We are thinking about taking a Trafalgar China tour that includes the Trans-siberian train from Bejing to Mongolia and the Gobi Desert. Has anyone out there been on this train? What is your opinion?

Is this the trip that just goes from Beijing to Irkutsk and back? I've ridden trains from St. Petersburg to Beijing using the Trans-Mongolian route - my trip reports are at www.wilhelmswords.com/rtw2004. If you have the opportunity to take this train and/or visit Mongolia, don't miss it.

I'm not sure I'd want to do this route with Trafalgar though - I don't think I've heard anything particularly good about them, nor is this an area where they seem to have much expertise. Have you looked at MIR (www.mircorp.com) or the Russia Experience (www.trans-siberian.co.uk)? For lots of info on the Trans-Siberian and Trans-Mongolian train routes, and visiting Russia see http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntre...8&#1365758

I tried to do the Beijing-Mongolia part of the train trip but shortly before my departure, the schedule changed so it left on a different day and I couldn't go. Appparently, such schedule changes are not uncommon, so if the train is your focal point, I'd have some extra days built into my intinerary for flexibility.

The Gobi is incredibly hot in the summer. I'd avoid the Olympics when booking to avoid crowds, unless you are attending the Olympics and want to include this while you are there.

Check out this comment of no train tickets available during Olympics.

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=35115960

My post about no China trains is a question, not a statement.

My husband and I took the train from Beijing to Irkutsk (stopped for several days in Mongolia) several years ago and loved it. There are 3 trains--one Chinese, one Mongolian, and one Russian and they are all very different. The train you are on depends on the day of departure and your connections. Our train from Beijing to Ulan Bataar was Mongolian, from UB to Irkutsk was Russian, and from Irkutsk back to Beijing was Chinese.
It was quite an adventure and I would highly recommend it. We booked the trip in Hong Kong with a company called "Monkey Business" which was recommended in the Lonely Planet book, Trans-Siberian Railroad-- but I have taken a Trafalgar tour and would have no problem going with them.

Just a post script to my original note...talked to Trafalgar today and China has cancelled this trip. They are hoping to add it next year.

Then you can go to Africa!