The Mongol Crusades
Difficulty: ★★★★☆
Duration: 1 to 2 weeks
Group size: 8 to12 travelers
Theme: Steppe Under the Great Blue Sky
Route 1: Ulaanbaatar, Nomad Games Festival, Karakorum, Duut Resort, Arkhangai loop, Mini Gobi
Route 2: Trans-Mongolian train to Beijing, Chifeng horse-riding weekend, Hulunbuir grasslands, Russian border towns including Manzhouli border town.
Routes Overview
Embark on an epic journey through Mongolia and northern China, tracing the paths of nomads, warriors, and explorers across endless steppes, desert plains, and forested valleys. From the bustling streets of Ulaanbaatar to the remote expanses of the Mini Gobi and the rolling Ulan Butong Grasslands, this expedition immerses you in the landscapes, traditions, and daily rhythms of life under the eternal blue sky.
Sleep in traditional gers and tent camps, ride alongside herders on horseback, and share meals with local families to experience the harmonious relationship between humans and nature. Witness wrestling, archery, and horse racing at the Nomad Games Festival, explore ancient capitals like Karakorum, traverse deserts and lakes, and continue into northern China’s grasslands where horseback riding, archery, and traditional cuisine showcase centuries of nomadic heritage.
Travel across borders via the Trans-Mongolian Train, explore Beijing’s imperial landmarks, and immerse yourself in Hulunbuir’s expansive steppes and the Russian-influenced border town of Manzhouli. From golden dunes to scenic rivers and icy mountain peaks, discover lands where every horizon tells a story.
Route 1
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Destinations: Ulaanbaatar, Nomad Games Festival, Karakorum, Duut Resort, Arkhangai loop, Mini Gobi
Explore Ulaanbaatar and the Nomad Games Festival, visit Karakorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery, relax at Duut Resort, and immerse yourself in nomadic life in Arkhangai. Trek valleys, ride horses, and experience the Mini Gobi Desert under star-filled skies.
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Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, explore Sukhbaatar Square and the vibrant Seoul Street nightlife.
Experience the Nomad Games Festival, with wrestling, archery, horse racing, and live folk performances.
Explore Karakorum, Mongolia’s ancient capital, and visit the historic Erdene Zuu Monastery.
Relax at Duut Resort, enjoying natural hot springs, lakeside walks, and horseback rides.
Immerse in nomadic life with a local family in Arkhangai, helping with daily routines and traditional meals.
Trek to a mountain peak and explore remote valleys dotted with gers and grazing horses.
Adventure in the Mini Gobi Desert, including camel excursions and a traditional Mongolian barbecue under the stars.
Return to Ulaanbaatar for city exploration and reflection on Mongolia’s landscapes, culture, and traditions.
Route 2
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Destinations: Trans-Mongolian train to Beijing, Chifeng horse-riding weekend, Hulunbuir grasslands, Russian border towns including Manzhouli border town.
Travel on the Trans-Mongolian Train to Beijing, explore the city’s iconic landmarks, and ride across the Ulan Butong and Hulunbuir grasslands. Visit Russian border towns like Manzhouli and reflect on the rich nomadic culture, landscapes, and traditions of northern China.
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Board the Trans-Mongolian Train from Ulaanbaatar to Beijing, watching the steppe give way to northern China’s forests and fields.
Explore Beijing, including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and enjoy authentic Peking duck.
Horseback ride across the Ulan Butong Grasslands (Chifeng), learning herding techniques and experiencing nomadic rhythms over two days.
Discover the vast Hulunbuir Grasslands, practicing archery, sampling local horse and lamb dishes, and exploring scenic rivers and steppe landscapes.
Visit Russian border towns, including Manzhouli, observing the unique blend of Russian and Chinese cultures through markets, architecture, and local life.
End the expedition celebrating regional culinary traditions and reflecting on Mongolia and northern China’s landscapes, culture, and nomadic heritage.
Highlights
Sleep in traditional gers and tents under star-filled skies
Horseback rides across the Mongolian and Inner Mongolian steppes
Experience the Nomad Games Festival with wrestling, archery, and horse racing
Visit Karakorum and the historic Erdene Zuu Monastery
Relax in natural hot springs and scenic lakes at Duut Resort
Immerse in local life with family-hosted ger experiences in Arkhangai
Camel excursions and exploration in the Mini Gobi desert
Travel across borders on the Trans-Mongolian Train
Horseback riding and archery in the Ulan Butong Grasslands (Chifeng)
Discover the pristine Hulunbuir grasslands and scenic rivers
Explore border culture at Manzhouli, where Russian and Chinese traditions meet
Why Join
For those drawn to lands where the horizon never ends, this expedition plunges you into the heart of Mongolia’s vastness.
Ride across windswept steppes where horses roam like shadows, sleep beneath skies so wide the Milky Way feels within reach, and hear the silence that fills the valleys between mountains and dunes.
Taste the tang of fermented mare’s milk beside nomadic fires, follow trails carved by centuries of migration, and watch glaciers shimmer in the high sun.
This adventure is not about ticking landmarks, it is a journey to seek freedom, wilderness, and the enduring pulse of a land untouched by time.
Conditions & Pricing
Conditions
What is included:
✅ Accommodation with breakfast
✅ Dinners featuring local cuisine
✅ All local transportation
✅ Expert local guides
✅ Drivers, fuel
✅ Complimentary drinks and snacks
✅ Visa support and assistance
✅ Travel insurance coverage
✅ Dedicated media team
What is NOT included:
❌ International flights
❌ Personal extra meals and expenses
❌ Optional activities
❌ Visa costs (when applicable)
Pricing
Route 1: From US$3,900
Route 2: From US$2,900
Full quote sent once the group is assembled.
Get 10% discount if you book both routes.
No worries! Feel free to contact us to get tailor made support to select your next adventure to China with Shambhala.
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Things to Know
Every expedition is designed to balance comfort, discovery, and a spirit of adventure. Before you join us, here are a few key details to help you prepare and make the most of your journey — from what to expect on the road to how we travel, stay, and experience each destination.
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Weather in July
Ulaanbaatar & Central Mongolia (Week 1): 12–25°C — Warm days, cool nights, occasional summer showers. Ideal for trekking, horseback riding, and festival activities.
Karakorum / Arkhangai Loop / Mini Gobi: 15–28°C — Sunny and warm in valleys, cooler in highlands; Mini Gobi can be dry and dusty.
Inner Mongolia (Week 2 – Chifeng, Hulunbuir, Manzhouli): 15–27°C — Pleasantly warm, occasional rain, long daylight hours; grasslands lush and green.
Overall: July offers long, warm days, mostly dry plains, cooler nights at altitude, and excellent conditions for outdoor adventures. Pack layers, sun protection, and a light rain jacket.
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We use a mix of high-speed trains, private vans, and one overnight Arctic train, offering a true overland experience through China’s winter heartland. It’s a comfortable and scenic way to witness the country’s vast diversity.
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You’ll stay in a mix of boutique hotels, cozy mountain lodges, and warm wooden guesthouses — all handpicked for charm, comfort, and atmosphere. Expect heated rooms, local character, and authentic northern hospitality.
From remote mountain trails to cultural hidden gems, we design seamless, small-group adventures that combine exploration, and authentic local experiences.
Explore 12 Expeditions in China with Shambhala
Ethnic China
Wild West I
Trans- Taklamakan
Silk Road Frontier
Northeast China
The Tea Route
Duku Highway
Mongol Crusades
Wild West II
Western Tibet
China Digital Economy
Bespoke Expeditions
Create your own adventure here.