Grim it may be, but for nearly half the world “Siberia” is synonymous with the Soviet Era system of prison camps (which in fact had begun a century earlier under the Tsars).  This trip visits the only remaining Soviet gulag, near Perm… but it’s not all about barbed wire and watchtowers!  There’s a relaxing “soft” rafting trip on the Usva River, the amazing beautiful Kungur Ice Caves (this is just an underground stroll, no scrambling involved), with the second half of the trip set in Mongolia as a complete contrast!

Map

Trip overview

DAY 01 – Arrival in St. Petersburg

DAY 02 – Around St. Petersburg

DAY 03 – Departing St. Petersburg

A full day for you to pack in the best of the rest. Own transfer this evening to Moskovsky Station where you will board the Moscow bound train.

DAY 04 – Arrival in Moscow

We transfer you by private car directly to your hotel. This morning there's a three hour walking and familiarisation tour, to introduce the city (and its public transport system) and to get your sightseeing off to a flying start. The rest of the day's your own.

DAY 05 – Explore Moscow

Free time to explore Moscow independently.

DAY 06 – Departing Moscow

Transfer to Yaroslavsky Station where you will board the Perm bound train.

DAY 07– Arrival in Perm

Arrival in Perm, transfer to hotel.

DAY 08 – Depart to the Kungur Ice Caves

Onwards to Usva River. Begin rafting trip, and overnight camping at the Rocky Cliffs.

DAY 09 – Full day rafting along the Usva River

Camping overnight.

DAY 10 – Continue by raft to Mys

Transfer by road to the Perm-36 Gulag Camp. Return to Perm, check into Ural Hotel.

DAY 11 – Free time to independently explore

Evening transfer to the station where you will board the Ulaanbaatar bound train.

DAY 12 – On board The Trans-Sib

Onwards into Siberia itself, via Novosibirsk.

DAY 13 – On board The Trans-Sib

Across the River Enisei, at Krasnoyarsk.

DAY 14 – On board The Trans-Sib

Continuing across Siberia heading for Mongolia.

DAY 15 – Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Early morning arrival in Ulaanbaatar. Transfer from the station, shower and breakfast. Depart for city tour to include the Gandan Monastery ceremony. Tour ends city centre. Transfer to Elstei Ger Lodge.

DAY 16 – Elstei Ger Lodge

Free time at Elstei Ger Lodge. Throughout the day you will have the opportunity to partake in optional activities.

DAY 17 – Return to Ulaanbaatar

DAY 18 – Departing Ulaanbaatar

Early morning transfer to the station where you will board the Beijing bound train.

DAY 19 – Arrival in Beijing

Arriving into Beijing Central Station at the end of your Trans-Siberian journey.