experience classic mammoth...

Along the wayBeijingUlaanbaatarIrkutskEkaterinburgMoscowSt. Petersburg

Leaving from Beijing to St. Petersburg

ExperienceClassic Mammoth Trans-Siberian

iThree Russian cities, and two Asian cities are at theheart of this itinerary operating between May andSeptember. You’ll visit Moscow, Ekaterinburg andIrkutsk; Ulaanbaatar and Beijing with a fantasticselection of activities and outdoor pursuits to choosefrom along the way. Whether its local history,tradition and culture or exploring more remotelocations, this tour perfectly highlights that the Trans-Siberian is as magical an experience off the train as itis aboard it.

Train> 4-berth rail for complete journey (pre-

assigned berths)> option to upgrade to 2-berthBeijing> 1 night 4★ hotel Ulaanbaatar> all transportation (4WD), driver, English

speaking guide>Entrance fees Erdene Zuu Monastery,

Kharkhorum Museum>Khustai National Park entrance fees>2 nights tourist ger camp (Khustai, all

meals Tsenkher Hot Springs, all meals>1 night Hotel (Kharkhorum, all meals)>1 night in Nomadic Family’s guest ger

(Elsen Tasarkhai) all meals> 1 night 3★ hotel, (Ulaanbaatar) breakfast> City tour of Ulaanbaatar

Irkutsk > all transportation > 3 nights 3★ hotel, Listvyanka Village,

breakfast> excursion optionEkaterinburg> transfer on arrival to your hotel> 2 nights 3★ hotel, breakfast> walking tour with local expert> day trip option > transfer to the station on departure

Moscow > transfer on arrival to your hotel> 2 nights 3★ hotel, breakfast > 3 hour personalised walking tour with

local expertSt. Petersburg > transfer on arrival to your hotel> 2 nights 3★ hotel, breakfast > 3 hour personalised walking tour with

local expert

What’s includedFULL ON

In the know…Chinese cuisine varies enormously fromregion to region, and it’s really truer to saythat there are many different cuisines inChina.Siberia lies entirely in Asia, and its nativepeoples are Asiatic – it was the Russians whocame as settlers. There are over 30 nativeAsiatic languages still spoken in Siberia tothis day.“Nomads” don’t just wander aroundaimlessly. Most Nomads will roam over thesame land and tracks their grandparentsknew, always returning in winter to thesame place, where their animal pens arelocated. Nomads traditionally count theirwealth in head of animals, not in money.

At The Russia Experience we like to ditch the

clichés, discard the puff and concentrate on

what we do best – bringing to life the world’s

longest train route: the places visited, the

encounters made and the realisation of a

journey that is both engaging and rewarding.

We continually look at ways of enhancing the

Trans Siberian experience, incorporating

seasonal considerations (such as the Harbin

Ice Festival), providing the historical context

(pay a visit to the only remaining Soviet Gulag)

or inviting you to savour the diverse cultural

influences of indigenous people (sit down with

a shaman, or enjoy the Siberian art of throat

singing!).

We have no group departures, our advertised

dates always operate (barring anything

completely out of our control) and, above all,

we will tell you it like it is – allowing you to

make the right choice from a portfolio of

journeys rich in variety and full of memorable

experiences. Sorry! We couldn’t resist at least

one cliché!

No ordinary trip

Visa RequirementsMost visitors to Russia, Mongolia andChina require visas. These must beobtained prior to departure. Please checkyour nationalities visa requirements inadvance of your planned travel dates. Visaprocessing times for these countries canbe up to;China 07 Working DaysMongolia 06 Working DaysRussia 20 Working DaysHowever fast track processing is possible. Due to the support documents required bythe Embassy of Russia (which we obtain),you will need to book your trip beforestarting to obtain visas.For full information regarding visas, pleaserefer to our web site.

Hints and TipsA SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT NOMAD STAYSWhen we say “nomad stay” it meansexactly that - you are sharing the lives ofherdsmen who live on the MongolianSteepe. There’s often no electricity, theydon’t speak English, and there isn’t anyplumbing!Photocopy your passport including thevisas issued pages, airline tickets andinsurance policies.Your passport must be valid for at least sixmonths past the end of your travel dates.

Travellers ChecklistDay pack, back pack, money belt, first aidkit, heat proof mug, instant coffee, teabags, sun hat, mosquito repellent,lightweight jacket, flip flops, swim wear,sun cream, waterproof, walking boots,photographs of home to show theNomads, Mongolian children lovebubbles!, universal sink plug, bottleopener.

Climate and time – Minimum/maximum Temperatures ºCMay/Jun Jul/Aug Sep/Oct

Beijing +15/+22 +24/+30 + 8/+22Ulaanbaatar +15/+24 +26/+42 +10/+25Irkutsk + 8/+22 +26/+38 +10/+24Moscow/Ekaterinburg +15/+22 +15/+30 + 8/+24

These dossiers are designed to provide you with a guide to our trips, the places visited, accommodation used and to give you a flavour of your dailyitinerary. You will be travelling in parts of the world where the unanticipated and the unusual are all part of the experience and, as a result, theunexpected can happen and we may on occasions need to vary your plans. These dossiers do not form part of any contract.

full on itinerary – 23 days Leaving from Beijing to St. Petersburg


DAY 01On arrival in Beijing you make your ownway to the hotel – any taxi driver willquickly find the address. The convenientlocation of the hotel positions you to getthe most of this legendary Imperial city,where the rich traditions of Buddhism,Daoism, and Confucianism meet with theopulence of the Chinese Emperors and thevibrant realism of contemporary China.Chinese hotels cope badly with the idea offoreigners who haven’t yet arrived so we’llhave your onward rail tickets deliveredonce you have checked in, with user hintand, directions to the station. The hotel isin the heart of the golden area of thecapital, surrounded by major businesscentres, tourist attractions and onlyminutes away from the Wangfujing Street,Tiannamen Square and the Forbidden City. No mealsDAY 02Make your own way to the station givingyourself at least one hour on arrival tocomplete security (metal-detectors arenow in force and there can be queues touse them) and find your train andplatform. And then you’re heading off,along the most famous railway in theworld!Breakfast

DAY 03 Early afternoon arrival in Ulaanbaatar. Our driver will meet you at the end of theplatform and will be holding a meeting-board with your name on. Then set off forKhustai National Park. (Around 100kmWest of Ulaanbaatar) . This is the perfectlocation to see the and also feel the beautyof Mongolia with its unique landscape ofmountains , steppe, sand dunes and riverwetlands. The national park is home to the“Takhis” the famous wild horse and 46other species of mammals including deer,wild boar, white-tailed gazelle, grey wolf,Eurasian lynx to name but a few. Also ifyou are an ornithologist there are over 161species of birds including Eagles andCranes. Supper and overnight at the touristCamp.Supper

DAY 04 After breakfast head for Tsenkher HotSprings. (around 2 hour drive) If you arefeeling a little bruised or achy from yourtravels, bouncing over Mongolian roads,then an hour or two in the springs is justthe ticket for you. Time to relax and enjoyyour surroundings.Breakfast, Lunch, SupperDAY 05This morning an early start and drive to thelost capital of Genghis Khan at Karakorum(approximately 2 hours) and visit themagnificent Erdene Zuu Monastery, whereyou will see a distinct mixing of the stylesof Mongolian and Tibetan Buddhism.Karakorum was once the heart of theMongol Empire and today, you’ll still seeremnants of the long standing walls thatencircle the city. Also in the afternoon, visitthe newly established KarakorumMuseum. Overnight in Hotel.Breakfast, Lunch, SupperDAY 06 Depart for Elsen Tasarkhai (which willinclude a break in your journey at thepicturesque “Khugnu Khan Mountain” alsoknown as Bayan Gobi) Camel riding is onoffer here, Elsen Tasarhai literally means“an isolated torn-off piece of sand” and it isa small sequence of real desert in themidst of green steppes.Breakfast, Lunch, Supper

DAY 07 Around 2pm you make the return trip toUlaanbaatar. On arrival to Ulaanbaataryour city tour will include; SukhbaatarSquare and the National History Museum.Check into Hotel Nine 3★ Hotel. Thisevening why not visit Peace Avenue orpick-up some snack food for the train inone of the many supermarkets? (Wesuggest you take this opportunity today topurchase picnic provisions for the next legof your journey, as often this train as nodining car.) In the evening a wide range ofrestaurants are available to suit any pocketor maybe go to see a Folklore concert?BreakfastDAY 08 Check out of the hotel at 9am,and yourdriver will take you to the enormousmonument to Genghis Khan (akaChinghiskhan.) It may not be quitetraditional in style (since it's made ofstainless steel) but it's an astoundingedifice and a testament to Genghis's placein Mongolian culture (astonishingly theCommunists tried to write him out ofofficial history text-books). Taking theelevator to top of this 10 metre highmonument you visit the exhibition hallfrom where you will have an excellentpanoramic view over the complex area andthe scenery beyond. This afternoon we willtransfer you to the station where you willboard the Irkutsk bound train. When youmake the border crossing there will be theusual halt for formalitiesBreakfast

DAY 09 Afternoon arrival in Irkutsk. Our driver willmeet you at the end of the platform,holding a meeting-board displaying “RussiaExperience”. Transfer to U Ozera 3★ Hotelsituated in Listvyanka Village (70km)travelling by road through the forest. TheHotel is set just 50 metres from the shoresof Lake Baikal. Hotel facilities include; sunterrace, sauna (local charge) Laundry andIroning service, restaurant and bar. Allrooms have private bathrooms, tea andcoffee facilities and a minibar. Wi-Fi is freeof charge in public areas. The nearest ATM-machine in the Baikal Hotel. Listvyankaremains a village, and doesn't have therange of banking services you could expectin a city. No mealsDAY 10 Today there is a walking tour aroundListvyanka Village. This will include a visit tothe Limnological Museum (this is anexhibition about the Lake, its formation,wildlife etc. - it includes multimediapresentations, information about thecreatures which live in the darkest depths,and also an aquarium with living aquaticspecies, including the unique freshwaterBaikal seals) and also a small woodenvillage Russian Orthodox Church datingback to the C18th. You return to your hotelat the end of the walk, with time to relaxand enjoy your lakeside surroundings,maybe experience real Siberian "banya"(sauna – local charge). Breakfast

DAY 11 Choose one activity from the list, it’s allincluded in the trip price! You’ll need toinform us of your choice beforecommencing your journey, so that we canhave the right staff on hand for when youarrive (please note the Siberian weatherputs seasonal limits on some activities –details below). A. SIBERIAN TREK through the Taiga Forestwith a local guide who will explain thewildlife, with a local guide who will explianthe eco system and lore of the Taiga. Thetrek is 4-5 hours long, includes a picnic stylelunch and a good level of fitness is required.(May-Oct)B. CIRCUM BAIKAL PICNIC Take the Ferryfrom Listvyanka to Port Baikal which takesaround 15 minutes. Walk around Port Baikal,where you will see the train station of theold Circumbaikal rail line. Then you will walkalong the rail line to the nearest tunnel (2-3km). Stopping for a picnic lunch on theshore of Lake Baikal. Return to Port Baikal,ferry back to Listvyanka. The excursion isaround 5 hours duration. (Jun-Sep) C.TALTSY WOODEN MUSEUM A two hourtrip which includes a return transfer by car,and entrance fees to the Taltsy open airwooden museum which is situated on theshore of the Angara river. On arrival you arefree to explore independently and there is atea house here where afterwards you canhave a cup of tea and traditional Russiansnack (pancakes, pirodzki, etc) Thispicturesque area shows how life was andhas been sympathetically restored as atourist attraction where you can buy authentic souvenirs. (Year round)D. PORT BAIKAL A day trip to Port Baikalwith a local guide taking a ferry fromListvyanka. On arrival visit the CircumbaikalRailway Museum located at the train stationthen an uphill hike to the White stoneviewpoint and to see the old lighthouse.Followed by a visit to a Russian OrthodoxChurch, lunch and free time walking back tothe village. Return by ferry. Duration 5hours. (May–August)Breakfast







DAY 12 After breakfast transfer back to Irkutsk city.(Where you will have the option to leaveyour bags at our local office.) Our localstaff will provide a map and somerecommendations of interesting places tovisit. Some of our top suggestions (pleasecheck opening times/days before settingoff) Decembrist Museum, Volkonsky Houseand The Epiphany Cathedral. Early eveningtransfer to the station where you will boardthe Ekaterinburg bound train.BreakfastDAY 13 On board The Trans-Sib... travellingtowards Ekaterinburg. The dining car is theheart of social life on the train. It functionsas bar, lounge, and take-out snack store, aswell as a café serving reasonably pricedmeals. It is a great place to meet fellowtravellers and locals alike, sharing yourexperiences of your journey so far with afew drinks, which no doubt will includesome Vodka – and maybe smoked salmonand caviar too!No mealsDAY 14 Late evening arrive in Ekaterinburg whereour driver will meet you at the end of theplatform and will be holding a meeting-board with your name on. Transfer to theChekhov 3★ Hotel, which is centrallylocated. No mealsDAY 15After breakfast there’s a walking touraround the well known and less obviousattractions of Ekaterinburg, with a localexpert guide. You’ll visit the historicalcentre of the city, including the scene ofthe assassination of the Romanov RoyalFamily, on which a Cathedral now stands tomark the event. You’ll also see somethingof Ekaterinburg’s involvement in Russia’smilitary history. The last half-hour will bespent at The Museum of Gems. The tourends in the downtown area (we make sureyou know the way back!), where you arepoised for multiple lunch choices and afree afternoon to explore independently.Breakfast

DAY 16Please make a choice of one of the day tripoptions. It’s included in the trip price! (Geographical note: Ekaterinburg has borderson both the Western and Eastern sides oftown... to the West is the official borderbetween Europe & Asia, and to the East ofEkaterinburg is where Siberia officially begins.The Siberian border was more than symbolicin the C19th – it delineated an area where amore rough and ready system of justiceoperated, where escaped serfs who had runaway from their masters could legally claimsanctuary. For oppressed religious minorities,escaped serfs and others, the one-way trip toSiberia was, ironically, the “highway of hope”.A. ROMANOV GRAVES (Europe/Asia BorderMonument en-route). Car excursion to sitewhere the Romanov bodies were hidden.Duration; 5 hours. No physical exertioninvolved. Light refreshments provided. YearroundB. SIBERIAN COUNTRYSIDE & HISTORICVILLAGE Full day trip (145 km each way) toKoptelovo;village. Includes a visit to atraditional Siberian “izba-house”. Folkloreconcert performance in local museum offarming and crafts. Duration; 8 hours. Nophysical exertion involved. Year round.C.HIKING TRIP IN THE URALSTaking this trip is the best way to see theregion of The Urals, that locals call “The StoneBelt”. During your walk you will seethe picturesque area of the Nature Park“OlenyeRuchyee” (the wild deer streams)Your guide will show you how to pickmushrooms and berries, how to survive in awild forest. The hike is moderate level(approx 12km). No special equipmentneeded. Duration; 8 hours.Lunch provided. 15 June–15 September.Weather permitting. (Note: There is a dangerof catching the tick-borne diseaseEncephalitis from May till mid-July.Vaccination is strongly recommended.)D. WALK IN THE URALS FORESTIf you like nature, but not ready for serioushike, this tour is for you. Typical ironments ofthe Middle Urals: forest, hills, rocks and oldquarries. The total walk is 4-5 km. Besides,you will see a very nice countryside area withwooden “izba” houses and gardens. Nospecial equipment needed Duration; 5 hours. Lunch provided. 15 June–15 September.Weather permitting. (Note: There is a dangerof catching the tick-borne diseaseEncephalitis from May till mid-July.Vaccination is strongly recommended.)Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 17Early morning transfer to the station whereyou will board the Moscow bound train.BreakfastDAY 18“S Priezdom! Welcome to Moscow!” earlyevening arrival. Our driver will be there tomeet you at the end of the platform, andwill hold a meeting-board with your nameon. You’ll then be transferred to thePanorama 3★ Hotel. (We can obtain ratesfor superior hotels ask a member of thereservations team for details.) The facilitiesavailable at this hotel include a Restaurant,Lobby Bar, Lobby Wi-Fi access, LuggageRoom, Safety deposit boxes and an ATMmachine. At check-in, (after 2pm) the hotelreception will advise you they will needyour passport for visa registration. Yourcomplimentary InfoPack is full of ideas forgetting the most out of your free time. No mealsDAY 19 If you haven’t pre-booked any of our rangeof city excursions the rest of the day is yourown to explore further. Some of our topsuggestions (please check openingtimes/days before setting off) wouldinclude visiting the Moscow Kremlin, theTretyakov Gallery, the Pushkin Fine ArtsMuseum, or a boat trip along the MosvkaRiver perhaps locate some tickets forballet, opera, circus or a concert thisevening? As well as famous classical musictraditions Moscow features on the touringschedules of world names in jazz, rock, popand world music.Breakfast

DAY 20You’ll need to check out of your room by 12 noon today. A full day for you to pack inthe rest! Own transfer this evening toLeningradsky Station where you will boardthe St. Petersburg bound trainBreakfastDAY 21Early morning arrival in St. Petersburg. Ourdriver will be there to meet you at the endof the platform, and will be holding ameeting-board with your name on. You’llthen be transferred to the Vesta 3★ Hotel. (We can obtain rates for superior hotelsask a member of the reservations team fordetails.) At check-in, (after 2pm) the hotelreception will advise you they will need your passport for visa registration. Around 10am your guide will meet you atthe hotel and introduce you to the city’shighlights – a good basis for starting yourown explorations. Although the publictransport (used on today’s excursion) issimilar to Moscow’s, there are a few quirksthat your guide will show you. Afterlunchtime you’re on your own to explorefurther.No meals

DAY 22Free day for you to pack in the best of therest! Perhaps you have pre-booked one ofour city based excursions for today. Someof our top suggestions (please checkopening times/days before setting off) TheHermitage Collection – Winter Palace. Thecanals and waterways of the “NorthernVenice”. The Russian Museum of Fine Art.The Peter & Paul Fortress-and the Tombsof the Tsars inside the Fortress Cathedral.The Church on the Spilt Blood, nearby theSouvenir Bazaar.Breakfast

DAY 23Check out of your room by 12 noon. Owntransfer on departure.Breakfast




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