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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Day 1 – Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s bustling capital, and settle into your hotel near the central Sukhbaatar Square.
We will enjoy an evening induction dinner at a local restaurant to meet your fellow travellers, exchange stories, and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Afterwards, wander along Seoul Street, sampling local drinks and experiencing the city’s nightlife atmosphere.
Overnight in Ulaanbaatar
Day 2 – Nomad Games Festival
We rise early to avoid city traffic and head to the Nomad Games Festival, an extraordinary celebration of Mongolia’s traditional sports and culture.
Spend the day immersed in wrestling competitions, archery, horse racing, and live folk performances. Gain insight into nomadic traditions, rituals, and the skills that have defined Mongolia for centuries.
In the evening, settle in at a nearby ger camp, enjoying hearty traditional Mongolian meals and the warmth of local hospitality.
Overnight near Nomad Games festival
Day 3 – Karakorum: Ancient Capital
Depart early for Karakorum, the historic capital of the Mongol Empire.
Explore the Erdene Zuu Monastery, one of Mongolia’s earliest Buddhist monasteries, and visit nearby archaeological sites. Participate in a cultural session with a local shaman to learn about spiritual traditions and rituals still practiced today.
Evening: check into a ger camp and savor a traditional Mongolian dinner while watching the sunset over the steppe.
Overnight near Karakorum
Day 4 – Duut & Lake Retreat
Drive to Duut Resort, nestled in the scenic Tsenkher Valley, famed for its natural mineral hot springs.
Spend the afternoon relaxing in the steaming pools surrounded by pine forests and mountains. Visit the nearby lake for gentle exploration or a short horseback ride along the shore.
Evening: enjoy a traditional Mongolian dinner featuring mutton, dairy, and local vegetables, then retire to your ger at the resort under the quiet sky.
Overnight at Duut Resort ger camp
Day 5 – Arhangai Region & Local Family Experience
Depart Duut for the Arkhangai Province, stopping in Tsetserleg, the provincial capital, for lunch and a brief cultural stroll. Visit the Zayain Gegeen Monastery or the regional museum to glimpse local history.
Continue to a ger camp hosted by a Mongolian family. Participate in daily routines, help prepare meals, and witness traditional singing and local crafts. Explore the nearby lake and enjoy time connecting with the locals to understand the rhythms of nomadic life.
Overnight in Arhangai with local family
Day 6 – Mountain Peak & Lost Valley Exploration
Rise early for a morning trek to a nearby mountain peak, where panoramic views of the valley and surrounding steppe stretch endlessly.
In the afternoon, explore a remote valley with winding rivers, grazing horses, and traditional ger settlements. Visit a local family to observe their cooking methods, sample a national dish, and learn about Mongolian superstitions, drinking rituals, and daily life.
Return to your ger camp to reflect on the day’s cultural and natural immersion.
Overnight in Arhangai ger camp
Day 7 – Mini Gobi Desert Adventure
Depart for the Mini Gobi, a semi-desert steppe region inhabited by pastoral nomads.
Spend the day learning about nomadic life: herding techniques, daily routines, and desert survival practices. Experience a camel excursion across the dunes, taking in the expansive, otherworldly landscapes.
In the evening, gather around an open fire to enjoy a traditional Mongolian barbecue, featuring fresh mutton or goat, and share stories beneath the star-filled desert sky.
Overnight in Mini Gobi ger camp
Day 8 – Return to Ulaanbaatar
After breakfast, begin the scenic drive back to Ulaanbaatar, reflecting on the diversity of landscapes, traditions, and experiences encountered during your expedition.
Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure, browse local shops for souvenirs, explore city streets, or experience Ulaanbaatar’s modern bars and restaurants.
Tonight a new group of travellers will join us for the second phase of the expedition, we will arrange an induction dinner where our guides will brief the team on the next phase of the adventure.
Overnight in Ulaanbaatar
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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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Day 9 – Trans-Mongolian Train to Beijing
Today marks the end of the trip for travellers who joined for just one week who will depart from Ulanbaatar to return home.
Those who continue onto the second week, will board the legendary Trans-Mongolian Train for a journey from Ulaanbaatar to Beijing, crossing vast stretches of the Mongolian steppe.
Spend the day watching the landscapes change from rolling steppes dotted with gers and grazing horses to the cultivated fields and forests of northern China. Enjoy meals on board while reflecting on the cultural and natural wonders you’ve experienced so far.
Evening arrival in Beijing, where you’ll check into your hotel and enjoy a restful evening in preparation for the city’s exploration.
Overnight in Beijing
Day 10 – Beijing Highlights
Explore Beijing’s most iconic landmarks: wander through the Forbidden City, walk across Tiananmen Square, and marvel at the architectural harmony of the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for bountiful harvests.
Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant before exploring bustling hutongs or serene gardens.
Evening: savor Beijing’s culinary jewel, Peking duck, complemented by local delicacies, while sharing stories of your Mongolian and Chinese adventures.
Overnight in Beijing
Day 11 & 12 – Horse Riding in Chifeng
Take a private transfer to Chifeng, located in eastern Inner Mongolia and surrounded by the vast Ulan Butong Grasslands, famed for its equestrian culture.
Spend two days immersed in horseback riding adventures, guided by local instructors across rolling plains and sweeping grasslands. Learn basic herding techniques, saddle handling, and traditional horse care, while experiencing the rhythms of nomadic life.
Evenings: retreat to your tent or ger camp, enjoy campfire dinners under the stars, listen to folk songs, and soak in the tranquil beauty of the northern China grasslands.
2 Nights in Chifeng grassland tent/ger camp
Day 13 – Hulunbuir Grasslands
Fly north to Hulunbuir, one of China’s most expansive grasslands, renowned for its pristine beauty and nomadic culture.
Private transfer to your ger camp and embark on a full day of exploration:
Try local specialties, including lamb leg with a special sauce and traditional horse dishes.
Practice archery in the style of Mongolian nomads.
Visit a scenic meandering river, a perfect spot for photography and reflection.
Evening: enjoy dinner in the ger camp, accompanied by folk music performances.
Overnight in Hulunbuir ger camp
Day 14 – Russian Border Towns & Manzhouli
Drive along the Russian border, visiting towns such as Manzhouli, where Russian and Chinese cultures intersect.
Explore markets, local architecture, and small cultural museums, gaining insight into border-town life and Sino-Russian interactions.
Return toward Hulunbuir, taking scenic stops along the way to admire steppe landscapes, local villages, and rolling hills.
Evening: farewell dinner featuring regional specialties, celebrating the diversity of Mongolian and northern Chinese culinary traditions.
Overnight in Hadar ger camp
Day 15 – Departure
Transfer to Hulunbuir Airport for your flight back to Beijing.
Reflect on the full expedition, from Mongolia’s wide-open steppes, ancient capitals, and desert landscapes, to China’s grasslands, equestrian traditions, and cultural intersections along the Russian border. Take a moment to absorb the breadth of experiences, landscapes, and stories that have shaped this unforgettable journey.
End of Expedition
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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: US$3,950
Route 2: US$3,950
Get 10% discount if you book both routes.
Get in Touch
Got a question about one of our expeditions, or just want to say hi?
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for another adventure, our team is here to help with routes, dates, and details.
Drop us a message below — we’ll get back to you soon!
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 11 Expeditions in China with Shambhala
January
Northeast China
Late March
The Tea Route
April
Ethnic China
May
Wild West I
Late June
Duku Highway
July
Mongol Crusades
August
Wild West II
September
Western Tibet
October
Trans- Taklamakan
November
Silk Road Frontier
All Year Long
China Digital Economy
Bespoke Expeditions
Create your own adventure — from private trips to company retreats, we’ll tailor everything to you.