Irkutsk: The town of Irkutsk was established as a fortress on the banks of the Angara in 1651, and from humble beginnings developed into the administrative center of Eastern Siberia. The town initially grew rich and prospered on the profits of the fur trade, and then boomed following the discovery of gold in the area. Though much of the fine, classic Russian architecture of these boom-times was lost during the Soviet era, old gingerbread log houses remain in areas, and this atmosphere, combined with the Asiatic influences of neighboring Mongolia and China, serve to make Irkutsk one of the most interesting places to visit in the area.

Lake Baikal, the “Pearl of Siberia”, is a place of breathtaking beauty and mind-boggling statistics: at 1637 meters it is the world’s deepest lake, containing an incredible fifth of the world’s fresh water resources. At 636 kilometers long the lake is bigger than Belgium, and has water of such crystal clarity and visibility extends to a depth of 40 meters. Baikal has been home to various ethnic groups for millennia, and the shamanistic Buriat people still reside in settlement of wood cabins around the lake shore. This is one of the most magnificent natural sites on earth, and offers lovers of the outdoors fabulous opportunities for hiking, horse trekking, fishing and boating.

Yolyn Am - the Vulture’s Gorge Yolyn Am, 'The Vulture's Gorge’, commonly called Eagle Canyon by travellers, is a striking gorge in the deep desert, remarkable for the microclimate that its formation creates. Sheer rock walls, up to 660 feet high, keep out the light and the heat, whilst four waterfalls pour into the canyon, chill as they leave the sun, and freeze. Yolyn Am is lined with ice almost year-round and at its narrowest point only two people (or animals - the canyon is a favored haunt of the wild Ibex and Argali) can pass abreast. Descent into the canyon is on foot or on horseback if you'd prefer.

Bayanzag, which in Mongolian means 'a place of many saxaul bushes', was first called 'The Flaming Cliffs' by Roy Chapman Andrews, the American dinosaur hunter and adventurer who made vital finds of dinosaur eggs and skeletons at the base of the vivid red bluffs, which stand alone in a vast empty expanse of land and sky. Chapman himself was something of a rogue - said by some to be the man on whom the film character 'Indiana Jones' was based. He lived an adventurous, self-aggrandizing life across much of this part of the world. At Bayanzag it is the landscape, in addition to the rich dinosaur history, which is very impressive - an intense evocation of Mongolia's great emptiness.

Mongolian Bactrian Camel: People can travel almost anywhere by camel. In olden days, camel was the biggest and strongest form of transport. Camel may look imposing but they are actually very calm and easy to ride. One of the most interesting parts of this journey will be to ride a camel over the sand dunes for a panoramic view the natural beauty of the Gobi.

Gun-Galuut is one of the most popular nature reserves of Mongolia. The Reserve is truly the marvelous combination of high mountains, colorful flowers, pretty lakes, rivers and wetlands with its famous rare species. It is a home to endangered wild Mountain sheep-Argali the Big Horns, White-napped crane, Siberian White Crane, Hooded Crane and the rare Black stork, Asian heron, Whooper swan, Swan Goose and so on. Over 80 Argali sheep inhabit peacefully in Gun-Galuut now. Tourists visiting the Nature Reserve have the opportunities to do watching and taking photos of the Endangered species, rafting and fishing in the lakes and rives, camping in a beautiful and peaceful nature, visiting nomadic family, riding horse, yak and camel and introducing with traditional nomadic lifestyle and culture.

More information about Mongolia and Russia tour: This fantastic multi-country tour takes you to Russia and Mongolia in one Mongolia Russia trip. You will travel to the Asian Black Pearl lake Baikal and Siberia and the Gobi desert and Gun-Galuut steppes in Mongolia. You can sail with boats, ride camels or horses or trek during the trip.