The Ultimate Trans-Sib Tour
Mountains, mongols, monasteries - this one has it all

The breadth and scope of the world’s greatest journey is summed up in this extraordinary itinerary. Siberia is multi-facetted – you’ll see its natural wilderness, its native Asiatic peoples, its village life, and its legacy as a place of exile. Surpass the ordinary in Mongolia, and trek by jeep to ancient campground of Karakorum.

This includes a great side trip rafting in the Altai mountains. Rafting is down the Katun River which flows through the spectacular alpine scenery of the Katun Valley. There are some rapids but this is a trip which first-time rafters can do – you are accompanied by highly qualified instructors.

This trip only operates between June and August.

Your Itinerary - 25 nights/26 days.

Day 01

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

Day 02

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 03

A full free day for you to pack in the rest! Mid-evening transfer to the station for your Siberia bound train!

Day 04

Full day on train through the Ural Mountains, arrival late evening in Ekaterinburg-transfer to Hotel.

Day 5

Your choice of the following programs (one choice is included in your trip-no surcharges!).

(A) ROMANOV GRAVES (Europe/Asia Border Monument en-route). Car excursion to site where the Romanov bodies were hidden. 5-6 hours. No physical exertion involved.

(B) HIKING TRIP IN THE URALS Outdoor adventure in an area which is a designated nature park. Car transfer then 8-15km walk (you decide) where you will see a variety of flora and fauna and learn about the indigenous species of wildlife. No special equipment needed. Duration 8-9 hours. Lunch provided.

(C) SIBERIAN WILDERNESS ADVENTURE Combined soft raft (6km) and Forest Hike (12km)- optional cave visit. Good fitness required. Duration 9-10 hours. Lunch provided.

(D) SIBERIAN COUNTRYSIDE & HISTORIC VILLAGE Visit to an old village now under a Preservation Order. Includes home-cooked lunch, exhibitions of craftlore, horsecart riding. 8-9 hours. No physical exertion involved.

Option to either remain at your hotel until 01:00 (we hold your room on for late check-out) or checkout early evening and check-out the Malachit Nightclub (admission tickets and bar- bill are yours, but we take you there and back) and then directly (with luggage) to station. Depart 03:00 eastwards…

Day 6

Onwards towards Barnaul. Overnight onboard.

Day 7

You will be met by your guide on arrival into Barnaul then travel by public bus service (6 hrs) to Chemal Village in the heart of the Altai Mountains. Late lunch. This afternoon you will go on a guided walk during which you will learn about the local Altaic people. Sauna and supper then overnight in local Guesthouse.

Day 8

After breakfast, excursion to site of ancient cave and cliff-paintings. Picnic lunch will be provided. There will be an opportunity (small local cash payment) to ride Altai Mountain Horses. Then learn more about the ancient Chuisky Tract-the route of Genghis Khan's messengers. Supper. Overnight in local Guesthouse.

Day 9

Transfer to rafting launch point. After receiving a safety briefing set off (with instructor & guide), some white-water . Picnic lunch stop along the way. This afternoon continue rafting the Katun River. Then set up camp, followed by supper around the fire.

Day 10

Today you will continue rafting along the Katun River. Picnic lunch at the riverside. Return by road to Chemal. Free time, sauna, supper overnight in local Guesthouse.

Day 11

After an early breakfast depart to Novosibirsk by road (7-8 hrs). Picnic lunch (own supper arrangements). Overnight in 3* Hotel.

Day 12

Guided sightseeing walk of Novosibirsk, then free time (own lunch and supper arrangements). Late evening transfer to station for your Siberia bound train.

Day 13

Continue eastwards on the Trans-Siberian towards Irkutsk and a choice of two options.


Baikal Programmes Choose either Siberian Village or Adventure Trek

(Option 1) Siberian Village

Day 14

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 15

Choose one activity from the list, it’s all included in the trip price!

(A) SOFTIES TREK through the Taiga Forest-with a Forester Guide to explain the wildlife, ecosystem and lore of the Taiga.

(B) SIBERIAN SCUBA a freshwater dive in the world's Greatest Lake, with CMAS-qualified instructors and pro-level gear (requires PADI-1). Includes two dives.

(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 16

Transfer to Irkutsk. Free time to explore on foot (we watch your bags). Evening transfer to the station, for your Ulan-Uday bound train.


(Option 2) Adventure Trek

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

Day 14

Arrival in Irkutsk transfer to host family. Shower and breakfast, prepare for trekking (you can leave heavy baggage in Irkutsk). At 17 hrs you will depart by public bus to Goloustnoye Village (2hrs) Short trek (3km). Set up camp on shore of Lake Baikal. (Your trek guide will carry the tent-you carry only your own pack).

Day 15

Trekking along the Baikal shore (30 km). Picnic lunch along the way. Set up camp at Sennaya Bay, supper and overnight.

Day 16

Trek onwards to Bol'shie Koty Village (9km). Ride the city hydrofoil service to Irkutsk. Return to family stay and you are reunited with your baggage. Free time to visit the city. Supper with host family, before transfer to station for your Ulan-Uday bound train.


Day 17

Arrival early morning in Ulan-Uday, transfer to Family Stay. Guided trip to Atsagatsky Buddhist Lamasery. After the monastery, try cuisine of Buryatia for lunch with a village family. Return to Ulan-Uday. Supper and overnight. (Option to upgrade to 3* Hotel, at extra charge. Meal basis B&B).

Day 18

Visit to the Ivolginsky Datsan (a much larger monastery). Lunch. Visit to Centre of Eastern Medicine (optional consultation). Supper and overnight.

Day 19

Early transfer to the station and depart for Mongolia-midnight border crossing (with halt for formalities).

Day 20

Early morning arrival in Ulaanbaatar. Chance for a quick shower, then a guided Walking Tour of the City. Depart by jeep to 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 21

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 22

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

Day 23

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

Day 24

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

Day 25

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

Day 26

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 have our ad-ons..



Trip Price Guide

 

2 people

3-9 people

Full On Price

£2,790

£2,690

SPICING IT UP

2 people

3-9 people

Extra night in Moscow

£50

£50

Upgrading to 1st Class 2-berth Rail

£449

£449

Upgrading to Hotel in Ulan-Uday 2-night B&B

£65

£65

2008 Tour Start Dates - 26 Day Itinerary

Jun 2, 16, 30  

July 14  

August 4     

 

 

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 personalised walking tour with local expert.

Ekaterinburg: Transfers on arrival and departure. Two nights in a 2* Hotel breakfast included. 4 hour walking tour, and excursion included.

Altai: Accom: in Chemal, family-run guesthouse with HB and picnic lunches; during rafting, camping in tents with FB camp meals; in Novosibirsk, tourist-class hotel with breakfast only. Transport: Barnaul Chemal by intercity bus, all other transfers by private car. (Bring suitable clothes and footwear for rafting. All other gear & sleeping bags provided. Vegetarians must advise in advance!).

Lake Baikal: Staying out of the City, up at the Lake gives you the opportunity to choose one of our all-inclusive programmes. (Sleeping bags are provided where necessary)

Ulan-Uday: Transfers on arrival and departure. Two nights family stay, all meals included. Excursions as per itinerary.

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 Ulaanbaatar, breakfast included. Sleeping bags are provided.

VISAS REQUIRED FOR: Russia, Mongolia & China.

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