In 1221, Genghis Khan halted his Central Asian campaigns, initially planning to return via India but reconsidering due to the unsuitable climate and unfavorable omens. Despite overcoming rebellions in Khorasan in 1222, the Mongols withdrew to prevent overextension, establishing the Amu Darya river as their new frontier. Genghis Khan then focused on administrative organization for the conquered territories, appointing officials known as darughachi and basqaq to restore normalcy. He also engaged with the Taoist patriarch Changchun, granting Taoism significant privileges within the empire.

The campaign's halt is often attributed to the Western Xia's failure to support the Mongols and their subsequent rebellion against Mongol control. Despite initial attempts at diplomacy, Genghis Khan prepared for war against the Western Xia upon his return to Mongolia in early 1225. The campaign began in early 1226, achieving rapid success with the capture of Khara-Khoto and the systematic sacking of cities along the Gansu Corridor. The Mongols then besieged Lingwu near the Xia capital. On 4 December, after defeating a Xia army, Genghis Khan left the siege to his generals, moving south with Subutai to secure further territories.