2025 + 2026

Mission Manduhai 2026 REPORT

The Mission Manduhai 2026 tour was from August 11–27. Five American performers traveled to Ulaanbaatar: Chimgee Haltarhuu, Josh Kohler, Lily Kline, Elliot Walton and Lorelai Leipold, and in Mongolia we added two more performers: Mandah and Amen-erdene. We filled three cars, with Mandah driving along with Zorigoo and Nyamdavaa. 

Due to world events, there was a major gas shortage in Mongolia, so changed from our original tour route in the Govi-Altai region. Our plan B was to travel a much shorter distance, to the Dund-govi region. The fuel shortage meant our drivers had to stay in line for gas overnight, sleeping in the cars. In some villages, the mayor was able to help us with gas in order to continue our mission, which allowed us to reach more villages.

After we were acclimated to the time and elevation change, we visited the National Center Against Violence and donated $2,000 to continue the Mission Manduhai-funded hotline. Later that day, we performed at a shelter house for mothers and children and donated gifts. We left Ulaanbaatar on August 14 to travel to the Dund-govi region, and performed in Dundgovi-Mandalgovi, Ulziit, Luus, Gurvan Saihan, Ih gazariin chuluu, Delger tsogt, Pony camp-Nalaih, and Baga-nuur. We were able to distribute 1,600 handouts, and had created four different versions for our audiences. 

We thrilled audiences with high-level circus acts including handstands, contortion, rolla-bolla, unicycle, juggling, acrobat, foot archery, and dance and comedy. The performances drew large crowds of countryside people, and as we do every year, we used the opportunity to raise awareness about domestic violence. 

The trips went without any problems, with everyone sleeping on air mattresses and sleeping bags, using outhouses, and traveling everyday. The students were able to see many of Mongolia’s customs, slept in a ger (yurt), and even wrestled in a sport event. 

In Mandalgovi, we had a meeting with Bayarsaihan, who directs the Children and Family Development Department, to talk about needs and living conditions in their shelter house. Mission Manduhai donated $300 for essentials, and promised to send clothes and continue our support. 

The American circus school students were able to meet and work together with Mongolian circus students at Pony Circus Camp, directed by Hatanbaatar. They performed with each other and shared the skills with each other. We also discussed issues about Mongolian’s problem of domestic violence. We had another similar exchange at Bilgee’s Pyramid Circus. 

The students returned to home on August 27, while I drove to Darkhan to connect with Darkhan’s Domestic Violence branch. We had a good discussion on many facets of the domestic violence issue, and the challenges we face. I returned to America exhausted but happy on September 8.

Letter from Mission Manduhai Participant Lillian Kline

This year's Mission Manduhai trip was a story of resiliency and commitment to fighting against domestic violence.  Meeting members of the National Center Against Violence - who Mission Manduhai partners with - showed me how impactful our touring circus show is to people who live in rural Mongolia.  Our audiences were so sweet and enthusiastic,  and I felt so much appreciation from every community who welcomed us to perform and stay with them. I also found myself appreciating the beautiful landscape, people, and customs throughout our trip (the Mongolian Nomad Festival was a big highlight!). Because of the gas shortage in Mongolia we had to dramatically shift our planned route and we were unsure of how much gas we would be able to get.  Despite this, we still managed to travel several hours outside Ulaanbaatar into the Mandalgovi province to perform for the towns there.  I am so proud of all of us, and especially Chimgee for our adaptability and positivity during such unpredictable circumstances.  What an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience!