Overview
Read reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 19 Day Trans-Mongolian Express. From bustling Beijing to the Hermitage in St Petersburg, travel halfway around the world in three incredible weeks. Board one of the world’s great trains and ride the rails on this once-in-a-lifetime trip across the grassy steppes of Mongolia and through the taiga forests of Siberia. Share train carriages with locals and spend nights in a Mongolian ger and a cozy Russian guesthouse. Not only does this trip provide the perfect blend of comfortable accommodations and plenty of activities, but also free read more time to explore this fascinating region at your own pace.
Sold Out
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either the season has ended and new dates will be released soon, or the itinerary has been updated and isn’t operating this season.
Operator
G Adventures
1 Trip Review
Avg. Rating: 5/5
Trip Style
Rail Collection
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
6-99 Years
Max. Group Size
15
Pace
Leisurely
Guiding Style
Fully Guided
Itinerary
There are no planned activities until the group meeting in the evening.
While on board, settle in and enjoy impressive views as the train tackles the mountains before descending to the arid lands of Inner Mongolia and continuing into the heart of rural Asia. In the evening, reach the border post of Erlian. Here, the train's wheels will be changed to accommodate a different gauge rail. Opt to stay on board and watch it happen.
Awake to the stunning landscapes of the south Gobi. The classic image of Mongolian horses and gers (yurts) dot the scenery from horizon to horizon. The occasional nomad encampment appears mirage-like through the carriage window. Arrive to Ulaanbaatar, get your bearings on an orientation walk. Afterwards, stop for a visit to No Limits Cafe and enjoy coffee, tea, and snacks prepared and served by local youth with Down Syndrome, and their mothers. Then start exploring, choose to take in a local cultural show or enjoy some Mongolian barbecue.
Discover one of the most important Mongolian temple complexes, the Gandan Monastery. Learn about the history of Buddhism in Mongolia and hope for the chance to see chanting monks. If lucky, a local fortune teller may be around to share some wisdom. After the Monastery, the tour will continue in the Winter Palace of the last Mongolian King (the only King's palace that survived the revolution). At the end of the tour, visit Zaisan Hill, a great viewpoint with a monument dedicated to Soviet soldiers. (B/D)
Walk through the valleys and live simply while overnighting in a traditional ger camp. (B/L/D)
Return back to Ulaanbaatar before boarding the next train. (B)
Travel to Listvyanka on the shores of Lake Baikal. Opt to visit Baikal Limnological Museum, enjoy a 'banya' (Russian sauna) or take a boat ride on the lake. (D)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lake Baikal is the oldest and deepest lake in the world. With free time, catch a glimpse into why this is the "Galapagos of Russia". Opt to go for a boat ride or take a short hike. (B/D)
Head back to Irkutsk for an included city tour of one of the most beautiful cities in Siberia. Take some time to shop like the locals at the Central Market to stay well-fed on the voyage. (B)
Continue on from Irkutsk to Yekaterinburg. Drink with locals in the dining car, buy homemade food on the platform from "babushkas" (Russian grandmothers), read, relax, play cards, meet your fellow passengers, watch the taiga forests go by — this is what the experience is all about!
Continue on and arrive to the soviet-style city in the Ural Mountain region.
With free time, opt to see a performance at the Yekaterinburg Opera and Ballet Theatre, visit the fine art gallery or spend some time at the military museum. (B)
In the morning, board the Trans-Ural Railway. Say farewell to Asia while crossing the Urals into Europe. (B)
Arrive to Moscow and start exploring. Take an orientation walk of the metro then opt for a Moskva River boat trip or a visit to Lenin's Mausoleum, the Tretiakov Gallery or St Basil's Cathedral.
The area around the Red Square is perfect for sightseeing and people watching. Visit one of the many shops, wander the Alexandr Gardens or visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Head down into the metro to explore the beautiful stations or visit another part of the city.
Enjoy one last day with free time to explore the many museums, art galleries, or theatres that Moscow has to offer.
St Petersburg, one of Europe's finest cities, is home to baroque European architecture combined with the opulent palaces of Russian royalty. Its tree-lined streets and cosmopolitan atmosphere make it a favourite destination for travellers from around the globe. Upon arrival to St Petersburg take a walking tour of the city. Learn the sordid history of the city from the Peter the Great to Dostoevsky to the Seige of Leningrad.
Visit the Hermitage Museum with free time to continue exploring the "Venice of Russia." (B)
We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this vibrant city. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Ride the rails through Mongolia's grassy steppe and Siberia's taiga forests.
- Stay in a local village on Lake Baikal.
- Admire the grand structure of Moscow's Kremlin and Red Square.
- Marvel at the rich art collection in the Hermitage Museum.
- Your G for Good Moment: Cafe No Limits Visit, Ulaanbaatar
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Local Living Moment: Traditional Ger Stay, Gorkhi Terelj National Park
- China-Mongolia Railway
- Ulaanbaatar guided city tour including Gandan Monastery, Zaisan Hill and Bogd Khan Palace
- Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex visit
- Trans-Mongolian Railway
- Irkutsk city tour
- Lake Baikal stay (Listvyanka)
- Trans-Siberian Railway
- Yekaterinburg walking tour
- Trans-Ural Railway
- Red Square visit and Moscow metro orientation tour
- Kremlin and Armoury guided tour
- St Petersburg walking tour
- Hermitage Museum entrance
- Local meal suggestions and language and border-crossing support throughout
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Hotels/guesthouses (11 Nights), sleeper trains (5 Nights), Mongolian ger (2 Nights)
- A variety of styles of hotels/guest houses are used on this trip. In some local guest houses the rooms can be small and simple with shared toilet facilities and showers. A sleep sheet and travel pillow are recommended for the overnight train journeys, although simple bedding is provided. The trains have sleeper carriages with 4 beds per cabin.
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
- 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
- Train, private bus, metro, walking
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Operator
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: Rail Collection
All aboard for unforgettable journeys where the ride is just as exciting as the destination. G-Adventure’s Rail Collection pairs iconic train routes with immersive local experiences, offering front-row seats to stunning landscapes and authentic cultures. Whether you crave high-speed luxury in Japan or overnight charm in India, these trips deliver comfort, convenience, and connection. Rail travel is one of the greenest ways to explore, supporting communities and reducing your footprint without sacrificing style or excitement.
Trip Reviews (1)
Enjoyable Trans-Mongolian trip 1
Juli & Lyn, NSW, Australia, Sep 2018
I really enjoyed this Trans-Mongolian trip, the guide was excellent and very helpful at all times. Once in a life time experience with great people that I met during my recent trip. Thank you to those who made this trip happen and organised it well.
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Similar Tours
19 Days Bishkek Ashgabat
Operated By: G Adventures
From
11,251
Save
372
20 Days Bangkok Hanoi
Operated By: G Adventures
From
1,462
Save
512
20 Days Seminyak Labuan Bajo
Operated By: G Adventures
From
2,576
Save
711
20 Days Delhi Delhi
Operated By: G Adventures
From
809
Save
295
