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!

Trip overview

DAY 01 – Arrival in St. Petersburg

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

DAY 02 – Around St. Petersburg

DAY 03 – Departing St. Petersburg

A full day for you to pack in the best of the rest. Own transfer this evening to Moskovsky Station where you will board the Moscow bound train.

DAY 04 – Arrival in Moscow

We transfer you by private car directly to your hotel. This morning there's 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 05 – Explore Moscow

DAY 06 – Departing Moscow

Transfer to Yaroslavsky Station where you will board the Ulaanbaatar bound train.

DAY 07 – On board The Trans-Sib

Travelling through Kazan and Ekaterinburg.

DAY 08 – On board The Trans-Sib

Onwards into Siberia itself, via Novosibirsk.

DAY 09 – On board The Trans-Sib

Across the River Enisei, at Krasnoyarsk.

DAY 10 – On board The Trans-Sib

Circumnavigating Lake Baikal and on to Mongolia.

DAY 11 – 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.

DAY 12 – 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 13 – Morning spent with your Nomad family

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

DAY 14 – 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 15 – Elstei Ger Lodge

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

DAY 16 – 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 17 – Departing Ulaanbaatar

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

DAY 18 – Arrival in Huhehot

Transfer to your hotel.

DAY 19 – Full day guided city tour of Huhehot

The capital of Inner Mongolia.

DAY 20 – Departing Huhehot

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

DAY 21 – Arrival in Beijing

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