Siberia & Mongolia: Spirits
& Nomads
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"Everything was super! After being home 3 days I was ready to do it all over again.
Staying in the ger camps was my favorite. The gers are very comfortable, the scenery was beautiful. This is my third trip with MIR. I hope to go everywhere you have tours."
Barbra Martin
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
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Let the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway carry you through the taiga's unbroken forest to Siberia's deep UNESCO-listed Lake Baikal, teeming with unusual wildlife, and south to the immense sky of the vast Mongolian desert and grasslands, where nomads celebrate the annual Naadam Festival.
Days 1-4: Vladivostok, Aboard the Trans-Siberian
Our three-week sojourn begins with a tour of the Russian port city of Vladivostok. Board the celebrated train on its most remote and scenic leg towards Ulan Ude.
Days 5-9: Ulan Ude, Chivirkuy Bay, Lake Baikal, Listvyanka
An important outpost on the tea route from China, Ulan Ude hosts the largest Buddhist monastery in Russia. Visit a village of Old Believers, descendants of 17th century Orthodox Christians exiled by Catherine the Great. Explore Chivirkuy Bay’s islands and coves on deep Lake Baikal, the world's oldest freshwater lake. By boat we search for elusive freshwater seals and then travel overnight across the lake to the village of Listvyanka.
Days 10-12: Irkutsk, Listvyanka
Explore the traditional wooden houses of Irkutsk, home to early political exiles. Spend a day aboard the spectacular old Circumbaikal Railway that hugs the shore of Lake Baikal. Relax in an enchanting Siberian lakeshore lodge.
Days 13-16: UlaanBaatar, Gobi Desert
Fly to Mongolia’s capital, UlaanBaatar, where we explore an active monastery before a flight to the fabled Gobi Desert. Experience traditional ger living and walk in the footsteps of legendary explorer, Roy Chapman Andrews.
Days 17-20: Naadam Festival, Terelj National Park
Fly back to UlaanBaatar and attend the annual Naadam festival. Mongolia's most anticipated yearly celebration, Naadam features a colorful opening ceremony full of pageantry; plus archery, wrestling and horseracing competitions. Venture beyond the capital to the grasslands of Terelj National Park, mingling with nomads as we go.
Trip Details
| Length of Trip: |
20 Days |
| Departures in 2008: |
1 |
| Dates: |
June 25 -July 14 |
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| Land Tour Cost |
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| 6-16 travelers |
$6,995 |
| Partial Single Supplement |
$895* |
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MIR Signature Features
- Sail over beautiful Lake Baikal's clear waters
- Hear the powerful centuries-old songs of
the Old Believers
- Visit the home of a local nomad and discover
the traditions of nomadic households
Map
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| Day 1: |
Vladivostok |
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| Day 2: |
Vladivostok, depart on the
Trans-Siberian Railway |
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| Days 3-4: |
aboard the train |
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| Days 5: |
Ulan Ude |
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| Day 6: |
drive to Ust Barguzin |
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| Day 7: |
Chivirkuy Bay |
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| Day 8: |
overnight boat across
Lake Baikal |
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| Day 9: |
arrive Listvyanka, drive to Irkutsk |
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| Day 10: |
Irkutsk |
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| Day 11: |
Old Railway to Port Baikal, boat to Listvyanka |
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| Day 12: |
Listvyanka |
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| Day 13: |
drive to Irkutsk, fly to UlaanBaatar |
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| Day 14: |
fly to Gobi Desert |
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| Day 15: |
Gobi Desert |
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| Day 16: |
fly to UlaanBaatar |
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| Day 17: |
UlaaBaatar |
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| Day 18: |
drive to Terelj National Park |
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| Day 19: |
drive to UlaanBaatar |
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| Day 20: |
depart UlaanBaatar |
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Suggested Extensions
Extend your travels to Beijing, Seoul or Moscow. Contact us for details.
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