The Epic Trans-Sib
Classic combo plus real Nomadic Mongolia

The classic two-stop combo from our “Big Trans-Sib” trip, but with extra adrenalin added! Your Siberia stay has a trek in the Taiga Forest, whilst Mongolia has a jeep trek to Karakorum – ancient campground of Genghis Khan, staying with Steppe Nomads. Plus Ulaanbaatar too, of course.

This trip only operates for departures from Moscow between May and September.

Your Itinerary - 17 nights/18 days.

Day 1

Arrival in Moscow! We whisk you by car 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-take your pick of the best of Moscow! 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…

Day 7

Arrive in Irkutsk: Take your choice of program from the two options.


Baikal Programmes Choose either Siberian Village or Adventure Trek

(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 Museum-with 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 that-then sleep like a log in a log cabin.

Day 8

Choose one activity from the list, it’s 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.

(C) 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

Breakfast. Free-time, supper and overnight with host family.


(Option 2) Adventure Trek

Only available to two or more passengers travelling together between 15 June and 10 September.

Day 7

Arrival in Irkutsk transfer to host family. Shower and breakfast, prepare for trekking (you can leave heavy baggage in Irkutsk). Mid day depart by hydrofoil to Bolshie Koty. Trek (10km). Set up camp on the shore of Lake Baikal. (Your trek guide will carry the tent-you carry only your own pack). Fireside supper.

Day 8

Breakfast. Trek along the Baikal shore for 20km, enjoy a picnic lunch en-route. Arrive to Sennaya Bay late afternoon. After setting up the camp, time for a well earned rest and supper.

Day 9

Day at leisure at Sennaya Bay-a chance to relax, swim, sunbathe, read, write your postcards. Evening supper and overnight. (tents).


Day 10

Car transfer to Irkutsk. Free time to explore on foot (we watch your bags) until evening departure to station and on by overnight train to Ulanbaatar.

Day 11

On board to Mongolia-(midnight border crossing).

Day 12

Early morning arrival in Ulaanbaatar. Chance for a quick shower, then a guided Walking Tour of the city. Depart by jeep to the Bayan Gobi-on arrival supper and accommodation with local nomads in ger tents. (NB: This is not a tourist camp-you are the guests of the nomads).

Day 13

Onwards by jeep to ancient Karakorum (modern Harhorin) 8 hrs off-road driving. Picnic lunch en-route. Supper and overnight with local herdsmen in ger tents.

Day 14

Sightseeing by jeep in the Bayan Gobi. Picnic lunch during 6-hr drive towards Ulaanbaatar, accommodation at Elstei Ger Camp (this is tourist-type accommodation-unlike with nomads). Supper and overnight.

Day 15

Free day at Elstei Ger Camp-for walking, horse-riding (arrange/pay locally) or relaxing.

Day 16

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

Day 17

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

Day 18

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

Tour Full On Price

£1,575

£1,375

£1,275


Extra Night Moscow

£60

£50

£50


Upgrading to Hotel in Irkutsk City

£40

£30

£30

Upgrading to 1st Class 2-berth Rail

£399

£399

£399

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


2008 Tour Start Dates - 18 Day Itinerary

May 13, 27  ;

June 3, 17 

July 1, 15 

August 5, 19 

September 9 

2008 Tour Start Dates - 19 Day Itinerary*

May 5, 19  

June 9, 23  

July 7, 21 

August 11, 25 

9 

*£30.00 supplement applies on above date for Our Mini Naadam festival

Included in the 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

Lake Baikal: Rural options out of the City gives you the option to chose from two all-inclusive programmes.

Mongolia: Walking tour of Ulaanbaatar. All transportation. Two nights camping with Nomads, full board. Two nights tourist Ger Camp, full board. One night 3* Hotel in Ulaanbaatar breakfast included. Sleeping bags are provided.

VISAS REQUIRED FOR: Russia, Mongolia & China.

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