From the Forbidden City to the Kremlin, discover China's Imperial past, explore the untouched wilderness of Mongolia's deserts, lakes and mountains and travel the vast length of Russia from Siberia to St. Petersburg. Prepare for some rough roads and remote places on this overland adventure from the Far East to the edge of Europe.
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Days 1 - 7
The trip leaves Beijing on day one so, for those of you joining here we recommend flying in a few days early to see all the main sights and relax. Recommended places to visit include: Tian'anmen Square - the largest square in the world, the Forbidden City, a superbly preserved section of the Great Wall, as well as the largest sacrificial complex in the world, the Temple of Heaven.
On leaving Beijing we visit two UNESCO world heritage sites - the Eastern Qing tombs and the Great Wall at Mutianyu. The Eastern Qing tombs 125kms north of Beijing are China's largest grouping of imperial tombs housing 5 emperors, 14 empresses and 136 imperial consorts. Walking around these tombs is an unforgettable experience. The Great Wall was begun over 2000 years ago and stretches for over 6,700 kms. The 2250m long granite section of wall at Mutianyu dates from the Ming dynasty and is far less commercialised than other sections and is notable for its numerous Ming guard towers and striking views. The wall here is also equipped with a cable car. We continue heading north towards Mongolia traversing Inner Mongolia to Erenhot.
Days 8 - 14 Mongolia - known as the 'Land of the Eternal Blue Sky' is six times larger than the UK and has a population of only 2.7m. It offers a unique combination of primordial landscapes and nomadic culture, still relatively untouched by mass tourism.
We begin our journey across Mongolia in the Gobi Desert, which covers one third of the country. Contrary to expectation most of the Gobi consists of stony, scrubby wasteland; sand dunes only covering about 3%. The desolate landscape is home to a wide variety of wildlife - gazelle, khulan (wild ass), Bactrian (two-humped) camels, takhi (Mongolian wild horse), rare saiga antelope and the world's only desert bear - Gobi bear (estimated to only be about 30 remaining). The Gobi scenery is awe-inspiring but transport and infrastructure are sparse and water, of course, is scarce & it is the driest, hottest and harshest region in the country, but home to some spectacular sights. Crossing this region we will visit the highlights of the Gurvan Saikhan National Park: Yolyn Am, Khongoryn Els and Bayanzag. Yolyn Am is an impressive, steep, thick-walled gorge in the middle of the desert which, for most of the year has a thick layer of ice. The gorge is home to a variety of animals and birds, including Argali (wild sheep) and vultures. In complete contrast we will also visit Khongoryn Els - the 'Singing Dunes' - some of the largest and most spectacular dunes in Mongolia. These dunes are up to 300m high, 12km wide and about 100km long. The climb to the top of the dunes is not easy but you will be well-rewarded with spectacular views. There will be an opportunity here to go camel riding, hiking and stay in local Ger accommodation.
We will also visit Bayanzag or 'Flaming Cliffs'. First excavated in 1922, it is renowned worldwide for the number of dinosaur bones and eggs found in the area. The area is a classic desertscape of rocks, red sand, scrub and awesome emptiness.
We then head north for a break in the country's capital Ulaanbaatar. Here there is a complete mix of cultures - crimson-robed monks, smart-suited businesspeople and nomads from the steppes. The city offers a variety of museums, monasteries, temples, art galleries and cultural shows to visit.
Those on the 14 day trip finish here in Ulaanbaatar whilst others join us to carry on to Omsk & St. Petersburg
Days 15 - 21
Next we will stop at Kharkhorin (Karakorum) the capital of the Mongol Empire before Kublai Khan (Ghengis' grandson) moved it to what is now Beijing. Built by Ghengis Khan about 800 years ago, Kharkhorin was abandoned and then destroyed in 1388. The remains were used to help build the nearby Erdene Zuu Monastery in the sixteenth century - the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. At its peak there were up to 1,000 monks in residence. Like Kharkhorin the monastery was eventually abandoned and vandalised by invading Manchurians. Attempts at restoration were begun in the late eighteenth century but destruction came again with the Stalinist purges and an unknown number of monks were either killed or shipped off to Siberia. Despite everything however, the monastery still retains much of its former glory.
Days 22 - 28
From here we enter into the Arkhangai region and some of Mongolia's most stunning scenery. The area's capital Tsetserleg is ringed by scenic mountains, the streets are tree-lined and there are some good restaurants and an interesting museum. In this region we will visit Tsenher Hot Springs, Khorgo volcano and Terkhin Tsagaan Lake - one of the most beautiful lakes in a country full of beautiful lakes, surrounded by extinct and craterous volcanoes. From here we continue our journey north to Lake Khovsgol - the world's second-largest lake (13km long and 36 km wide). (time & weather permitting)
This sparkling alpine lake is set amidst mountains, pine forests, interspersed with lush meadows. Here there is an opportunity to hike, kayak or horse ride and we may be able to visit the Tsaatan nomads whose lives revolve around their reindeers.
Leaving the tranquillity of the lake we begin our journey to the Russian border. En route lies the extinct volcano of Uran Uul and Amarbayasgalant Khiid - the country's most intact architectural complex, built in the early eighteenth century by the Manchu emperor Yongzheng. (time permitting)
Days 29 - 35
We enter Russia, the world's largest country, in Siberia. Despite its history of banishment and cruelty and preconceptions of a harsh, unforgiving climate Siberia has a wealth of natural and cultural attractions to offer visitors. Our first point of call is Lake Baikal - the world's deepest lake, which also contains nearly one fifth of the planet's unfrozen fresh water and has its own unique species of wildlife including nerpa (fresh water seals). In winter the lake is frozen and used as a road by trucks and cars alike. At Ulan-Ude there is an opportunity to visit the local datsans (Buddhist temples) and to see forgotten 'Hun' temples. From Ulan-Ude we head to Irkutsk on the western shore of the lake with its brightly painted shutters and log houses decorated with wooden lacework. Irkutsk is known as the Paris of Siberia. From here there are opportunities to stay with a local family in one of the lake-shore villages or organise diving trips to discover the lake's underwater life.
Days 36 - 45
If time permits, we detour from the main track and visit Tuva, the geographical centre of Asia and an area of outstanding natural beauty. Khoomei (Tuvan throat singing), khuresh (Tuvan wrestling) and shamanism make this area a fascinating place to visit. Tomsk - our next port of call, with its wooden-lace architecture and thriving student population is an interesting, vibrant city to visit.
Its then onto Omsk, where despite its industrial suburbs the centre is architecturally interesting and has some great restaurants and we spend a couple of days here to relax and check out the sights!
Those on the 45 day trip from Beijing finish here in Omsk, whilst others join us to carry on to St. Petersburg.
Days 46 - 52
Leaving Siberia, we enter the Urals - the division between Europe and Asia. Yekaterinburg, the region's economic and cultural capital has a bloody history, from the execution of Tsar Nicholas II and his family in 1918 to the high profile Mafia killings in the 1990s. The city museums are also a good place to view examples of the Urals mineral wealth. Moving on to the town of Perm, Perm-36 was, from 1946-1988, a harsh labour camp for political prisoners and is now a sobering & fascinating museum. The Urals themselves offer a variety of options for outdoor activities.
Days 53 - 60
We now enter the Volga region, the heartland of Russia, named after the magnificent Volga River (the longest river in Europe) that dominates the region. Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000 is home to an impressive Kremlin and an array of other resplendent buildings. River cruises are also possible and a interseting and relaxing alternative to viewing the city. Nizhny Novgorod, sometimes called Russia's third capital is one of Russia's most dynamic provincial capitals and is the birth place of Maxim Gorky. It was also the home of Andrei Sakharov, awarded the Nobel Peace prize in 1975. The Sakharov Museum provides a fascinating view of his life. From Nizhny Novgorod it may also be possible to visit Volgograd - formerly known as Stalingrad and the site of World War II's longest and most humanly costly battle. One million Russian soldiers alone lost their lives. The city is dominated by its memorial to this bloody battle - the centrepiece is a 72 metre statue of Mother Russia.
Days 61 - 67
Leaving the Volga Region we enter the Golden Ring - so-called for its wealth of architectural and artistic riches, housing some of Russia's oldest cities and prettiest villages. Vladimir has some fine examples of Russia's most formative architecture, along with some interesting museums. Suzdal, has federal protected status. As a result its dome-spotted skyline, set amongst luscious meadows alongside the gently meandering Kamenka River make it an almost fairytale setting. A wealth of architectural sites avail themselves to visits, whilst the rolling hills and beautiful countryside are ideal for outdoor activities including horse riding and mountain biking.
Days 68 - 73
Next it's onto Moscow, which makes for a fascinating city to visit - the diversity of its population and the richness of its culture ranges from the traditional to the bohemian. Highlights include the Kremlin, Red Square, St. Basil's Cathedral, the Armoury and Pushkin and Tretyakov galleries. We spend several days here to experience this amazing city before continuing. Novgorod, our next destination is a beautiful town of solid old churches, peaceful tree-lined streets & a magnificent Kremlin full of historic treasures. In complete contrast to the previous few days, it has a laid-back atmosphere & is surrounded by beautiful countryside.
St. Petersburg, our final destination, is a real high-point to end our trip - the birthplace of Russian ballet, home to literary and musical legends and a wealth of museums and mansions culminating in the breathtaking Hermitage and imperial palaces. River and canal cruises are a pleasant way to view the city and St Petersburg has a reputation of being the best place in Russia for eating out. It's also a good place to stock up on last minute souvenirs before you return home.
If youre interested in Asia overland travel, enquire about our Emporers & Tsars trip or any of our other overland trips today!
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