Kazakh PM Unveils Bold Plan to Transform Almaty Mountains into Global Tourist Hub

Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has announced an ambitious plan to expand and develop the Almaty mountain cluster, aiming to establish the region as a premier global destination for tourism and winter sports.

At a press conference, Bektenov outlined that the project will involve the enlargement of existing resorts alongside the creation of new tourist zones to better utilize the region’s natural assets, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

“The Almaty mountains are a unique national treasure. Few places in the world offer such stunning landscapes and ideal skiing conditions. To leave this potential untapped would be a missed opportunity,” Bektenov stated.

Currently, the Shymbulak ski resort remains the only facility in the region with developed infrastructure, but its limited trail length restricts visitor capacity. To overcome these limitations, the government has approved a comprehensive development program.

The initiative will commence on the Talgar side, including areas such as Oy-Karagay, Butakovka, Pionerskoye Gorge, and Kimasar, followed by expansion efforts at Shymbulak and toward the Kaskelen area.

The project will feature the construction of modern ski and tourist infrastructure, including hiking trails, cable cars, and service facilities designed to attract both local and international tourists.

A major component is the development of the Kok-Zhailau tract, where construction of a new ski resort is scheduled to begin this year. Bektenov emphasized that the project will be implemented transparently and with strict adherence to environmental safety standards.