Ernist Djumagulov

Ernist was born in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, but moved to a small village by the shores of Lake Issyk Kul at the age of 7. As a child, he spent his summers swimming and fishing in the lake and later developed an interest in working in the travel industry. After stints with agencies in Cyprus and Turkey, he organized study tour programs for students at Manas University in Bishkek, but soon realized his vocation was as a guide in the outdoors. He received an open water PADI dive certificate, spent time rafting the Class IV-V rapids of Turkey’s Dalaman River, and trained in ice climbing. (His dream? To climb Lenin Peak—23,405’.) Ernist also enjoys mountain biking and snowboarding, and says his favorite thing is to experience the outdoors with his tour groups—“it makes me happy when they enjoy their time here.” Ernist is the Director of our local partner’s office in Kyrgyzstan and has been the Coordinator of the Green Tourism Project since May 2020.