Our Staff

An underlying requirement for anyone involved with our companies, whether staff, suppliers, or trip leaders, is a respect and genuine love for Asia. Our approach to business includes extended exchange programs for our employees, ensuring that each member of our team is aware of the expectations of our clients as well as having an understanding of the spirit and way of life of the cultures we are visiting.

With second languages including English, German, French and Spanish, our trip leaders and guides are proud of their heritage and culture and are dedicated to providing the best experience possible. Taking into account the nature of “adventure,” our trip leaders have the flexibility to take advantage of opportunities that may arise spontaneously and are attuned to the interests and needs of individual travelers. You can be assured of a blend of personal attention and professionalism.

Our in-country partners and staff include experienced managers who assure the quality of services on the ground and handle the small details necessary for a smooth trip including knowing which preparations, approvals, or permits are necessary for any type of expedition or exploration.

	Jalsa Urubshurow, Founder and CEO After Mongolia's peaceful revolution in 1990, the first democratically elected Prime Minister, His Excellency Dash Byambasuren, personally recruited Mr Jalsa Urubshurow to advise the government on expanding accessibility to Mongolia to Western travelers. This led to the establishment of Nomadic Expeditions, today the leading outfitter of adventure tourism to Mongolia. His experiences in exploring Mongolia's ecology and culture have been replicated by Nomadic Expeditions for thousands of adventurers and explorers. Mr Urubshurow has been named the world's "Top Travel Specialist" for Mongolia by Conde Nast Traveler magazine in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Mr Urubshurow also designed and founded the Three Camel Lodge, an award-winning eco-lodge in the Gobi Desert. The Lodge was built by local artisans in accordance with the canons of Mongolian Buddhist architecture, without a single nail, and is powered by solar and wind energy. The Lodge was named as "One of the Top 50 Eco-Lodges" by National Geographic Adventure Magazine in 2009. In 1991, with the encouragement of the U.S. Department of State and at the urging of the Mongolian Government, he co-founded the US- Mongolia Business Council (USMBC), a non-profit organization comprised of the CEOs of American and Canadian corporations active in Mongolia. Based in Washington, DC, the Council is dedicated to expanding bilateral economic, investment and trade relations between Mongolia and North America. Mr Urubshurow also serves on the board of the Bodhi Tree Foundation.
	Badral Yondon, Vice President As Vice President of Nomadic Expeditions, Badral oversees the company's operations in Mongolia. His career in tourism began in 1990, when he was a university student working at a hotel in Ulaanbaatar during the democratic revolution. Since then, Badral has emerged as a leader in the tourism industry in Mongolia, and is committed to supporting the culture and heritage of his country while also protecting the biodiversity of its fragile ecosystems. A graduate of the Foreign Language Institute in Ulaanbaatar and the Klessheim Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management in Salzburg, Austria, Badral serves on the board of the Mongolian Tourism Association and the Arts Council of Mongolia. He is a recipient of the Outstanding Tour Specialist award from Mongolia’s Ministry of Environment and Tourism.
	Undraa Buyannemekh, Editor/Program Director Undraa is Nomadic Expeditions’ Program Director, operating out of our office in New Jersey. In addition to the operations of our U.S. head office, her responsibilities include marketing initiatives, educational affinity group travel programs and special programs. Undraa has traveled extensively in Mongolia, and has developed and managed custom trips for leading nonprofit and for-profit organizations. She holds an MA in International Relations from California State University, Sacramento. Undraa’s special interests include philanthropic initiatives and programs in Mongolia.
	Gereltuv Dahsdoorov, Director of Operations Nomadic Expeditions’ Director of Operations in Mongolia, Gereltuv coordinates all of our trips there. He was born in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, but spent most of his childhood living in the Gobi with his relatives. For over 15 years, Gereltuv led travelers on unique explorations of the four corners of Mongolia, including treks, horseback adventures and overland driving expeditions, as well as cultural journeys and filming projects. Gereltuv enjoys translating into Mongolian the works of Western explorers who visited Mongolia in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. He holds a Master of Arts degree in International Relations from the National University of Mongolia, and is an avid fan of photography and film.
	Doljinsuren Enkhtaivan, Office Manager As Nomadic Expeditions’ Office Manager in Mongolia, Doljo organizes our reservations and bookings, coordinates trips with local vendors, and ensures that everything is in place for all of our expeditions. Doljo was born and raised in the mining town of Erdenet, and was employed at a hotel before joining Nomadic Expeditions in 2002. She holds an MBA from Mongolia’s prestigious Institute of Finance and Economics, and is fluent in German and Russian. Her skills and diligence have earned her recognition and accolades from our partner vendors and from clients, who recognize her as a resourceful and reliable travel manager.
	Baatarnyam Navaansharav, Active Expeditions Manager Baatar was born in the remote village of Hanh on the shore of Lake Hovsgol, and spent his childhood among the Darhad tribe, learning their dialect and customs. He later studied in Ulaanbaatar and Moscow. As our Expedition Manager, Baatar works with local nomads and affiliated local organizations, and helped to develop many of our trekking programs in the remote Altai Mountain and horseback riding adventures at Lake Hovsgol. He loves to spend time in remote regions of Mongolia with local tribesmen, learning about their cultures and customs.
	Ider Batbayar, Conservation Manager Ider joined Nomadic Expeditions fresh out of high school, and has since become one of our most successful and sought-after expedition guides. His sense of humor, friendliness and passion for his work are an inspiration to both our clients and local partners. Ider has been chosen to head our newly launched conservation projects, and completed an internship at the Massachusetts Audubon Society. As our Conservation Manager, he is currently working to develop a travel project tied to the conservation of Mongolia’s elusive snow leopards. Ider is also a bird lover, and leads many of our nature expeditions.
	Enkhtaivan Guijintso, Accountant Our chief accountant, Enkhtaivan has worked at Nomadic Expeditions’ Mongolia office since its inception. Enkhtaivan studied at the University of Irkutsk, and her career as an accountant has included work in both the private and public sector in Mongolia. As one of Nomadic Expeditions’ most senior staff members, she has played a large part in the company’s success over the years, and her many years of experience have given Enkhtaivan a wealth of knowledge to impart on our young guides and staff.
	Tserennyam Tserendejid, Assistant Accountant Born and raised in the Mongolian countryside, Tsegi’s determination and hard work brought her to Ulaanbaatar, where she earned a degree in accounting. In addition to her accounting duties, Tsegi is the coordinator of Nomadic Expeditions’ procurement department for field trips and general supplies. Tsegi’s parents are still nomads, and she frequently travels to the countryside to visit them and maintain her connection to her traditional nomadic heritage.

Our Trip Leaders

Anand

One of our top guides since 2000, Anand was recognized as Nomadic Expeditions’ Guide of the Year in 2005. In addition to his extensive experience working at paleontological sites in the Gobi, Anand’s background includes work as a voice-over artist for the National Tourism Board of Mongolia’s “Discover Mongolia” program, and experience teaching English to schoolchildren in South Korea. The child of a diplomat, Anand lived and studied in a number of countries around the world, where he found his passion for being a cultural ambassador and introducing visitors to the true nomadic hospitality of his homeland.

Anar

One of Nomadic Expeditions’ best young guides, Anar is also very knowledgeable about international sports, having appeared as a guest commentator on local television channels. While in university in Mongolia, Anar majored in International Relations, and considers himself fortunate to have also had the opportunity to study in the United States, experiencing other cultures and meeting people from around the world. He is passionate about promoting Mongolia’s hospitality industry and its potential to counterbalance the negative impact of mining projects. Anar plans to study ecotourism, in the hopes that someday his knowledge and passion will help contribute to the sustainable development of Mongolia.

Azjargal

Azjargal began leading trips for Nomadic Expeditions in 2004, and describes her country as, “a land with no fences, free and unchanged in millennia, with a magnificent culture where you are welcomed at every door.” Since graduating from Mongolia’s Institute of Foreign Languages in 1993 with a B.A. in Russian and English, Azjargal has committed herself to the education of Mongolia’s younger generations by teaching English at various secondary schools. Between teaching and raising her own children, Azaa has also found the time to establish herself as one of our most reliable and skilled guides. She has led extensive hikes in the high ranges of Western Mongolia, ambitious horse treks through the beautiful forests of the north, and off-the-beaten-track overland adventures throughout the steppes, grasslands and the Gobi.

Battumur

“First, make better yourself, then your home, and finally, your country,” is Battumur’s favorite Mongolian proverb. One of Nomadic Expeditions’ most knowledgeable cultural guides, particularly regarding history and archaeology, Battumur has worked with educational and academic programs, such as Stanford University and the University of Southern California. Born and raised in the northern city of Darkhan, he studied Economics and Mathematics at the National University of Mongolia. Battumur has guided trips all across Mongolia, and enjoys swimming, reading books and hiking – “I can fulfill my hobbies while I work!” he says. “Mongolia is usually a choice of experienced travelers, so if you consider yourself to be in that category, please come and visit us. It is a nation with a unique culture and beautiful lands. Hospitable nomads will welcome you and share whatever they have. You, and I as well, can learn a lot from them.”

Bolorchimeg

Boloroo is on her way to becoming Nomadic Expeditions’ leading expert on Eastern Mongolia. She was born and raised on the great steppes of Dornod, in the eastern corner of Mongolia, which is believed to be the world’s largest remaining intact steppe ecosystem. She has been active in her community since middle school, when she began working at the local newspaper “The Children of the East,” and has gained a deep understanding of her people and heritage through her work in reporting, interviews and editorials. Now a journalism student at the National University of Mongolia, her goal is to become the best representative of her generation in promoting Mongolia’s democracy and rural development. Her interests are jogging, yoga, eating healthy and playing badminton.

Chimedtsogzol

Tsoogii was born in Zavkhan Province into a family of nomadic herders, and brings a rich knowledge of nomadic life to the tours she leads. A veteran guide, Tsoogii’s passion is to share the nomadic culture with visitors to Mongolia. She enjoys traveling and meeting new people, and when not leading expeditions in the summer, she teaches English at the National University of Mongolia.

Hash-Erdene

Hashi loves to ride horses, trek, and spend time camping in the wilderness of his native Mongolia. He was trained as a guide in Hawaii, and draws on his experiences there when guiding tours in Mongolia. His favorite part of the country is the eastern steppes, and he looks forward to one day leading an adventure tour that travels through all parts of Mongolia.

Monhoo

A veteran expedition leader, Monhoo has traveled extensively in Mongolia and Europe. Born and raised in Ulaanbaatar, he began learning Russian when he was seven years old, studied English and German after high school, and lived for an extensive period of time in the former Soviet Union. Monhoo is currently completing his graduate studies in Germany, majoring in cultural studies, linguistics and translation, and teaches German to university students in Ulaanbaatar in his free time. He is also an excellent singer, and has performed with Boerte, a popular Mongolian folk band whose music has been featured on the soundtracks of many internationally acclaimed films and documentaries. “I like singing Russian, German and English songs as a learning process,” he says. “And I believe in respecting other cultures of the world and making them love ours!”

Monkhorgil

A native of Ulaanbaatar, Monkhorgil earned his degree at law school. In spite of his desk job, he loves traveling the Mongolian countryside. “Life is more interesting when spent on the road,” he says, “and guiding gives me the opportunity to live such an interesting life.” He also studies philosophy, or “love of knowledge,” and describes Mongolia as one more color that travelers can add to their visual experience. “But this color is so unique that it will live in your memory for a lifetime. I take pride in my job as a guide, because I bring guests closer to nomadic people and help them have memorable interactions with locals.”

Odontuya

Odnoo was brought up in the open grasslands of Central Mongolia before moving to the capital at the age of eleven, and believes that the nomadic lifestyle is what makes Mongolia different from other countries. “With rapid changes taking place in this country,” she says, “people around the world should learn, experience and share their knowledge with others about this unique nomadic culture.” Odnoo has traveled to many parts of Mongolia, and enjoys fishing, hiking, horseback riding and camel riding, as well as ecological and archaeological trips. She is one of Nomadic Expeditions’ most experienced guides, and also actively participates in community projects focused on protecting the environment. Her goal is to translate great books of the world and share their knowledge with Mongolian readers.

Soyolmaa

Nomadic Expeditions’ Guide of the Year in 2010, Soyolmaa has been leading cultural, active and inspirational expeditions for over a decade. A teacher at various educational organizations during the school year, she spends her summer breaks leading trips throughout Mongolia. “Mongolians are among the most hospitable people in the world,” says Soyolmaa. “Even if you pay them an unexpected visit, nomads will genuinely welcome you and share their food.”

In 2006, while leading an Archaeological Treasures of Mongolia trip, Soyolmaa met Carol Ann Long, who helped her to establish the first kindergarten for deaf children in Mongolia. With generous donations from local and international donors, including Nomadic Expeditions CEO Jalsa Urubshurow, the school has been successfully educating hearing-impaired children, and has inspired the government of Mongolia to create additional kindergartens for children with disabilities. Having studied Educational Management in Mongolia, the Philippines and Switzerland, she strives to empower local hearing-impaired children, while spending her summers introducing the hospitality of Mongolia to travelers from across the globe.

Our Drivers

Boldoo

A trained mechanic and professional driver with over 30 years’ experience, Boldoo has been making sure that our vehicles run safely and are cared for properly for over a decade, and is one of the most senior managers on our team. Boldoo is experienced in driving passenger cars, buses, heavy trucks and tractors, both in the city and in the countryside, and is instrumental in setting up our temporary mobile camps in the Mongolian wilderness. The proud father of two daughters, he recently became a grandfather.

Bushka

Bushka makes sure our vehicle garage and storage are properly looked after twenty-four hours a day. A native of Arkhangai Province, she moved with her family to Ulaanbaatar in 2000. She has had a passion for travel and new challenges since her youth, and has worked with geological survey teams and traveled throughout most of Mongolia. Upbeat and energetic, Bushka can easily outrun many of her younger colleagues.

Ganbaa

Having worked as a driving instructor at a school in Ulaanbaatar, Ganbat is a driver who knows the city better than anyone. A native of Uvurkhangai, the home of Mongolia’s ancient capital, he worked as a long-haul truck driver for eight years, transporting gasoline to the western provinces, and has crisscrossed the country numerous times. His interest in the traditional lifestyle of Mongolia’s nomads makes him a valuable partner to guides leading trips to remote corners of the country. He enjoys reading about world and Mongolian history in his free time.

Huyagaa

After beginning his career in the mining business, Huyagaa became a strong believer in the environmentally friendly practices followed by Nomadic Expeditions. Before joining our team, he drove extensively in Mongolia and parts of Siberia, and is well versed in Russian language and culture. Huyagaa has worked full-time at our Three Camel Lodge in the Gobi, and is an expert on the area. He was our Driver of the Year in 2010.

Odko

Odko has traveled throughout most of Mongolia during the past 20 years. His assignments have included delivering much-needed salt for the reindeer herds of Northern Mongolia and transporting equipment to the eastern steppes. While he has tried his hand at trading and gold mining, he is now fully committed to tourism. His skill at driving both small passenger vehicles and big trucks over the varied terrains of Mongolia has made Odko a highly valued member of our team. He is the proud father of four.

Togtoh

Known for his steady hand behind the wheel, Togtoh drove a passenger bus for several years before joining the Nomadic Expeditions family in 2005. He was Nomadic Expeditions’ Driver of the Year in 2009. A native of Tsagaan Chuluut, he began driving at the age of 10 across the vast land of his home province of Zavkhan. Togtoh grew up tending his family’s livestock and wrestling in local competitions, a sport he still enjoys watching in his free time. He has two children.

Tsendmaa

Tsendmaa is in charge of our field equipment, and manages her job expertly. She is a skilled seamstress, which comes in handy when repairs have to be made, and works with the rest of our team to ensure that all of our clients get clean and functional gear. Tsendmaa has a background in factory work, is the mother of two teenagers, and enjoys singing.