Royal Palace of Patan Saifuddin Bukharzi Mausoleum

Trans Siberian Adventure Naadam Festival

23 days (Beijing)

Destinations visited: Russia, Mongolia, China, Běijīng

Grading:

Adventure touring level

Grading Definitions

Discovery & Cruising

These are our least demanding trips. These journeys of discovery and cruises involve little or no extended activity and are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health. The itinerary may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and may involve long travel days on various types of transport. Sightseeing may be conducted on foot and all participants should be capable of carrying their own luggage from vehicle to hotel rooms. These adventures do not go above 2500m and rarely involve camping.
Suggested preparation: Once or twice a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour, for at least 2 -3 months prior to departure.

Adventure Touring

Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.

Introductory

These trips involve trekking or walking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace and should never be misinterpreted to mean they are easy trips. These trips do not spend time at altitudes above 4000m and are usually a week in duration. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.
Suggested preparation: 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trek. For trekking, hill walking with a daypack in variable weather conditions is also recommended. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure is recommended.

Introductory to Moderate

These trips involve a combination of what is described in our INTRODUCTORY and MODERATE levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity with several moderate stages

Moderate

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health.
Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

Moderate to Challenging

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

Challenging

These adventures involve trekking, cycling or rafting in remote areas in variable weather conditions for up to 8 to 10 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). This may include spending successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 6000m. These trips may often be over three weeks in duration. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8kgs (and in some cases a full pack) and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions.
Suggested preparation: One hour of aerobic type exercise, four to five times a week for three to six months prior to departure. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or on/off road cycling is also recommended.

Entry Mtn/Exploratory Treks

These adventures are classed as expeditions. They involve either extreme trekking and or basic mountaineering. Expect remote and poorly defined trails in variable weather conditions for up to 12 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). This may include a number of demanding high pass crossings and evacuation may be difficult from remote areas. Suitable for first time mountaineers wishing to take the step from trekking into the realm of mountaineering. Prior experience trekking at altitude is preferable but not essential and you should be comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Prior technical mountaineering experience is not necessary. Terrain will involve low angle snow slopes. Ropes may be used during treks for glacier travel and steeper sections of ice and snow. When mountaineering, basic mountaineering instruction is given by our mountaineering guides.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

Intermediate Mtn Expedition

Participants should be competent and self sufficient in the outdoors and have experience in multi day trekking at altitude. Prior experience on an entry level mountaineering expedition is highly recommended. The terrain will involve low to moderate angle snow slopes and traveling on crevassed glaciers. Experience using ice axe and crampons is preferred but not essential.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

Advanced Mtn Expedition

These are our most challenging expeditions. Clients must have prior mountaineering experience. Most are participatory expeditions & involve load carrying, setting up of camps, cooking and campcraft. Altitude is generally greater than 6500m. Some of these expeditions also involve “technical” climbing and are for experienced alpine climbers / mountaineers only. Technical expeditions involve steep climbing at high altitude (including rock climbing). Participation on one of these expeditions is subject to acceptance by one of our high altitude mountaineering guides.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

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A spectacular train journey from Beijing to experience the wonders of Mongolia during Naadam Festival, Siberia, Moscow and St Petersburg

The Trans Siberian train journey has captured the imagination of travellers for many decades. This superb itinerary combines the classic train route with stopovers at many of the unique and exciting destinations en-route. Beginning in the Chinese capital Beijing there is ample time to witness the iconic attractions of this great city. Continuing to Ulaanbaatar, we experience the colourful Naadam Festival before heading to the Mongolian Steppe for a taste of nomadic life, staying in comfortable ger camps and experiencing the vast grasslands and the warm hospitality of the people with some 'Airag', the fermented mares milk which is a favourite of the Mongolians. The next stage of our train journey takes us to Irkutsk in the heart of Siberia. Lake Baikal is a highlight of this region, and we take time to explore the natural beauty of the surrounds. The final stage of our journey takes us to the cities of Moscow and St Petersburg where we soak up the immense history through visits to Red Square and the Kremlin in Moscow and the Hermitage in St Petersburg, as well as a multitude of lesser known sites which our Russian hosts will uncover.

Highlights

An epic train journey, traversing China, Mongolia & Russia
Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Summer Palace visits in Beijing
Day trip on The Great Wall
Naadam Festival in Mongolia
Overnight with local nomadic family in Ger camps in Mongolia
National Park visits in Mongolia
Lake Baikal in Siberia
Red Square, St Basil's Cathedral & Kremlin visits in Moscow
Visit The Hermitage & Nevsky Prospect

Itinerary

Day 1 5 Jul: Join Beijing

On arrival in Beijing you will need to make your own way to the group hotel. A group briefing will be held in the hotel at approximately 6.30pm. Following our briefing we head to a local restaurant for a welcome dinner and our first chance to sample some of the local cuisine and get to know the other members of the group.

Day 2 6 Jul: Forbidden City and Summer Palace

This morning we visit the beautiful Forbidden City, which is a masterpiece of 5000 years of Chinese civilisation and still vividly displays the power and prestige of the former dynasties. Sprawling over acres, the City is a magnificent group of palaces, pavilions, courtyards and deep terracotta walls. Ornately furnished palace rooms, priceless artworks and treasures are all now open to the public after 500 years of seclusion. In the afternoon we will also visit the Summer Palace and in the evening there is an option to see an acrobatic show. For dinner there will be a chance to sample the delicious Beijing dumplings and other local specialties.

Day 3 7 Jul: The Great Wall

We will make an early morning start today to explore the Great Wall at the Mutianyu section. This is approximately a 1.5 hour drive outside of Beijing, slightly further than the popular and very busy Badaling Gate section. On arrival we will have the option to complete a 2 -3 hour walk along this beautiful section of the wall. Mutianyu is renowned for its Ming Dynasty guard towers and superb views. The scene here is as one would expect of one of the world’s great man made wonders, with huge steep ramparts criss crossing this mountainous area. Those deciding not to undertake the walk will be able to enjoy this section of the wall by cable car. The Great Wall of China is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is one of the world’s most unusual and awesome sites. Commenced 2000 years ago, it was built as a defence line to keep out invaders, along the course of several thousand kilometres. The Emperor Qin Shihuang unified the various northern walls into the Great Wall we see today. We return to Beijing in the evening for a traditional Peking Duck dinner.

Day 4 8 Jul: Train to Ulaanbaatar

This morning we transfer to the train station for our overnight journey to Ulaanbaatar. The train journey takes around 30 hours - two days and one night. This is an ideal way to see a changing countryside from the frenetic pace of Beijing through the great expanse of the Gobi Desert and into downtown Ulaanbaatar. The border crossing from China to Mongolia takes place late evening and takes around 4 hours, due to the changing of the train's bogies and the border formalities. Chinese and Mongolian border officials will board the train so expect a couple of interruptions to your night's sleep! This is all part of the adventure. For purchases made on both the train and platforms in China, you should keep some Yuan with you. There is no need to obtain Mongolian Togrog prior to arrival in Mongolia as purchases made on the Mongolian train can only be paid in USD.

Day 5 9 Jul: Arrive Ulaanbaatar

The train is expected into Mongolia’s capital city Ulaanbaatar by mid afternoon. On arrival we are met by our Mongolian guide, who will be with us for the next 7 days. After freshening up at the group hotel we will have a tour of the city. Our first stop is Sukhbaatar square, the central square named after the revolutionary hero of 1921 Damdiny Sukhbaatar who declared independence from China. We then visit the National History Museum before heading out for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 6 10 Jul: Naadam Festival in Nalaikh town, Terelj National Park

After breakfast at the hotel we will head to Nalaikh town to witness the Naadam Festival. We will spend the day viewing the horse racing, wrestling and archery. In the evening we will drive to Terelj National Park for dinner and overnight accommodation.

Day 7 11 Jul: In Terelj National Park

Full day at the Terelj National Park. There are opportunities for hiking in surrounding mountains. There is a Buddhist Meditation Centre nestled in hills that you can visit. Overnight: Ger camp.

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Day 8 12 Jul: Nomadic Family visit

After breakfast at the ger camp we start our journey, we will drive to visit a local Nomadic Family. We'll be staying with our host family, which will allow you to experience the daily life of the nomadic people. During the day we can horse ride or hike in the surrounding mountains and meadows. There will be ample opportunity to taste 'Airag', the fermented mares milk, which is a favourite drink of Mongolians - and an acquired taste! Overnight: Ger camp

Day 9 13 Jul: Khustain Nuruu National Park

This morning we will drive to Khustain Nuruu National Park where the indigenous Takhi (an Asian wild horse) are being re-introduced to its original territory. Known as Przewalski's horses (after the famed Polish explorer who first "discovered" them in the 1870's), the Takhi are in fact the last remaining wild horses in the world. Unlike the wild horses found in many other countries (which are actually domestic animals which have gone feral), the Takhi are an altogether different species from the modern horse. Many consider it the forerunner to the modern horse. For centuries, the Takhi roamed the steppes of central Asia in great herds. However, as human populations grew, hunting and competition with domestic livestock caused their numbers the decline drastically. The last Takhi spotted in the wild was in 1969, in the western Gobi. We will drive via Ulaanbaatar. So this is might be a long driving day due to traffic in Ulaanbaatar. Box lunch on the way. Tonight we stay at a Ger camp within the National Park.

Day 10 14 Jul: Khustain Nuruu National park

Full day at the national park. We will see wild horses, and will have opportunity for hiking in the surrounding mountains. Meals and overnight at previous night ger camp in the National Park.

Day 11 15 Jul: Ulaanbaatar

Drive to Ulaanbaatar. We will visit Gandan Monastery. In the afternoon we will have time for shopping at cashmere factory shop and department store. Our evening program is concert featuring Mongolian music and dancing followed by dinner at local restaurant. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12 16 Jul: Train to Irkutsk

This morning we have free time in Ulaanbaatar before lunch. We then transfer to the train station where we farewell our Mongolian friends and board the train for the 24 hour journey to Irkutsk.

Day 13 17 Jul; Arrive Irkutsk, Lake Baikal

We arrive into Irkutsk at around 3pm where we will be met by our Russian guide for the next few days. We will change some money in Irkutsk and have a short city tour before driving an hour to the small town of Listvyanka located 60 km’s south-east of Irkutsk. Listvyanka sits right at the edge of Lake Baikal, where the Angara River reaches the shores of the Lake at Port Baikal. We will check in to our hotel where we will base ourselves for the next two nights.

Day 14 18 Jul: In Listyvanka

We commence our sightseeing by foot this morning with a visit to the colorful fish bazaar where you can try local specialties including fish (salted, baked or smoked). From here we have a short walk to visit the old wooden St. Nikolai Church. We continue on to the Limnological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, which has an interesting Limnology Museum, where there is a good exhibition on the flora and flora of the lake, including an aquarium.

Day 15 19 Jul: In Irkustk, board train to Moscow

We leave the shores of Baikal and return to Irkutsk, visiting the museum of wood carving in Taltsy village en-route. Irkutsk is located on the banks of the Angara River, which has its source 80 km upstream at Lake Baikal. Irkutsk is easily one of the most attractive cities in Siberia. Irkutsk was founded in 1651 as a Cossack garrison to keep the local Buryat’s in line. The Cossacks were a rough lot sent as official representatives of the Tsar’s to establish remote outposts and they included trappers, traders, criminals and vagabonds. Later, in the 19th century, Irkutsk was used as an exile post and received some illustrious aristocratic exiles, giving the city a rich cultural heritage. The city’s location, near Mongolia and China means that strong Asiatic influences abound. The architecture of Irkutsk includes some of the classic wooden Siberian cottages with beautifully painted and carved shutters. Other features are the onion-domed shaped churches. During the Soviet-era planning Irkutsk suffered the same fate as many other Siberian cities with the building of rows upon rows of ugly white, apartment blocks - still prevalent in the city today. This morning we will undertake at sightseeing tour in the city known as the ‘Paris of Siberia’. visiting the main sites of interest include the Decembrist Houses and the historic churches and buildings. We will also have time to go shopping for the supplies we will need on the train. We expect to board the train around 4pm and begin our journey to Moscow.

Days 16-17 20-21 Jul: On Train

During these few days spent on one of the greatest train journeys in the world, you will watch the changing landscapes. Your travelling companions could be foreign tourists or locals alike and you should make the most of your journey by absorbing the scenery, or relaxing and talking to your fellow travellers. This section of the trip is all about the journey with the anticipation of our approach to Moscow growing by the day. During these days we will have many stops, some from a short 5 minutes others up to 30 minutes where we will have the opportunity to stretch our legs and replenish supplies with purchases made on the platforms.

Day 18 22 Jul: Arrive Moscow

This evening we arrive in Moscow. We are met at the railway station and taken to our hotel which we will use as a base to explore Moscow.

Day 19 23 Jul: In Moscow

Today we begin our sightseeing with a morning sightseeing tour on our bus taking in many of the sights of Moscow including a visit to Sparrow Hills were we can get a panoramic view of the city. We will leave the bus and visit the Assumption Cathedral, near the Kremlin, before walking to Old Arabat where we can have lunch and free time to stroll through the market stalls which line the pedestrian street. A visit to Moscow would not be complete without going underground to the elaborate Metro with its walls adorned with imagery depicting Russia’s historic and political rhetoric, of which we’ll select 3 or 4 of the most interesting stations en-route to our hotel. Following the Metro ride, the rest of the day is free to enjoy Moscow before returning to our hotel.

Day 20 24 Jul: In Moscow, train to St Petersburg

Today has been set aside for a visit to Red Square and the Kremlin and its cathedrals. We start with a walk through Red Square where we will be overwhelmed by the view of St. Basil’s Cathedral. For those wishing to visit the Mausoleum of Lenin at the foot of the Kremlin wall, expect approximately a two hour queue. Those wanting to go inside St Basil’s will also have the opportunity (a small fee is applicable). During our sightseeing of the Kremlin, we’ll also view the Armoury, where there is an opulent collection of state treasures. Return to the hotel to freshen up before transferring to the station for the train journey to St Petersburg just before midnight.

Day 21 25 Jul: Arrive St Petersburg, commence sightseeing

On arrival in St Petersburg we will be met by our guide who will take us for breakfast before we commence a short orientation tour. We will include a visit to Peter & Paul Fortress, which is the oldest building in the city and was built in 1703 to protect the city against the invading Swedes. It is however most famous for being a political prison until 1917 and inmates such as Gorky and Trotsky spent time here. We then head to our hotel for check in around midday. We will have this afternoon at leisure to relax and get acquainted with this beautiful city. This city was founded by Peter the Great as a gateway to Europe, and you will immediately feel that you have arrived in Europe with well planned avenues and elegant buildings lining the Neva River and nearby canals. Late this afternoon we take a walk along Nevsky Prospect, Russia’s most famous street, before returning to the hotel.

Day 22 26 Jul: In St Petersburg

After breakfast we visit what is perhaps St Petersburg’s most famous and spectacular attraction - Peterhof Palace. Founded by Peter I in the early XVIII century as a summer residence of the royal family, and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Peterhof is a series of palaces and gardens filled with fountains, statues and pavilions. We return to St Petersburg by “Meteor”(boat) and visit The Hermitage one of the world’s greatest museums. During our tour of the winter palace and the Hermitage buildings we will be absorbed by the rich art work on display including porcelain and tapestry, the amazing Peacock Clock and a collection of paintings from throughout Europe.

Day 23 27 Jul: Trip concludes

The trip concludes at the hotel after breakfast.

Additional Information

Inclusions

15 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 11 dinners
Twin share 3 star hotel in Beijing, Ulaanbaatar, Listvyanka, Moscow & St Petersburg
Ger accommodation on a multi-share basis in Mongolia
2nd class sleeper train travel in 4 berth cabin
Fully escorted from Beijing to St Petersburg and local guides in each region.
Private transport and tours in Beijing, Mongolia, Siberia, Moscow & St Petersburg
Entrance fees to museums and sites as detailed

Trans Siberian Adventure Naadam Festival

Summary

23 day trip
12 nights hotel
4 nights ger camp
6 nights train

Trip Main Activities

Day Walking
Adventure Touring

Group Size Min

Group Size Max

Accommodation Summary

Equipment Required

Whilst there is no specific equipment for this journey a good pair of walking shoes is essential along with a day pack to carry your water bottle, camera and other personal items when sightseeing.

What You Carry

Your own luggage to and from all train stations and platforms. On sightseeing days you carry your day pack with all personal items required for the day, including your water bottle, camera etc.

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