An aerial view shows the Eastern Express train passing through a snowy field near Kars, on January 9, 2022. - Festive garlands, red tablecloths and enticing bottles pop out the moment passengers clamber aboard the Eastern Express train before it glides off on an epic voyage across Turkey's snow-capped plateaus along the Euphrates. Called Dogu Ekspresi in Turkish, the train offers one of the expansive country's most coveted new experiences. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP)
An aerial view shows the Eastern Express train passing through a snowy field near Kars, on January 9, 2022. - Festive garlands, red tablecloths and enticing bottles pop out the moment passengers clamber aboard the Eastern Express train before it glides off on an epic voyage across Turkey's snow-capped plateaus along the Euphrates. Called Dogu Ekspresi in Turkish, the train offers one of the expansive country's most coveted new experiences. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP)
Its nine carriages wind their way around mountain bends on a 32-hour, 1,300-kilometre journey from Turkey's capital Ankara to Kars, an ancient city near Turkey's border with Armenia and Georgia.
Its nine carriages wind their way around mountain bends on a 32-hour, 1,300-kilometre journey from Turkey's capital Ankara to Kars, an ancient city near Turkey's border with Armenia and Georgia.
"It is really a very special moment for me and my family," says Zulan-Nour Komurcu, 26, who is celebrating her birthday with them on board.
"It is really a very special moment for me and my family," says Zulan-Nour Komurcu, 26, who is celebrating her birthday with them on board.
The train runs twice a week from December 30 to March 31 to make the most of the snow-covered landscapes. Its route is a miniature version of Russia's Trans-Siberian railway, says engineer Fatih Yalcin.
The train runs twice a week from December 30 to March 31 to make the most of the snow-covered landscapes. Its route is a miniature version of Russia's Trans-Siberian railway, says engineer Fatih Yalcin.
The train was designed for the sheer joy of travelling through spectacular but hard-to-access provinces such as Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan and Erzurum.
The train was designed for the sheer joy of travelling through spectacular but hard-to-access provinces such as Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan and Erzurum.
Lawyer Yoruk Giris, 38, holds a party on the Eastern Express "We prepared a lot," he said.
Lawyer Yoruk Giris, 38, holds a party on the Eastern Express "We prepared a lot," he said.
Passengers in their decoration festooned compartment on the Eastern Express. The service was suspended less than a year after starting because of the coronavirus pandemic. But with restrictions easing, the sleeper is back.
Passengers in their decoration festooned compartment on the Eastern Express. The service was suspended less than a year after starting because of the coronavirus pandemic. But with restrictions easing, the sleeper is back.
The train brings together an array of Turkish society – and although relatively pricey, tickets are snapped up in minutes
The train brings together an array of Turkish society – and although relatively pricey, tickets are snapped up in minutes
In Erzurum, the last stop before Kars, at an altitude of 1,945 metres, passengers perform a traditional dance on the frozen platform, with backing from a tea vendor's radio.
In Erzurum, the last stop before Kars, at an altitude of 1,945 metres, passengers perform a traditional dance on the frozen platform, with backing from a tea vendor's radio.
The station's thermometer shows minus 11C but there's a warm atmosphere around the train.
The station's thermometer shows minus 11C but there's a warm atmosphere around the train.
The Eastern Express makes its way through a winter wonderland.
The Eastern Express makes its way through a winter wonderland.

MENA

Turkish party train blazes through the night - in pictures

Passengers board the Eastern Express for an epic journey across Turkey's snow-capped Euphrates plateaus

The National

January 21, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

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On Women's Day
On Women's Day
While you're here
if you go

The flights 

Etihad and Emirates fly direct to Kolkata from Dh1,504 and Dh1,450 return including taxes, respectively. The flight takes four hours 30 minutes outbound and 5 hours 30 minute returning. 

The trains

Numerous trains link Kolkata and Murshidabad but the daily early morning Hazarduari Express (3’ 52”) is the fastest and most convenient; this service also stops in Plassey. The return train departs Murshidabad late afternoon. Though just about feasible as a day trip, staying overnight is recommended.

The hotels

Mursidabad’s hotels are less than modest but Berhampore, 11km south, offers more accommodation and facilities (and the Hazarduari Express also pauses here). Try Hotel The Fame, with an array of rooms from doubles at Rs1,596/Dh90 to a ‘grand presidential suite’ at Rs7,854/Dh443.

Updated: January 21, 2022, 12:11 PM`
PhotographyTurkey