A pioneer in environmental conservation through for-profit sustainable tourism initiatives, Jalsa Urubshurow’s story began in 1952 when his parents immigrated to the US after a seemingly endless search for safe haven from Stalinist persecution in Russia. Born on the other side of the world from his ancestral heritage, Jalsa grew up speaking Mongolian and listening to the legends his father recited to him. One year after the establishment of his framing business, Nomad Framing, Mongolia transitioned to democracy and Jalsa’s dream of visiting his father’s homeland became a reality. During his first exploration of Mongolia’s astounding beauty, the nation’s first democratically elected Prime Minister, His Excellency Dash Byambasuren, recruited him to advise on expanding accessibility to Western travelers. Jalsa eagerly took up the challenge, and Nomadic Expeditions became a full-fledged operation in 1992. In almost the three decades since its inauguration, Nomadic Expeditions has developed into the premier tour operator for the region and a strong force within the sustainable tourism sector.

The company has replicated Mr. Urubshurow’s experiences exploring Mongolia’s ecology and culture for thousands of adventurers, including custom expeditions for the American Museum of Natural History, Massachusetts Audubon Society, Tibet House, the Nature Conservancy and World Wildlife Fund, as well as university groups such as Harvard and Stanford. Mr. Urubshurow is recognized as the “World’s Top Travel Specialist” for Mongolia by Condé Nast Traveler and he is also on the “WOW” List by WendyPerrin.com for several consecutive years.  He also serves on the board for The Arts Council of Mongolia, The Peregrine Fund, and The Captain Planet Foundation and continues to support numerous charities and nonprofits around the world.