Mongolia to China: The Trans-Mongolian Railway Adventure Tour

Ger camps, golden dunes, nomadic families - and then, of course, the Great Wall. Not many trips pull off a contrast this good, but the overnight train from Ulaanbaatar to Beijing makes it look easy. Come face-to-face with the Terracotta Warriors, wander Suzhou's classical gardens, and let Shanghai's skyline have the last word. Mongolia to China by rail - as epic as it sounds.

Is there an important notice I should read before the trip?  

Peak season notice: Golden Week falls between October 1st and 7th each year. Please note that Golden Week is a semi-annual 7-day or 8-day national holiday for the people of China. This is a very busy time of the year for domestic tourists, so expect some crowding at major attractions. We recommend booking these dates well in advance as accommodations and transportation availability is extremely limited.

What should I consider when planning my personal expenses and discretionary spending for this itinerary?  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?  

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

How should I dress to respect local customs during the tour?  

In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites.

Are there any specific safety considerations for this itinerary?  

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.

What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?  

MONGOLIA
The currency used in Mongolia is the Mongolian Tugriks (MNT).

As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and Mastercard but these are limited to major cities. We also recommend the use of cash and travellers cheques in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee.

One of the main things to remember is that Mongolian Tugriks can't be exchanged outside Mongolia.

Because of bank regulations and exchange rate the best USD notes to have are $50 and $100 without any marks/stamps/holes or stains on them. If a banknote has a mark it might be refused to be exchanged.

CHINA
As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com.

As of April 2024 the exchange rate for China was 1 USD = 7.25 CNY (Chinese Yuan).

Although the most common payment methods in China are apps such as WeChat Pay and Alipay, we strongly recommend carrying some cash as a backup, since credit cards or mobile apps may not always work. We also suggest setting up either WeChat Pay or Alipay on your device before arriving in China. We strongly suggest setting up either Wechat or Alipay on your device prior to coming to China. This will require you link a credit or debit card to these apps and also set up a data roaming package to use in China so that you can make payments locally. Please check the terms and conditions carefully when you set up account and payment. Credit cards may work with big venders in first tier cities like Beijing, Shanghai or Hong Kong but it's not guaranteed and less likely to work in other cities or towns and small venders.

What are the tipping guidelines for this trip?  

MONGOLIA
It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels.

There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $3-$5 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $5-7 USD per person, per day can be used.

CHINA
Traditionally in China tipping is not expected and thus there is no need to tip in restaurants and your general interaction with locals; however, tipping is customary - though not compulsory - in the tourism industry and not only shows an expression of satisfaction it may also be of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your CEO may offer to collect the money and tip as a group.

Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from 1 to 3 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. A suggestion would be for each group member to contribute anonymously by putting their tip into an envelope. This often works the best and the group as a whole should gather to present the gift to the recipient(s), offering their thanks and showing their appreciation. This method brings the action out into the open, allowing for a friendly and appreciative interaction between the group and the recipient(s).

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $5 USD per person per day can be used.

What should I do if I can't find my airport transfer or experience arrival issues?  

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

What should I pack for this trip?  

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Light Hiking:
• Hiking boots
• Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended)
• Walking poles

Train Travel (Optional):
• Slip-on shoes
• Small container with lid
• Travel cutlery
• Travel or camp cup

Warm weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

What are the main highlights of this trip?  

Visit Gandan Monastery and the Bogd Khan Palace in the heart of Ulaanbaatar, Hike golden sand dunes and sleep in a traditional ger camp at Khugnu Khan, Share lunch with a nomadic family and make dumplings together in their ger, Trek through Terelj National Park past Turtle Rock and Aryaval Monastery, Board the overnight Trans-Mongolian Railway from Ulaanbaatar to Beijing, Hike the Great Wall and explore the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, Come face-to-face with the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an

What are the packing guidelines and luggage restrictions?  

What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. While suitcases are not recommended for most G Adventures trips a rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) is quite suitable for this trip as they need to fit under the beds when travelling on sleeper trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones.

CHINA
Do not bring any knives or swords into China (gifts or otherwise). If they do make it into the country, they will not be permitted on trains. If you purchase a knife or sword while travelling elsewhere before arriving in China your best option is to post/mail it home before entering the country as no post/mail companies in China will accept it as a parcel.

How can I share feedback about my trip experience?  

Earn 5% off your next G Adventures Tour (up to $100 USD)*

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us and to thank you for your time, we are pleased to offer a 5% discount (up to a maximum of $100 USD) off your next G Adventures holiday. All you need to do is submit the form within 4 weeks of the completion of your tour, and you'll be able to join the thousands of travellers who have taken 2, 3, 4 or even 10 or more tours with us!

Discount cannot be combined with other offers or applied to 'Independent' style trips. Maximum discount value is $100 USD (or equivalent currency). Valid for new bookings only. G Adventures reserves the right to withdraw or modify this offer at any time without notice. Limited to one discount per person.

Is there a travel disclaimer for my itinerary I should review before booking this trip?  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

What is the maximum and typical number of participants on this tour?  

Max 16, avg 12.

What should I expect from the accommodations on this trip?  

Mongolia:
Gers are traditional Mongolian tents made with wooden frames and layers of felt. The camps we stay at will have 2 beds with mattresses, linens, and extra blankets. The tent is on a platform and while simple, is quite comfortable and offers a truly unique experience. Our locations are remote and gers do not have built-in ensuite - all camps have shared facilities with toilette's/sinks/showers. Most ger camps have 24 hour electricity with a couple of exceptions that have generators which after 11pm they cut electricity until morning.

Where can I read detailed notes about this trip?  

China has emerged as a great tourist destination in the last ten years and is an intriguing and rewarding destination to visit. Developing at a fast rate, travel is becoming easier for foreigners but please be aware that English is still not widely spoken outside the large cities and that accommodation, toilet facilities and some transportation is not yet at the same level as you would expect in developed countries. If you are able to bring with you a lot of patience, a great sense of humour and a willingness to try and interact with the local people, your travel experience will be greatly enhanced.

Due to Internet restrictions, some popular websites and applications - including social media sites like Facebook and email services like Gmail - may not work in China. If you think these restrictions may affect you, we suggest you do research before your departure in order to be prepared. Bear in mind the availability of websites and apps can change without notice at any time.

Are there any health considerations I should know before travelling?  

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In Asia pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

What are the modes of transportation on my trip?  

Train, local bus, metro, private van/bus, walking, overnight train.

Where will we stay during the trip?  

Hotels (10 nts), ger camps (4 nts), overnight train (1 nt).

What important notes should I be aware of before the trip?  

MONGOLIA
As we use local transport please note backpacks are much more suitable than suitcases for this style of trip. Jeep and bus travel means that bags have to be stowed either overhead or under beds, so travelling as light as possible is recommended. Please note that part of Mongolia's appeal is its wild nature and, as such, accommodation and infrastructure can be very basic in nature, with some shared rooms and limited access to showers in certain places. Mongolia is a country which is very different to anything you will have experienced before. Although this means it is not the easiest place to travel, this is also what makes it so special.

COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.

INTERNET ACCESS
Please note while traveling through mainland China you will not be able to access some popular internet websites, certain websites such as Google, Dropbox, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WordPress,etc. It may be possible to access some of these websites using a VPN. If you wish to use above blocked sites, we suggest you get a suitable VPN on your device prior to travel.

Peak season notice: Golden Week falls between October 1st and 7th, 2019/2020/2021. Please note that Golden Week is a semi-annual 7-day or 8-day national holiday for the people of China. This is a very busy time of the year for domestic tourists, so expect some crowding at major attractions. We recommend booking these dates well in advance as accommodations and transportation availability is extremely limited.

ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.

What meals are included in this trip?  

7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners

If I choose to purchase My Own Room, are there any exceptions during the trip?  

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all nights stop except the overnight train from Ulaanbaatar to Beijing.

How will we travel between destinations?  

China:
Train travel is often used throughout our China trips as it's an easily accessible and fast way to make the most of the time you have in China. While packing for your trip please note the following restrictions and remember that the local policies in place are for yours and everyone's safety.
Prohibited items on China's trains and metro:
1. Any knives or scissors
2. Items or food that have an unpleasant odour (ex. Durian)
3. Open liquor bottles (new bottles with the seal intact are okay)
4. Pressurized/flammable containers over 120ml in size (ex. sunscreen spray, mosquito repellent spray, hairspray, etc.)

Prohibited items on trains to/from Guangxi Province - Guilin/Yangshuo
1. Floria Water - a mosquito repellent water common in China
2. Self-heating food items (self-heating hot pot, rice, etc.)
3. As well as everything on the previous list above

What are the joining instructions?  

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

If you would like to book an airport Arrival transfer for your tour, please contact our Sales Team or your Travel Agent in advance of travel.

If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, a G Adventures representative will be at the airport to meet you. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.


Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.

Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don't see a note, please ask reception for details!

If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.

What emergency funds do I need access to on this trip?  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Where can I do my laundry on this trip?  

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

What are the meals like on this trip?  

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. While trekking in remote regions, food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. For all trips, please refer to the meals included and budget information.

For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

What are the mandatory group rules regarding laws and behaviour?  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

What is the maximum number of travellers on this tour?  

16

What details should I be aware of when planning my departure day?  

If you would like to book an airport Departure transfer for your tour, please contact our Sales Team or your Travel Agent in advance of travel.

What activities are optional on this trip?  

Gorkhi Terelj National Park
- Afternoon Hike in the National Park

Beijing
- The Pearl Market (Free)
- Drum and Bell Tower Visit (30CNY per person)

Mutianyu
- Toboggan at Great Wall (100-140CNY per person)
- Cable Car at Great Wall (100-140CNY per person)

Shanghai
- Yuyuan Garden (40CNY per person)

What's Included  

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Meeting - Meet Your CEO and Group, Ulaanbaatar
Your Foodie Moment: Nomadic Family Visit with Mongolian Dumpling Making, Elsen Tasarkhai
Your Discover Moment: Shanghai. Guided tour of Gandan Monastery. Visit to Zaisan Hill. Visit to Bogd Khan Winter & Summer Palace. Explore and hike the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes. Traditional Mongolian barbecue dinner. Hike to Khugnu Khan Mountain. Visit to Uvgun Monastery. Visit to a nomadic family. Mongolian dumpling-making experience. Lunch shared with a nomadic family. Dinners at ger camps. Visit to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Visit to Turtle Rock. Visit to Aryaval Meditation Monastery. Archery session. Hiking in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Visit to Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue Complex. Overnight from train from Ulaanbaatar to Beijing. Great Wall excursion. Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City guided tour. Terracotta Warriors tour. Master of the Nets Garden. Shanghai orientation walk and acrobatic show. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Is there a disclaimer I should read before booking this trip?  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

What is the role of the group leader during this trip?  

All our G Adventures group trip is accompanied by a G Adventures Chief Experience Officer (CEO) in Mongolia & China. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

Who will be leading the group?  

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Are international flights included in this trip?  

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

What are the age restrictions for this trip?  

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.