The Big Trans-Siberian
A great Siberia & Mongolia combo

This is our most popular trip to date – a winning combination of both Siberia and Mongolia packaged into an itinerary that you can fit into a two week holiday.

In Siberia stay at Lake Baikal with an overnight in historic Irkutsk. In Mongolia spend time in both Ulaanbaatar and the Steppe staying in a traditional felt Ger. This trip operates year round – including the Ger stays!

Our Ger winter program operates mid October to the beginning of May and during this time the facilities are limited. Due to colder climates there is no use of the showers but you get to freshen up in Ulaanbaatar before you arrive and the toilets although outside are still operational. Our restaurant with a different location is still making delicious Mongolian winter treats and horse riding is an available option for you to book locally. A 16-day version is available also.

Your Itinerary - 14 nights/15 days.

Day 1

Arrival in Moscow! We transfer you directly to your hotel-your first night in Moscow.

Day 2

After breakfast your local expert will meet you at the hotel, to whiz you round the highlights.This is using public transport to familiarise you with the city centre and help smooth your path… at least until lunchtime! Afternoon and evening free to explore.

Day 3

A full free day for you to pack in the rest! Mid-evening we take you to your waiting train-to Siberia!

Day 4

The Trans-Sib line leads you past Kazan and Ekaterinburg…

Day 5

Then onwards into Siberia itself, via Novosibirsk…

Day 6

Across the River Yenisei, at Krasnoyarsk…


Choose either Siberian Village or Fishermans Cape of Lake Baikal:

(Option 1) Siberian Village

Day 7

Arrival into Irkutsk and transfer (1hr) to Listvyanka Village on the shore of Lake Baikal. Stay in an authentic Siberian log-cabin (izba). Lunch. See the village, the old Church, and the Lake Wildlife Museumwith your friendly local expert. Then get it all off your chest the Siberian way-in the sauna! (banya) You'll be ready for your home-cooked supper after all thatthen sleep like a log in a log cabin.

Day 8

Choose one activity from below its all included in the trip price!

(A) TAKING A SHORT SOFT TREK through the Taiga Forest-with a Forester Guide to explain the wildlife, ecosystem and lore of the Taiga. (May-Oct).

(B) TAKE A FRESHWATER SCUBA DIVE in Lake Baikal (they say you gain a year of life if you dive in!) with qualified CMAS-instructors (requires PADI-1), (May-Oct.) 2 dives included (Feb-Mar.) Ice Dive. 1 dive included.

(C) SNOWMOBILE TRIP (2 hrs) with a local guide through the forest, or even out over the deep-frozen lake! (Dec-Apr).

(D) DO YOUR OWN THING-maybe take off on a Cliffside walk, or mosey around the village, or take a dip in Lake Baikal! Supper, then maybe try the local bar? Overnight with host family.

Day 9

Transfer to Irkutsk (1hr) and stay in a city apartment with a local family, in soviet city style. Day free to explore, dinner with host family. (Or upgrade to tourist-class hotel if you rate comfort over authenticity, and prefer to dine out this evening instead?).


(Option 2) Fisherman's Cape of Lake Baikel

Day 7

Transfer directly from Station to the remote village of Bolshoe Goloustnoye (110km on rural roads). Your local guide shows you the village, the Old Church, and lake shoreline. Get the 20th Century out of your system in a real Russian banya (sauna) which will sharpen your appetite for home-cooked food for supper. Sleep soundly-the modern world is far, far away.

Day 8

Leisurely lakeside walk (9km) to Ushkani Cape, and visit our friends the fishermen for lunch at their cabin. Leisurely walk back to Bolshoe Goloustnoye Village. Supper, then relish the hushed silence away from the tourist throng.

Day 9

By car to Irkutsk (110km) and stay in a city apartment with a local family, in soviet city style. Day free to explore the city, dinner with host family. (Or upgrade to tourist-class hotel if you rate comfort over authenticity, and prefer to dine out this evening instead?).


Day 10

Early car to the station-you're heading out of Russia tonight! Late night border crossing (2+ hours halt for formalities).

Day 11

Mid-morning arrival in Outer Mongolia! Shower, breakfast, transfer to a Mongolian Ger Camp-with accommodation in traditional Mongolian wood-framed felt tents (gers). The Mongolian steppes are outside your new home - so go and explore! Lunch and Supper are included (yes, there are vegetarian options too)..

Day 12

Local activities are available, weather permitting. The Mongolian Winter (November-March) is very harsh. For example Horse-riding (for a small local charge) with local herdsmen or walking, or maybe play traditional Mongolian sports? As the nearest bar or restaurant is 50km away, breakfast, lunch and supper will be provided for your stay at the Ger Camp.

Day 13

Back to Ulaanbaatar. Internet cafés, bars, restaurants and nightclubs are waiting for you to let your hair down Mongolian style. Overnight 3* hotel.

Day 14

Transfer to your departing Beijing-bound train this morning. Midnight border crossing and onwards into China!

Day 15

Thunder on across China-past the Great Wall. Mid-afternoon arrival into Beijing Central Station. Your trans-siberian journey comes to an end unless you are taking our ad-ons.


Trip Price Guide

 

1 person

2 people

3-9 people

FULL ON

£1235

£1135

£1035

NO FRILLS

£1085

£985

£885

 

1 person

2 people

3-9 people

FULL ON extra nights Moscow

£60

£50

£50

NO FRILLS extra nights Moscow

£45

£35

£35

Upgrading to 1st Class 2-berth Rail

£399

£399

£399

Upgrading to Hotel Irkutsk City

£40

£30

£30


2007 Tour Start Dates - 15-day Itinerary

Oct 5, 19  

Nov 9, 23  

Dec 7, 21   

2008 Tour Start Dates - 15-day Itinerary

Jan 11, 25  

Feb 15, 29  

Mar 7, 21  

Apr 11, 25  

May 9, 23  

Jun 13, 27  

Jul 11, 25  

Aug 15, 29  

Sep 5, 19  

Oct 3, 17, 31  

Nov 7, 21  

Dec 5, 19   

2007 Tour Start Dates - 16-day Itinerary

Jan 11, 25  

Feb 1, 15  

Mar 1, 15, 29 

Apr 5, 19  

May 3, 17, 31  

Jun 7, 21  

Jul 5, 19   

Aug 9, 23  

Sep 13, 27  

Oct 11, 25  

Nov 15, 29  

Dec 13, 27   

2008 Tour Start Dates - 16-day Itinerary

Jan 3, 17, 31  

Feb 7, 21  

Mar 13, 27  

Apr 3, 17  

May 1, 15, 29  

Jun 5, 19  

Jul 3, 17, 31  

Aug 7, 21  

Sep 11, 25  

Oct 9, 23  

Nov 13, 27  

Dec 11, 25   

**Supplement per person for the extra night in Baikel area is £45 for one, £30 for two or more

Included in the trip:

Full On Trip

Train: 2-Class 4-berth rail for complete journey.

Moscow: Transfers on arrival and departure. Two nights stay in a 3* Hotel, breakfast, included. 3 hour personalised walking tour with local expert.

Lake Baikal: Rural options out of the City gives you the choice from two all inclusive programmes.

Ulaanbaatar: All transfers, two nights Mongolian Ger Camp accommodation, full board. Overnight stay in 3* hotel, located in the centre of Ulaanbaatar. Breakfast included. Walking tour of Ulaanbaatar.

No Frills Trip

Train: 2-Class 4-berth rail for complete journey.

Moscow: Transfer on arrival. Two nights stay in a 1* Hotel room-only basis.

Irkutsk: Transfers on arrival and departure. Three nights family stay accommodation. Breakfast and evening meal included.

Ulaanbaatar: Transfers on arrival and departure. Three nights stay in a 1* hotel, located in Ulaanbaatar. Breakfast included.

Visas required for: Russia, Mongolia & China


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