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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)
Group size
2-14 people
Season
All year
Duration
12 days
Departs
Thursday
Starts
Moscow
Ends
Beijing
Countries
China, Mongolia, Russia
Cities
Moscow, Irkutsk, Listvyanka, Beijing, Ulaanbaatar, Terelj
Price
from $2,395
Reservation
View dates and prices
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.
Moscow
Moscow City Centre Walking TourA 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 | $85 per person
Diamond Fund Guided TourThe 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 | $120 per person
Half Day Guided Tour to Sergiev Posad Monastery - the Heart of Russian Orthodox ReligionThe 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 | $145 per person
Kremlin Grounds & the Armoury Guided TourYou 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 | $110 per person
Tretiakov Gallery Guided TourA 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 | $100 per person
Day 1 – Thursday
This is a shorter version of our Trans-Mongolian trip and no tours are planned in the Russian capital. However, if you wish to explore Moscow, you can arrive a couple of days earlier and book optional excursions. We will be happy to arrange a guide and additional accommodation for you.
Today we'll check in for our domestic flight to the Siberian city of Irkutsk, an overnight flight of around six hours.
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Today we'll check in for our domestic flight to the Siberian city of Irkutsk, an overnight flight of around six hours.
Domestic flight: Moscow - Irkutsk
Day 1 – Thursday
Flight to Irkutsk: Moscow - Irkutsk
We take an internal less than 6 hours overnight flight to Irkutsk.
Irkutsk - Listvyanka
Olkhon Island Extension - 4 daysWe invite you to visit the heart of the lake Baikal - the island of Olkhon, glorified in many legends. It is the largest of the lake's 30 islands and it contains 143 unique archaeological objects – graves, remains of ancient settlements, ruins, shaman worship monuments and many others. You will also be able to enjoy magnificent natural views, sandy beaches and even swim in the lake (average water temperature in July – August 18 degrees C).
$575 per person
Circum-Baikal Railway Guided Tour by TrainThe 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 | $295 per person
Trekking at Baikal with PicnicNote: 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 | $85 per person
Ride a Quad in ListvyankaRide 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 | $145 per person
Circum-Baikal Railway Walking TourEnjoy 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 | $85 per person
Listvyanka Tour & Visit to the Baikal MuseumEnjoy 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 | $145 per person
Horse Riding in TaigaEnjoy 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 | $115 per person
Day 2 – Friday
Transfer by car / minibus: Irkutsk - Listvyanka
At leisure at 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
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.
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Listvyanka - Irkutsk
Olkhon Island Extension - 4 daysWe invite you to visit the heart of the lake Baikal - the island of Olkhon, glorified in many legends. It is the largest of the lake's 30 islands and it contains 143 unique archaeological objects – graves, remains of ancient settlements, ruins, shaman worship monuments and many others. You will also be able to enjoy magnificent natural views, sandy beaches and even swim in the lake (average water temperature in July – August 18 degrees C).
$575 per person
Day 4 – Sunday
Transfer by car / minibus: Listvyanka - Irkutsk
Open-air Wooden Architecture Museum in Taltsy
Irkutsk City Tour
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.
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Irkutsk
Day 5 – Monday
Transfer from the hotel to the railway station
Our driver will deliver you to the railway station for your onward train to Mongolia.
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Train: Irkutsk - Ulaanbaatar
Day 5 – Monday
Night train: Irkutsk - Ulaanbaatar
We leave the warm hospitality of the Siberian Russians and start our trip to Mongolia by comfortable train. Arrival in Ulaanbaatar next day early in the morning.
Ulan Bator - Terelj
Day 6 – Tuesday
Transfer by car / minibus: Ulaanbaatar - Terelj
Chinggis Khaan Monument guided tour
Terelj National Park guided trip
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.
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Terelj - Ulan Bator
Day 7 – Wednesday
Transfer by car / minibus: Terelj - Ulaanbaatar
Ulan Bator City Tour
Guided Visit to the 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 the National History Museum for a guided tour where you can find out about the country's cultural heritage and political history.
Day 8 – Thursday
Transfer from the hotel to the railway station
Today our driver will collect you from your hotel and see you onto Train 24, a comfortable weekly train to China.
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Train: Ulaanbaatar - Beijing
Day 8 – Thursday
Night train: Ulaanbaatar - Beijing
Travelling by train 24 is probably the most popular way of getting from Mongolia into China and you will find more foreigners than local people on this train. This is a good chance to meet people from all over the world and practice your French, German or maybe Italian. There are 1st class (2 berth compartment with one lower and one upper berth) and 2nd class (4 berth compartment with two lower and two upper berths) carriages on this train. First class compartments also feature an arm chair, a small table and a toilet with a shower shared between two neighbouring compartments. Second class compartments do not have private facilities, there are two toilets (one at the beginning and one at the back of each carriage) and no shower in the second class carriage. Hot boiled water is available in carriages and train attendants provide thermos kettles. The train has a dining car and a bar with reasonable prices.
Beijing
Day 9 – Friday
Transfer from the railway station to the hotel
Hutong Neighbourhood by Rickshaw Guided Tour
Enjoy Shichahai Lake
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 characterised 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
Guided tour of Tiananmen Square
Guided tour of the Forbidden City and Imperial Palace
Summer Palace Guided Tour
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
Guided Tour of the 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 Field
Day 12 – Monday
Transfer from the hotel to the airport
Our driver will meet you with a sign board at the hotel lobby for your airport transfer.
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Dates and prices
Please read notes at the bottom of the table to learn more about the meaning of each pricing section
Travel package
Comfort
Year of travel
| Travel dates | Excluding flights | Single / Solo supplement | Train upgrade | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/01/2022 - 12/12/2022 | $2,395 | $275 / $495 | $295 | book now |
| 12/08/2022 - 12/19/2022 | $2,395 | $275 / $495 | $295 | book now |
| 12/15/2022 - 12/26/2022 | $2,395 | $275 / $495 | $295 | book now |
| 12/22/2022 - 01/02/2023 | $2,395 | $275 / $495 | $295 | book now |
| 12/29/2022 - 01/09/2023 | $2,395 | $275 / $495 | $295 | book now |
| 01/12/2023 - 01/23/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 01/26/2023 - 02/06/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 02/09/2023 - 02/20/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 02/16/2023 - 02/27/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 02/23/2023 - 03/06/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 03/02/2023 - 03/13/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 03/09/2023 - 03/20/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 03/16/2023 - 03/27/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 03/23/2023 - 04/03/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 03/30/2023 - 04/10/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 04/06/2023 - 04/17/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 04/13/2023 - 04/24/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 04/20/2023 - 05/01/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 04/27/2023 - 05/08/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 05/04/2023 - 05/15/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 05/11/2023 - 05/22/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 05/18/2023 - 05/29/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 05/25/2023 - 06/05/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 06/01/2023 - 06/12/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 06/08/2023 - 06/19/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 06/15/2023 - 06/26/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 06/22/2023 - 07/03/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 06/29/2023 - 07/10/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 07/06/2023 - 07/17/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 07/13/2023 - 07/24/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 07/20/2023 - 07/31/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 07/27/2023 - 08/07/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 08/03/2023 - 08/14/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 08/10/2023 - 08/21/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 08/17/2023 - 08/28/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 08/24/2023 - 09/04/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 08/31/2023 - 09/11/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 09/07/2023 - 09/18/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 09/14/2023 - 09/25/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 09/21/2023 - 10/02/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 09/28/2023 - 10/09/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 10/05/2023 - 10/16/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 10/12/2023 - 10/23/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 10/19/2023 - 10/30/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 10/26/2023 - 11/06/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 11/02/2023 - 11/13/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 11/09/2023 - 11/20/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 11/16/2023 - 11/27/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 11/23/2023 - 12/04/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 11/30/2023 - 12/11/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 12/07/2023 - 12/18/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 12/14/2023 - 12/25/2023 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 12/21/2023 - 01/01/2024 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
| 12/28/2023 - 01/08/2024 | $2,495 | $295 / $575 | $325 | book now |
Note on pricing:
- All prices are per person, in US dollars. All included services are listed in the tour dossier and the section "Included" in the tour description.
- Price "Excluding flight" does not cover airfare, you are free to book your own flights. Alternatively we can quote for flights from any international airport.
- 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.
- Discouns for children.
See what our clients say about this tour
We are very happy to have served thousands of happy customers who travelled with us.
Russia excellent on all things, Mongolia outstanding on all things, I would do the trip again for Mongolia. The guide and driver were the best. Train great fun.
The guides were all excellent and spoke very good English. The accommodation and food was very good. The tours were all extremely interesting.
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.
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.
The guides were superb in Irkutsk, Ulan Bator and Beijing. The whole experience was something we will look back on for years.
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.
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.
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 :)
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.
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.
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