THE TSAR’S GOLD EASTBOUND MOSCOW TO MONGOLIA
TRANS-SIBERIAN RAILWAY
May 6 - 20, 2017 | June 3 - 17, 2017 | July 22 - August 5, 2017 |
August 17 - 31, 2017 | September 9 - 23, 2017
About this Exceptional Rail Journey…
The diverse history and cultural complexities of Siberia and Mongolia are navigated in this
exceptional journey through some of the world's most fascinating cities and landscapes. This
extraordinary itinerary is not to be missed - from the imposing, intricate and beautiful facades of
Moscow's architectural wonders to Lake Baikal and Mongolia's vast Gobi Desert.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Moscow's Red Square separates the Kremlin - the former royal
citadel and the current official residence of the President of Russia - from the merchant or
business quarter. It is also widely considered the center of Moscow and all of Russia, due to main
roads that originate in the square and extend through Moscow to Russia's main highways.
Formed approximately 25 million years ago, Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world, and
home to one of the only species of freshwater seal. Surrounded by evergreen forests and
mountains rich in wildlife, Baikal is at the heart of one of Russia’s most scenic regions.
The Gobi Desert, the northernmost arid desert in the world, is home to a startling array of flora
and fauna that live within the two million hectares of dramatic rock formations, towering cliffs,
and sand dunes.
Recommended For:
Adventurers looking to explore the culture of the last truly nomadic society in the world and the
incredibly historic Trans-Siberian route.
Accommodations:
• 4 nights at hotels in Ulaanbaatar and Siberia
• 7 nights aboard the Tsar’s Gold Trans-Siberian train
• 3 nights at the award-winning Three Camel Lodge
Highlights:
• Train ride along the traditional Trans-Siberian railway with 2 exclusive photo stops
• Moscow’s Red Square and Metro stations
• Boat ride on Lake Baikal
• Pristine Siberian villages and landscapes
• Daily lectures about countries, people and cultures
• Explore the mystical Gobi Desert
• Flaming Cliffs, Tugrugiin Shiree, Yol Valley and Moltsog Els
~ Detailed Itinerary ~
Day 1
Welcome to Moscow
After having arrived in Moscow, your tour guide welcomes you at the airport and accompanies you to your hotel. The Russian capital presents itself in wonderful illumination on
your "Moscow by Night" city lights tour. Afterwards you can stroll across the famous Red Square with your tour guides and experience Moscow’s Metro stations in all their splendor
and beauty. At night, the beds in your first class hotel spread comfort.
(Hotel InterContinental Tverskaya or similar; D)
Day 2
Sightseeing Moscow
Your grand city tour starts in the morning with the Kremlin, including one of the magnificent cathedrals still left from the time of the Tsars. Towards evening, your train departs
from the Kazan Station.
(On Board; B, L, D)
Day 3 Kazan
After breakfast you arrive in Kazan, the old Tartar capital on the banks of the Volga. Plenty of history here: on a guided tour of the Kremlin you will learn about the wild and often
bloody relations of the Tartars, Cossacks, and Russians. Your Private Train resumes its journey in the evening.
(On Board; B, L, D)
Moscow. Photo courtesy Lernidee
Day 4
Yekaterinburg
In the afternoon halt in Yekaterinburg and short tour of the city centre, just restored in 2009. In the course of the city tour you will see the newly erected Cathedralon-the-blood, built in memorial of that tragic historical event. Back on the train your journey through the vast steppes of Western Siberia continues.
(On Board; B, L, D)
Day 5
Novosibirsk
You reach Novosibirsk, heart of Siberia, where you will be welcomed in the traditional Russian manner with bread and salt. Your city tour includes a visit of the
Trans-Siberian monument and the mighty Ob River. After dinner, the train continues its ride eastwards.
(On Board; B, L, D)
Day 6
Across Siberia
Your Private Train, by now your second home, proceeds onward over the Yenisei River through Siberia. It takes you through the landscapes of Eastern Siberia with
its mountains, crystal-clear rivers and verdant slopes. On board of the train you enjoy entertaining lectures about Siberia. The on-board restaurant chefs once again
demonstrate their skills with the speciality meal "Tsar’s Feast". Enjoy Russian hospitality during the vodka and caviar tasting while passing by impressive
landscapes.
(On Board; B, L, D)
Day 7
Irkutsk
Today the train reaches Irkutsk, capital of Eastern Siberia. During a city tour you will see beautiful Siberian wooden cottages, the new statue of Alexander III and
the lively market hall. After lunch, you undertake an excursion to the open-air museum "Life and Work in the Time of the Tsars.” Spend the night in a centrally
located hotel in Irkutsk.
(Hotel Irkutsk or similar; B, L, D)
Day 8
Lake Baikal
Today you will visit a Siberian village by bus. A boat takes you across the deep waters to Port Baikal, where your Private Train awaits you. On ancient tracks it
takes you directly along the shore of Lake Baikal for several hours. Dinner is served in typical local style as a picnic on the shores of the lake (weather permitting).
(On Board; B, L, D)
Day 9
Lake Baikal | Ulan Ude
This day takes you along a different part of the shore of the mystical Lake Baikal, and then onwards through the magnificent valley of Selenga passing by wild and
lonely mountain steppes of Eastern Siberia. On the way to the Mongolian border the train will stop in Ulan Ude, where you attend the city tour. Afterwards the
train departs for Mongolia.
(On Board; B, L, D)
The Trans-Siberian Railway
Czar Alexander II of Russia first approved plans for the construction of a railway system connecting the capital city of St. Petersburg with the provinces of the Russian Far East
and the port of Vladivostok. The actual construction started in 1891 during the rule of his son, Czar Alexander III. The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest rail line in the world,
covering almost six thousand miles. Of the many Russian cities and towns along the Trans-Siberian, Irkutsk and the Lake Baikal region are among the most enjoyable stopovers.
The Tsar’s Gold near Lake Baikal. Photo courtesy Lernidee
Janraisig Statue at Gandan Monastery. Photo by B. Balik
Flaming Cliffs-Performer
Day 10
Ulaanbaatar
In the morning you arrive in Ulaanbaatar. The contrast between ancient traditions and a 21st century democracy is most visible in Ulaanbaatar, where traditional
gers and Buddhist monasteries sit side by side with modern high-rises. Upon arrival at the train station our travelers are welcomed by their Nomadic Expeditions
guide and transferred to a centrally located hotel within walking distance of various museums and shops.
Begin the day with a visit to Gandan Monastery, the seat of Buddhism in Mongolia. Woven through Mongolia’s nomadic culture is a rich Tibetan Buddhist tradition
in which ancient shamanist practices still evident. Although Buddhist monasteries were either destroyed or converted into museums during the Stalinist purges of
the 1930s, Gandan Monastery continued to operate as a showpiece for government officials. However, in spite of the government’s efforts to suppress Buddhism
and other religious beliefs, Mongolia’s spirituality persisted and a significant resurgence of Buddhism began in 1990 when Mongolia became a democracy.
Monasteries across the country are again opening their doors to worshippers, and the few lamas who survived the purges began training a new generation.
Experience these exciting developments first-hand at Gandan Monastery. Strolling through the monastery grounds, hear the low tones of the horns used to call the
lamas to the temple and observe their daily rituals, including the reading of sutras, the teachings of the Buddha. Also visit Chenrezi and Kalachakra Temples, as
well as the magnificent statue of Migjid Janraisig, “the lord who looks in every direction.” This 82-foot high statue, gilded in pure gold and clothed with silk and
precious stones, completely fills one of Gandan’s largest temples.
Later, drive through downtown Ulaanbaatar to the National History Museum for an excellent overview of Mongolia’s history and culture. The newly remodeled
museum displays traditional implements of daily nomadic life including Stone and Bronze Age artifacts, historical costumes of Mongolia’s minority tribes, sacred
religious relics, and agricultural, fishing, and hunting equipment.
If time permits, visit the 976 Art Gallery. Situated in the center of Ulaanbaatar, the establishment of 976 Art Gallery was founded in April 2012 and regularly attracts
a hip crowd of intellectuals by supporting and promoting Mongolian Artists. At 400 meters, the gallery can display over 100 paintings, sculptures and installations
at any given time, and its frequent showcases featuring local artists’ varied contemporary collections are among the best in the nation.
(Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel; B, L, D)
Day 11
Gobi | Yol Valley
Set off in the morning across the vast steppe to the Gobi. Contrary to the sameness that the word ‘desert’ suggests, the Gobi is a fascinating and diverse region, and
includes the sites of some of the most important paleontological discoveries of the 20th century. For the next three days, explore the stunning landscape of the Gobi,
habitat for Bactrian camels, Argali mountain sheep, goitered gazelle, Golden Eagles, Saker Falcons, jerboas (similar to kangaroo rats), and many endemic reptiles.
On arrival, drive to Yol Valley National Park (1.5 hours), cradled in the foothills of the Altai Mountains. Located in the northern part of the Gobi, this surprisingly
green valley was carved by an ancient river, and its remnant streams create ice formations at the base of the valley that sometimes persist as late as July. Hiking
through this deep desert valley leads to the habitat of indigenous Lammergeiers, vulture-like birds that feast mostly on the carcasses of dead animals. However,
unlike other birds whose diets consist mainly of meat, Lammergeiers feed on bone marrow, dropping large bones from the sky in an attempt to break them into
smaller pieces. Return to the ger camp for dinner and overnight.
(Three Camel Lodge; B, L, D)
“I did not tell half of what I
saw, for no one would have
believed me.”
-Marco Polo, 1324
Three Camel Lodge-Porch
Day 12
Tugrugiin Shiree | Bulgan Sum
In the morning drive to Tugrigiin Shiree, a white escarpment where the famous “Fighting Dinosaurs” fossil of a Protoceratops and Velociraptor locked in combat was
discovered in the 1970s. Stop at the site of primitive stone tool making to the north of Tugrigiin Shiree. In the late afternoon drive back to the ger camp (1.5 hours),
stopping to visit Bulgan, a town established near a natural spring. Bulgan has one of the only farms in the Gobi, which supplies local ger camps with fruits and
vegetables, an example of local businesses being supported by ecotourism.
(Three Camel Lodge; B, L, D)
Day 13
Moltsog Els | Family Visit | Flaming Cliffs
Begin the day with a drive to Moltsog Els (1.5 hours), one of the few regions of the Gobi covered by sand dunes. Explore the area on the back of a camel before
returning back to the lodge.
In the afternoon, visit one of the local families for a display of nomadic culture, including making of dairy products, daily chores of tending animals and work
around the ger. Continue driving to the legendary Flaming Cliffs, named for the orange glow of the rock at sunset. It was here in 1923 that Dr. Roy Chapman
Andrews and his exploration team from the American Museum of Natural History found the first nest of dinosaur eggs the world had ever seen. Although not
obvious to the untrained eye, the red sandstone of the Flaming Cliffs is rich with dinosaur fossils, and paleontological expeditions continue to make significant
discoveries at this site. In the evening return to the Three Camel Lodge for an overnight stay.
(Three Camel Lodge; B, L, D)
Day 14
Ulaanbaatar
Fly to Ulaanbaatar in the morning and in the afternoon visit Bogd Khan Winter Palace museum, home of Mongolia’s last theocrat, Bogd Jabzan Damba Hutagt VIII.
The museum displays elaborate ceremonial robes and other personal effects of “Mongolia’s 8th Living Buddha.” In the evening enjoy a performance featuring
traditional Mongolian dancers and khoomi throat singers followed by a welcome dinner at a fine local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel. .
(Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel; B, L, D)
Day 15
Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departing flight.
(B)
B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner
Nomadic Expeditions reserves the right to alter the above itinerary if deemed necessary
We would love to share this exceptional adventure with you!
Our Expedition Specialists are available from 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM EST, Monday thru Friday
Phone: 800-998-6634 or 609-860-9008 Fax: 609-860-9608
Email: [email protected]
Nomadic Expeditions
1095 Cranbury-South River Road, Suite 20A
Monroe Twp., NJ 08831
USA
Why Travel With Us?
Unrivaled Experience
Crafting the trip of a lifetime has been our specialty since 1992, and our experience exploring Mongolia and beyond is rivaled by no other travel company. Among
others, Condé Nast Traveler Magazine named Jalsa Urubshurow, the founder and president of Nomadic Expeditions, as the “Top Travel Specialist for Mongolia” in
2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. We have offices in the USA and Mongolia and our operations are vertically integrated. For adventurers, this means direct
communications and access to expedition specialists who have first hand experience with our trips.
Our personable guides are professionally trained in the culture and natural history of Mongolia and our other destinations, and each is expert in the skills necessary
for leading rewarding adventure travel. These talents and abilities ensure that an adventure undertaken with Nomadic Expeditions will be exciting, enriching,
enjoyable, and safe – an experience likely to exceed your expectations.
Many individuals and organizations that have traveled with us would be happy to share their experiences with you—just ask.
Responsibility
Our commitment to responsible travel means that every expedition is undertaken with the greatest respect for the lands we explore and the local people we meet.
Those who travel with Nomadic Expeditions do so with the assurance that the preservation and protection of the ecosystems and cultures we visit is of the utmost
importance to us, both as individuals and as a company. Respect for the places we travel to is at the heart of everything we do.
Real Travel, True Adventure
Mongolia is one of the last frontiers of genuine adventure travel, where an incredible diversity of ecosystems and traditional cultures await discovery by those with
an appreciation for the world’s truly wild places. To journey into the desert, steppe, and mountains of Mongolia is to travel back to a time before “tourist
industries,” when there were no detailed maps indicating “points of interest,” and one had to rely on the knowledge and kindness of locals to discover the hidden
corners of the world. We at Nomadic Expeditions are those friends in a far-off land, whose knowledge of the places we travel to can guide visitors to exceptional
adventures giving each traveler personal and enriching experiences of these remarkable lands and their people.
NOMADIC EXPEDITIONS
Train Compartment Categories and Trip Pricing
Category II: Classic
In the Classic Category (II) there are 9 compartments per car. Two guests share a compartment. Berths are sized approximately 2.3 x 6.2 ft. (70 x 190 cm) and arranged
facing each other. There is also a table under the window. Combined toilet. Lavatory compartments are located at each end of this category’s cars. In every second car
there is a shower compartment.
Double Occupancy: $11,565
Single Occupancy: $15,790
Category II: Superior
In this category, there are 9 newly refurbished compartments per car. Two guests share a compartment. Berths are sized approximately 2.3 x 6.2 ft. (70 x 190 cm) and
arranged facing each other. There is also a table under the window. Combined toilet. Lavatory compartments are located at each end of this category’s cars. In every
second car there is a shower compartment.
Double Occupancy: $12,050
Single Occupancy: $16,650
Category III: Nostalgic Comfort
If you want to travel like the red tsars, the Nostalgic Comfort Category (III) is a must. The newly built cars of Category III are nostalgically furnished, but also provide
modern amenities. You’ll be traveling in an ambiance in which even former Soviet leaders would have felt at home – although with the comfort of the 21st century.
Each of these rolling hotel rooms offers two large berths for an especially view of the changing landscapes. Two compartments share one small lavatory with
washbasin and wet room style shower facility. Combined toilet/lavatory compartments are located at each end of this category’s car.
Double Occupancy: $14,590
Single Occupancy: $20,975
Category IV: Bolshoi
The Bolshoi Category (IV) is equipped with two beds: the lower one measures 3.6 x 6.1 ft. (1.10 m x 1.87 m), even providing room for two if required. The upper one
measures 2.6 x 5.8 ft. (80 x 176 cm). Furthermore, the 60 sq. ft. large compartments offer cozy seating bench, a commodious table and a wardrobe. The compartment’s
exclusive en suite bathroom does not only contain a washbasin, WC and shower, but also enough storage space for your personal belongings. Each car of the Bolshoi
category has only six compartments.
Double Occupancy: $17,850
Single Occupancy: $26,255
Category V: Bolshoi Platinum
This category features the highest possible comfort on the Trans-Siberian. Each compartment is 77 sq. ft. large and includes a full shower cabin, WC and washbasin.
The lower bed measures 3.9 x 6 ft. (120 x 184 cm), the upper one 2.7 x 5.7 ft. (82 x 174 cm). The compartment is equipped with a very spacious wardrobe, hair dryer,
bathrobe and slippers. Each car of the Platinum Category contains 5 of these magnificent cabins, assuring that there is a maximum of only 10 guests per car.
Double Occupancy: $20,555
Single Occupancy: $30,150
Trip Price includes:
• Train ride on the Tsar’s Gold Trans-Siberian railroad;
• Internal round-trip airfare in Mongolia to and from Gobi;
• Transfers on arrival and departure (valid during specific arrival/ departure times);
• All accommodations based on double and/or twin occupancy (on board the train, hotels, gers);
• Meals as noted in itinerary;
• All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary;
• On board educational lectures about local culture, people and history;
• Extensive pre-departure Travel Guide, reading list, important information about your trip, maps and luggage tags;
• Services of knowledgeable and dedicated tour director as well as local guides;
Trip Price does not include: International airfare; passport and visa fees; comprehensive medical and trip insurance; airport taxes; excess baggage charges;
photography and video fees; gratuities to guides and drivers; food and beverages not included in the group meals; items of personal nature, including alcoholic
beverages, laundry and telephone calls; other items not specifically mentioned as included.
International Airfare
There are several airlines that offer daily flights from the United States to Moscow. For those beginning or ending their trip in Mongolia, the most popular
connecting cities to Mongolia’s capital Ulaanbaatar are Beijing (Air China or Mongolian Airlines), Seoul (Korean Air or Mongolian Airlines), Moscow
(Aeroflot or Mongolian Airlines) and Tokyo (Mongolian Airlines). Additionally, there are weekly flights from Berlin (Mongolian Airlines), Hong-Kong
(Mongolian Airlines) and Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) as well. Due to the time difference, passengers originating from the USA or Europe will have to leave 1-2
days prior to the trip commencement date.
Please indicate on your Trip Application Form if you would like us to assist you in booking international flights. Flight availability and pricing is subject to
change and Nomadic Expeditions cannot guarantee the availability of flights close to the departure date, so it is in the client’s best interest to make
reservations as early as possible in the trip planning process. Airline ticketing fees will be applied to tickets purchased through Nomadic Expeditions.
It is imperative that you send a copy of your international flight itinerary to Nomadic Expeditions at least 30 days prior to departure so that we may arrange
for any additional services and/or airport transfers.
Visa requirements
U.S. and Canadian citizens do NOT require a visa to enter Mongolia. However, if you are traveling to Mongolia via China, you are only permitted 72 hours or less in the
Beijing airport without a visa. If you plan on leaving the airport or have a layover, it is imperative that you obtain a Chinese visa in advance.
Most other nationalities, including European, DO require a visa to enter Mongolia. Please contact us if you need a Mongolian visa application. If you are traveling to
Mongolia via China, you will also need a double-entry Chinese visa.
Most nationalities must have a proper Russian visa for entry into Russia. If you re-enter Russia from Mongolia, you will need a double entry Russian visa. We partner with
a visa processing company that can assist you in your visa application and will send you the necessary information when you join the trip.
Reservations
Reserve your space on this trip by completing our Trip Application and mailing it to us with an appropriate deposit. All rail journeys require 15% non–refundable deposit
payment. Please mail your application a deposit payment to:
Nomadic Expeditions
1095 Cranbury South River Road Suite 20A
Monroe Township, NJ, USA, 08831
Once we receive your Trip Application and deposit, we will send you written confirmation of your reservation and our extensive pre-departure information packet, which
includes our Travel Guide, recommended reading list, and insurance information. This information should answer most of the questions you may have about your
upcoming adventure. However, if any other questions arise, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will also include an invoice for the balance of your trip payment,
which will be due 95 days prior to your departure date, payable by check, credit card, money order or wire transfer to Nomadic Expeditions, Inc. (Please note that there is
an additional fee for payment by wire transfer to cover bank service charges).
Approximately three weeks prior to departure, after receipt of full payment, we will send your final departure package, which includes a final itinerary, emergency contact
numbers, luggage tags, and air tickets (if applicable).
Hotels
Accommodations in Moscow and Ulaanbaatar are included in standard 4 star hotels. In Irkutsk, accommodation is included in standard 3 star hotel. Bolshoi and Bolshoi
Platinum guests reside in Deluxe rooms or Suites where as guests booked in category I-III sleep in Standard rooms. All travelers will stay at the same hotel.
Hotel property selection is subject to change; exact name of the final hotel property will be announced closer to departure.
The Three Camel Lodge
While in the Gobi, you will stay at the Three Camel Lodge, Mongolia’s premier eco-lodge and expedition camp. Built in the Gobi according to environmentally and
culturally sustainable guidelines, the camp offers an extraordinary combination of adventure and sophistication, combining traditional style with superb service.
The Three Camel Lodge was built to complement its natural surroundings and to utilize renewable energy sources, using both wind and solar power. Local artisans and
workers crafted the roofs of the building in accordance with the canons of Mongolian Buddhist architecture, without using a single nail.
The Three Camel Lodge is more than an award-winning travel destination. It is also a center of education in the Gobi region. The Lodge funds and organizes nature
conservation clubs for children in local secondary schools and serves as a base for scientific research and wildlife monitoring in the fragile Gobi eco-system.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be submitted in writing to Nomadic Expeditions. Cancellation charges are based on the number of days from the date we receive the written
cancellation notice until the main trip departure date.
Cancellation charges:
95 days or more
deposit amount
65-94 days
50% of total tour cost
64-0 days
No refund
After trip departs No refund
Airfares are refundable in accordance with the policy of the airline carrier being used, subject to a $50 handling charge.
If full payment is not received 95 days prior to departure, Nomadic Expeditions reserves the right to consider this a cancellation. A Late Payment Fee will apply to all
payments made less than 95 days prior to departure.
In the event that a trip cannot depart on the dates specified due to unforeseeable events that render the itinerary inoperable or inadvisable, Nomadic Expeditions
reserves the right to postpone services until such time as it is deemed appropriate by Nomadic Expeditions.
Nomadic Expeditions is not responsible for any unrecoverable expenses incurred by trip participants due to trip cancellation or postponement, including nonrefundable airline tickets, medical expenses and visa fees, or additional arrangements, made either through Nomadic Expeditions or another provider, purchased to
coincide with this scheduled departure.
This trip is subject to the terms and conditions set forth under the general terms and conditions of the Trip Application. We urge you to read this information carefully
and call us if you have any questions.
What to Expect
The rewards of visiting a seldom-explored country require traveling with flexibility, a spirit of adventure, and a willingness to accept local standards of amenities and
services. Mongolia and Russia are still developing in terms of infrastructure; delays or changes in the itinerary are possible, and indeed likely. Delays at the border
crossings are very common and you’ll need a little patience. As has been the case for decades, the stops at the Russian / Mongolian and Mongolian/ Chinese borders
take a long time – anything from one and a half to four hours. The journey has been scheduled so that you will not miss out on anything during the route because of the
border crossings.
Accommodations are comfortable and clean and include first-class hotels in major cities and traditional nomadic gers in the Mongolian countryside (dome-shaped tents
constructed of latticed walls, covered by felt and canvas.)
It is very important that travelers contact Nomadic Expeditions with any special needs, such as dietary or medical restrictions, as soon as possible so that every effort
can be made to accommodate special needs. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of the client, in conjunction with their health care provider, if necessary, to
determine whether their needs can be met sufficiently to allow for a safe and comfortable journey.
Nomadic Expeditions Recent Awards:
2015 Wendy Perrin WOW List – Trusted Travel Expert for Mongolia (Jalsa Urubshurow)
2015 National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World – Founding Member (Three Camel Lodge)
2015 Transformational Travel – PURE Life Experiences Award (Nomadic Expeditions)
2013-2008 World’s Top Travel Specialist for Mongolia- Condé Nast Traveler Magazine (Jalsa Urubshurow)
2013 “25 World’s Best Lodges” National Geographic Traveler (Three Camel Lodge)
2013 “50 Tours of a Lifetime” – National Geographic Traveler
2013 “50 Dream trips” – Travel and Leisure Magazine