Moscow to Ulaanbaatar Aboard the Golden Eagle

MIR Signature Experiences on this Tour

• Walk the bricks of fabled Red Square
  Wander the brick-paved expanse of historic UNESCO-listed Red Square in the shadow of St. Basil’s fanciful onion domes....
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  Walk the bricks of fabled Red Square

  

  

  Moscow, Russia

  Wander the brick-paved expanse of historic UNESCO-listed Red Square in the shadow of St. Basil’s fanciful onion domes.

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• Skirt the shore of UNESCO-listed Lake Baikal for spectacular views
  Spend a day admiring UNESCO-listed Lake Baikal on the fabulous Circumbaikal Old Railway, one of the most complicated and beautiful rail routes in the world...
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  Skirt the shore of UNESCO-listed Lake Baikal for spectacular views

  

  

  Lake Baikal, Siberia

  Spend a day admiring UNESCO-listed Lake Baikal on the fabulous Circumbaikal Old Railway, one of the most complicated and beautiful rail routes in the world. The route hugs the rocky lake shore and passes through 33 tunnels along its length. Aboard the train, travelers can enjoy spectacular views of Lake Baikal.

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• Enjoy a home-cooked meal with Siberia’s Old Believers
  Make a village visit to enjoy a home cooked meal and hear the powerful centuries-old songs of Old Believers, learning about their unique history and traditions...
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  Enjoy a home-cooked meal with Siberia’s Old Believers

  

  

  Ulan Ude, Buryatia, Russia

  Make a village visit to enjoy a home-cooked meal and hear the powerful centuries-old songs of Old Believers, learning about their unique history and traditions.

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• Discover the eerie sound of throat-singing
  Enjoy a performance of other-worldly Mongolian throat-singing...
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  Discover the eerie sound of throat-singing

  

  

  Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

  Enjoy a performance of other-worldly Mongolian throat-singing.

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Why Travel with MIR on this Tour

• Over 30 years of Trans-Siberian travel experience
• Patricia Schultz, author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, recommends MIR as the company to talk to about a Trans-Siberian journey
• Travel programs such as Northwestern, Harvard and Johns Hopkins have chosen MIR to guide them along the Trans-Siberian line
• Twice named one of National Geographic Adventure’s “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth”
• On-the-ground support and quality you can trust
• Personalized travel planning from start to finish
• Guides and tour managers that clients rave about

Itinerary & Highlights at a Glance

Days 1-2: Moscow (Russia)

Enjoy a one-night stay at a five star hotel in Moscow. Tour the classic sights of this 870-year-old capital city, including expansive Red Square and the venerable Kremlin, or opt for a tour of the Tretyakov Gallery instead. In the evening depart aboard the luxury Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express private train.

Highlights

• Moscow’s 870-year-old Kremlin and Red Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Tour of the Armory Museum, housing Russia’s national treasures

Days 3-4: Kazan, Ekaterinburg

Make a stop in Kazan, the beautiful capital of Tatarstan on the Volga, where a kremlin wall surrounds the old town, and both minarets and Orthodox churches are found. Cross from Europe into Asia at Ekaterinburg. Visit the site where the last czar, Nicholas II, and his family were held under house arrest for months before the Bolsheviks executed them in July of 1918.

Highlights

• UNESCO-listed Kazan Kremlin, once a fortress of the Golden Horde
• Church on the Blood in Ekaterinburg, where Nicholas II and his family perished

Day 5: Novosibirsk

Stop in Novosibirsk, a Siberian town that grew into a city due to its position on the Trans-Siberian line. Visit the massive Opera House, Lenin Square, and the mighty Ob River, flowing 2,300 miles from its source to the Arctic.

Highlights

• Largest opera house in Russia

Day 6-7: Aboard Train, Irkutsk

Arrive in Irkutsk, the “capital” of Siberia. The tour includes the major sights of this cultured little city, including examples of the classic wooden architecture for which the area is known.

Highlights

• Aboard the private train rolling through the Russian taiga
• Irkutsk’s neighborhood of wooden buildings, decorated with the lacy wooden fretwork typical of Siberian architecture

• Classical concert at Decembrist House Museum

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Day 8: Lake Baikal

A spectacular part of the journey today is spent winding your way through tunnels and cliffs along the shoreline Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest and oldest freshwater lake. Stop en route for a barbeque at the lake’s edge and continue to the village of Listvyanka. Visit the Limnological Museum, which explains the fascinating ecosystem of the lake.

Highlights

• Circumbaikal Railway, the most scenic stretch of the original Trans-Siberian Railway
• Little Listvyanka village on the shores of UNESCO-listed Lake Baikal, the oldest and deepest lake on earth

Day 9: Ulan Ude

Today, stop in Ulan Ude, capital of the Buryat Republic and the Buddhist region of Russia. Visit a village of Old Believers for a concert featuring local singers and musicians.

Highlights

• Ulan Ude, capital of the Buryat Republic with the world’s largest Lenin head
• Village visit to Old Believers, exiled to Siberia after they rebelled against the 17th century reforms of the Orthodox liturgy

Days 10-11: Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia)

Arriving in the capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, check in to a hotel for the night. Explore the excellent National History Museum and enjoy a special dinner and folk show tonight.

Highlights

• Ulaanbaatar, capital and most important city in Mongolia
• National History Museum, an overview of the country’s history and culture

See Dates & Prices for more details or to see suggested extensions.

Tour Dates & Prices

Prepare for Your Trip

International Airfare

MIR's in-house, full-service air department will gladly assist with your air travel needs.

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Reading List

MIR recommends reading up before you leave home. So settle back in your armchair with some of our favorite books about our favorite places.

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Visas

Most MIR programs require one or more visas, and each visa requires a completely blank page in your passport. Visa information for this particular tour is listed in the Detailed Descriptive Itinerary.

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Travel Insurance

Stay a Little Longer…

MIR can arrange for an extended program before your tour in St. Petersburg, Moscow, or Eastern or Central Europe. Post-tour options include exploring the Gobi Desert, flying over vast steppe land to Mongolia’s semi-arid desert for a two or three-night stay. All of MIR’s destinations are open to you, and all can be attached to this program. Please contact MIR for more details about exciting options for extended travel.

Or, choose from one of these suggested itineraries:

Is this Trip Right for You?

This trip is moderately active, and rated moderate to rigorous touring due to the daily walking involved and the overall shortcomings of the tourism infrastructure. To reap the full rewards of this adventure, travelers must be able to walk at least a mile a day, keeping up with fellow travelers.

A full list of details about the rigors of this tour are explained in the Detailed Descriptive Itinerary.

Read our Travel Journals

MIR's Travel Journals offer first hand accounts of MIR's fascinating destinations.

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  Riding the Trans-Siberian Rails: Moscow to Ulaanbaatar

  MIR clients Helge Pedersen and Karen Ofsthus ride the rails of the fabled Trans-Siberian Railway from Moscow to Ulaanbaatar on MIR's Trans-Siberian private rail journey as they check in from each stop with stories, photos and video.... Read More

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  In the Eye of the Taiga: Arctic Circle Private Tour

  MIR client Bruce Malashevich convinced a few intrepid travelers to join him on a cruise to the Arctic Circle on Russia's mighty Lena River ... Read More

MIR in the News

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  MIR’s Siberia Travel Expertise Mentioned in Men’s Journal Magazine

  April 1, 2019

  A recent feature in Men’s Journal Magazine about adventurous — yet still accessible — far north destinations included both the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway and the route’s most naturally stunning highlight, UNESCO... Read More

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  MIR’s Russian Space Tour “One-of-a-Kind”

  March 28, 2019

  Iconic Life, and online publication that spotlights up-and-coming trends in travel, fashion, food, and luxury goods, recently included MIR’s Inside the Russian Space Program small group tour in its list of “Favorite One-o... Read More

From the Blog

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  Traveling the Torugart Pass: 7 Incomparable Highlights in the Remote Tien Shan

  April 5, 2019

  MIR’s Jake Smith, Director of Special Projects, has lived and worked in Central Asia for years, gathering first-hand knowledge of this part of the world. Enjoy his insider’s guide to some of the most stunning stops al... Read More

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  MIR in the News: Conde Nast Traveler, Vancouver Sun, Sunshine Coast Daily, and more

  April 4, 2019

  As experts in travel to Central Asia, Russia, Mongolia and beyond, it's always gratifying when word of our tours and destinations is noticed and shared. Here are some of MIR’s recent mentions in the press... ... Read More

Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express

The perfect combination of remote destinations and comfortable accommodations, rail journeys by private train open a world of discovery to travelers who enjoy comfort and leisure time as well as exciting new vistas.

The exclusive Golden Eagle private train furnishes the dream of Old World rail travel with modern comforts and amenities that make the journey as pleasant as the destination. The luxurious Golden Eagle is a fully en suite train and a restful and satisfying way to experience legendary rail routes.

Train & Hotel Accommodations

Relax and enjoy the panorama rolling past your private window and disembark for guided off-train touring in fascinating towns and cities along the way.

Each sleeping carriage on the Golden Eagle has its own attendants who provide bed turndown service, plus tea, coffee and mineral water 24 hours a day. Attendants keep an eye on everything while guests are away from the train. L’Occitane body products, as well as premium bathrobes, slippers and a hairdryer, are provided in all cabin categories.

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  Imperial Suite

  Imperial Suites are the most beautiful and spacious cabins available onboard the Golden Eagle. Measuring a surprising 120 sq ft (11.1 sq meters), they are furnished with a luxurious king size bed, dedicated seating area, dressing table and private en suite facilities with large power shower and under floor heating. Individual air-conditioning, wardrobe, DVD/CD player with LCD screen and two large picture windows make the cabin a pleasant retreat.

  Additional Information

  Imperial Suite dimensions – 2 suites per departure / 1 suite per carriage:

  Cabin area (total, including bathroom) – 120 sq ft (11.1 sq m)
  Cabin length – 17′ 4″ (5.3 m)
  Cabin width – 6′ 7″ (2 m)
  Bed length – 6′ 2″ (1.9 m)
  Bed width – 5′ (1.5 m)

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  Gold Class

  Gold Class cabins are well-proportioned and feature modern en suite amenities including power showers, under floor heating, a DVD/CD player, LCD screen, remote-controlled air-conditioning/heating, recessed lighting and wardrobe and a personal safe. Each cabin is configured with upper and lower berths, and can accommodate double, twin or single occupancy.

  Additional Information

  Gold Class cabin dimensions – 5 cabins/carriage:

  Cabin area (total, including bathroom) – 77 sq ft (7 sq m)
  Cabin length – 11′ 8″ (3.6 m)
  Cabin width – 6′ 7″ (2 m)
  Size of bathroom – 6′ 6″ x 4′  (2.4 sq m)
  Bed length – 6′ 2″ (1.9 m)
  Lower bed width – 4′ 5″ (1.35 m)
  Upper bed width – 2′ 9″ (85 cm)

  Lower bed converts to a sofa for daytime use.

  Note: The 5th compartment is of a slightly different layout (68 sq ft), and will normally be allocated to single guests.

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  Silver Class

  Silver Class cabins are more compact than Gold Class cabins with similar facilities. Silver Class cabins feature the same amenities as Gold Class cabins but in a smaller space and with a smaller, wet room-style shower area.

  Additional Information

  Silver Class cabin dimensions – 6 cabins/carriage:

  Cabin area (total, including bathroom) – 60 sq ft (5.5 sq m)
  Cabin length – 8′ 8″ (2.6 m)
  Cabin width – 6′ 7″ (2 m)
  Size of bathroom – 4′ 6″ x 3′ (1.25 sq m)
  Bed length (upper & lower) – 6′ 2″ (190 cm)
  Lower bed width – 3′ 6″ (1.1 m)
  Upper bed width – 2′ 9″ (85 cm)

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  Hotel Accommodations

  The first and last nights of most tours are spent in well-appointed four and five star hotels. Some tours feature additional hotel nights. Please review the detailed itinerary for specifics pertaining to each tour and departure. Additional nights before and after any tour can be arranged on request.

Life Aboard the Train

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  Bar/Lounge Car

  A Bar/Lounge Car is a favorite destination in the train formation and is typically included on most departures. The lounge offers a relaxing and comfortable area where you can enjoy a drink, take language lessons, and gather around the piano with other passengers.

  Additional Information

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  Dining Cars

  Dining Cars feature local and European cuisine complemented by a selection of local and European wines (except on trips in Iran). Dining cars are multi-purpose, used for on-board lectures and viewing documentaries. One or more dining cars may be included in the train formation of any given departure depending on the number of passengers.

  Additional Information

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  Off-Train Tours

  Rail journeys feature an extensive selection of educational city tours in the various stops on our routes. Private coaches and local guides whisk you away from your private train for fascinating half- or full-day forays into the principal towns and cities, sometimes including an in-city dining opportunity. Read through this tour’s itinerary for more information (found on the Itinerary & Map tab of this page).