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Highlights of Trans-mongolian Railway: Irkutsk - Baikal - Mongolia - Beijing (TS-14)
Highlights of Trans-mongolian Railway: Irkutsk - Baikal - Mongolia - Beijing (TS-14)
from $2,295
12 days
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- 30 May 2019
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Highlights of Trans-mongolian Railway: Irkutsk - Baikal - Mongolia - Beijing (TS-14)
If you thought you needed weeks and weeks to ride the Trans-Mongolian railway, then we have good news for you. This 12 day trip enables those who are short on time to travel between Irkutsk and Beijing without missing any of the highlights of this fantastic journey. We won't skimp on the sightseeing and it's also possible to arrange a Moscow stopover if you wish.- Itinerary
- Dates & Prices
- Reviews
- Accommodation
- Optional Excursions
- Tour details
Day 1
Thursday - Moscow
Arrival in Moscow. Overnight Flight to Irkutsk
Today we'll check in for our domestic flight to the Siberian city of Irkutsk, an overnight flight of around six hours.Day 2
Friday - Irkutsk – Listvyanka
Lake Baikal
Our guide will meet you with a sign board upon your arrival in Irkutsk to take you to pretty Listvyanka village, approximately 70 km away. There you'll have time to fully appreciate the beautiful lake setting, take a boat trip onto Lake Baikal, the world's deepest freshwater lake, or perhaps explore the village's church and museum.Day 3
Saturday - Listvyanka
At Leisure at Baikal
Today you'll have more time to soak up the atmosphere in this charming lakeshore village. Why not have a wander in the village market or visit the Nerpinariun to take in a seal show.Day 4
Sunday - Listvyanka - Irkutsk
Wooden Architecture Museum in Taltsy. Exploring Irkutsk
Our guide will meet you at your accommodation for your transfer to Irkutsk. En route, stop off at the open Air Wooden Architecture Museum in Taltsy. It's a fascinating insight into 16th to 19th century life in these parts. You can take a look inside a Russian fort and 15th century watchtower, find out more about the Buryat and Evenk people and take a closer look at a shaman's yurt. Back in Irkutsk, you will take a guided tour of the city known as the Paris of Siberia and admire its unusual cottages with their wooden lacework embellishments.Day 5
Monday - Irkutsk
Departure to Mongolia
Our driver will deliver you to the railway station for your onward train to Mongolia.Day 6
Tuesday - Ulan Bator - Terelj
Arrival in Mongolia. Chinggis Khaan Statue. Enjoy Terelj National Park
Following our overnight train, the guide will meet you at the railway station. You'll transfer to Terelj National Park. We make a brief stop to admire the world's largest equestrian statue in the form of Chinggis Khaan on horseback, the statue oriented to point at his birthplace. There are incredible views from the top over the surrounding countryside. On reaching Terelj National Park, we'll explore the unique granite rock formations including Turtle Rock. After lunch at the camp we will enjoy hiking to Aryabal monastery and visit a nomad family to help milk the cows. Tonight we overnight in either a traditional felt tent known as a ger, or, when the weather is colder, a cozy wooden lodge.Day 7
Wednesday - Terelj - Ulan Bator
Ulan Bator City Tour. National History Museum
Our driver will meet you at your accommodation. You'll transfer to Ulan Bator where you'll visit the Gandan Hiid Monastery, the country’s largest remaining monastery, Sukhebaatar Square and the Museum of Natural History. There you will see real dinosaur remains as well as other archeological findings from the Mesozoic Era dug up from the Gobi desert. Finally, we will stop at theNational History Museum for a guided tour where you can find out about the country's cultural heritage and political history.Day 8
Thursday - Ulan Bator
Departure to China
Today our driver will collect you from your hotel and see you onto Train 24, a comfortable weekly train to China popular with foreign visitors. Opt for either first class accommodation (two berth compartments with armchairs and semi-private shower facilities) or second class carriages (four berth compartments with shared toilet and washbasin facilities). There's an onboard restaurant and bar where you can purchase meals and drinks in addition to the boiling water provided from the carriage attendants.Day 9
Friday - Beijing
Arrival in China. Exploring Old Beijing (Hutong Area)
After our arrival in the Chinese capital and included hotel transfer, we will take a guided rickshaw tour to one of Beijing's surviving hutongs. These are old neighborhoods characterized by narrow alleyways dating from the 13th century and are very atmospheric. The rickshaw driver will then carry you to Shichahai Lake. Home of the Drum Tower, this part of central Beijing has princes' houses to admire and well preserved courtyards. Your evening will be free for you to explore this part of Beijing further or, if you prefer, return to the hotel with our driver.Day 10
Saturday - Beijing
Tiananmen Square. Forbidden City & Summer Palace
No visit to Beijing would be complete without a trip to the Forbidden City. Located to the north of Tiananmen Square, infamous as the place where government troops stopped pro-democracy protesters in 1989, the Forbidden City houses the Imperial Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage Site contains the largest collection of ancient wooden structures in the world and was the base for the Imperial court during the Ming and Qing dynasties. To round off the day we'll tour the Summer Palace, set on a lake and surrounded by elegant landscaped gardens.Day 11
Sunday - Beijing
Badaling Great Wall. Visit to the Olympic Green
We're saving the best until last, as today we take a trip out to Badaling, the most accessible and well preserved section of the Great Wall of China. Another of China's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it's unmissable on any China itinerary. Lastly, on our way back to the city, we will stop at the Olympic Green and view the venues built for the 2008 Olympic Games, including the Beijing National Stadium, Aquatics Centre and Green Hockey FieldDay 12
Monday - Beijing
Departure for the Airport
Our driver will meet you with a sign board at the hotel lobby for your airport transfer.Tour Dates & Prices Book Now
All our hotels and traditional accommodation at lake Baikal (a guest – house) and in Mongolia (a ger) have been carefully selected and personally tested by Go Russia product development team. They have been chosen for their central location, available facilities, tastefully designed interiors, and friendly service and customers’ feedbacks. Most of the hotels on your tour will have a 4* rating. Please note all our hotels are recommended on Tripadvisor and have above average reviews. Please view hotels details below.
"U Nikolaya" Listvyanka B&B
A traditional Russian guest-house “U Nikolaya” (meaning in Russian “At Nikolay’s Place” where Nikolay is the chalet owner) consists of two buildings – a two storey charming "log cabin" style chalet and a brick three storey house, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere and rustic ambiance. It is located on the shore of the world famous Lake Baikal and in the middle of the valley surrounded by houses of local people. A spectacular view to the Lake Baikal's blue mirror opens up from windows of the lodge. Lovely heels with bush forest start beyond the garden of chalet. It's a great place to admire the outstanding nature of the lake feeling real Russian countryside atmosphere.Learn more
Hotel Angara 3*
The Angara Hotel was named after the great Siberian River and is situated right in the heart of business and financial life of Irkutsk - on the Kirov Square. There are 285 comfortable standard rooms, semi-deluxe and deluxe rooms equipped with a private bathroom, safe, color TV, mini-bar, hairdryer, air-conditioner and Internet access. The hotel has two restaurants, post office, currency exchange office, massage room, sauna with a pool, gym, casino and billiards.Learn more
Terelj Lodge Ger Camp
Ger camps we use on our tours are slightly modified for Western travelers, however they do offer a genuinely authentic experience and most of them are situated in picturesque areas. The gers are made of a wooden frame that is covered with felt. Inside they are generally brightly painted and feature two or four single beds, a small table, chairs, a lamp, electricity sockets and a stove for heating. Learn more
Hotel Platinum Ulan-Bator 4*
Located in the Sukhbaatar district of central Ulan Bator, the Platinum Hotel is a comfortable 4* hotel which has proved popular with guests. Its proximity to Sukhbaatar Square ensures guests are based at the very heart of the Mongolian capital, and premier attraction such as the National Museum of Mongolian History, the Mongolian Theatre Museum, Presidential Palace and the Chinggis Khan Gardens are just a short stroll away.
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Hotel Qianmen’s Jianguo Beijing 4*
Qianmen’s Jianguo Hotel is a popular four star choice located in the heart of central Beijing, a short drive from major sights such as Tiananmen Square and the Temple of Heaven. Boasting over 400 rooms, accommodation at this well-equipped hotel features flat screen television, air conditioning, a kettle and a minibar. Each room is en suite, providing a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.
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Please read notes at the bottom of the table to learn more about the meaning of each pricing section.
Choose your travel package
Comfort| Travel dates | Excluding flights | Single supplement |
Solo supplement | Train upgrade | Book |
| 05/30/2019 - 06/10/2019 | $2,295 | $195 | $495 | $295 | book now |
| 06/06/2019 - 06/17/2019 | $2,295 | $195 | $495 | $295 | book now |
| 06/13/2019 - 06/24/2019 | $2,295 | $195 | $495 | $295 | book now |
| 06/20/2019 - 07/01/2019 | $2,295 | $195 | $495 | $295 | book now |
| 06/27/2019 - 07/08/2019 | $2,295 | $195 | $495 | $295 | book now |
| 07/04/2019 - 07/15/2019 | $2,295 | $195 | $495 | $295 | book now |
| 07/11/2019 - 07/22/2019 | $2,295 | $195 | $495 | $295 | book now |
| 07/18/2019 - 07/29/2019 | $2,295 | $195 | $495 | $295 | book now |
| 07/25/2019 - 08/05/2019 | $2,295 | $195 | $495 | $295 | book now |
| 08/01/2019 - 08/12/2019 | $2,295 | $195 | $495 | $295 | book now |
| 08/08/2019 - 08/19/2019 | $2,295 | $195 | $495 | $295 | book now |
| 08/15/2019 - 08/26/2019 | $2,295 | $195 | $495 | $295 | book now |
| 08/22/2019 - 09/02/2019 | $2,295 | $195 | $495 | $295 | book now |
| 08/29/2019 - 09/09/2019 | $2,295 | $195 | $495 | $295 | book now |
| 09/05/2019 - 09/16/2019 | $2,295 | $195 | $495 | $295 | book now |
| 09/12/2019 - 09/23/2019 | $2,295 | $195 | $495 | $295 | book now |
| 09/19/2019 - 09/30/2019 | $2,295 | $195 | $495 | $295 | book now |
| 09/26/2019 - 10/07/2019 | $2,295 | $195 | $495 | $295 | book now |
| 10/03/2019 - 10/14/2019 | $2,295 | $195 | $495 | $295 | book now |
| 10/10/2019 - 10/21/2019 | $2,295 | $195 | $495 | $295 | book now |
| 10/17/2019 - 10/28/2019 | $2,295 | $195 | $495 | $295 | book now |
| 10/24/2019 - 11/04/2019 | $2,295 | $195 | $495 | $295 | book now |
| 10/31/2019 - 11/11/2019 | $2,295 | $195 | $495 | $295 | book now |
| 11/14/2019 - 11/25/2019 | $2,295 | $195 | $495 | $295 | book now |
| 11/28/2019 - 12/09/2019 | $2,295 | $195 | $495 | $295 | book now |
| 12/12/2019 - 12/23/2019 | $2,295 | $195 | $495 | $295 | book now |
Note on pricing:
- All prices are per person, in US Dollars. All included services are listed in the tour dossier and the right-hand side column, section “Included”.
- Price “Excluding flight” does not cover airfare, you are free to book your own flights. Alternatively we can quote an airfare for you. We advise not to delay with booking your tour as airfares may go up.
- Single supplement goes towards single room (cabin for cruises) accommodation.
- Solo supplement is payable in the unlikely event when you are the only person on the tour. It will be refunded if other people join the same tour.
- “Train upgrade” supplement means an upgrade for a compartment for 2 people and refers to overnight trains only. Advisable to book if you prefer more privacy and comfort during your overnight train journeys. Read more about train upgrade.
We thrive on feedback! We are very happy to have served thousands of happy customers
who travelled with us. Please browse our guestbook below, read our clients' feedback on
Tripadvisor and also watch a short
customer's interview sharing her travel experience
with Go Russia. To respect our clients' privacy all names are encoded.
The guides were all excellent and spoke very good English. The accommodation and food was very good. The tours were all extremely interesting.
—
Gillian Holway
Everything went according to plan; transfers and transport all completed exactly as specified. Hotel accommodation generally clean and comfortable. The food and guide/driver in Mongolia were brilliant and tours really excellent. The China part of the tour was also very good, the sites visited were fantastic.
—
Richard Foster
The guides had a very good level of english and could communicate easily. This was important as we could ask questions relating to the social and cultural aspects of the country that we were visiting. It was a pleasure to deal with your company.
—
Ashley Norman
The guides were superb in Irkutsk, Ulan Bator and Beijing. The whole experience was something we will look back on for years.
—
Ora Horton
I’m very pleased to let you know that I have just received my passport at 8.45 a.m. this morning. Thank you so much for expediting the process. I am so relieved and will sing your praises and those for GoRussia for a long time to come. It is very refreshing to work with people who are efficient and can be depended upon.
—
Rosamaria Wahl
I would just like to say a big thank you for organising a fantastic experience for me. I must say that I was extremely impressed with all of our tour guides and particularly Normi in Mongolia (you have already forwarded a thank you email for me) and Daniel in Beijing.
—
Nicolas Griffith
The guide and accommodation in Mongolia at the Ger Camp was superb! We felt very much at home in our tents and would have liked to stay much longer :)
—
Ruth Hopkins
I don't think I've ever dealt with a better organized or more efficient tour operator. At each phase we were met at exactly the time an place appointed. The accommodations were as advertised. The food was very good and mostly arranged to give us examples of local cuisine. The guides were helpful and flexible. You responded to all my questions quickly so there were no unpleasant surprises. Thank you very much for helping to make our trip as enjoyable as it was.
—
Ron Wallace
We had a super trip and everything went off well, there was always someone to meet us at the station and the tour guides were good, especially in Mongolia which was my favourite destination. So we really had a fascinating trip and really would not have changed much, thank you so much for all your assistance.
—
Janice Reed
Zivile, the train journey was all we expected it to be and more. We had a fabulous time on the full journey. We then spent a week in Beijing and are now in Malaysia (Penang) for another week. Oh Yes we did take Vodka on the train (actually two bottles) and drank the way the Russians would eating all the time unfortunately we could not get it in the fridge to keep it cold.
—
Christina Baker
Please note all prices are per person based on a minimum of two people travelling together.
Read more about prices for solo travellers.
Moscow
Moscow City Centre Walking Tour
A guided walking tour around major cultural and historical points in Moscow. We will visit Lubyanka Square – the world-famous KGB centre of the Soviet epoch, Teatralnaya Square next to Bolshoi Theatre. Then we will continue our walk through the small central streets and lanes where every building has its own unique and interesting story. Most of them currently represent Russian theatres, hotels, museums or state institutions. We will also visit Tverskaya Street – the main and the busiest street in Moscow – with lots of shops, restaurants and unique combination of old, Stalin and modern architecture. After the guided tour you will have some free time to take a stroll along the pedestraian zone, browse among the shops selling merchandise and enjoy various cafes or restaurants.
4 hours
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$65
per person4 hours
Kremlin Grounds & the Armoury Guided Tour
You will discover the interior of the Kremlin - the former residence of the Tsars and now the residence of the Russian president. You will also visit the Kremlin’s beautiful orthodox cathedrals. The Cathedral Square still retains the aura of early Tsarist Russia, where the spirits of Ivan the Terrible, Boris Godunov, and the early Romanovs loom large. We will also visit the Armoury to see a unique collection of ancient state regalia: the ceremonial vestments and coronation dress of the Tsars, gold and silverware by Russian craftsmen, and ceremonial weapons and arms (optional).
5 hours
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$90
per person5 hours
Diamond Fund Guided Tour
The Diamond Fund is located in the Kremlin Armoury containing the most valuable gems of Russia - a collection of masterpieces of jewellery of the 18th-20th centuries, rare precious stones, gold and platinum nuggets of great artistic, historic and scientific importance. It is one of the few treasuries in the world that house unique crown jewels. The exhibition features such treasures as diamond encrusted Coronation Crown of Catherine the Great, the world-famous 190-carat Orlov Diamond among other stunning examples.
2 hours
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$90
per person2 hours
Tretiakov Gallery Guided Tour
A guided tour of the Tretiakov Gallery, the biggest collection of Russian fine art in the world. The core of the museum's collection was assembled in the middle of the nineteenth century by Pavel Tretiakov, a wealthy Moscow merchant whose passion for collecting included violins, birds, and milk cows as well as Russian art. The museum represents the whole history of Russian art from the ancient period until now. There are more than 130 000 unique examples of painting, sculpture and graphics, created throughout the centuries by talented Russian artists.
4 hours
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$75
per person4 hours
Half Day Guided Tour to Sergiev Posad Monastery - the Heart of Russian Orthodox Religion
The town located in the suburbs of Moscow grew up in the 15th century around one of the greatest Russian monasteries - the Holy Trinity – St. Sergius Lavra (Troitse-Sergiyeva Lavra) established by St. Sergius of Radonezh. The town also claims to be the birthplace of the Russian nesting doll, or matryoshka. On our way to Sergiev Posad we will enjoy the charming Russian countryside as the highway runs through huge birch forests, hills, as well as past beautifully decorated country homes.
7 hours
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$115
per person7 hours
Listvyanka
Circum-Baikal Railway Walking Tour
Enjoy a walking tour along the Circum-Baikal railway – a truly historic line - starting from Port Baikal to the first or second tunnel. You’re bound to be impressed by the stunning views of Lake Baikal, its magnificent beauty and the surrounding hills. This is a circular route, which starts and ends in Listvyanka village.
6 hours
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$85
per person6 hours
Circum-Baikal Railway Guided Tour by Train
The Circum-Baikal is not just a railway, but a unique museum of history and nature, combining architecture with zoology, mineralogy and geology. Go Russia invites you to join us on the breathtaking journey around Lake Baikal, on the Circum-Baikal Railway, which runs along the North shore of the Southern part of the lake, from the village of Slyudyanka to the Port Baikal settlement. This is a full-day guided tour, which may start from either Irkutsk or the village of Listvyanka.
11 hours
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$225
per person11 hours
Listvyanka Tour & Visit to the Balkal Museum
Enjoy a guided walk in the village including a visit to the Baikal museum. Your guide will also show you the famous Shaman Rock and tell you the legend about the naughty Angara River. Take a cable lift to get to a nearby view point from where you’ll get a chance to take panoramic pictures of Baikal. Enjoy your visit to a local 19th century wooden St. Nicolas church and a local fish market where you’ll see a great variety of fish and different ways of cooking it. Price includes services of an English-speaking guide, entrance tickets to the Baikal museum, transport from the village centre to the Baikal museum and back, cable car (one way).
4 hours
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$145
per person4 hours
Trekking at Baikal with Picnic
Note: you need to be fit to participate in this trek. This is a circular route hike which starts and ends in Listvyanka. First half of the walk goes through the Taiga forest, then the trail leads down to the shore of Lake Baikal. On the lake shore the guide will cook for you a delicious lunch on camp-fire. After sunbathing and swimming in the lake, we continue our walk on the hillside enjoying the panorama of Lake Baikal along the way. You will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
6 hours
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$85
per person6 hours
Horse Riding in Taiga
Enjoy horse-riding along the largest lake on our planet or deep in Taiga forest. Before the horse riding session you will receive a short briefing and your instructor will show you how to get on a horse and how to control it. Please note, there will be no English – speaking guide with you, only an instructor who speaks basic English.
3 hours
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$115
per person3 hours
Ride a Quad in Listvyanka
Ride a quad in Listvyanka village, enjoy stunning views of Lake Baikal and experience taiga forest. You will be riding a quad with another person (in total 2 persons per quad) accompanied by an English speaking guide. A picnic lunch will be served on the lake shore.
2 hours
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$145
per person2 hours
Beijing
Extension Trip to Xian from Beijing
We invite you for an optional extension trip from Beijing to Xian - one of the four ancient capitals of China and an important cultural centre of the country. You will travel by an overnight train to Xian where upon arrival you will enjoy full day guided excursions with an English-speaking guide, including Terracotta army, Big Wild Gooze Pagoda, City Wall, etc. You will also have some free time to visit the old markets in Drum Tower and Great Mosque area before transfer back to the railway station. Lunch included.
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$445
per person
Summer Palace Guided Tour
We will visit the magnificent Summer Palace located 15 kilometres (9.4 miles) away from central Beijing. The Palace represents an outstanding expression of the creative art of Chinese landscape garden design and is included on UNESCO World Heritage List.
Price
by request
3 hours
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by request
3 hours
Hong Kong Extension - 4 days
Hong Kong has enjoyed special status since being returned to China by the British in 1997. This prosperous and vibrant territory is a world-class destination beloved by many for its curious and unique mix of eastern and western cultures. The towering skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island and the sheltered harbour that divides it from bustling Kowloon are perhaps its most iconic sight. But there’s much more to explore: outlying islands boast secluded beaches and charming fishing villages that are surprisingly rural yet easy to reach from the city. A short boat ride away is the neighbouring territory of Macao, returned by the Portuguese in 1999, and a fascinating contrast to Hong Kong.
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$845
per personUlaanbaatar
World Energy Point by Train
Dornogobi (Eastern Gobi) province located in the south-east of the country and bordering on China, is part of the Gobi desert belt. Sand dunes Burden Gashuun, Tsagaan Els and Tavan Tolgoi stretch along the borders of the aimag (province). The main attraction of the region is Khamriin Khiid Monastery, founded by the famous monk and poet of the 19th century Danzan Ravjaa, however, ruined in the 1930s. Today, the new monastery with two temples is re-opened. Near the caves, where Danzan Ravjaa and his disciples meditated there are 9 stupas built to commemorate him. Dinosaur bones and fossils have also been found in the area.
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$575
per person
Gobi Classic Tour
Gobi Desert is one of the world’s legendary places, feared as uninhabitable yet attracting travelers because it is so forbidding. Hit the road with this remarkable 7 days long journey deep into the forbidding Gobi Desert. We will lead you on an unforgettable journey where no two days are alike and where you will learn the complex nature of this famous desert. This is a road trip like no other!
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$1745
per person
South Gobi by Plane
Discover Gobi in 3 days. The desert covers one third of Mongolia’s land area, and is fascinating for its geography, history and pre-history, plants, animals and human society. Mongolians list 33 types of gobi, depending on soil colour and composition. There is a lot of variety within the Gobi Desert, from wildlife parks and mountains to canyons with dramatic rockfaces.
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$1395
per person
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