A Proustian Travel Guide: Jalsa Urubshurow

Name: Jalsa Urubshurow

Profession: CEO & Founder at Nomadic Expeditions, Inc.

Age: 60

Location: Mongolia

What are you most proud of?

I am very proud that I am able to share my ancestral homeland, Mongolia and its unique natural and cultural wonders with the rest of the world through our tour operator, Nomadic Expeditions and our lodge, Three Camel Lodge. Both companies have made valuable contributions to promote Mongolia as a tourist destination for travellers from around the world.

What was the best gift you’ve ever received, and who was it from?

I have received some amazing gifts and it is hard to pick the best gift. The most recent amazing gift was a masterpiece book called Before They Pass Away from the author himself, the very talented Jimmy Nelson. This is an amazing collection of insightful photographs taken by Jimmy of indigenous tribes from around the world with cultures [that] are slowly disappearing. Jimmy has traveled to Mongolia to photograph the golden eagle hunters in the west and the reindeer herders in northwestern Mongolia. 

Where is your all-time favorite travel destination?

Naturally Mongolia, which is so vast that even after 25 years of exploring this amazing country, I still go on exploratory trips to discover new sites and experiences within the country.

Describe the perfect weekend in Mongolia.

A perfect weekend will be going out of Ulaanbaatar city to do some nature walks and photograph the birds, animals, or the landscape depending on the season. For example, Hustain Nuruu National Park, a home to the last remaining wild horses is only two hours away from the city.   

What makes someone a local in this destination?

When someone likes the taste of the fermented mare’s milk, Mongolia’s national drink.

Where is the most unique shopping experience?

Visiting local artists shops or small art galleries that are selling contemporary artwork is a great experience.

If you had to give a visitor one keepsake from the destination, what would it be?

A beautiful Mongolian hat or a fine cashmere scarf printed with the image of the famous Mongolian painting called One Day in Mongolia.