Kazan or Nizhny Novgorod: which is a better Trans-Siberian stop?

if possible skip both Nizhny Norod and Kazan, and spend all your time in Siberia - much more rewarding.

Ulan-Ude is definitely more than just a Lenin's Head photo opportunity.

It's the country within the country, Buddhist center of Russia, populated by Russians and Buryats (50/50), melting pot of people of different races even, and there are some really tasty dumplings.

And as muteki said there is something to see in Ulan-Ude, it's kind of hidden gem of Trans-Siberian, that's what majority of people say when they visit UU.

Denis

PS I would go for Kazan, it's simply more of a cultural stop. Center of Muslim world in Russia, home for tatar people.

@sobden I'm convinced, Ulan-Ude sounds fascinating so I'm going to stop there for a few days! Thanks for the advice.

Kazan is fantastic wish I could have stayed there longer than a night!
Cheers
Howie