Trans-Siberian Odyssey (EXRTS)

Duration: 20 days (may vary)
Areas: China, Mongolia, Russia
Tour types: History & Culture, Nature & Wildlife, Rail Journeys

Description

Across the Urals
Our adventure begins in Moscow, where we wander through the cavernous red-walled Kremlin, with its incredible complex of palaces, cathedrals and churches. Departing from Yaroslavski Station, the train soon passes by striking wooden dachas, where the affluent Muscovites spend their weekends. After crossing the Urals - the 2500 kilometre-long mountain range that separates Europe and Asia - we visit Ekaterinburg, famous as a pilgrimage centre for members of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Siberian “Taiga” & Lake Baikal
We spend two nights on our train enjoying life on board and the classic Siberian landscape of Silver Birch 'Taiga' Forest, pines, oaks, rolling steppe and salt lakes. Irkutsk is the base for our trip to Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world, exceptionally clear and rich in aquatic life. We take a boat across the lake and enjoy some walks in its majestic surroundings.

Steppes, Nomads & the Great Wall
The railroad takes us on through Siberia and into Mongolia. Arriving in Ulaan Baatar, we drive across the steppe, crossing ridges and dense forest to the Khan Khenti Protected Area. We stay in traditional gers (nomadic felt tents) and have the opportunity for walks, horse riding, rafting and relaxing. Making our way into China and its mighty capital Beijing, we explore the famous Tiananmen Square and maze of palaces and gardens that make up the adjoining “Forbidden City”. We also travel to Mutianyu to walk on one of the most impressive sections of the awe-inspiring Great Wall.

Tour itinerary

Day 1

Join Moscow.

Day 2

In Moscow, city tour.

Day 3

In Moscow, overnight train Ekaterinburg.

Day 4

Arrive Ekaterinburg.

Day 5

City tour, visit monument marking the border between Europe and Asia.

Day 6

Walks in Taiga Forest; overnight train to Irkutsk.

Day 7 & 8

On the train.

Day 9

Arrive Irkutsk, drive to Lake Baikal, walks by lake.

Day 10

Hike to Sukhoye Ozero 'Dry Lake'.

Day 11

Boat to Listvyanka, walk to Prince Kropotkin Caves, visit Ecology Museum and Aquarium; drive to Irkutsk; overnight train to Ulaan Bataar.

Day 12

On the train.

Day 13

Arrive Ulaan Baatar, city tour; drive to Jalman Meadows/Arburd Sands.

Day 14

Free day, optional horse riding, rafting on Tuul River (Jalman Meadows only) and walks.

Day 15

Free at ger camp, drive to Ulaan Baatar.

Day 16

Overnight train to Beijing.

Day 17

Arrive Beijing.

Day 18

Visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

Day 19

Visit the Great Wall.

Day 20

End Beijing.