Asia Trip Leader

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.

Our Team

Upcoming Trips with Ernist

Kyrgyzstan: Hiking in the Celestial Mountains

Jun 12 - 25, 2025

Aug 28 - Sep 10, 2025

Jun 11 - 24, 2026

Aug 27 - Sep 9, 2026

View Trip

Client Testimonials

A very knowledgeable, great guide. I was really impressed.

Carl T.

Princeton, NJ
Kyrgyzstan: Hiking in the Celestial Mountains

Ernist is an experienced and knowledgeable leader who provided tremendous insights into Kyrgyzstan, its culture, and people. He also tells great jokes!

Philip M.

Cumbria, England
Kyrgyzstan: Hiking in the Celestial Mountains

Book Your Trip Today

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our adventures around the world. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

{"Guide":[{"GuideID":851237,"First_Name":"Ernist","Last_Name":"Djumagulov","Guide_Profile":"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\u2019s Dalaman River, and trained in ice climbing. (His dream? To climb Lenin Peak\u201423,405\u2019.) Ernist also enjoys mountain biking and snowboarding, and says his favorite thing is to experience the outdoors with his tour groups\u2014\u201cit makes me happy when they enjoy their time here.\u201d Ernist is the Director of our local partner\u2019s office in Kyrgyzstan and has been the Coordinator of the Green Tourism Project since May 2020.","Image_Name":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/guides\/ernist-djumagulov.jpg","DisplayOnWeb":true}],"CustomFields":{"Custom_Leader_Region":"Asia","Custom_Leader_Languages":"","Custom_Leader_Since":"","Custom_Leader_Slug":""},"activities":[{}],"destinations":[{}],"reviews":[{"GuestNames":"Carl T.","GuestLocation":"Princeton, NJ<br \/>Kyrgyzstan: Hiking in the Celestial Mountains","GuestReview":"A very knowledgeable, great guide. I was really impressed.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Philip M.","GuestLocation":"Cumbria, England<br \/>Kyrgyzstan: Hiking in the Celestial Mountains","GuestReview":"Ernist is an experienced and knowledgeable leader who provided tremendous insights into Kyrgyzstan, its culture, and people. He also tells great jokes!","TripName":""}]}