Activities: Cultural Exploration
The Trans-Mongolian is one of the great train journeys of the world. Leaving from Beijing, the Trans-Mongolian crosses northern China and the steppes of Mongolia, then over the border into Russia. Crossing the vast landmass of Siberia you join the route of the Trans-Siberian, all the way to Moscow.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1,BEIJINGArrival day.
Day 2,GREAT WALL
We take a day trip out to the Great Wall, and hike on one of the less visited sections.
Day 3,TRAIN
Board the Trans-Mongolian train and head north through China and over the broder into Mongolia, passing a part of the Great Wall on the way.
Day 4,ULAAN BAATAR
Arrive in the Mongolian capital in the early afternoon and head out into the rolling grasslands that start right on the edge of the city. We spend the night in a traditional ger (yurt). (D)
Day 5,GER CAMP
A full day in the Mongolian grasslands with options for hiking or horse riding. There may also be the chance to visit a local nomadic family. (BLD)
Day 6,ULAAN BAATAR
We head back to Ulaan Baatar and have a free afternoon to explore the capital of Mongolia.
Day 7,ULAAN BAATAR - TRAIN
A free day to some of Ulaan Baatar's sights and museums. In the evening we board the train and continue our journey north and west.
Day 8,TRAIN
Our train heads through northern Mongolia, following the Selenge River through mile after mile of grasslands and over the border into Siberia.
Day 9 to Day 11,IRKUTSK – LAKE BAIKAL – EKATERINBURG
Arrive early in the morning of Day 8 in Irkutsk, capital of Siberia and a pleasant laid back town. We then head out to Lake Baikal which defies all statistics – approximately 25 million years old and at least 1.5km deep. We stay with local families in Listvyanka, a traditional wooden village on the shores of the lake. Later we head back to Irkutsk and board the train bound for Ekaterinburg. During this stretch of our journey we cross the vast wilderness of Siberia. (BLD – at Lake Baikal only; no meals in other places)
Day 12 to Day 13,EKATERINBURG
Arrive in Ekaterinburg and transfer to our hotel. We have plenty of time to explore the city that is famous for being the place where the last Tsar and his family were murdered by communists. It is a pleasant town that dates back to the 18th century.
Day 14,EKATERINBURG – TRAIN
We board the morning train, continuing over the Volga, Danilov and Vytka rivers as well as the Ural Mountains. (B)
Day 15,MOSCOW
Arrive in Moscow and transfer to our hotel.
Day 16,MOSCOW
A full free day in Moscow. Explore Russia’s vibrant capital with its huge communist buildings, the onion-domed St Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s tomb, or perhaps take a trip out to the monasteries of Sergiev Posad, the heart of Russian Orthodox Christianity. (B)
Day 17,MOSCOW
Tour ends (B).
Notes
The exact itinerary will depend on the train schedule. This is notoriously prone to change so please be flexible.
Departure Dates
17/05/201021/06/2010
26/07/2010
30/08/2010
04/10/2010
Prices
Date: Base Price17/05/2010: £1899
21/06/2010: £1899
26/07/2010: £1899
30/08/2010: £1899
04/10/2010: £1899
Local Payment: 400 USD
Inclusions
Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader
Transport: Trans-Mongolian train, bus, metro & taxi
Activities: Optional hiking and horse riding
Accommodation: 6 nights on board the train, 6-7 nights simple hotels (shared facilities in some cases), 1-2 nights homestay, 2 nights Mongolian ger
Exclusions
Arrival Transfer
Entrance Fees: Allow US$30.
International Flights
Visa Costs
Border Taxes
Drinks and items of a personal nature
Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
