China & Mongolia Railway Adventure
China & Mongolia Railway Adventure
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the China & Mongolia Railway Adventure, a captivating exploration of two diverse cultures. This tour takes you from the bustling metropolis of Shanghai to the historic city of Xi'an, where you'll marvel at the Terracotta Warriors. Experience the thrill of modern bullet trains and the iconic Trans-Mongolian Railway as you traverse breathtaking landscapes. Discover the majestic Great Wall of China and the serene beauty of Inner Mongolia's grasslands and deserts. In Mongolia, immerse yourself in the nomadic lifestyle with a camel herder family and explore the spiritual sites of Sainshand. Conclude your adventure in Ulaanbaatar, where traditional and modern worlds collide. This rail tour promises a rich tapestry of experiences, from ancient wonders to vibrant cityscapes and the tranquil beauty of nature. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Ni Hao! Welcome to China. Your adventure begins in Shanghai with a welcome meeting at 4 pm. If you arrive early, there is much to see and do in this frenetic city. Blending 21st-century architecture with old-world character, Shanghai pulses with the beat of new China. After your meeting this afternoon, you’ll head out for a leader-led walking tour on the bund – the perfect spot to see the nighttime skyline light up when the sun descends. Tonight, why not get a taste of Shanghai’s eclectic food scene, grab your group and ask your leader for the best recommendations for dinner.
Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Wuxi/Shanghai
Location: Wuxi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Get ready for your first bullet train experience this morning. A half-hour train ride will take you to Wuxi – once a prominent water town and now a booming city. Follow your leader on a walking tour through the Huishan Ancient Town Scenic Area and explore the cultural relics, historic sites and Xihui scenic area full of gorgeous gardens. Wander through the Huishan historic and cultural streets almost like travelling back in time. Take some epic snaps, learn about the traditional life here and then visit the Jichang Garden – one of the finest examples of traditional Chinese gardens, listed as a protected national heritage site in 1998. Head back to Shanghai in the afternoon. The evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace – why not grab a drink in one of the rooftop bars in Shanghai and look out over the bund.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Xi'an
Location: Xi'an
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hop on the bullet train to Xi’an this morning – the capital of Shaanxi Province and the largest city in northwest China. Once the imperial centre and start of the Silk Road, Xi'an is now a vibrant, modern city dotted with many historical sites and a great place to explore. When you arrive, join your leader on a walking tour, passing the iconic Bell and Drum Towers – according to legend, the Bell Tower was built to restrain the pesky dragons that were causing devastating earthquakes. See the Muslim Quarter and wander past the shops, markets, and the Great Mosque. Sample some street snacks from local carts and see why this area is known for its food! For dinner tonight, maybe try some tantalising local specialties such as pao mo (lamb broth with flat bread), hand-pulled noodles and meat skewers.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 4: Xi'an
Location: Xi'an
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Today, you’ll journey outside Xi’an and visit what is undoubtedly one of the man-made wonders of the world – the Terracotta Warriors. Learn about this incredible archaeological find, discovered after being buried for 2000 years, and take your time getting to know the 1000 warriors (each individually sculpted, with a different costume, height and facial expression). These clay statues depicting soldiers, horses and chariots were commissioned by the emperor Qin Shi Huangdi as part of his mausoleum after he ascended to the throne in 264 BC. Later, return to Xi’an and enjoy a free evening at leisure. Why not head to the Tang Paradise walking street near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda – this is an eclectic part of the city, full of light and sound and perfect for some local nightlife.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 5: Great Wall
Location: Great Wall
Accommodation: Guest house
Accommodation Name: Guest house
Today is a big day of travelling, so grab some snacks and a good book for the journey. You’ll transfer to the railway station, then board the high-speed train to Beijing. Watch the landscape change from farmland and villages to industrialised cities and take the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers along the way. When you arrive in Beijing, board a private vehicle and drive into the countryside, where you’ll spend the night in a family-run guesthouse right inside the scenic area near the Great Wall of China! Tonight it’s highly recommended that you go for a short hike to the Wall for an unforgettable sunset. You’ve made it to one of the Seven Wonders of the World!
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Beijing
Location: Beijing
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is an exciting day as you’ll visit a section of the Great Wall of China – an ancient wonder of the world and this country’s iconic site. Spend some time exploring, take plenty of photos and learn the history of this mighty landmark. An incredible piece of engineering, the wall stretches 6000 km west of Beijing. It was initially constructed to protect Chinese empires from invaders from the north. Even though it failed, it's still one of the country's most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. Hike along the top of the Wall for about 2 hours, along a section less visited by tourists and one of the most original section of the Wall - don't be surprised if you even feel you are the only ones on the Wall. Take in the scenery of the structure snaking through the hills almost endlessly into the distance. After, say goodbye to the epic site and head for Beijing – the capital and last stop of your trip.
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Beijing
Location: Beijing
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Make your way to the centre of Beijing this morning and explore Tiananmen Square – supposedly the largest downtown square in the world and the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Framed by the Gate of Heavenly Peace, Mao's Mausoleum and the Great Hall of the People, it's a place of pilgrimage for Chinese tourists who consider it to be the heart of their nation. It's from here that you'll enter the enormous Forbidden City, which was built more than 500 years ago and has been off-limits to commoners for almost all that time. You’ll explore the halls and courtyards and witness the grandeur of the Imperial Chinese court during the Ming and Qing dynasties. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore on your own. Maybe check out the Temple of Heaven before getting together with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner. There's no better way to celebrate the end of your journey than with a meal of Beijing duck (and maybe a drink or two).
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Optional Activities:
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Day 8: Beijing
Location: Beijing
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Today is a free day in Beijing, until your next welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your new travel companions joining you. After, why not get your group together for an optional dinner to get to know each other, maybe finding one of the best Beijing duck restaurants in the city. Your group leader will definitely know of some wonderful places where you can eat this delicious speciality!
Day 9: Inner Mongolia / Reshui
Location: Chifeng
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Bid farewell to Beijing and hop on a bullet train to the Inner Mongolian city of Chifeng. Stop for lunch with your group, and then learn about the area’s mix of steppe and Mongolian culture with a visit to the Chifeng Museum. Afterwards, take a private transfer to the town of Reshui, which will be your gateway to the vast grasslands of Inner Mongolia. Settle into your accommodation, and rest up for a full day of exploring tomorrow!
Included Activities:
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Day 10: Inner Mongolia / Reshui
Location: Inner Mongolia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rise in Reshui, then head out to the Huanggangliang National Forest Park. Located in the remnants of the Greater Xing’an Mountains, it’s home to Huanggang Peak which stands at an altitude of 2029 m. There are glacial and U-shaped valleys to explore, and the journey itself will be made special by the abundant flowers and endless grasslands. After lunch, you’ll visit Asihatu Stone Forest. Over 2 million years of wind and rain have contributed to make the rare stone formations! To finish the day, you’ll get the chance to see the Gongge'er Grasslands. It’s quite the sight, with rivers lazily weaving through and wild deer roaming. If you’re into your photography, this is the place to be!
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Day 11: Inner Mongolia / Xilinhot
Location: Xilinhot
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, drive to Hunshandake Sandy Land, located at the southern end of the Xilingol Grassland in central Inner Mongolia. It’s a famous water desert in China, where Spring water emerges from the sandy land and gathers into small rivers and lakes. In the heart of the Hunshandake you’ll visit Ulihan Desert Campsite. The lakes and grasslands will provide a scenic backdrop for a BBQ lunch. After, you’ll visit Dali Lake, one of the four famous lakes in Inner Mongolia, and then head to Xilinhot for the night.
Included Activities:
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Day 12: Erlian / Sainshand
Location: Erlian
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Get set for a day of travel. After breakfast, drive from Xilinhot to Erlian, arriving around midday. Stop for lunch and meet your new leader for the Mongolian portion of your journey, then head to the train station and hop on board the Trans-Mongolian Railway line headed to Sainshand. Stop in Zamiin-Uud along the way for a border crossing and for a change of train bogies. Watch on as the train’s lifted into the air one carriage at a time, and the wheels replaced with a different gauge. Arrive in Sainshand at around 1:05 am. There’ll be a transfer waiting to whisk you from the train station to your accommodation, and your rooms will be ready for you. Check in then rest up for the night!
Day 13: Sainshand
Location: Sainshand
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Take in the sights and sounds of Sainshand on a walking tour this morning. Visit a museum dedicated to the Noyon Khutagt, the Lama of the Gobi. A writer, composer, painter, Buddhist scholar and physician, the museum displays Buddhist artifacts that survived the period of the Mongolian People's Republic. Afterwards, a short drive will take you to Khamriin Monastery, which was founded by Noyon Khutagt on this site due to the spiritual energy radiating from the Gobi Desert. To the north of the monastery lie a series of caves where monks practiced high levels of meditation for 108 continuous days. Enjoy a short hike around the area to visit these caves, as well as the energy centre known as Mongolian Shambala. Return to Sainshand, and then spend the evening as you like!
Included Activities:
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Day 14: Sainshand / Overnight Train
Location: Sainshand
Accommodation: Overnight Train
Accommodation Name: Overnight Train
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, drive to the Mountain of Wishes – named thanks to the belief that if you climb to the top and whisper a wish, it’ll come true. You’ll get the chance to do exactly that, using the stairs to enjoy the view over the valley and making a wish or two. Then, get an insight into local ways of life as you visit a family of camel herders. Hear stories about the nomadic way of life over a traditional, home-cooked lunch with the family. Later, return to Sainshand then board an overnight train headed to Ulaanbaatar.
Included Activities:
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Day 15: Ulaanbaatar / Khustai National Park
Location: Ulaanbaatar
Accommodation: Tourist ger camp
Accommodation Name: Tourist ger camp
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Arrive into Mongolia’s capital city around 7 am this morning, and get set for the day with an optional breakfast at a local cafe. Ulaanbaatar’s a fascinating town, where elderly Mongolians in traditional dress mingle with the nation's young business elite. Drive to the imposing Chinggis Khaan Statue, a 40 m high stainless-steel statue honouring the founder of the Mongolian Empire. You can take the steps to the horse’s mane for views over the valley, then visit a small museum located in the statue’s base. For lunch, drive to Nalaikh town for a meal at a monastery cafe, then continue on to Khustai National Park. Settle into your ger camp accommodation for a very special slice of traditional life!
Included Activities:
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Day 16: Khustai National Park
Location: Khustai National Park
Accommodation: Tourist ger camp
Accommodation Name: Tourist ger camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast at camp, embark on a hike to see the wildlife of the national park. Wild horses running free will be quite a sight to behold, and keep an eye on the sky for Golden Eagles, falcons and vultures. Once you’ve finished your trail, drive on to the Ungut Monument. The collection of 30 human-shaped stone monuments traces back to the 7th century. Thought to be an offering site, it makes for a thought-provoking stop! Then, drive back to your camp at Khustai National Park and enjoy a free evening of leisure.
Included Activities:
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Day 17: Ulaanbaatar
Location: Ulaanbaatar
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive back to Ulaanbaatar this morning. Your leader will take you on a final orientation walk through the city’s central square, then stop in for an optional lunch at a cafe. In the afternoon there might be the chance to shop for some local handicrafts such as cashmere and felt products, or to check out some more of the city's sights and museums. Tonight you can celebrate your journey to Mongolia by witnessing a special cultural performance featuring throat singing and traditional dancing (optional). There will be an optional final dinner at a local restaurant recommended by your leader.
Day 18: Ulaanbaatar
Location: Ulaanbaatar
Say 'bayartai' to your group as your adventure draws to a close. There are no activities planned for the day, and you're free to depart the hotel at any time. If you'd like to stay longer in UB, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (13 nights), Guesthosue (1 night), Overnight train (1 night), Tourist ger camp (2 nights) -
Meals
10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners -
Wuxi - Huishan Ancient Town
Visit the Huishan Ancient Town in Wuxi.
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Wuxi - Jichang Garden
Explore the Jichang Garden in Wuxi.
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Xi'an - Muslim Quarter Walking Tour and Snack Sampling
Enjoy a walking tour and snack sampling in Xi'an's Muslim Quarter.
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Xi'an - Terracotta Warriors Tour - leader led
Experience a leader-led tour of the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an.
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Great Wall - Sunset
Witness a sunset at the Great Wall of China.
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Great Wall - Jinshanling section
Hike along the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall.
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Beijing - Forbidden City
Explore the Forbidden City in Beijing.
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Beijing - Tiananmen Square
Visit Tiananmen Square in Beijing.
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Chifeng - Chifeng Museum
Visit the Chifeng Museum in Inner Mongolia.
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Inner Mongolia - Huanggangliang National Forest Park
Explore the Huanggangliang National Forest Park in Inner Mongolia.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as entrance fees to certain attractions and shows are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional meals are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into China and Mongolia are not included.
Included Activities
Informal Chinese language lessonShanghai - Walking tourShanghai - Acrobat ShowXitang - Walking tourXi'an - Muslim Quarter walking tourXi'an - Terracotta WarriorsXi'an - Huiling visitXi'an - Local-style lunchBeijing - Mutianyu Great WallBeijing - Tian'anmen Square & Forbidden CityBeijing - Tiananmen SquareBeijing - Mutianyu Great WallLhasa - Sera MonasteryLhasa - Momo cooking classLhasa - Jokhang TempleLhasa - Potala PalaceGyantse - Pelkor Chode MonasteryGyantse - KumbumGyantse - Tibetan family visit & lunchSakya - MonasteryEverest National Park - Base Camp (Chinese side)Shigatse - Tashilhunpo Monastery ...more ...less
Transport
Train , Overnight train , Private vehicle , Metro
Accommodation
OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATIONThe style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASISAccommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on a different Intrepid trip than your own.CHECK-IN TIMEThroughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATIONIf you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (subject to availability), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights. ...more ...less
Important Information
1. A single supplement is available to be booked if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 14 (Overnight Train), 15 and 16 (Ger camp), where you will be in shared accommodation. The single supplement is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.2. A scanned copy of the personal details page of your passport needs to be sent to your booking agent no later than 40 days before departure in order for us to purchase our train tickets.3. You'll need to set up a VPN in order to access popular apps and websites including What'sapp when you travel in China. You'll need to set up wechat (preferred) or Alipay in order to make payments in China. Please read the Essential Trip Information thoroughly and prepare accordingly. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Travel includes train journeys, overnight trains, private vehicles, and metro rides, offering a diverse and exciting way to explore the regions.
Accommodation
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis, with occasional alternative arrangements due to availability. Facilities may be shared, and check-in times can vary. Pre/post-trip accommodation may require room changes.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. There may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite, and on rare occasions, you might share a room with passengers from a different Intrepid trip. The style of accommodation indicated in the itinerary is a guideline, and alternative arrangements may be made if usual accommodations are unavailable. ...more ...less
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Will I have the opportunity to experience local culture during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes several opportunities to experience local culture, such as visiting a camel herding family for a traditional home-cooked lunch in Sainshand, exploring the Muslim Quarter in Xi'an with snack sampling, and staying in traditional gers in Khustai National Park. ...more ...less
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What kind of transportation will be used during the tour?
The tour includes various modes of transportation such as trains, including overnight trains, private vehicles, and metro rides. You'll also experience a bullet train journey from Shanghai to Beijing and travel on the Trans-Mongolian Railway.
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Are there any special activities included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes special activities such as a leader-led hike in Khustai National Park to spot wildlife, a visit to the Chinggis Khaan Statue in Mongolia, and a chance to whisper wishes at the Mountain of Wishes in Sainshand.
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What should I know about the single supplement option?
A single supplement is available if you prefer not to share a room, but it excludes Days 14 (Overnight Train), 15, and 16 (Ger camp), where you will be in shared accommodation. The single supplement is subject to availability.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Enquire for huge savings
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China & Mongolia Railway Adventure
18 Days Starting in Shanghai, China and ending in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Visiting: Shanghai, Wuxi, Xi'an, Great Wall, Beijing, Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, Xilinhot, Erlian, Sainshand, Ulaanbaatar, Khustai National Park ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CBSDC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
15-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians