Everyone’s heard of “Outer Mongolia”, without actually knowing anything about it.  But “Inner Mongolia”?  The names come from Imperial China.  When they conquered Mongolia they realised that ruling it would be impossible. So the grassland part nearest to Beijing (the “Inner” part) they ruled like the rest of China, but they gave up once the Gobi was in the way, and the “Outer” part was ruled by martial law. “Outer Mongolia” is now the independent country of Mongolia, one of the world’s least-visited countries. “Inner Mongolia” is still a part of China, and you can imagine how few go to it?  But it was once the richest part of Mongolia – this trip is for the inquisitive and adventurous!

 

Map

Trip overview

DAY 01 – Arrival in Moscow

Arrival in Moscow. Your driver will meet on arrival and transfer you by private car to the hotel.

DAY 02 – Around Moscow

After breakfast one of our local experts will meet you at your hotel in the lobby for a three hour walking and familiarisation tour, to introduce the city (and its public transport system) and to get your sightseeing off to a flying start. The rest of the day's your own.

DAY 03 – Departing Moscow

A full day to continue your sightseeing. Evening transfer to Yaroslavsky Station where you will board the Ulaanbaatar bound train.

DAY 04 – On board The Trans-Sib

Travelling through Kazan and Ekaterinburg.

DAY 05 – On board The Trans-Sib

Onwards into Siberia itself, via Novosibirsk.

DAY 06 – On board The Trans-Sib

Across the River Enisei, at Krasnoyarsk.

DAY 07 – On board The Trans-Sib

Circumnavigating Lake Baikal and on to Mongolia.

DAY 08 – Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Transfer from the station, shower and breakfast. Depart for city tour to include the Gandan Monastery ceremony. Depart Ulaanbaatar for the Bayangobi region. Evening arrival at a herdsman encampment. Tonight you are the guests of the herdsmen, and you’ll stay in a nomadic ger tent.

A SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT NOMAD STAYS: When we say "nomad stay" it means exactly that - you are sharing the lives of herdsmen who live on the Mongolian Steppe. There's often no electricity, they don't speak English, and there isn't any plumbing!

DAY 09 – Onwards to Harhorin

Depart after breakfast for a day trip through the countryside of Övörkhangai Province in the direction of Harhorin. Our route takes us into the Orkhon Valley, a World Heritage Site. This afternoon we arrive at modern Harhorin – the settlement Genghis Khan would have known as Karakorum. Nothing is left of the ancient settlement, but on its site is the (rather later) monastery of Erdene Zuu, one of the most important Buddhist centres in Mongolia. Returning back to our nomad host family.

DAY 10 – Morning spent with the Nomads

Free time to explore the Bayangobi area. This evening you stay with your nomad host family, and learn traditional Mongolian games.

DAY 11 – Elstei Ger Lodge

Evening arrival at Elstei Ger Lodge. This is a different experience from staying with nomads, as Elstei is purposely set up for foreign visitors. This evening, chill out and relax after the long journey.

DAY 12 – Elstei Ger Lodge

Free time at Elstei Ger Lodge. Throughout the day you will have the opportunity to partake in optional activities

DAY 13 – Return to Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast transfer back to Ulaanbaatar and check into the Bayangol Hotel. The balance of the day is your own to explore this city of contrasts. Culture, shopping, food? This capital city won’t disappoint.

DAY 14 – Departing Ulaanbaatar

Free time before your evening transfer to the station, where you will board the Huhehot bound train.

DAY 15 – Arrival in Huhehot

Transfer to your hotel.

DAY 16 – Guided tour

Full day guided city tour of Huhehot the capital of Inner Mongolia.

DAY 17 – Departing Huhehot

Own transfer to the station this evening for the Beijing bound train.

DAY 18 – Arrival in Beijing

Arriving into Beijing West Station at the end of your Trans-Siberian journey.