BOOK NOW at www.imaginative-traveller.com or CALL 0845 287 0769MONGOLIA133ItineraryDay 1-2 / Ulaanbaatar No activities are planned for Day 1, so you may arrive at any time. On Day 2, explore this small but fascinating capital at your leisure- perhaps visit the excellent National History Museum, or the Museum of Natural History. On the evening of Day 2, we depart by sleeper train bound for Erdenet. Day 3 / Erdenet - Selenge Durable 4WD vehicles meet us in Erdenet and take us out for our first nights on the open steppe at Selenge, one of the most fertile provinces of Mongolia. Day 4-6 / Khövsgöl Nuur (Khövsgöl Lake) We travel to Lake Khövsgöl and enjoy the picturesque scenery of rolling hills strewn with wildflowers overlooking one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. Day 7-8 / Zuun Nuur (Zuun Lake) Onwards to the beautiful Zuun Nuur (Zuun Lake). Here we explore the open steppe and see herder communities living as they have done for centuries. Day 9-10 / Khorgo Uul National Park A full day's travel takes us to scenic Khorgo Uul National Park. Hike up the extinct volcano Khorgo and enjoy views of the 'White Lake' (Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur). Day 11 / Chuluut Gorge Our journey continues to Chuluut Gorge. A hike amidst this beautiful canyon is a must, with the chance of seeing ancient petroglyphs etched into the rock. Day 12-14 / Orkhon Valey - Tövkhön Khid We have a few days to explore the Orkhon Valley, including a day trip to Tövkhön Khiid (Tovkhon Monastery). This reconstructed monastery is an important pilgrimage centre for Mongolian Buddhists. Day 15 / Harhorin - Högnö Khan Uul Avoiding the tourist trail, we make our way to the ancient Mongol capital, visiting the Erdene Zuu Khiid, the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, before driving on to Högnö Khan Uul National Park. Day 16-17 / Arburd Sands We travel north through grasslands and sand dunes to visit a local nomad family. Day 18 / Zorgol Hairhan Uul We make a day trip to the sacred Zorgol Mountains to view the giant vertical rock formations jutting out of the steppe. Day 19-20 / Ulaanbaatar We return to the relative bustle of Ulaanbaatar for our final night, perhaps gathering for a folk performance that includes mesmerising Mongolian throat singing. Our adventure ends after breakfast on Day 20.Mongolian Wilderness Adventure 20 daysVenture into the real Mongolia.Venture into the real Mongolia on this camping adventure as we traverse untouched parts of an untouched land. This trip is perfect for those who love a pioneering lifestyle as it seems wherever you are in Mongolia you are always miles from nowhere. Trip InfoDeparture DatesGroup size: Maximum 16.Grade: Culture Moderate / Walking Easy.Transport: Bus, On foot, Trek.Accommodation: 10 nights camping, 6 nights ger tent (4-share), 2 nights budget/tourist class hotels, 1 night sleeper train.Meals: 19 breakfasts, 16 lunches, 16 dinnersStart Day: Monday End Day: SaturdayTour code: GCMWStart FinishStart Finish201116-May 04-Jun13-Jun 02-Jul06-Jul 25-Jul25-Jul 13-Aug15-Aug 03-Sep201214-May 02-Jun11-Jun 30-JunNEW

For detailed departures, itineraries and prices please visit our website134MONGOLIA / RUSSIA / CHINAItineraryTrans Mongolian Adventure 23 daysThe great sites of Russia with an authentic Mongolian experience.A fresh approach to a classic rail journey, our Trans Mongolian Adventure combines the 'must see' sights of Russia with a truly authentic Mongolian experience. Traversing two continents and thousands of kilometres, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore these great lands.Trip InfoDeparture DatesDay 1-3 / St Petersburg Our journey begins in St Petersburg - the beautiful 'Venice of the North' with its pastel palaces and winding canals. We have two full days to explore before catching our overnight train to Moscow.Day 4-6 / Moscow The Russian capital beckons, with its magnificent buildings, historic cathedrals and the majestic spires of the Kremlin. The Red Square is awe-inspiring and St Basil's Cathedral is spectacular. On the evening of Day 6 we depart by train to Siberia.Day 7-9 / Trans Mongolian Railway A four night rail journey takes us over the Ural Mountains and towards Asia. We cross many rivers, travel past cities and see large areas of silver birch forests en route to the Siberia's beautiful Lake Baikal.Day 10-12 / Lake Baikal - Irkutsk After arriving in Irkutsk, we travel to the picturesque village of Listvyanka, famous for its historic wooden church, on the shores of Lake Baikal. We stay two nights in this charming area, with opportunities to swim and trek.Day 13-14 / Trans Mongolian Railway We return to Irkutsk before tonight joining the train south into Mongolia. Our two night journey gives us an opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie of our fellow passengers.Day 15-16 / Ulaanbaatar - Gobi Desert We arrive in Ulaanbaatar and after a day to explore, we catch a local train into the Gobi. We are heading to an eco-friendly ger camp (traditional tented camp) on the vast steppe - home to the nomadic descendants of the Mongol Empire.Day 17-19 / Gobi Desert Staying in traditional Mongolian gers in the beautiful countryside, we have three full days to enjoy the nomad experience. We are staying in a protected nature reserve. We rejoin the Trans Mongolian railway on the evening of Day 19.Day 20 / Trans Mongolian Railway We travel via local train to Hohhot (Inner Mongolia). We have plenty of time to socialise with friendly Mongolian and Chinese traders - our particular schedule is rarely used by foreign travellers so we are sure to attract their curiosity!Day 21-23 / Hohhot - Beijing After a day to explore Hohhot's temples and mosques, we board our overnight train to Beijing - the final leg of our journey to China's bustling capital! We arrive early, with the day left free to explore. Our adventure ends the next day, on the morning of Day 23.Group size: Maximum 16.Grade: Culture Moderate.Transport: 4WD vehicle, Minibus, Sleeper train.Accommodation: 3 nights ger tent (4-share), 2 nights homestay, 8 nights budget/tourist class hotels, 9 nights sleeper train.Meals: 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners.Other: You have an expert local guide at each stop, but will not be escorted on the trains.Start Day: Monday End Day: TuesdayTour code: GCMAStart FinishStart Finish201118-Apr 10-May16-May 07-Jun06-Jun 28-Jun04-Jul 26-Jul18-Jul 09-Aug08-Aug 30-Aug22-Aug 13-Sep201216-Apr 08-May21-May 12-Jun18-Jun 10-Jul