STOPOVERS FROM MOSCOW TO BEIJING

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Arranging a trip from Russia to China can be a real challenge, especially if you do not know what cities are worth visiting or at least to have a guideline of the major ones along the way.

Another important factor that will allow you to plan your trip is how much time you will spend transiting all three countries (Russia-Mongolia-China). Keeping in mind that a direct train from Moscow to Beijing takes around 6 days, then with stopovers, you will need more than that.

When working with travelers, I notice that each one of them is following a ''pattern'' when choosing the cities to stop in. This pattern refers to what they are mainly interested in: art, history, literature and sports.

So, my recommendation of a possible itinerary that will include all fields is:

- St. Petersburg also called the ''Venice of the North'' has a lot to offer in the matter of culture and history. You can visit the famous State Hermitage, which includes more than three million works of art and artifacts, have a boat trip or visit the enormous Peterhof Palace.

The city excursion must include a visit to wonderful churches and stunning fountains.

Recommended number of days: 3-4
photo credit: http://www.askthemonsters.com/

- Moscow which is the symbol of Russia. You can visit the Moscow Kremlin- one of the greatest architectural complexes in the world; Red Square and the amazing subways.
Erich your travel experience with a tour to Russian Vodka Museum, Armory and Diamond Fund.

Recommended number of days: 3-4

photo credit: http://coolpcwallpapers.com/

- Vladimir is the oldest Russia's communities and the whole city was decreed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Recommended number of days: 1, maximum 2

photo credit: http://www.airpano.ru/

- Kazan is situated on River Volga and it is the capital of Tatarstan. The city offers a great view of Kremlin Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Yes, you can find Kremlin not only in Moscow.

Recommended number of days: 1, maximum 2

photo credit: http://russiatrek.org/

- Yekaterinburg, the city of Peter the Great where the Ural Mountains create a natural border between Europe and Asia with a fascinating and cosmopolitan landscape. So, you can step a foot in Europe and one in Asia.

Recommended number of days: 1, maximum 2

photo credit: http://russiatrek.org/

- Novosibirsk is rich in art, science and literature. It has an amazing history and unique Siberian architectural monuments and nature.
It is amazing that this was the first city to introduce compulsory primary education in 1912.

You can't miss a lunch or dinner with a local family.

Recommended number of days: 1-2

photo credit: http://www.inteldevconference.com

- Irkutsk, the city of the Decembrists, also called the ''House of Europe'' includes an exploration of the classic wooden architecture.

Recommended number of days: 1. One day is enough to visit the city center and then head to Lake Baikal.
 
photo credit: http://www.56thparallel.com/ 

- Listvyanka is a village close to Irkutsk on the shore of Lake Baikal where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Lake, boat trip or diving in the Lake.

Just imagine standing on the shores of the deepest lake in the world, which contains the fifth part of the Earth’s fresh water.

Get ready for a picnic and take a good book for your siesta.

Recommended number of days: 2-3

photo credit: http://www.thepolarroute.com/

- Ulan-Ude will introduce you in a unique insight into its heritage, where the tradition and culture are predominating all the activities. This city presents the perfect combination of European and Asian elements.

Do not miss the cuisine of Buryatia.

Recommended number of days: 1, maximum 2

photo credit: http://images.travexpress.net/

Have you thought of spending some time in Mongolia, too?

Visiting the empire led by Genghis Khan-Ulan Bator, will bring to you an insight on culture and history of the country.

Recommended number of days: 2-3

photo credit: http://photos.wildjunket.com/

You can also enjoy the Gorkhi Terelej National Park to ''breathe'' on the beautiful scenery of wild Mongolia, having the opportunity to visit a traditional Ger Camp, meet a nomadic family or try horse-riding, sample traditional Mongolian food and why not, taking cooking lessons.

Recommended number of days in a Ger Camp: 2-3

photo credit: http://elevatedestinations.com/   

With you arrival in Beijing a new trip begins, where you can visit the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Mao's Mausoleum, the Forbidden City, the Silk Market and many more.


Recommended number of days: 4-5

photo credit: http://www.iorise.com/

If time allows, from Beijing you can head to Hanoi, Vietnam or to Lhasa, Tibet.

Comments

  1. UnknownNovember 30, 2015 at 11:38 PM

    Having just done the same trip I agree 100% with the choices.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Doina from TripSeat November 30, 2015 at 11:54 PM

    Hello Mike, hope you had an amazing trip! How did you find your journey?

    ReplyDelete

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