Grim it may be, but for nearly half the world “Siberia” is synonymous with the Soviet Era system of prison camps (which in fact had begun a century earlier under the Tsars).  This trip visits the only remaining Soviet gulag, near Perm… but it’s not all about barbed wire and watchtowers!  There’s a relaxing “soft” rafting trip on the Usva River, the amazing beautiful Kungur Ice Caves (this is just an underground stroll, no scrambling involved), with the second half of the trip set in Mongolia as a complete contrast!

 

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

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

DAY 04 – Arrival in Perm

Arrival in Perm, transfer to your hotel.

DAY 05 – Depart to the Kungur Ice Caves

Onwards to Usva River. Begin rafting trip, and overnight camping at the Rocky Cliffs.

DAY 06 – Full day rafting along the Usva River

Camping overnight.

DAY 07 – Continue by raft to Mys

Transfer by road to the Perm-36 Gulag Camp. Return to Perm, check into Ural Hotel.

DAY 08 – Free time to independently explore

Evening transfer to the station, where you will board the Ulaanbaatar bound train.

DAY 09 – On board The Trans-Sib

Onwards into Siberia itself, via Novosibirsk.

DAY 10 – On board The Trans-Sib

Across the River Enisei, at Krasnoyarsk.

DAY 11 – On board The Trans-Sib

Continuing across Siberia heading for Mongolia.

DAY 12 – Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Early morning arrival in Ulaanbaatar. Transfer from the station, shower and breakfast. Depart for city tour to include the Gandan Monastery ceremony. Tour ends city centre. Transfer to Elstei Ger Lodge.

DAY 13 – Elstei Ger Lodge

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

DAY 14 – 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 15 – Departing Ulaanbaatar

Early morning transfer to the station where you will board the Beijing bound train.

DAY 16 – Arrival in Beijing

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