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Classic Trans-Mongolian

Itinerary

With all tours originating in the majestic city of Moscow, you are guaranteed a memorable journey through European Russia, Siberia, and Asia, passing breathtaking landscapes such as the Ural Mountains and the awe-inspiring Lake Baikal. For a detailed breakdown of this tour, please download our free Trans-Mongolian tour brochure, which includes a day to day account of what you will see and do, along with tour prices and information regarding your accommodation.

Day 1 - Arrival in Moscow

Arrival in Moscow, with a transfer to the centrally located 3* Arbat hotel.

Day 2 - Moscow Excursion Day

You will be met bright and early by our expert guide who will provide an overview of your day in Moscow, and any questions about the day you may have will be answered. You will then be taken on a half day car tour exploring the outside of Moscow's, including the 'must see' Red Square, with the Kremlin and St Basil’s Cathedral, Alexander Gardens and the Eternal Flame, Lenin’s mausoleum, the memorial to Soviet cosmonauts and the famous artist’s quarter of Old Arbat.

Day 3 - Free Day in Moscow

You will have a free day to explore, discover and experience everything the Russian capital has to offer.

Day 4 - Depart Moscow

We have arranged for a late check-out on Day 4 of your trip. The majority of the day is free, allowing you to relax and explore Moscow, or take an optional tour, before packing, and preparing, to meet your driver for a private transfer to the railway station in the evening. You will be provided with a transfer to the railway station, where our guide will advise, and assist, in purchasing provisions for the train if desired, accompany you to the platform, ensure that everyone is settled into their cabins and answer any last minute questions.

Day 5 - Travelling Through European Russia

You will spend the day on the train, heading past the cities of the Golden Ring, the great industrial city of Kirov and finally the ex-military city of Perm, at the eastern most edge of European Russia, before crossing through the Ural Mountains and into Asia.

Day 6 - Venturing into Siberia

Passing through the previously forbidden Soviet city of Yekaterinburg, you will spend the day on the train while it leaves the eastern foothills of the Ural mountains and heads for Novosibirsk; the largest city in Siberia, and the third largest in Russia, behind only Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

Day 7 - Heading into Asia

Enjoy your day on the train, travelling along the seemingly limitless tracks, and through the incredible forests of Siberia, you will pass the mighty Altai region, crossing the River Yenisei at Krasnoyarsk, before heading deep into Asia.

Day 8 - Arrival in Irkutsk and Transfer to Listvyanka Village

Following your early arrival in Irkutsk, you will be taken to Listvyanka village on the shores of Lake Baikal, where you will have time to freshen up and have a meal at your lakeside chalet. After some free time in the afternoon, the day is rounded off with a traditional Baikal dinner and by indulging in an optional sauna in the village 'Banya'.

Day 9 - Free Day in Listvyanka

Today is left free to relax, explore, experience, shop or book one of our many optional excursions.

Day 10 - Irkutsk Excursion

After breakfast you can enjoy a brief city tour of Irkutsk by car on the way from Listvyanka to Irkutsk, taking in the most interesting sights, including beautiful Russian Orthodox churches, the Polish Cathedral (the only Siberian Gothic-style building), houses decorated with 'wooden laces' (hand-made carvings) as well as modern constructions and the Decembrists' House. Your accommodation for this night will be in a centrally located 3* Victory Hotel.

Day 11 - Depart Irkutsk

Following an early morning transfer to the railway station, you will catch the train to Ulan-Bator. Once through Ulan-Ude, the home of Russian Buddhism and capital of the local Buryat Republic, the train will head toward the Mongolian border.

Day 12 - Arrive Ulan Bator and Gorkhi Terelj National Park Excursion

After your morning arrival at the station, you will have the chance to freshen up and get some breakfast before being transferred to the Ger camp where you can enjoy the beauty of the world famous Gorkhi Terelj National Park. Lunch is followed by walking in the hills, an excursion to Turtle Rock and a meditation centre, before returning for an evening meal and overnight stay.

Day 13 - Mongolian Steppe Excursion and visit to the Genghis Khan Statue Complex

After breakfast you will have the opportunity to visit the famous Genghis Khan Statue Complex that includes a museum and a scenic view from the top of the statue. Additionally, you will meet a local herdsman’s family to see the fascinating daily life of Mongolia's nomads, before being transferred back to your hotel in Ulan Bator at the 3* NINE Hotel.

Day 14 - Ulan Bator Excursion

After breakfast you will have the morning to explore, before embarking on a half day tour on which you will have the opportunity to see the city’s unique monuments, along with time to browse in local art, antique and cashmere shops before visiting Zaisan Hill to view a panorama of the city.

Day 15 - Free Day in Ulan Bator

Breakfast is followed by free time to investigate the distinctive charm of Ulan-Bator and the surrounding region, or relax. Why not take a look at a few of the excursions you could arrange while there?

Day 16 - Depart Ulan Bator and Cross the Gobi Desert

Catch your early morning transfer for your train to Beijing before travelling on through the majestic Gobi Desert and towards the Chinese border. Later in the evening, the train will reach the Chinese border where the impressive procedure of bogie-changing takes place, before heading off for Beijing.

Day 17 - Arrival in Beijing

Throughout the morning and afternoon, you will pass through rural China as well as mountainous river valleys, before continuing on past the amazing Great Wall of China, finally arriving in the Chinese capital, Beijing, where your transfer will take you to your hotel.

Includes

All our tours include:

• All relevant Trans-Siberian, Trans-Mongolian and Trans-Manchurian rail tickets
• Transfers for all departures and arrivals at each city
• A transfer with a personal guide to accompany you to the train on the start of your journey
• Russian letter of invitation
• Breakfast at all hotels, homestays and other accommodation

This tour includes:

• Total Duration: 17 Days
• Nights on the train: 6 Days
• Key Destinations: Moscow (3), Irkutsk (3), Ulan Bator (3), Beijing
• Excursions with a local guide: 3 Half day: Moscow, Irkutsk, Ulan Bator City tours. 2 Full day: Ghorkhi Park, Genghis Khan Statue Complex and Nomad Life in Ulan Bator
• Accommodation: Centrally located comfortable 3* hotels close to the heart of the city
• Meals: Breakfast at all Hotels, plus a dinner at Listvyanka / Baikal and other meals , which are dependent on your preferred excursions. These are indicated in each route itinerary

This tour does not include:

• In tour spending money (all accommodation, excursions, transfers and other tour elements are fully paid prior to departure)
• Flights or other travel arrangements prior to tour joining point
• Meals, unless specified in the itinerary
• Visa processing and service costs – further information about Trans-Siberian visas can be found here