A B O U T    U S

Panoramic Journeys is the brainchild of Karina and James Moreton. The pair fell in love with the country and its people whilst filming nomadic families in the days before the Naadam festival in 2002. After weeks exploring the Gobi, central and northern regions it was clear to them both that Mongolia was a very special place. The warmth of their hosts, the friends they made and the invigorating sense of space and freedom experienced in a land without boundaries, inspired them to return with guests the following year and Panoramic Journeys was born. Over the past few years Mongolia has become their second home.

Operating out of offices in Charlbury, Oxfordshire and Central Ulaanbaatar, Panoramic are equipped to deal with every aspect of your journey from the first phone call to the to the on-going reunions.

Panoramic Journeys has a team of knowledgeable and friendly drivers, guides and translators. Experienced professionals, they are proud to be ambassadors for their country. Whether through singing songs or preparing traditional dishes, they enjoy sharing their cultural heritage with our guests. Their humorous and helpful nature will enhance your visit to their beloved homeland.

The following section invites you to meet some of the team.

KARINA MORETON Born on the Devonshire coast and raised in the Cotswolds, Karina's rural and somewhat nomadic background suits her line of work down to the ground. Karina oversees all aspects of the Panoramic Journeys business. Trip co-ordinator, photographer, web designer and backbone of the enterprise, she is admired by staff, Mongols and guests alike. Before co-founding the company, Karina worked in film production and as an independent documentary film director. Her warmth, adventurous spirit, attention to detail and creative design make her a central and invaluable asset to Panoramic Journeys.

JAMES MORETON A keen horseman and traveller, James was drawn to the wide-open country, wildlife and adventure of the steppe. He has built up a wealth of knowledge on the country's history, ecology and culture, which enable him to design the perfect itinerary for our guests. His love of Mongolia, infectious enthusiasm and unfailing good humour make him an ideal host when guiding in the field. James had the good fortune to meet, woo and marry the lovely Karina after popping the question on top of a mountain overlooking White Lake in Arkhangai. James enjoys his team sports and captains the mighty Fosse Way Falcons F.C in Warwickshire as well as playing the odd game for the Erdene Zuu Monks. He is happiest when galloping after loose horses, chatting with nomads over a bowl of milk tea or exploring new territory. He loves writing about himself in the third person.

GOYOTSETSEG RADNAABAZAR Goyo is our principle guide and operations manager. She is an invaluable lynchpin in making sure all things run smoothly on the tours. Her years in the UK during which she gained a Masters in Tourism, mean that she has a good understanding of what our clients are after. Goyo efficiently oversees arrangements from our Ulaanbaatar Office. Goyo is an accomplished musician - in particular, her rendition of the Archers theme tune on the traditional Mongolian Yochin is an unforgettable sound experience. She has recently been officially recognised as one of the best guides in the world by Wanderlust Travel Magazine.

OLIVER RESTON Olly (or Ollhy in Mongolian) joined us in 2006, after swapping the lowlights of London for the bright lights of Ulaan Baatar and Charlbury. Spending his time between Mongolia and England, Olly's principle responsibility is as Sales & Marketing Manager, having formerly plied his trade in the advertising industry. However, his talents and responsibilities stretch further than this - he also finds time for some (very) amateur wrestling at naadam festivals, whips up a mean pasta salad on trip picnics, and has been known to perform his 'dance in a del' routine (but only on special occasions). A keen and experienced traveller, his other hobbies and interests include cooking, playing the guitar, going to concerts, tennis, squash, swimming, scrabble, snooker and golf.

NYAMTSEREN CHOINZON Where would we be without Nyamaa? One of our greatest treasures, from day one Nyamaa has been our guide, furgon driver and language tutor, wrestling coach, camel whisperer and great friend. Born in Erdene Dalai, central Gobi, Nyamaa excelled as a Naadam jockey in his youth before driving for the army. His vast experience, thoughtfulness, fun loving attitude, interest in nature and cultural knowledge make him a hit with guests and locals alike. His favourite pastimes are laughing, singing, watching wrestling, visiting friends, and caring for his immaculate vehicle.

ESMEDEH ALTANGEREL Esee Altangerel hails from Khovsgol Province in Northern Mongolia - his mother is a herder west of Muron and his family run a small friendly guesthouse in Khatgal, where our guests sometimes stay en route to the lake. Legend has it he was raised in the icy waters of the Delger River by a school of taimen until he was 6 months old, whereupon his herder parents finally took him into their ger and taught him the laws of animal husbandry. He is known in local parts as 'The Voice of the Lake', and anyone who has heard his velvety rendition of 'Jebtsundamba' would instantly know why. He is also no stranger to the restrictive confines of a traditional wrestling outfit - and recently won a Panoramic Journeys mini-naadam held in the wrestling stronghold of Arkhangai. A country boy through and through, Esee loves nothing more than to be imparting his extensive knowledge of horsemanship, nomadic customs and rural pastoralism to enthralled guests on our journeys throughout Mongolia.

NYAMDORJ BAYANTOR Nyamdorj hails from the wilds of Gov-Altai province in South West Mongolia, and is one of our most experienced and loyal drivers. Owner of one of Mongolia's deepest voices, he offsets his ultra macho image with the lady-friendly turquoise seat covers in his trusty furgon van. Like all our core staff, Nyamdorj gives much more to each trip than his job as driver - always on the look-out for hard-to-spot animals, his eyesight is akin to an eagle's, and his throaty singing livens up any long car journey.

SERJMYADAG TSERENNADMID Serjee is one of our most experienced guides & professionally trained nurse. A mother of 2, she is originally from the North-Western province of Uvs. A fountain of knowledge on all things Mongolia - geography, history, flora and fauna - she is also trained as a nurse. Her parents helped run Khustai National Park for 9 years and still live there, and her close insight into the takhi prehistoric horses in the reserve is a bonus for anyone travelling there with her on one of our journeys

OSOHBAYAR A (meaning Growing Happiness) A long-standing integral member of the Panoramic Journeys guiding team, Osohoo's professionalism, kindness and attention to detail mark him out as one of our best and most trusted guides. Osohoo recently qualified as a doctor, but we hope that he will still find time to tear himself away from his patients to lead some of our journeys in the future.Osohoo is very modest - but we will shout on his behalf - whilst studying medicine - he was given an award by the President for being the best student of the year 2005 - measured by his successful achievements i.e. high test marks, creative approach to workshops organised at the university etc.

DELGERMAA LHASUREN One of our newest recruits, Deegi is studying English at the University of Humanities in Ulaanbaatar. Perhaps as a result of being born too close to one of Mongolia's soviet power stations, she possesses at least three times the energy & vim of any normal human being. Enthusiastic, outgoing and always with a smile on her face, Deegi lightens up any journey that she guides. Her fluent English is a refreshing bonus, and her thirst for knowledge - combined with the trips she has taken during 2007 under the guidance of other staff - will ensure that by 2008 she will be a core member of the Panoramic Journeys guiding team.

TSOGTBAYAR Tsogoo started driving for us at the start of summer 2007 and has proved a real asset. His cheeky-chappy grin, pride in his work, gentlemanship and enthusiasm all make for the perfect driver, and his presence enhances any trip. His distinctly higher voice complements any round of Mongolian singing, especially when combined as part of our 'driver's choir', which some of you may be lucky enough to hear when two or more trips converge. He is also a mean archer - so much so that you wonder whether his snow-leopard car-seat covers are part of a trophy from a boyhood hunting expedition.

SAM MORETON A true family business - there is a chance that you might hear the youngest member of our team in the background when you call our UK office! Click here to see photos of Sam on his first visit to Mongolia.