golden Eagle Luxury Trains built its reputation on five-star onboard standards. Passengers on the Trans-Mongolian Express travelled in private en-suite cabins with their own toilet and shower facilities, served by a 24-hour cabin attendant. Gourmet dining was provided throughout the journey, with meals reflecting both Russian and international cuisine. The train served as a comfortable, elegant base – a constantly changing room with a view – as the landscape shifted from European Russia to the taiga forests of Siberia and the wide-open grasslands of Mongolia.
Golden Eagle Luxury Trains operates private rail tours across Central Asia, India, and Europe under three main brands: the Golden Eagle (Central Asia and Silk Road routes), the Golden Eagle Danube Express (European routes), and the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express (Chinese routes). The company is a member of ABTA and holds a long-established reputation for safety, quality, and expert-guided travel to remote and culturally rich destinations. All Trans-Siberian and Trans-Mongolian departures were suspended indefinitely following the onset of the war in Ukraine and the resulting international sanctions on Russia.
No. All Trans-Siberian and Trans-Mongolian departures by Golden Eagle Luxury Trains have been suspended indefinitely due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the international sanctions placed on Russia. The company continues to operate luxury rail tours in other regions, including Central Asia, India, and Europe.
Naadam is Mongolia's most important national celebration, held annually in Ulaan Baatar, featuring the traditional "Three Games of Men": archery, wrestling, and horse racing. Golden Eagle included it as a centrepiece of the Trans-Mongolian itinerary because it offers unrivalled access to living Mongolian culture and is one of the most spectacular festivals in Central Asia.
The train offered private en-suite cabins with individual toilet and shower facilities. A 24-hour cabin attendant service was provided, and gourmet dining was included throughout the journey. Golden Eagle's trains typically offered Silver, Gold, and Imperial suite categories at varying price points.
The company was founded in 1989 by Tim Littler, who began his passion for rail travel as a child watching steam locomotives near Altrincham. He ran his first passenger rail tour in 1966 and launched the Trans-Siberian route in 1996, growing the company into the world's leading operator of exclusive long-distance rail tours.
The Trans-Mongolian Express was a multi-week escorted tour. The rail corridor between Moscow and Ulaan Baatar spans thousands of kilometres, and Golden Eagle itineraries typically incorporated overnight stops, cultural excursions, and festival attendance, making the total journey duration around two weeks or more depending on the specific departure.
Prices for the Trans-Mongolian Express were listed from approximately 12,895 per person. As a fully escorted luxury tour with en-suite accommodation, gourmet dining, expert guides, and all excursions included, the experience represented a premium all-inclusive rail holiday.
This brochure is part of the Catalink archive and may no longer be available to order. The information above describes Golden Eagle Luxury Trains and their Trans-Mongolian Express itinerary. For current details, visit the company's official website.
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