Trans-Siberian Mongolian Route
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"It was a memorable experience and I had a wonderful time on and off the train. The scenic view from the train was spectacular. The scenery of Siberia & Mongolia was just beautiful. The history of nomadic & Buddhist traditions was quite interesting. The entire trip was an enjoyable cultural experience."
Charlotte Kobets
Wilmington, DE
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From the Moscow Kremlin to the Siberian taiga and the Mongolian steppe, this private train journey celebrates three different cultures: that of the modern Muscovite, hailing a taxi in front of an 800-year-old palace; the Baikal Siberian, proud heir of Cossacks, indigenous Buryats and czarist political exiles; and the Mongolian nomad, drawn to the capital, UlaanBaatar, for the beloved Naadam Festival. The Trans-Mongolian operates from Moscow to UlaanBaatar and vice versa, with Naadam included in both directions.
Days 1-2: Moscow
Spend a night in Russia’s capital, Moscow at a five star hotel with a reception and welcome dinner. Explore Moscow’s 800-year-old Kremlin and spacious Red Square with St. Basil’s Cathedral, the brilliantly decorated onion-domed Orthodox church. Board the private train for departure to the east.
Days 3-4: Kazan, Ekaterinburg
The first stop is in Kazan, the beautiful capital of the Republic of Tatarstan on the Volga River.
The train crosses from Europe into Asia prior to arrival in Ekaterinburg. This is the place where, in 1918, Bolsheviks executed the last czar, Nicholas II, along with his wife and children.
Day 5: Novosibirsk
Stop in Novosibirsk to visit the enormous Opera House, Lenin Square and the Ob River, which flows 3,500 miles from its source to the Arctic.
Day 6: Aboard Train
Enjoy the relaxed pace onboard the train heading east through the Sayan Mountains, passing Novokuznetsk and Abakan.
Day 7: Irkutsk
Morning arrival in Irkutsk, the “capital” of Siberia. The tour includes the major museums and sights of this fascinating city, as well as examples of the classic wooden architecture for which Siberian towns are known.
Day 8: Lake Baikal
A spectacular part of the journey today is spent winding our way through tunnels and cliffs along the edge of Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest freshwater lake. Stop en route for a barbeque at the lake’s edge, and continue to the village of Listvyanka to learn about the lake’s ecosystem and its indigenous creatures.
Day 9: Ulan Ude
Arriving in Ulan Ude, capital of the Buryat Republic, visit a village of Old Believers, a sect of Orthodox Christians who fled the czar’s repressions many years ago.
Days 10-13: UlaanBaatar
Arriving in the capital of Mongolia, UlaanBaatar, visit the Gandan Monastery before checking in to the hotel for a three-night stay. A tour to nearby Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is available, with the option of horseback or camel riding. Attend the celebrated Naadam Festival, including the Opening Ceremony, archery competitions, horse racing and wrestling. Explore the National History Museum and celebrate the journey with a farewell dinner.
This trip also travels along the same route in reverse
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