• If you wish to share with another solo traveler, select this option on the Reservation Form and your tour price will automatically be based on the room share price.
• Or, you may select a single room, when available, on the Reservation Form and your tour price will be automatically based on the single room price.  
• These choices are clearly stated on the Reservation Form.

• All shared rooms are non-smoking
• No special requests about your roommate can be accommodated
• Most solo travelers elect to share a room
• All shared rooms have 2 beds
• See "Frequently Asked Questions" TAB for more details

• 60% Easy
• 40% Moderate (multiple walking tours)
• 10% Strenuous (distances traveled, remote locations)

Read more about Activity Levels

• Breakfast Daily
• 13 Lunches
• 13 Dinners

Selections for the included lunches and dinners will highlight the local cuisine. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dietary requests can be generally accommodated on this tour. Please bear in mind that certain special food items like gluten or lactose-free products are not readily available in Russia, Mongolia or China.

• Scarf — Women are required to cover their hair in Russian Orthodox churches.
• Long pants or skirt — Shorts and short skirts are not allowed in mosques or churches.
• Sturdy and comfortable walking shoes

• Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses as the sun can be intense in this part of the world.
• Washcloth and hand towel. The train provides bath towels and a sheet set but no hand towel or washcloth.
• A small travel pack of toilet paper as TP will not be available on all excursions.
• Swimsuit—there will be a chance to take a dip in Lake Baikal.
• Insect repellent, just in case. Bugs tend to be more prevalent around the rivers.
• Power Bank Charger for your phone - there are no outlets in your sleeping compartment on the train.
• One smart-casual outfit if you’d like to dress up a bit for dinners. Note that the train atmosphere and dress is very casual.
• Bring what you need to get a good night's sleep, such as ear plugs, white noise generator, sleeping pills, etc. Unfamiliar noises of all types can disrupt your rest.

• Pack a limited amount of comfortable, casual clothing that layer and coordinate. Your fellow travelers will not mind – or even notice – seeing you in the same clothing.
• Bring only two pairs of everyday shoes: one pair of well-broken-in walking shoes, and a second pair that could do double-duty as a walking shoe or a slightly dressy shoe.
• Pare down your beauty regimen to the bare minimum and always pack travel-sized toiletries.
• Pack medication in your carry-on and pack only as much as needed for the duration of your tour plus a few extra days as a precaution.

Note: There will be an opportunity to do laundry in Irkutsk.

• It is best to travel as lightly as possible. Most travelers regret when they have packed too much.
• Hard-sided suitcases are NOT recommended for this tour.
• You are responsible for managing your own belongings.  We expect you to take your belongings from the coach to your room and to bring it back to the coach on days we change hotels. We do not provide luggage pulls; they are not safe and are inconvenient.
• Steps exist at most hotel entrances. On occasion the coach must unload passengers and luggage some distance from the hotel entrance.
  
• If you carry a purse, it should be able to be worn across your body, hands-free.

• The standards for health and hygiene in China, Mongolia and Russia are average.
• Beware of raw or undercooked food as well as unboiled water in towns.
• Water on the train is not potable and should not be used as drinking water.  It is fine for washing and showering.
• While there are no specific vaccine requirements for China, Mongolia and Russia, you should be up-to-date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides additional guidance at www.cdc.gov.  Please discuss any vaccine or health concerns with your healthcare provider.

Only you can determine your need to stay in contact while traveling. Internet access is available in most hotels, sometimes for a fee.

• Please note: there is no WiFi on the train.
• If you are bringing a cell phone, contact your cell phone service provider before departing about adding international calling and/or texting features.  Texting internationally is often less expensive than placing a cell phone call.
• Learn how to make an international call BEFORE you leave. Consult your cell provider and check out the web site www.HowtoCallAbroad.com.

On the train, outlets are available in the corridors of your train carriage, but not in the sleeping compartments. You may need to purchase a universal adapter which supports a wide variety of sockets/plugs. You should also check your electronic devices for voltage compatibility. Many countries operate on 220V or 230V, which differs from most of North America. Most of today's electronics (laptops, phone chargers etc.) are multi-voltage and will work worldwide automatically, without a transformer. Consult your owner's manual for further details.

Only you can determine the optimum amount of cash to take on tour. When budgeting for out-of-pocket expenses, there are several aspects to consider:  the number of meals you are responsible for, the amount of money you like to have on-hand for snacks and drinks, and your individual shopping interests and habits.

• Notify your credit card issuer that you will be traveling and provide dates of travel.
• China's official currency is the Renminbi, Mongolia’s is the Tugrik and Russia's is the Ruble.
• In Mongolia, US dollars are accepted. 
• Onboard, the train accepts Rubles, Euros and US dollars. The restaurant and drinks menus, found throughout the train, notes prices in each currency. If paying with USD, you will receive change in Euros.
• Credit cards are widely accepted in most destinations.  Many banks charge a currency exchange fee (anywhere from 3%-10%) on most transactions.  Check with your bank.  There are credit cards that impose no foreign transaction fees.
• Debit cards can be useful for cash advances. ATMs are typically the best way of obtaining cash as they are found in most airports and big cities and tourist areas. However, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work overseas. Some foreign countries limit the amount that can be withdrawn daily. You must know your PIN number for your debit card to use ATMs.  Always use caution when withdrawing money.
• Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money.
• Exchange $100+ into local local currency so you have cash upon arrival. Be sure to keep smaller denominations of cash on hand for taxis, small purchases, etc.
• Based on previous group experiences, we suggest you have about 500 Euros in smaller bills on hand.

All tips to local guides during your tour have already been paid on your behalf.  

• Tipping of train staff has not been included.  We suggest you budget $100 for this purpose.
• You are responsible for tipping wait-staff, porters, or other individuals who provide a service to you at hotels or other public locations.
• You may want to tip your WTT Tour Leader for an outstanding job. The amount is entirely a personal preference. If you'd like a guideline, consider $8-$10 per day. 

• Travelers are required to have a valid passport. Most countries require your passport to be valid a minimum of six months after your return home date, and have at least two consecutive blank pages.
• US Citizens entering both China and Russia will require a VISA. Travelers from Canada and other countries should check their entry requirements with their consulate. VISA requirements are based on your country of residence.
• To learn more about Visa requirements and the cost, visit: http://cibtvisas.com/
• WTT will provide VISA Instructions shortly after Final Payment is collected and all traveler information has been collected.
• The private train portion of this itinerary is not exclusive to WTT and will include other passengers onboard.
• Shower facilities on the train are limited and are shared by all guests in a sleeping car, depending on the train configuration.