Along the waySt PetersburgMoscowIrkutskUlaanbaatarHuhehotBeijing

Leaving from St. Petersburg to Beijing

ExperienceClassic Outer & Inner Mongolia

What’s included

Train> 4-berth rail for complete journey (pre-assigned berths)> with option to upgrade to 2-berthSt. Petersburg > transfer on arrival to your hotel> 2 nights 3★ hotel, breakfast > 3 hour personalised walking tour with local expertMoscow > transfer on arrival to your hotel> 2 nights 3★ hotel, breakfast > 3 hour personalised walking tour with local expert> transfer to the station on departureIrkutsk > all transportation > 2 nights 3★ hotel, breakfast included, Listvyanka Village> 1 night 3★ hotel, breakfast included Irkutsk City> excursion option

Ulaanbaatar & Inner/Outer Mongolia> all transportation (4WD), driver, English speaking guide>Entrance fees Erdene Zuu Monastery, Kharkhorum Museum>Khustai National Park entrance fees>3 nights tourist ger camp (Ugii Lake, all meals, Khustai, all meals

Tsenkher Hot Springs, all meals)>1 night Hotel (Kharkhorum, all meals)>1 night in Nomadic Family’s guest ger (Elsen Tasarkhai) all meals> 1 night 3★ hotel, (Ulaanbaatar) breakfast> City tour of UlaanbaatarHuhehot> transfer on arrival > 2 nights 3★ hotel, breakfast included> excursion

FULL ON

Everyone’s heard of Outer Mongolia, even if they know littleabout it, but Inner Mongolia? This is China's strategic frontierand home to its Mongolian ethnic minority. The descendantsof Genghis Khan who, on horseback eight centuries ago,swept across much of Asia, creating one of the world'sgreatest empires. Outer Mongolia is now an independentcountry - and one of the world’s least visited – while InnerMongolia remains a part of China but was once the richestcorner of the vast Mongol reach. This is a trip is for theinquisitive and adventurous. This trip offers the opportunityto start your journey in St. Petersburg, where you will seethe contrast between the imperial splendour and the sovietsimplicity that existed both then and now.

In the know…The word “Kremlin” isn’t Russian – it’s froma medieval Tartar word meaning “fortress”.There used to be kremlins all over Russia inthe days when the Mongols were a threat.There’s even one in Siberia, at Tobolsk.Lake Baikal is the world’s largest, and hasmore statistics than any other lake.“Nomads” don’t just wander aroundaimlessly. Most Nomads will roam over thesame land and tracks their grandparentsknew, always returning in winter to thesame place, where their animal pens arelocated. Nomads traditionally count theirwealth in head of animals, not in money.

At The Russia Experience we like to ditchthe clichés, discard the puff andconcentrate on what we do best – bringingto life the world’s longest train route: theplaces visited, the encounters made andthe realisation of a journey that is bothengaging and rewarding.

We continually look at ways of enhancingthe Trans Siberian experience,incorporating seasonal considerations(such as the Harbin Ice Festival), providingthe historical context (pay a visit to the onlyremaining Soviet Gulag) or inviting you tosavour the diverse cultural influences ofindigenous people (sit down with ashaman, or enjoy the Siberian art of throatsinging!).

We have no group departures, ouradvertised dates always operate (barringanything completely out of our control)and, above all, we will tell you it like it is –allowing you to make the right choice froma portfolio of journeys rich in variety andfull of memorable experiences. Sorry! Wecouldn’t resist at least one cliché!

No ordinary trip

Visa RequirementsMost visitors to Russia, Mongolia and Chinarequire visas. These must be obtained priorto departure. Visa processing times forthese countries can be up to;Russia 20 Working DaysMongolia 06 Working DaysChina 07 Working DaysHowever fast track processing is possible. Due to the support documents required bythe Embassy of Russia (which we obtain),you will need to book your trip beforestarting to obtain visas.For full information regarding visas, pleaserefer to our web site.

Hints and TipsA SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT NOMAD STAYSWhen we say “nomad stay” it meansexactly that - you are sharing the lives ofherdsmen who live on the MongolianSteepe. There’s often no electricity, theydon’t speak English, and there isn’t anyplumbing!Photocopy your passport including thevisas issued pages, airline tickets andinsurance policies. our passport must be valid for at least sixmonths past the end of your travel dates.

Travellers ChecklistDay pack, back pack, money belt, first aidkit, heat proof mug, instant coffee, teabags, sun hat, lightweight jacket, flip flops,swim wear, sun cream, photographs ofhome to show the Nomads, Mongolianchildren love bubbles!, universal sink plug,bottle opener.

Climate and time – Minimum/maximum Temperatures ºCMay/Jun Jul/Aug Sep/Oct

St. Petersburg/Moscow +15/+22 +15/+30 + 8/+24Irkutsk + 8/+22 +26/+38 +10/+24Ulaanbaatar +15/+24 +26/+42 +10/+25Huhehot +27/+31 +31/+30 +26/+22Beijing +15/+22 +24/+30 +8/+22

DAY 01 “S Priezdom! Welcome to St. Petersburg!” Our driver will be there to meet you fromwhichever flight, train or boat you arrive. You’ll then be transferred to the Vesta 3★Hotel. (We can obtain rates for superiorhotels ask a member of the reservationsteam for details.) At check-in, (after 2pm)the hotel reception will advise you they willneed your passport for visa registration.Your complimentary InfoPack is full ofideas for getting the most out of your freetime. (Please note your train tickets toMoscow are usually e-tickets and are sentwith your final travel documents.)No mealsDAY 02 After breakfast one of our local expert staffwill meet you at the hotel to take you on athree hour walking tour round thehighlights you’ll use public transportaround the centre to avoid the traffic jamsand get the hang of the system for whenyou come to use it independently. Ourstaffers are full of ideas for this walk butare flexible about other ideas if you haveyour own. Your walk ends in the city centrearound lunchtime. If you haven’t pre-booked any of our range of city excursionsthe rest of the day is your own to explorefurther.BreakfastDAY 03 You’ll need to check out of your room by 12 noon today but the hotel offers a LeftLuggage service for a small fee. Your day isfree until your evening departure toMoscow. Reception can book you a taxi tothe station. Some of our top suggestions(please check opening times/days beforesetting off). The Hermitage Collection – Winter Palace. The canals and waterways of the “NorthernVenice”. The Russian Museum of Fine Art. The Peter & Paul Fortress-and the Tombsof the Tsars inside the Fortress Cathedral. The Church on the Spilt Blood, nearby theSouvenir Bazaar. Breakfast

DAY 04 Early morning arrival in Moscow. Ourdriver will meet you at the end of theplatform and will be holding a meeting-board with your name on. You’ll then betransferred to the Panorama 3★ Hotel.(We can obtain rates for superior hotelsask a member of the reservations team fordetails.) . The facilities available at thishotel include a Restaurant, Lobby Bar,Lobby Wi-Fi access, Luggage Room, Safetydeposit boxes and an ATM machine. Oneof our local expert staff will meet you atthe hotel around 10am to take you on athree hour walking tour round thehighlights – you’ll use public transportaround the centre to avoid the traffic jamsand get the hang of the system for whenyou come to use itindependently. Our staffers are full ofideas for this walk but are flexible aboutother ideas if you have your own. Yourwalk ends in the city centre aroundlunchtime. Check-in is after 2pm the hotelreception will advise you they will needyour passport for visa registration. Yourcomplimentary InfoPack is full of ideas forgetting the most out of your freetime. (Please note your Trans-Siberiantrain tickets will be delivered to the hotelduring your two night stay.)No meals

DAY 05 This morning you can continue sightseeingthe Lenin Mausoleum is only open in themornings, and getting there early (it’s inRed Square) helps beat the queues. If youhaven’t pre-booked any of our range of cityexcursions the rest of the day is your ownto explore further. Some of our topsuggestions (please check openingtimes/days before setting off) wouldinclude visiting the Moscow Kremlin, theTretyakov Gallery, the Pushkin Fine ArtsMuseum, or a boat trip along the MosvkaRiver ... perhaps locate some tickets forballet, opera, circus or a concert thisevening? As well as famous classical musictraditions Moscow features on the touringschedules of world names in jazz, rock, popand world music. BreakfastDAY 06 Your morning is free until 11:30 am when adriver is scheduled to take you to thestation. Although there’s a restaurant carservice on board your train you may want tosupplement this with some snacks, treats,and fresh fruit that you could buy today.Your transfer from the hotel to Yaroslavskystation is scheduled for 11:30 am, so pleasebe at the hotel reception where your driverwill meet you and will assist your boardingof the Irkutsk bound train. Breakfast

These dossiers are designed to provide you with a guide to our trips, the places visited, accommodation used and to give you a flavour of your dailyitinerary. You will be travelling in parts of the world where the unanticipated and the unusual are all part of the experience and, as a result, theunexpected can happen and we may on occasions need to vary your plans. These dossiers do not form part of any contract.

full on itinerary – 24 days Leaving from St. Petersburg to Beijing

ExperienceOuter & Inner Mongolia

DAY 07–09 On board The Trans-Sib... travellingtowards Irkutsk. The dining car is theheartbeat of social life of the train. Itfunctions as bar, lounge, and take-outsnack store as well as a café servingreasonably priced meals. It is a great placeto meet fellow travellers and locals alike,sharing your experiences of your journeyso far with a few drinks, which no doubtwill include some Vodka – and maybesmoked salmon and caviar too! Along theway you’ll see astonishing Siberian sceneryas the deciduous forests of the UralMountains slowly give way to Siberian pineforests. The major landmarks are the greatrivers you cross, including the River Ob atNovosibirsk (one of the most famousbridges on the route), and the giganticEnisei River (at Krasnoyarsk).No meals

DAY 10 Mid morning arrival in Irkutsk. Our driverwill meet you at the end of the platform,holding a meeting-board displaying “RussiaExperience”. Transfer to U Ozera 3★ Hotelsituated in Listvyanka Village (70km)travelling by road through the forest. TheHotel is set just 50 metres from the shoresof Lake Baikal. Hotel facilities include; sunterrace, sauna (local charge) Laundry andIroning service, restaurant and bar. Allrooms have private bathrooms, tea andcoffee facilities and a minibar. Wi-Fi is freeof charge in public areas. The nearest ATM-machine in the Baikal Hotel (Listvyankaremains a village, and doesn't have therange of banking services you could expectin a city). At check-in, the hotel reception will adviseyou they will need your passport for visaregistration formalities. This afternoon setoff on your walking tour around ListvyankaVillage. This will include a visit to theLimnological Museum (this is an exhibitionabout the Lake, its formation, wildlife etc. -it includes multimedia presentations,information about the creatures which livein the darkest depths, and also anaquarium with living aquatic species,including the unique freshwater Baikalseals) and also a small wooden villageRussian Orthodox Church dating back tothe C18th. You return to your hotel at theend of the walk, with time to relax andenjoy your lakeside surroundings, maybeexperience real Siberian "banya" (sauna –local charge).No meals

DAY 11 Choose one activity from the list, it’s allincluded in the trip price! You’ll need toinform us of your choice beforecommencing your journey, so that we canhave the right staff on hand for when youarrive (please note the Siberian weatherputs seasonal limits on some activities –details below). A. SIBERIAN TREK through the Taiga Forestwith a local guide who will explain thewildlife, with a local guide who will explianthe eco system and lore of the Taiga. Thetrek is 4-5 hours long, includes a picnic stylelunch and a good level of fitness is required.(May-Oct)B. CIRCUM BAIKAL PICNIC Take the Ferryfrom Listvyanka to Port Baikal which takesaround 15 minutes. Walk around Port Baikal,where you will see the train station of theold Circumbaikal rail line. Then you will walkalong the rail line to the nearest tunnel (2-3km). Stopping for a picnic lunch on theshore of Lake Baikal. Return to Port Baikal,ferry back to Listvyanka. The excursion isaround 5 hours duration. (Jun-Sep) C.TALTSY WOODEN MUSEUM A two hourtrip which includes a return transfer by car,and entrance fees to the Taltsy open airwooden museum which is situated on theshore of the Angara river. On arrival you arefree to explore independently and there is atea house here where afterwards you canhave a cup of tea and traditional Russiansnack (pancakes, pirodzki, etc) Thispicturesque area shows how life was andhas been sympathetically restored as atourist attraction where you can buy authentic souvenirs. (Year round)D. PORT BAIKAL A day trip to Port Baikalwith a local guide taking a ferry fromListvyanka. On arrival visit the CircumbaikalRailway Museum located at the train stationthen an uphill hike to the White stoneviewpoint and to see the old lighthouse.Followed by a visit to a Russian OrthodoxChurch, lunch and free time walking back tothe village. Return by ferry. Duration 5hours. (May–August)Breakfast

These dossiers are designed to provide you with a guide to our trips, the places visited, accommodation used and to give you a flavour of your dailyitinerary. You will be travelling in parts of the world where the unanticipated and the unusual are all part of the experience and, as a result, theunexpected can happen and we may on occasions need to vary your plans. These dossiers do not form part of any contract.

full on itinerary – 24 days Leaving from St. Petersburg to Beijing

ExperienceOuter & Inner Mongolia

DAY 12 After breakfast transfer back to Irkutsk city.Check-into The Angara 3★ Hotel. TheAngara Hotel is located on the KirovSquare, in the heart of Irkutsk city. Theclose proximity to main tourist attractionsmeans a great base for your brief stay inthe city. The railway station is just 5minutes’ drive away. Facilities at this hotelinclude; free Wi-Fi access, 6 restaurants, 3bars, ATM, 24 souvenir boutique, chemist’sshop and a supermarket. Our local staffwill provide a map and somerecommendations of interesting places tovisit. Some of our top suggestions (pleasecheck opening times/days before settingoff) Decembrist Museum, Volkonsky Houseand The Epiphany Cathedral.BreakfastDAY 13 Early morning transfer to Irkutsk stationwhere you will board the Ulaanbaatarbound train. At midnight you will make theborder crossing into Mongolia with theusual halt for formalities. BreakfastDAY 14 Our driver and guide will meet you at theend of the platform and will be holding ameeting- board with your name on.Transfer from the station, to Zaya Hostelwith a chance to freshen up and havebreakfast, before departing to theenormous monument to Genghis Khan Itmay not be quite traditional in style (sinceit’s made of stainless steel) but it’s anastounding edifice and a testament toGenghis’s place in Mongolian cultureTaking the elevator to top of this 10 metrehigh monument you visit the exhibitionhall from where you will have an excellentpanoramic view over the complex area andthe scenery beyond. Then set off forKhustai National Park. (Around 155kmWest of Genghis Khan Statue) . This is theperfect location to see the and also feel thebeauty of Mongolia with its uniquelandscape of mountains , steppe, sanddunes and river wetlands. The nationalpark is home to the “Takhis” the famouswild horse and 46 other species ofmammals including deer and wild boar.Supper and overnight at the tourist Camp.Supper

DAY 12 Travel from Khustai National Park to UgiiLake directly on back country roads. Enjoylunch at the ger camp before exploring thefabulous Lake environs at your leisure.Overnight at a tourist Ger camp.Breakfast, Lunch. SupperDAY 13 Head for Tsenkher Hot Springs. If you arefeeling a little bruised or achy from yourtravels, bouncing over Mongolian roads,then an hour or two in the springs is justthe ticket for you. Time to relax and enjoyyour surroundings.Breakfast, Lunch. SupperDAY 14 This morning an early start and drive to thelost capital of Genghis Khan at Karakorum(approximately 2 hours) and visit themagnificent Erdene Zuu Monastery, whereyou will see a distinct mixing of the styles ofMongolian and Tibetan Buddhism.Karakorum was once the heart of theMongol Empire and today, you’ll still seeremnants of the long standing walls thatencircle the city. Also in the afternoon, visitthe newly established Karakorum Museum.Overnight in Hotel Karakorum.Breakfast, Lunch, Supper

DAY 15 After breakfast head for Elsen Tasarkhai(which will include a break in your journeyat the picturesque “Khugnu Khan Mountain”also known as Bayan Gobi) Camel riding ison offer here, Elsen Tasarhai literally means“an isolated torn-off piece of sand” and it isa small sequence of real desert in the midstof green steppes.Breakfast, Lunch, SupperDAY 16Around 2pm you make the return trip toUlaanbaatar. On arrival to Ulaanbaataryour city tour will include; SukhbaatarSquare and the National History Museum.Check into Hotel Nine 3★ Hotel. Thisevening why not visit Peace Avenue orpick-up some snack food for the train inone of the many supermarkets? There is awide range of traditional and new styleMongolian eateries as well as Europeanrestaurants . Or maybe go to see a Folkloreconcert this evening?BreakfastDAY 20 You’ll need to check out of your room by 12 noon today but the hotel offers a LeftLuggage service for a small fee. Your day isfree and it will easy to keep yourselfamused as there is so much still to see anddo. We recommend you take thisopportunity to purchase provisions for thenext leg of your journey, as often thisservice has no dining car. Be back at thehotel at 8pm where your driver will meetyou at reception. You will then betransferred the short distance toUlaanbaatar station where we will assistyou boarding of the Huhehot bound train. Breakfast

These dossiers are designed to provide you with a guide to our trips, the places visited, accommodation used and to give you a flavour of your dailyitinerary. You will be travelling in parts of the world where the unanticipated and the unusual are all part of the experience and, as a result, theunexpected can happen and we may on occasions need to vary your plans. These dossiers do not form part of any contract.

full on itinerary – 24 days Leaving from St. Petersburg to Beijing

ExperienceOuter & Inner Mongolia

DAY 21 Spectacular scenery that’s worth wakingearly for this morning as you trundlethrough the Southern Gobi. There’s alayover at the border while they changethe train bogeys to Chinese gauge – theydon’t rush themselves for this job, so it’sworth getting out to wander around, evenif the surroundings are not especiallyinteresting. Another layover once youreach the Chinese side, for passportcontrol (you are usually not allowed out ofthe station, as you have not yet clearedChinese passport control). (It is worth pre-planning your use of the bathroom today,as it will be locked during these stops!)Late evening arrival in Huhehot, the capitalof Inner Mongolia. Our driver will meetyou at the end of the platform where hewill be holding a meeting-board with yourname on. Transfer to the Chunxue Sijihotel, which is located in the city’sshopping and business district.No meals

DAY 22 After breakfast your guide will meet you atreception, where you will depart for a fullday city of Huhehot, which will include;Zhaojun Tomb, Dazhao Temple and TheFive Pagoda Temple. Expect to return tothe hotel late afternoon. Ourrecommendation for this evening; treatyourself to a slap up Chinese meal –Huhehot has a super selection featuringboth local Mongolian (you can even eat ina Mongolian cart-drawn war-ger) andtraditional Beijing-style cuisine.Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 23 You’ll need to check out of your room by 12 noon today but the hotel offers a LeftLuggage service for a small fee. Your day isfree to participate in a little extra shoppingor sightseeing. Own transfer to the stationfor the Beijing bound train.BreakfastDAY 24 Early morning arrival at Beijing WestStation. For additional services we offer inBeijing and beyond please refer to our website.No meals

These dossiers are designed to provide you with a guide to our trips, the places visited, accommodation used and to give you a flavour of your daily itinerary.

You will be travelling in parts of the world where the unanticipated and the unusual are all part of the experience and, as a result, the unexpected can happen

and we may on occasions need to vary your plans. These dossiers do not form part of any contract.

full on itinerary – 24 daysLeaving from St. Petersburg to Beijing

ExperienceOuter & Inner Mongolia

25 DAY ITINERARY

SIBERIAN VILLAGE:

3 night 3★ hotel, Listvyanka Village,

1 night 3★ hotel, Irkutsk City.

EXTENSIONS