Meet Us

We proudly refer to ourselves as ‘manaikhan’—a term signifying ‘ours’ or ‘our people’ in Mongolian, akin to the concept of family. Mongolia isn’t just a destination for us; it’s our home—a place we know intimately and hold deep affection for. Our commitment to improvement as a company and a team is fueled by our genuine love for the country and its people. We eagerly welcome feedback from our guests and all those we collaborate with, recognising it as an invaluable tool for learning, development, and the strengthening of our bonds within the community.

Our Female Guides

Our female Mongolian trip assistants are seeking opportunities for learning and growth. Among them are individuals embarking on the early stages of their careers, holding the promise of shaping Mongolia’s future. Others bring invaluable experience as teachers, playing a pivotal role in inspiring the next generation. Many are mothers, and we prioritise offering them the flexibility and support they need to balance their familial responsibilities with their passion for their work and country.

Our team structure reflects the diverse needs and cultural context of Mongolia, with the majority of our female trip assistants opting for part-time roles that accommodate their individual circumstances. Additionally, a portion of our team members hold full-time positions elsewhere but choose to collaborate with us during their holiday periods, seizing the opportunity to further their personal development. We wholeheartedly support and encourage them in this, recognising the value they bring to our team.

Our Drivers

Our journey commenced with a focus on employing female guides, reflecting our commitment to gender equality. However, it’s essential to recognise that Mongolia’s traditional culture views the roles of men and women as distinct yet equal. Therefore, we have consistently endeavoured to elevate the prominence of men within our company, fostering a culture of unity and collaboration among all team members.

We maintain personal relationships with each of our drivers and their families. While they may embody the archetype of the traditional “strong and silent” type, their value to our team goes beyond mere stereotypes. Taking the time to connect with them reveals why we entrust them with our guests. In addition to navigating the challenges of Mongolia’s roads and crafting Mongolian barbecues, they possess a remarkable talent for “mongolchlokh”—the art of improvisation in the Mongolian tradition. Witnessing their mastery of this skill is truly a delight. They are exceptional individuals, embodying the essence of Mongolian pride and competence in all they do. We consider ourselves immensely fortunate to have them as part of our team.

Our Kazakh Fixers

When we first started working in western Mongolia, we embarked on the 1700km journey from Ulaanbaatar numerous times to establish connections and cultivate friendships with local Kazakh families interested in partnering with us. One such family was Jako and Baurjan, a young couple with four children whom we were eager to support and who has since become an integral part of the EL family, serving as our Kazakh fixers.

Their home in Ulgii serves as a warm and welcoming haven for all our EL guests and team members. We take pride in the fact that their home in Ulgii has also evolved into a focal point for the Kazakh families with whom we collaborate, particularly their sons and daughters attending college in Ulgii. You never know who might drop by for an unexpected visit—a testament to the sense of community and hospitality that permeates their household.

Our Female Management Team

Our two management roles were established with the explicit intention of empowering and supporting our female workforce. In Mongolia, a rapidly evolving middle-income country, where daily life can be unpredictable, our workplace policy prioritizes flexibility for both Tuya and Miigaa.

Tuya serves as our manager, skillfully coordinating logistics and team dynamics. She is a dedicated and hardworking member of our team, embodying loyalty and commitment. When asked about her career aspirations, Tuya’s response reflects her deep-seated values: she aims to be a good person and role model, not only for her young family but also for the school children she teaches and the newer members of the Eternal Landscapes family.

Miigaa, our account handler, operates behind the scenes, managing tour funds and ensuring the smooth financial operations of our company. While you may not have the opportunity to meet her in person, her contributions are invaluable. She is an integral part of our team, serving as an essential cog in the machinery that drives our company forward.

Jess & Turuu

Our journey began in 2006 when Jess arrived in Mongolia as a tour leader for a UK-based adventure tour company, where we first crossed paths. With the inception of Eternal Landscapes in 2010, despite limited business history or experience, we have slowly bootstrapped our way up.

Balancing our day jobs with the demands of building our business, we sustained ourselves on meals of ramen noodles. Jess, in particular, made do with a US$6 per night dorm bed in Ulaanbaatar, sharing the space with five other individuals. As time progressed, Jess honed her skills in blogging while Turuu mastered the art of small talk.

Together, fueled by perseverance and determination, we have built Eternal Landscapes from the ground up, transforming our vision into reality.