Day 9. Lake Baikal
Today your private train arrives at the original track of the Trans-Siberian Railroad. For several hours, you travel along the coast of the lake and have the opportunity to take a walk on its frozen surface. Overnight: On board (BLD)
Day 10. Ulan-Ude
Your journey continues through the gorgeous, snow-covered Selenga Valley and the wild solitude of Eastern Siberia’s mountainous steppes. Your train stops for a time in Ulan-Ude, where you enjoy a city tour then continue on to the Russia–Mongolia border, where border formalities are painlessly conducted on board. Overnight: On board (BLD)
Day 11. Ulan Bator and the Mongolian Alps
During breakfast on board, you watch the taiga mountain landscapes of northern Mongolia and its scattered nomad settlements from your window. In the morning, you reach Ulan Bator, where porters are already waiting to help with your luggage, and head to your centrally located mid-range hotel. On this first night in Ulan Bator, you also have the chance to spend the night in a heated yurt—bookable in advance—amid majestic and unspoiled natural surroundings, a truly unique experience! In the afternoon, you visit the Mongolian National History Museum. If you choose to spend the night in the hotel, you have the opportunity to watch a Mongolian folk performance, featuring throat singing, national costumes, dances, and the horsehead fiddle—the morin khuur—a symbol of the Mongolian nation. Tickets are €14/$15, to be paid on site. If you decide to spend the night in a heated yurt, you can enjoy Mongolian folk tales by the campfire. Overnight: Hotel Bayangol (or similar) (BLD)
Day 12. Ulan Bator
Today you see the Gandan Monastery and the otherworldly Choijin Lama Temple—a unique example of Buddhist architecture, featuring dramatic illustrations of the torments of hell that await practitioners who stray from the path of righteousness. In the afternoon, you visit with a cattle breeder family at the edge of the city. Overnight: Hotel Bayangol (or similar) (BLD)
Day 13. A Winter’s Tale Ending
Today is the last day of your winter’s tale on the Trans-Siberian Railroad. On your way to the airport, you reflect on your magical wintertime journey through Russia and Mongolia and all the great memories you have made. (B)
Beijing Extension
If you would like your winter’s tale to continue on from Ulan Bator, you can board the regular train to Beijing on the morning of the thirteenth day. The Chinese train from Ulan Bator to Beijing takes you across the vast Gobi Desert over the course of about 35 hours. An experience guide accompanies you to assist, for example, with arranging meals on the train. Overnight: On board (BLD)
Day 14. Hello, Beijing!
In the afternoon, your train pulls into Beijing, where you transfer to your high-end hotel. After making yourself comfortable, you have time to explore China’s fascinating capital on your own. Overnight: Capital Hotel (or similar) (BD)
Day 15 The Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Peking Duck
Today you enjoy a thorough guided tour of the legendary Forbidden City and a sightseeing tour that includes the Temple of Heaven. That evening, you dine well at one of Beijing’s highly regarded restaurants for the city’s most famous dish—Peking Duck. Overnight: Capital Hotel (or similar) (BD)
Day 16. Goodbye, Beijing!
It’s been sixteen days through a winter wonderland on the Zarengold private train, and now your journey has come to an end. The sights you have seen and things you have learned will stay with you forever. After breakfast, you transfer to the airport from your hotel for your flight home. (B)
(B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner
