Kazakhstan is moving ahead with an ambitious 15 billion-tenge cable car project that will connect the Lower and Middle Kolsai lakes, one of the country’s most popular natural attractions.

Nurym Sagymzhan, akim (governor) of the Saty rural district, said that all land-related issues have been resolved and construction is expected to begin this year. The 6.3-kilometer cable car is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027, The Caspian Post reports via Kazinform.

The route will start from a new large-scale parking complex located several kilometers from Kolsai Lake. The facility, which is nearing completion, will be able to accommodate more than 500 vehicles and is expected to help manage growing tourist traffic to the area.

The project has been designed with environmental protection in mind. No trees will be cut down during construction, and advanced Chinese technology is expected to be used for the cable car system.

The project, proposed by Stroy Industry Company LLP, is expected to attract 15 billion tenge in investment and significantly improve access between the two scenic lakes.

The cable car will become a major addition to the region’s tourism infrastructure, enhancing the appeal of the Kegen district for both domestic and international visitors.

Tourism at Kolsai Lakes National Park has been growing rapidly. Khamit Akhmetov, deputy director of the Kolsai Lakes National Park, said that the park welcomed 600,000 visitors in 2025, far exceeding the planned target of 450,000. Of those, 128,000 were international tourists.

Visitors from India, Japan, China, South Korea, Malaysia, Türkiye, France, the United Kingdom, and Russia accounted for the largest share of foreign arrivals.

The park’s most popular attractions remain Lower Kolsai Lake and Kaindy Lake, which together attracted nearly all visitors in recent years. With tourism continuing to surge, officials hope the new cable car will improve accessibility while supporting sustainable development in one of Kazakhstan’s most breathtaking natural destinations.