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 the travel industry. After gaining experience with agencies in Cyprus and Turkey, he organized study tour programs for students at Manas University in Bishkek, where he also worked for about 10 years as an associate professor.
Soon, Ernist realized his true vocation was as an outdoor guide. He earned an open water PADI dive certificate, rafted 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, but says his favorite thing is experiencing the outdoors with his tour groups – “it makes me happy when they enjoy their time here.”
