DAY 1: MOSCOW

DAY 2: MOSCOW

DAY 3: MOSCOW

Breakfast. Free time in the capital. Moscow has a staggering array of art galleries, museums and shops, as well as unique attractions such as Lenin’s fascinating granite mausoleum located in Red Square and the famous Gorky Park. Tonight, make your way to Yaroslavl rail station for the train to Ulaan Baatar. Overnight – train

DAY 4-6: ABOARD THE TRAIN

Settle into life aboard the Trans-Mongolian Express as it winds its way east. The train actually follows well–worn ancient tea caravan routes. Back in those days, it took an arduous 40 days or more. Since the inception of the Trans-Mongolian route in the 1950s the journey has been considerably shortened! Overnight - train

DAY 7: TRAIN TO LAKE BAIKAL

Aboard train. Via Irkutsk and skirting along the shores of breathtaking Lake Baikal, the journey continues via far Eastern Siberia. The train branches off the main Trans-Siberian line at a place called Zaudinsky, which lies just beyond Ulan Ude. Mongolia and China each have their own kilometre markers. In Mongolia, 0 km is the Russian/Mongolian border town of Naushki. Once over the Chinese border, the markers measure the distance to the big noodle, Beijing which is 0 km. Overnight - train

DAYS 8 TO 11:  ULAAN BAATAR

Breakfast (3). Morning arrival in Outer Mongolia. One of the most elevated countries in the world, Mongolia was also once one of the world's most powerful, under the leadership of the ruthless Genghis Khan. On arrival, transfer to hotel in Ulaan Baatar.  Despite the prominence of grim, utilitarian Soviet architecture, Ulaan Baatar is a laid-back provincial capital set in the rolling foothills of the Bogd mountain range, on the banks of the Tuul River. The pine-covered mountains, wide boulevards, vast public squares and park give the city a feeling of spaciousness, while the ger communities, Buddhist temples and bustling market places give it a rustic charm. The city hubbub is Sükhbaatar Square. The Museum of Natural History is minutes away. The Gobi Desert is famous for its archaeological finds from the Mesozoic Era. The Buddhist Temple of Gandantegchinlen Khiid and the Winter Palace of Bogd Khaan are also worth a look. Free time on days 8 and 11 to explore this intriguing capital city and the surrounding area. A good guide book is essential to ensure you get the most out of your time off the train. Overnight -

(4) Ulaan Baatar

DAY 12: BEIJING

Breakfast. Transfer to rail station for onward train to Beijing. Beyond Ulaan Baatar, the landscape becomes a 180º panorama of uninterrupted steppe. Continuing south, the train enters original Gobi country. Onwards to the border where, after formalities and the usual delays, the train crosses over into Chinese territory. Overnight - train 

DAY 13: BEIJING

Today marks the end of this momentous journey. Passing through Shaanxi province, the train continures on to the nations capital. Arrival scheduled for mid-afternoon into Beijing. Be aware that there could be delays, so we recommend you spend at least a night in Beijing rather than booking a departing flight for the same day.