Classic Trans-Mongolian Holiday

We will spend 2 days exploring Beijing, the capital of China. Today, the guide will first accompany you to Tian’anmen Square in the city center and then walk northward to the Forbidden City, which used to be the imperial palace of 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 - 1911). It is now the largest royal palace and the best-preserved ancient wooden building structure in the world. You will enter the palace from Meridian Gate, which is also known as “Five-Phoenix Tower”, as it is composed of five phoenix-like buildings. Passing through the red gate decorated with big golden doornails and walking under the 10-meter-high (about 33-foot-high) red walls, you will have an illusion of going back to ancient times.
► Tips:
1. If you happen to visit the Forbidden City during summer (May-September) when the temperature ranges from 38℃~41℃ (100.4℉~105.8℉), you are advised to take enough drinking water and sun protective gear as there are nearly no shades on the vast square in front of the three main halls. 
2. Comfortable walking shoes are necessary, as you need to walk for 3-4 hours while visiting.

Leaving the palace, we will head to the Temple of Heaven, where the emperors performed national sacrificial ceremonies in the old days. You will see the blue roof of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, which was constructed with no nails. Besides viewing delicate ancient Chinese buildings, wandering under hundred-year-old cypresses is cozy. At the end of the day, we will escort you back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Beijing New World Centre Tongpai Hotel (4 stars) or similar

It is suggested to have a big breakfast and prepare some snacks before setting out to the world wonder, as it is not that convenient to find a nice restaurant near the Great Wall for lunch. Dated back to 1,400 years ago, the open section of Mutianyu Great Wall is 1.5 km (around 0.9 mi) long and 7-8 m (around 23-26 feet) high, whose main body is a zigzag rampart designed for soldiers to shoot. Winding along the rolling mountain ranges, the Great Wall is like a giant Chinese dragon swimming in the sea of plants. If you visit here in different seasons, you can admire different mountain views: apricot and peach blossoms bloom in sunny spring from April to May, while wilted leaves bring a golden tinge to the mountain in cool autumn from September to November. In the scorching summer of June to August, the mountain is dotted with vibrant cypress and oak forests, while stark ranges are covered with snow in the chilly winter from December to March. The best visit times are generally the spring and autumn. A round-trip cable car ride is included in our price to save your energy. If interested, you can also take a chair lift up and a toboggan down, which will lead you to slide through the dense forest and gain a more exciting experience.

After getting down from the Great Wall, we will drive back to the downtown area and drop by the National Stadium, aka the Bird’s Nest. Then, continue our trip to the UNESCO-listed Summer Palace to enjoy a leisurely afternoon in this scenic royal resort. It is mainly composed of Kunming Lake, inspired by West Lake in Hangzhou, and Longevity Hill, where you can gain a panoramic view of the whole resort. Among its 3,000 ancient buildings, the Long Corridor linking the hill and the lake, decorated with more than 14,000 images of flowers, animals, and Chinese folk stories, is a must-see. 

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Beijing New World Centre Tongpai Hotel (4 stars) or similar

It’s time to say goodbye to Beijing today. After checking out from the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport to board the plane to Mongolia. We can also offer a train travel from Beijing to Ulaanbaatar, which is generally cheaper than the flight and features diverse sceneries from the expansive Gobi desert to the endless grassland, but you need to spend an extra day on the way. You are welcome to contact us for such an alternative!

Upon your arrival in Ulaanbaatar, our English-speaking guide and experienced driver will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel. After check-in, your Ulaanbaatar sightseeing will start with Gandan Buddhist Monastery, which is said to be the largest Buddhist temple in Mongolia, housing the world’s biggest statue of Megjid-Janraiseg, a sage who leads men to truth. Then, stop at Sukhbaatar Square to take photos of Genghis Khan’s statue and listen to his legends.

 The First Victory of Genghis Khan's Life - Save His Wife Börte
At the age of nine, Genghis Khan, then called Temüjin, met ten-year-old Börte in the Olkhonoud tribe when his father took him to secure a marriage alliance. Then, they were engaged and got married after ten years. But shortly after their marriage, Börte was kidnapped by another tribe. To save his wife, Temüjin launched a daring rescue. With the help of allies Jamukha (his blood brother) and Wang Khan of the Keraite tribe, he clinched his first victory, which enhanced his reputation as a leader, and finally established the Great Mongol Empire assisted by Börte.

Thereafter, we will escort you to the top of Zaisan Memorial Hill, which offers a bird’s eye view of Ulaanbaatar. Enjoy the intoxicating sunset over the city. In the evening, a Mongolian traditional dance and music show will be arranged for you. Just immerse yourself in the joyful performance of the Biyelgee Dance, which is said to have appeared about 800 years ago, the most essential daily entertainment for nomads then. Dancers usually sit cross-legged on the ground and mimic milking or herding through changing movements of their upper body. You can try to guess what story the dancers intend to tell.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Grand Hill Hotel Ulaanbaatar (4 stars) or similar

Departing from Ulaanbaatar and following the bumpy road, we will arrive at the Hustai National Park in 2.5 hours. After a brief introduction of the park at the entrance, we will probe deeper to trace these endangered Mongolian wild horses who always gather along the river bank or on the hillslope. Get your telescopes ready, as they can only be viewed from more than 200 meters (656 feet). If interested, you can go hiking around the specific viewing points and test your luck to encounter Siberian marmots in the thick grass. They may poke their heads out of the hole looking at you or stand on their hind legs to keep watching for their mates. In addition, you may come across argali sheep on the hillside. A one-hour horse ride is also arranged for you to explore the park.

For a short break, you will be escorted to a local family where you would be treated with Mongolian milk tea and have a chance to see nomads herding and milking. In the evening, you will be transferred to a ger camp in Hustai.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hustai Ger Camp or similar

We will have the last sightseeing in Hustai in the early morning. Take the chance to find wild horses if you didn’t see them the day before, as they conventionally gather along the river at dawn. Then, we will drive back to Ulaanbaatar.

Upon arrival, we will escort you to Bogd Khaan Palace Museum, the palace of the last emperor of Mongolia, which was built in the blending style of Mongolian, Tibetan Buddhism, and traditional Chinese. Entering the palace and walking along the central axis, you will stop in front of a building with a green ceramic roof called the Green Palace, also known as the Summer Palace where Bogd once lived during summer. Near it is the Winter Palace, a European-style building whose white wall is decorated with gold window frames. Stepping in, you will be staggered by the luxuriant relics of Bogd, such as an elephant specimen, shoes embroidered with gold thread, fur mantle made of 80 fox skins, and the world’s only Mongolian yurt made out of fur of 170 snow leopards. Please note that you need to pay another MNT 50,000 (about USD 14) to the museum if you want to take pictures.

After lunch, our guide will assist you to board the train departing to Irkutsk. When the train leaves the city area of Ulaanbaatar, your eyes will be feasted by the endless grassland dotted with yurts and herds of cattle and horses. If it is sunny, you can see the shade of the clouds cast on the plain, which form a classic image of Mongolia with the azure sky. Staying overnight on the train, you will be welcomed by the crystal Lake Baikal, emerald-green cedar forest, and gray rocks when entering Irkutsk in the morning. 
► Train Tips:
1. When exiting Mongolia and entering Russia, the train will stop at the border for 1-2 hours and customs officers will check your passport, departure or arrival card, and luggage. You are not allowed to take pictures during the exit and entry inspection. Besides, some toilets cannot be used at this time.
2. If you want to take clear pictures on the way, you need to clean the outside train window by yourself before departure. Borrow a mop or rag from the train staff if necessary.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: on the train

The train will pass by Ulan-Ude and run along Lake Baikal to reach Irkutsk in the afternoon. Welcome to Russia! According to the itinerary, two and a half days will be spent here, touring the city highlights and beautiful Lake Baikal. Upon your arrival, our local guide will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel. Then, set out for a walking tour to some local parks, the War Memorial, churches beside the Angara River, the main streets in the city center, and the Statue of Alexander III.

 Recommended Restaurant: Sobraniye Speshilova (at your own expense)
If you cannot wait to try traditional Siberian cuisine, head to Sobraniye Speshilova, which is only a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Its assorted cold-cut meat, squid salad, and cheese soup are all worth trying. There is also a tea culture museum on the second floor that displays many traditional Russian teapots and cups. You need to pay RUB 200 (about USD 2) for the museum ticket. If interested, you can also taste Russian tea and experience the tea culture, costing RUB 1,100 (about USD 11).
Average Cost per Person: USD 20-25
Address: Sedova St., 42/1, Irkutsk 664022

 Useful Information about Russia:
1. Visa Requirement: Travelers from countries such as the US, Canada, and Australia need to apply for a visa at least one month ahead of time before departure. US citizens need to pay USD 185 for a single-entry visa, while citizens from other countries only need to pay USD 50. If you are from 55 countries including France, Germany, and Greece, an e-visa is acceptable.
2. Currency: The Rouble (RUB) is the official currency of Russia. US dollars, Euros, and other currencies as well as Visa cards, Mastercard, and American Express are not acceptable. So please exchange enough RUB cash in advance.

Meals: No meals, advice freely available
Accommodation: Irkutsk City Center by Eastland (4 stars) or similar

Tired of human society? Today, our guide will accompany you to immerse in the pure nature of Lake Baikal - the pearl of Siberia - and its surroundings. As the oldest lake in Russia, it can be dated back to 25 million years ago. Allegedly, this 31,000 square kilometers (about 11,969 square miles) lake was once a part of the ocean and was later formed in the crustal movement, giving it a maximum depth of 1,642 meters (about 5,387 feet).

We will first drive for 2 hours to Bolsho Goloustnoe, a typical Siberian village by Lake Baikal. On arrival, firstly pay a visit to a local church and then take a stroll along the shore to enjoy the lake view. If lucky, you may encounter nerpa, the only freshwater seal in the world, usually bathing in the sun on the rocks of the lake bank. Want to explore deeper? Then, ascend a nearby hill covered by lush forests to enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Baikal. At the end of the day, the guide will lead you to check in a Siberian Guest House.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Siberian Guesthouse

In the morning, we will further explore the tranquil Bolshoe Goloustnoe village and the picturesque Lake Baikal. Buryats, a branch of Mongolian, are hosts of this area. Although living in Russia, they retain much of the traditional Mongolian lifestyle and culture, which is obviously shown by their clothes. Walking in the village, you may encounter local women in brightly colored deels with cloud-patterns embroidery and velvet conical hats, while males usually wear small round hats with upturned brims and leather boots. 

As Buryats embrace Shamanism and revere nature, they always perform religious ceremonies on the shore of Lake Baikal. If lucky, you may watch the Shaman ritual and colorful ribbons on the tree, tied by locals to ask for the blessing of nature. Following the lake shore, you will reach a dry riverbed, where you can see coniferous forests, rocks, and swaps. If you happen to visit here after the rain, you may encounter eagle owls, kingfishers, reindeer, and lynx attracted by the water-filled river bed and other various terrains. 

In the afternoon, our guide will accompany you back to Irkutsk by private car and send you onto the train to Moscow. It will be quite a long ride, lasting for as long as three days. However, it’s a great chance to empty your mind and fill your eyes with changing scenery along the way.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: on the train

The train will take you across Siberian's serene and endless plain. On the way, you can enjoy distinctive views of forests, hills, streams, ponds, swamps, and cityscapes outside the window. You will pass Omsk, the land where Fyodor Dostoyevsky was exiled, the famous Russian novelist known for his book Crime and Punishment. Major cities including Krasnoyarsk, Novosibirsk, and Yekaterinburg are also scattered along the railway. After crossing the Kama River, the vegetation becomes lusher, and vibrant Siberian wooden houses will gradually come into your eyes.

 Things to Know Before Boarding the Train to Moscow:
1. The train may stop for about half an hour at large stations in big cities such as Krasnoyarsk when you can get off the train to relax, but please double-check the departure time before getting off.
2. Only one free meal will be provided on the train, including a small bottle of water, an egg pancake, and a bag of juice. You can dine at the train restaurant, which may cost RUB 530 (about USD 5) per person per meal. Or prepare some food and snacks before boarding. 
3. Free hot water is provided on the train, but RUB 150 (about USD 1.5) is needed for taking a shower.
4. There is no signal on the train most of the time, so it is better to take a book or something else that can help you kill time.

Accommodation: on the train

The train will arrive in Moscow in the morning. Our locally based guide and the driver will meet you at the exit of the railway station and then escort you to check in at the hotel. After settling down, enjoy a hearty breakfast first and then you will be accompanied to tour around the city on foot and stop by some landmarks, including Bolshoi Theater - the oldest and largest theater in Russia, Tverskaya Street, and GUM Department Store.

Then, we will continue to head to Red Square nearby. As the heart of Moscow, it witnessed many pivotal historical events, such as the French entry to Russia in 1812, the military parades during the Soviet period (1917-1991), and the ceremony that celebrated Moscow becoming the capital of Russia. Besides, you can admire the aesthetic buildings, among which St. Basi’s Cathedral is the most famous. Composed of nine vibrant onion domes adorned with strips, swirls, and geometric designs, the cathedral features towers resembling huge candies from afar, while its Byzantine- and Russian-style main body built with red bricks looks more imperious. At the end of the day, we will escort you back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Series (4 stars) or similar

Today’s sightseeing will start with the ancient Kitai-Gorod quarter, one of the oldest areas in Moscow and a traditional trading quarter, dotted with historical buildings, cafes, and churches. Then, we will drive for about 30 minutes to Novodevichy Convent. Built in 1524, it is the most beautiful and biggest religious complex in Moscow. Thanks to the stone structure, it survived the fierce fire in 1812 during the French invasion of Russia. You are expected not to wear shorts, skirts, and slippers when entering. It is said that the famous Russian composer Tschaikovsky created the ballet Swan Lake here, and the pond out of the monastery, hence the name Swan Lake. Looking across the pond, you will find the monastery behind the trees is like a medieval castle with pink walls and golden onion domes. 

Leaving the monastery, we will head to Victory Park, where you can see the 141.8-meter-high (465-foot-high) memorial of the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945) between the Soviets and Germany during WWII. Then, follow our guide climbing up Sparrow Hill, where you can catch the panoramic view of the Moscow River and the city area. 

After getting down the hill, the Moscow Kremlin is waiting for you. As a royal palace and symbol of state power, the Kremlin to Russia is like the White House to the United States and 10 Downing Street to the United Kingdom. Standing at its entrance, you will first see the 80-meter-high (262-foot-high) Troitsk Tower with red walls and a green spire adorned with a red star. Entering the palace, you must not miss its armory chamber. Built in the early 18th century, it was originally used to produce and store weapons, and now is a museum that collects more than 4,000 royal treasures. Among these, one of the Fabergé Eggs, the Memory of Azov Egg carved from a heliotrope jasper may capture your imagination. It was made to commemorate the voyage to the Far East undertaken by the Tsar’s sons. You will be staggered by its green shell decorated with golden patterns and diamonds and a delicate tiny platinum boat whose anchors and cobweb-thin ropes can be clearly seen inside.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Series (4 stars) or similar

Our service will end today after the guide transfers you from the hotel to the airport or railway station. Hope you will be satisfied with our service! Want to have a deeper exploration of Russia? We can continue to tailor the trip to St. Petersburg or Yekaterinburg. Contact us anytime if you are interested!

Meals: Breakfast