Trans Mongolian Express

Travellers arrive from all corners of the world during the day. There are no activities included on day one. Please, check the hotel notice board for the information about you trip and a group meeting. At 6 pm your leader will meet you in the hotel lobby and will run through the trip itinerary and answer questions.

Our journey commences in the Chinese capital, Beijing, which is one of the world's most impressive cities. There is so much to see in this vibrant city - some sights that you might want to visit during your free time include the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace and the Lama Temple Monastery. A great way to visit these landmarks is to hire a bicycle and take to the streets, just like the Chinese do.

On Day 2 we take a guided tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City - to learn more about past and present of China.

Most of Day 3 we spend at the Great Wall (Mutianyu section). The Wall, an incredible piece of engineering, is stretches 6000 km westwards from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect the Chinese empires from the 'barbarians' of the north.

Excitement and anticipation as we leave to board the Ulaanbaatar Express on the morning of day 4. On board we quickly settle in and enjoy unexpected views of the Great Wall as the train tackles the mountains before descending to the arid lands of Inner Mongolia and onwards to the very heart of Asia.

You awake to the stunning visual silence of the south Gobi, the horse and ger dotted steppe stretches from horizon to horizon, the occasional nomad encampment appears mirage-like through the carriage window. Shortly after midday on day 5 we arrive in the world's most remote capital - Ulaanbaatar. We will disembark and transfer to our hotel.

Crammed between superpowers Russia and China, the now independent nation of Mongolia is a true G Adventures destination that has only recently been opened up to tourism. The capital, Ulaanbaatar (UB), is a city in which new meets old as Mongolians in traditional dress mingle with the nation's business elite. The nation's close relationship with the old Soviet Union is evident in the Soviet style architecture and the old Russian cars.
Exploring the city's many museums is a real eye-opener into a turbulent history including the time of that most famous of Mongolia's historical figures, the feared and respected ruler, Chinghis Khan.

On day 6, a City tour with a local guide will take us to one of the most important Mongolian temple complex - Gandan Monastery. You'll learn about the history of Buddhism in Mongolia, will see chanting monks and - if lucky - might get an advise from the local fortune teller. After the Monastery, the tour will continue in the Winter Palace of the last Mongolian King (the only King's palace survived the Revolution). And at the end of the tour we'll visit Zaisan Hill - great viewpoint with a monument to Soviet soldiers.
The rest of the day is free for you to explore UB museums and try dumplings (booz) in local restaurants.

On day 7, we leave the metropolis and travel into Mongolia's Terelj National Park. This alpine park is a beautiful retreat with imposing rock formations and endless forests. We walk through the valleys, visit nomadic families and live simply overnight in a Ger camp.

On the morning of day 8 you return back to UB. There is enough time to buy some souvenirs and snacks for the ride before the group boards next train.

In the evening we board our two-night train (40 hrs) that takes us into southern Russia. This train is the most local of all the trains we take on this journey and we shouldn't expect the height of luxury. A restaurant car is not normally provided and if it is, the food can be basic and limited. It's a good idea to stock up before you leave Ulaan Baatar.

On day 9 we reach the town of Naushki where we go through our border formalities at the Mongolian/Russian borders, processing passports and waiting for nothing in particular. Around 3 pm we continue on to Irkutsk (one more night on train).

On day 10, the long journey brings us to the charming Siberian city of Irkutsk where we transfer to a bus for a short trip out to Listvyanka (approx. 2 hrs).

After dropping your bags and having shower you'll have a guided tour of Baikal museum: a unique museum and research complex which exhibition is dedicated to the biggest fresh water lake in the world. You'll find out lots about Baikal seals, Omul fish and history of surrounding areas. After the museum you can explore the shores of Lake Baikal, where you will marvel at the vastness of this inland ‘sea’. Over 600 kilometres long and up to 80 kilometres wide, Baikal contains one-fifth of the earth's fresh water and is home to many unique species. We enjoy the lakeside village of Listvyanka and a chance to walk along the lake shore and for the adventurous - a swim!

On Day 11 you'll have a transfer back to Irkutsk. Before boarding Trans-Siberian train we have time for a guided tour of one of the most beautiful cities in Siberia.

Old buildings and time-worn mansions lend a beauty to this remote but flourishing city, sometimes called "The Paris of Siberia". Founded over 350 years ago it prospered as a market town on the ‘Tea Route’ between China and Europe. Irkutsk today is proud of its place in Russian history, and is always a highlight of any Trans Mongolian rail journey.

The Trans-Siberan Railway is the world's most famous train line. It is also the longest, extending from Moscow across Siberia to the far flung town of Vladivostok. We experience part of this celebrated train odyssey, boarding in Irkutsk for the journey to Ekaterinburg (approx. 40 hours).

The train is a simple affair with enough modern luxuries for a comfortable journey. The carriage bathrooms are well equipped and even have hot water, though if you wish to have a shower you will need to bring your own shower attachments. An attendant is assigned to every carriage to look after your needs and each compartment has four convertible beds, with luggage storage space provided. The old-style restaurant car tends to have a jovial atmosphere and can offer interesting insights into local cuisine.Trains have a habit of running on Moscow time even though there may be several hours time difference, resulting in interesting meal times. Station platforms nearly always have an array of food for sale at stalls run by the Babushkas.There are lists of stations that the train will stop at and the time they stay there, ranging from two to twenty minutes. Always double check with the carriage attendant - it's a long wait for the next train to come through!

Life on board is a great social occasion for our Russian hosts and we have the opportunity to share our experiences with them. As we boom over the steel bridges spanning Siberia’s nerve system of 5,000 rivers, the flickering silvers and greens of the birch forests speed past. Watch for two major Russian rivers - Ob' and Yenisey.

On day 13 (depending on the train timetable - in the afternoon or early evening), we'll arrive to Ekaterinburg.

A city founded by Peter the Great in 1723 and situated just 40 kilometres inside Asia, Ekaterinburg's main attractions are its associations with historical events. On our walking city tour we will take in the history and intrigue surrounding the murder of the Romanov family, an event which ushered in the Communist era in 1918.

On day 15 in the morning, we re-board the Trans-Siberian Railway. Today we say farewell to Asia as we cross the Urals and enter Europe aboard the train to Moscow.

We arrive in Moscow in the morning on day 16.

The great city of Moscow has seen Russia through some of her most turbulent years. The city has survived the trauma and tribulations of centuries of revolution, from the days of the Tzars through the communist era to the growing pains of democracy. Despite the glamour and show of modern capitalism, exploring Moscow is like taking step back in time. Names of places such as the 'Kremlin' and the 'Red Square', bring forth unforgettable images of the Cold War era. It's worthwhile taking the time to explore the streets of this evocative city and visit Ivan the Terrible's extraordinary St Basil's Cathedral.

On day 17 we take a guided tour of Kremlin and the Armoury museum.

Day 18 is free to explore Russian capital at your leisure before we catch our last train to St Petersburg in the late evening.

Train arrives to St Petersburg very early in the morning on day 19.

One of Europe's finest, the city is largely built of baroque European architecture combined with the opulent palaces of Russian royalty. Its tree-lined streets and cosmopolitan atmosphere make it a favourite destination for travellers. On the morning of arrival to St Petes we take a walking tour of the city. The afternoon is free for you to explore "the northern Venice".
On the morning of day 20 we visit the Hermitage museum - one of the biggest museums in Europe, famous not only for its amazing art collection, but for being Tsars' palace for almost 200 years.

In the evening we meet for our farewell dinner.

Depart St.Petersburg at any time.