Chasing the sea - Helsinki to Beijing

It was once the world’s fourth largest inland sea, straddling the former Soviet republics of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, until destructive irrigation practices transformed the Aral Sea largely into desert. Thanks to a rescue plan implemented by the World Bank and Kazakh government, life is slowly returning to parts of the shrivelled Aral Sea, and waters may once again lap the rusting hulks of fishing vessels marooned in a sea of dunes.

Dragoman visits the Aral Sea as part of its epic 11-week overland journey from Helsinki to Beijing, departing Helsinki 19th April 2009.

Those looking for an epic holiday and lucky enough to get 11 weeks off work, should sign up now for this great adventure! Commencing in the historic city of Helsinki, Dragoman travels across the giant landmass of Asia, through Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and China. This is a journey with an of necessity flexible itinerary, as variable as the range of temperatures experienced – from chilly European Russia and Siberia, to the hot deserts of Central Asia.

In Russia, head south, bound for the steppes of Kazakhstan and the shrinking Aral Sea before entering the wild Tian Shan range - the 'Mountains of Heaven'. Camp in Siberia's Altai then cross into Mongolia to stay in a traditional ger with nomadic reindeer herders, and explore Ghenghis Khan country.

From here it's a stunning overland trip across the forbidding Gobi Desert to the People’s Republic of China where the Great Wall and Feng Shui inspired Ming Tombs are just some of the cultural highlights.

The tour costs £3,250 p/p plus kitty $2,390 (~£1,472) including camping and hotel accommodation, all camp meals, transport aboard Dragoman’s customised Mercedes Benz expedition truck and guidance from an experienced three-person crew. Flights are not included.

For more information, log on to Dragoman.com.