Kobesh Travel, Agii
Akhtolkun (Agii) Makhsum is the owner of Kobesh Travel, our tour operator in Bayan-Olgii. Born and raised in Bayan-Ulgii and educated in Kazakhstan, Agii’s goal is to give each one of his travelers a unique and authentic travel experience. Agii has been working with and supporting FIRE since 2004. Kobesh Travel specializes in providing the most comfortable, personable, and professional trips possible in western Mongolia. Some of their repeat clients include National Geographic, BBC, and ITV. Agii should be in Olgii and at the Eagle Festival. He is responsible for the magic.
Mary Williams
Mary is an equestrian with a history of guiding and adventure. Her guiding career, spanning several decades, has included work as a climbing guide on Mt. Rainier, and river guiding in Grand Canyon, Idaho, and Nepal. She was a member of Grand Canyon Hounds (2004–2024) and held the position of Honorary Secretary. Mary has competed in the Gacho Derby in 2024 and the Pass of Tears in 2026. Both are 7+ day, 400+ km rids in Patagonia, Argentina. She also serves as FIRE’s graphic designer. She supports communications and logistics. She leads trips in Mongolia on alternating years.
Amy Engle
Amy Engle, a professional writer, editor, and digital media/communications specialist and co-owner of Fable Communications. Based out of Del Norte, CO, she is a lifelong horse woman. Amy took her first riding lesson at the age of 6, and has most her life learning about what it means to communicate with animals. Amy first traveled to Mongolia in 2022 and is one of our trip leaders in Mongolia. She supports communications and logistics. She leads trips in Mongolia on alternating years.
Botei
Botei is a 6th generation eagle hunter and has been hunting his entire life. Botei’s father, Iris, was a famous eagle hunter in the Altantsogts region, where this trip takes place. Botei is one of 8 children, 5 of whom are eagle hunters. Botei is an uncle of Aisholpan, the young subject of the “Eagle Huntress”, a 2016 documentary film. Botei has won the local Golden eagle Festivals and also is one of the main organizers of Golden Eagle festival of Atantsogts, held annually on the last weekend of September.
Shoman
Shomen is the eldest of Botei’s three children and 7th generation eagle hunter. He has also been studying the art of hunting with eagles since childhood. As an experienced eagle hunter and excellent horseman, Shoman leads the the daily hunts.
Meredith Potts
Meredith has been the Executive Director of FIRE since 2004. Under her leadership, FIRE’s programs have evolved into spearheading one of Mongolia’s most effective efforts to eliminate hepatitis. She has spent many months, collectively, in Bayan-Olgii since her first trip in 2004, for pleasure and leading FIRE’s community programs. Meredith handles most administrative needs, behind-the-scenes logistics, and supports communication. Hopefully, you will meet Ulaanbaatar.