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.

KATHERINE CHAN 

Kath joined the Panoramic team in Mongolia as a volunteer for the summer of 2007, on a break from managing clinical trials.

After hosting several journeys through the summer months, Kath returned to Mongolia with friends in November and February, exploring some remoter regions in the extreme cold, and gaining a wealth of experience. Returning to the UK, Kath returned to work as a nutritionist, however her love of Mongolia meant she thankfully accepted a permenant position with us in May 2008. She is now an integral part of the organisation designing journeys within Mongolia and also Bhutan, where she is our chief coordinator. An indispensible cog in the office, Kath still manages to lead trips and has just returned from a successful autumn festivals tour of Bhutan. Her kind spirit, enthusiasm and good humour make her a pleasure to work and travel with. Kath loves exploring new places especially on horse back, playing with Sam and beating Olly at scrabble.

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 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 Gobi-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.

USUKHBAYAR ARIUNBOLD

A long-standing integral member of the Panoramic Journeys guiding team, Usukhoo's professionalism, kindness and attention to detail mark him out as one of our best and most trusted guides. 

Usukhoo 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. Usukhoo 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.

BATTOGTOKH ERDENE

Togi hails from the rural village of Tariat in Arkhangai, where we often take groups to the Naadam Festival in July. He is currently in his final year at University of the Humanities in Ulaanbaatar, and during his summer holidays works as a guide and office assistant at the Panoramic Journeys HQ in Ulaanbaatar.

His youthful enthusiasm, thirst for knowledge, grasp of Mongolian history and first hand experience of rural nomadic culture make him an ideal guide for a wide variety of our journeys - and so affable a character is he that most guests treat him as a companion rather than a member of staff. He is at his happiest when crunching on morsels of dried curd astride an unforgiving high-sided Mongolian saddle, singing sweet nothings to his steed.

NYENDRA WANGCHUCK
Nyendra is our co-ordinator in Bhutan. He runs his small eco travel company with the same principles as us and has been a pleasure to work with.

SONAM

When he is not driving his immaculate car, you may find Sonam, a devout Bhuddist with a cat curled in his lap! A keen archer, with years of experience driving VIPs, Sonam has some great stories to tell.

DHENDUP

Many of our guests have described Dhendup as the 'best guide in Bhutan.' Versatile, knowledgeable, flexible an with a great sense of humour, if you are lucky he may recite you one of his poems, penned when studying English at college in India.