Along the waySt PetersburgMoscowUlaanbaatarHuhehotBeijing

Leaving from St. Petersburg to Beijing

ExperienceClassic Outer & Inner Mongolia

What’s includedTrain> 4-berth rail for complete journey (pre-assigned berths)> with option to upgrade to 2-berthSt. Petersburg > transfer on arrival to your hotel> 2 nights 3★ hotel, breakfast > 3 hour personalised walking tour with local expertMoscow > transfer on arrival to your hotel> 2 nights 3★ hotel, breakfast > 3 hour personalised walking tour with local expert> transfer to the station on departure

Ulaanbaatar & Inner/Outer Mongolia> all transportation included> 3 nights with Nomads in traditional Gers, all meals > 2 nights Elstei Ger Lodge (tourist lodge), all meals > excursions > 1 night 3★ hotel, breakfast included> City tour of UlaanbaatarHuhehot> transfer on arrival > 2 nights 3★ hotel, breakfast included> excursion

FULL ON

Everyone’s heard of “Outer Mongolia”, withoutactually knowing anything about it. But “InnerMongolia”? The names come from Imperial China. When theyconquered Mongolia they realised that ruling itwould be impossible. So the grassland partnearest to Beijing (the “Inner” part) they ruled likethe rest of China, but they gave up once the Gobiwas in the way, and the “Outer” part was ruled bymartial law. “Outer Mongolia” is now theindependent country of Mongolia, one of theworld’s least-visited countries. “Inner Mongolia” isstill a part of China, and you can imagine how fewgo to it? But it was once the richest part of Mongolia – thistrip is for the inquisitive and adventurous!

In the know�The word “Kremlin” isn’t Russian – it’s froma medieval Tartar word meaning “fortress”.There used to be kremlins all over Russia inthe days when the Mongols were a threat.There’s even one in Siberia, at Tobolsk.“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.Huhehot is the Capital of the InnerMongolian autonomous region.

At The Russia Experience we like to ditch theclichés, discard the puff and concentrate onwhat we do best – bringing to life the world’slongest train route: the places visited, theencounters made and the realisation of ajourney that is both engaging and rewarding.

We continually look at ways of enhancing theTrans Siberian experience, incorporatingseasonal considerations (such as the Harbin IceFestival), providing the historical context (pay avisit to the only remaining Soviet Gulag) orinviting you to savour the diverse culturalinfluences of indigenous people (sit down with ashaman, or enjoy the Siberian art of throatsinging!).

We have no group departures, ouradvertised dates always operate (barringanything completely out of our control)and, above all, we will tell you it like it is –allowing you to make the right choice froma portfolio of journeys rich in variety andfull of memorable experiences. Sorry! Wecouldn’t resist at least one cliché!

No ordinary trip

Visa RequirementsMost visitors to Russia, Mongolia and Chinarequire visas. These must be obtained priorto departure. Visa processing times forthese countries can be up to;Russia 10 Working DaysMongolia 06 Working DaysChina 07 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, lightweight jacket, flip flops,swim wear, sun cream, photographs ofhome to show the Nomads, Mongolianchildren love bubbles!, universal sink plug,bottle opener.

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

St. Petersburg/Moscow +15/+22 +15/+30 + 8/+24Ulaanbaatar +15/+24 +26/+42 +10/+25Huhehot +27/+31 +31/+30 +26/+22Beijing +15/+22 +24/+30 +8/+22

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 – 21 days Leaving from St. Petersburg to Beijing

ExperienceClassic Outer & Inner Mongolia

DAY 01 “S Priezdom! Welcome to St. Petersburg!” Our driver will be there to meet you fromwhichever flight, train or boat you arrive. You’ll then be transferred to the Vesta 3★Hotel. (We can obtain rates for superiorhotels ask a member of the reservationsteam for details.) At check-in, (after 2pm)the hotel reception will advise you they willneed your passport for visa registration.This process takes 1–2 hours. Yourcomplimentary InfoPack is full of ideas forgetting the most out of your free time.(Please note your train tickets to Moscoware usually e-tickets and are sent with yourfinal travel documents.)No mealsDAY 02 After breakfast one of our local expert staffwill meet you at the hotel to take you on athree hour walking tour round thehighlights you’ll use public transportaround the centre to avoid the traffic jamsand get the hang of the system for whenyou come to use it independently. Ourstaffers are full of ideas for this walk butare flexible about other ideas if you haveyour own. Your walk ends in the city centrearound lunchtime. If you haven’t pre-booked any of our range of city excursionsthe rest of the day is your own to explorefurther.BreakfastDAY 03 You’ll need to check out of your room by 12 noon today but the hotel offers a LeftLuggage service for a small fee. Your day is free until your evening departure toMoscow. Reception can book you a taxi tothe station. Some of our top suggestions(please check opening times/days beforesetting off). The Hermitage Collection –Winter Palace. The canals and waterwaysof the “Northern Venice”. The RussianMuseum of Fine Art. The Peter & PaulFortress-and the Tombs of the Tsars insidethe Fortress Cathedral. The Church on theSpilt Blood, nearby the Souvenir Bazaar. Breakfast

DAY 04 Early morning arrival in Moscow. Ourdriver will meet you at the end of theplatform and will be holding a meeting-board with your name on. You’ll then betransferred to the Panorama 3★ Hotel.(We can obtain rates for superior hotelsask a member of the reservations team fordetails.) The facilities available at this hotelinclude a Restaurant, Lobby Bar, Lobby Wi-Fi access, Luggage Room, Safety depositboxes and an ATM machine. One of ourlocal expert staff will meet you at the hotelaround 10am to take you on a three hourwalking tour round the highlights – you’lluse public transport around the centre toavoid the traffic jams and get the hang ofthe system for when you come to use itindependently. Our staffers are full ofideas for this walk but are flexible aboutother ideas if you have your own. Yourwalk ends in the city centre aroundlunchtime. Check-in is after 2pm the hotelreception will advise you they will needyour passport for visa registration. Thisprocess takes 1–2 hours. Yourcomplimentary InfoPack is full of ideas for

getting the most out of your freetime. (Please note your Trans-Siberiantrain tickets will be delivered to the hotelduring your two night stay.)No meals

DAY 05 This morning you can continue sightseeingthe Lenin Mausoleum is only open in themornings, and getting there early (it’s inRed Square) helps beat the queues. If youhaven’t pre-booked any of our range of cityexcursions the rest of the day is your ownto 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. BreakfastDAY 06 You’ll need to check out of your room by 12 noon today but the hotel offers a LeftLuggage service for a small fee. Your day isfree until 8pm when a driver is scheduledto take you to the station. This morningyou can continue sightseeing – the LeninMausoleum is only open in the mornings,and getting there early (it’s in Red Square)helps beat the queues. Although there’s arestaurant car service on board your trainyou may want to supplement this withsome snacks, treats, and fresh fruit thatyou could buy today. Your transfer fromthe hotel to Yaroslavsky station isscheduled for 8pm, so please be at thehotel reception where your driver willmeet you and will assist your boarding ofthe Ulaanbaatar bound train. BreakfastDAY 07–10 On board The Trans-Sib... the dining car isthe heart of the train which serves a varietyof meals and snacks reasonably priced. Itis a great place to meet fellow travellersand locals alike, sharing your experiencesof your journey so far with a few drinks,which no doubt will include some Vodka orRussian Champagne and maybe smokedsalmon and caviar too!No meals

DAY 11 Early morning arrival in Ulaanbaatar. Ourdriver will meet you at the end of theplatform and will be holding a meeting-board with your name on. Transfer fromthe station to a hotel with a chance toshower and have breakfast. This morningyou will depart for your city tour at10.30am. This includes the GandanMonastery ceremony. After lunch you willdepart Ulaanbaatar for the Bayangobiregion. Evening arrival at a herdsmanencampment. Tonight you are the guestsof the herdsmen, and you’ll stay in anomadic ger tent. Breakfast, Supper

DAY 12 Depart after breakfast for a day tripthrough the countryside of ÖvörkhangaiProvince in the direction of Harhorin (twohours of off-road driving each way). Ourroute takes us into the Orkhon Valley, aWorld Heritage Site, which can be calledthe birthplace of Mongolian civilisation –the sites of the earliest metal working(which created the weapons that made theMongolian empire great) are located here.We stop for a picnic lunch amid thestunning spacious scenery. This afternoonwe arrive at modern Harhorin thesettlement Genghis Khan would haveknown as Karakorum. It was here at thelegendary gathering of clans that theydeclared Genghis the Great Khan, and hismilitary campaigns of conquest began.Nothing is left of the ancient settlement,but on its site is the (rather later)monastery of Erdene Zuu, one of the mostimportant Buddhist centres in Mongolia�and on the grounds of the monastery is thesingle turtle statue that remains ofGenghis’s great Royal Court. Come back toour nomadic host family and have atraditional supper.Breakfast, Lunch, SupperDAY 13 This morning see how a nomadic familymilks their live stock and learn how theyproduce dairy products using thetraditional Mongolian method, and alsoparticipate in bringing the herd intopasture. Free time to explore theBayangobi area, maybe take a walk alongthe sand dunes. This evening we stay withour nomad host family, will have supperand learn traditional Mongolian games.Breakfast, Lunch, Supper

DAY 14 This morning depart to our tourist GerLodge. With a scheduled stop at theenormous monument to Genghis Khanalong the way. 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. On arrival to ElsteiGer Lodge you will be allocated a fourperson share Ger. (2- person upgradeavailable.) This is a different experiencefrom staying with nomads, as Elstei ispurposely set up for foreign visitors. Thisevening chill out and relax after the longjourney.Breakfast, Lunch, SupperDAY 15 With no specific activities planned you canchoose to chill out, read, sunbathe, gowalking, or (for a small payment madedirectly to them locally) you can go horseriding with local nomad horsemen. Arelaxed evening in the bar after supperthere are occasional impromptuperformances of live Mongolian music,where you might hear the Morin Khuur(horse-head lyre), the cimbalom, or nativeMongolian throat-singing.Breakfast, Lunch, Supper

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 – 21 days Leaving from St. Petersburg to Beijing

ExperienceClassic Outer & Inner Mongolia

DAY 16 Around 10am you make the return trip toUlaanbaatar. Check into the Bayangol �3★ Hotel. This is a great centrally locatedproperty and facilities include 5restaurants, fitness centre, sauna and asupermarket.The balance of today is freeto explore more of the city. You can chooseto return to the heady atmospheresurrounding the Gandan Monastery (whichyou’ll have already visited when you werein the capital last time), or visit the ChoijinMonastery Museum, or the Bazaar ... logon and pick up your email in one of thenumerous internet cafes on Peace Avenue,have a latte and French pastries in the newgeneration of new-age coffee stores, gosouvenir shopping in the peculiar grandeurof the Central Department Store, or pick upsome snack food for the train in the Store’sfood department ... in the evening a widerange of traditional and new styleMongolian eateries are vying withEuropean style places, Irish pubs andGerman beer halls to enjoy, usually withlive music later on. BreakfastDAY 17 You’ll need to check out of your room by 12 noon today but the hotel offers a LeftLuggage service for a small fee. Your day isfree and it will be easy to keep yourselfamused as there is so much still to see anddo. We recommend you take thisopportunity to purchase provisions for thenext leg of your journey, as often thisservice has no dining car. Be back at thehotel at 8pm where your driver will meetyou at reception. You will then betransferred the short distance toUlaanbaatar station where we will assistyour boarding of the Huhehot boundtrain. Breakfast

DAY 18 Spectacular scenery that’s worth wakingearly for this morning as you trundlethrough the Southern Gobi. There’s alayover at the border while they changethe train-bogeys to Chinese gauge – theydon’t rush themselves for this job, so it’sworth getting out to wander around, evenif the surroundings are not especiallyinteresting. Another layover once youreach the Chinese side, for passportcontrol (you are usually not allowed out ofthe station, as you have not yet clearedChinese passport-control). (It is worth pre-planning your use of the bathroom today,as it will be locked during these stops!) Lateevening arrival in Huhehot, the capital ofInner Mongolia. Our driver will meet you atthe end of the platform where he will beholding a meeting-board with your nameon. Transfer to the Chunxue Siji hotel,which is located in the city’s shopping andbusiness district.No mealsDAY 19 After breakfast your guide will meet you atreception, where you will depart for a fullday city of Huhehot, which will include;Zhaojun Tomb, Dazhao Temple and TheFive Pagoda Temple. Expect to return tothe hotel late afternoon. Ourrecommendation for this evening; treatyourself to a slap up Chinese meal –Huhehot has a super selection featuringboth local Mongolian (you can even eat in aMongolian cart-drawn war-ger) andtraditional Beijing-style cuisine.Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 20 You’ll need to check out of your room by 12 noon today but the hotel offers a LeftLuggage service for a small fee. Your day isfree to participate in a little extra shopping or sightseeing. Own transfer to the station for the Beijing bound train.BreakfastDAY 21 Early morning arrival at Beijing WestStation. For additional services we offer inBeijing and beyond please refer to our website.No meals

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 - 21 days Leaving from St. Petersburg to Beijing

ExperienceClassic Outer & Inner Mongolia