New Tourism Trend: Mountaineering on the Rise in Kyrgyzstan

In 2025, mountaineering has emerged as a new and rapidly developing trend in Kyrgyzstan’s tourism industry, said Erdenet Kasymov, Director of the Department of Tourism.

Kasymov noted that mountaineering has already become an integral part of domestic tourism, but the country still lacks regulatory frameworks for this sector, The Caspian Post reports, citing Kyrgyz media.

Authorities are considering including mountaineering in the updated version of the Law “On Tourism” and addressing the issue of mandatory insurance for extreme tourism activities.

Currently, tourists aiming to conquer Kyrgyzstan’s mountain peaks rely on private specialized companies. Both local and foreign guides and instructors offer mountaineering programs, ascents, and training. However, the absence of uniform requirements and oversight poses potential risks for participants.

"It is important to regulate the activities of travel companies and instructors. If an accident occurs due to the fault of unprofessional organizations, it directly impacts the country's reputation. This is why we believe it is necessary to strengthen accountability in this area and introduce licensing for small and medium-sized tourism businesses," Kasymov emphasized.

The new legislative initiative, he said, should ensure tourist safety, improve the quality of services, and strengthen Kyrgyzstan's position as a reliable destination for extreme and mountain tourism.