The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) was for many years almost off limits to foreign visitors. During earlier stays we met with North Korean officials to discuss a number of tour proposals for railway enthusiasts, which ultimately led to the successful trips we have offered over the last four years. While the very fact that the authorities agreed to foreign visitors exploring parts of the national railways, which are perceived as an installation of military significance, is remarkable, we even managed to include one of the numerous, and hitherto totally unknown, industrial narrow gauge railways in our itinerary as well as lines in areas which have been closed to westerners for more than three decades.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1 - 20.09 - Morning meeting in Beijing, hotel for having a shower for those who arrive in the morning, visit to the railway museum, at 17.30 hrs we'll board the overnight train K27 to Pyongyang
Day 2 - 21.09 - Morning arrival at the border to North Korea, 09.35 hrs continue by international train K 27 to Pyongyang, arrival 19.30 hrs. Reception in Pyongyang and dinner in the five star Yanggakdo hotel
Day 3 - 22.09 - We start the unique experience with one of the most holy places of the country: the mausoleum of Kim Il Sung (Kumsusan Memorial Palace). Hereafter we'll ride with the Swiss trams (metre gauge) and take pictures of it. This visit depends on the opening days of the mausoleum. Just in case we have planned another activity. After lunch we continue by charter bus to Kujang. Charter train Kujang - Muksi with a Russian M62 locomotive on a very scenic, not electrified line. Evening return to Pyongyang. Here we'll meet the American group.
Day 4 - 23.09 - Morning charter train with one of the Russian class M62 diesels to Nampho, including some photo stops along the line, early afternoon return to Pyongyang by charter bus, afternoon visit to the East European Tramways on Kwangbok Street (standard gauge), evening visit to the Arirang Festival, the famous and spectacular mass pageants, hotel Pyongyang
Day 5 - 24.09 - In the morning visit to the Mansu Hill (with a huge statue of the "Great Leader", Kim Il Sung), visit to the Pyongyang Metro, including a ride on a public Metro train (to some stations, entire line is not permitted), later visit to the birth place of Kim Il Sung in Mansudae (very close to Pyongyang), in the early afternoon we'll go by charter bus to Cholgwang to take a charter steam freight train on the narrow gauge railway (Japanese-built steam loco), evening return to Pyongyang, hotel Pyongyang
Day 6 - 25.09 - Morning visit to the square in front of the railway station with several trolleybus and tram lines. 10.10 am departure by daylight international express across North Korea to the Chinese border at Sunujiu/Dandong, and onward to Shenyang (for China steam extension) or back to Beijing
Day 7 - 26.09 - 09.35 am arrival in Beijing, visit to the Great Wall, four star hotel Beijing
Day 8 - 27.09 - Return flight to the United States or China steam extension
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
North Korea
Railway Trips
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